How old do I have to be to take a Level 1 Certification course?

You must be 14 years of age by the first day of the course. There are no exceptions.

What type of skier must I be to take a Level 1 Certification course?

The Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification is for any skier over the age of 14 who is a competent parallel skier. The Level 1 candidate can expect to be exposed to a variety of terrain, terrain features and snow conditions.

What if I’ve never taught before?

No worries, that's what the Level 1 course is all about. The Course Conductors are there to teach you how to instruct a lesson, so that you will be able to go out and deliver a great experience.

How much does a Level 1 Certification course cost?

The cost of the course varies from region to region. You can find all the information about program fees on our Program Schedule or contact the National Office to get more details about the specific Region in which the program will occur

I'm interested in taking a Level 1 Certification course this year. Where do I register?

All Level 1 courses are registered through the snowpro.com website, using our Program Schedule.

I took the Level 1 course and was unsuccessful. What should I do next?

If you were unsuccessful in meeting the standard on one of the portions of the Exam (Ski or Teach), when coming back for a re-test on the Exam, you will not be examined on the portion you’ve passed already; you will be re-tested on your failed portion only. You must take a 2-day re-test on any scheduled Level 1 Program. To register, please see our Program Schedule.

I've passed my Level 1 and want to take another program?

Level 2 Certification, Snow Park Certification, and Pro Days are your next possible steps. Check out our Certification Pathway for more information or see our Program Schedule to register.

CSIA LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

The CSIA Level 1 Certification course is designed for advanced skiers who are ready to take their first step toward becoming a certified ski instructor. On course, you will develop your skiing technique and practice using the Canadian Teaching Approach. You will be working on terrain from beginner through to intermediate while developing skiers up to an intermediate level.

Before you enroll, please ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

14 years of age on the first day of the course
Skiing Ability: You should be a confident, independent skier, comfortable skiing blue and black runs on your own, consistently parallel while controlling your speed. The Level 1 course is not a learn-to-ski program — you will be developing your existing skiing skills, not learning to ski from scratch.

DURATION: 3 days

Not sure if you’re ready? If you have any questions about whether the Level 1 course is the right fit for your current ability level, please contact us before enrolling, and we will be happy to help.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The CSIA Level 1 course is designed to introduce and develop the basic skills for teaching new skiers of all ages with a focus on teaching children. Candidates will receive coaching on their skiing, as well as feedback on their teaching skills, with the goal of reaching the Level 1 standard in both of these areas. They will also receive suggestions and strategies for long-term development. The successful candidate is certified to teach first-time skiers through intermediate-level students.

What you’ll learn:

How to teach safely
Canadian Teaching Approach and Lesson Planning
CSIA Technical Concepts
Ski Improvement
Guest Service and Communication Skills

How you can prepare:

CSIA Level 1 Certification includes skiing and teaching assessment and evaluation. To help you achieve success on the course, consider the following preparation, if available to you:

Spend time working or volunteering at a Snow School, to experience entry-level lessons in action
Book a lesson at a Snow School with a current CSIA Course Conductor to enhance your skiing ability and gain insight into the Level 1 standard