Frequently asked questions

Prep Training is designed to help you get ready for CASI Level 1. You’ll work with our trainer on your riding, demonstrations and teaching skills, receive feedback on areas to improve, and have dedicated time for independent practice. This part is organised by The Peak and is not part of the official CASI certification course.CASI Level 1 Course & Evaluation is the official 4-day certification course hosted by Japan Outdoor Institute, the official CASI course provider. You’ll learn the CASI QuickRide teaching system, take part in riding and teaching workshops, practise teaching, and be continuously evaluated against the Level 1 standard.To earn your CASI Level 1 certification, you must successfully meet the required standard in both Riding and Teaching during the official course.

The Peak is designed around half-day trainer-led coaching and half-day independent practice, giving you time to actually absorb what you’ve learned instead of moving straight from one training session to the next.After each coached session, you’ll have dedicated time to digest your trainer’s feedback, practise at your own pace and repeat key movements and demonstrations until they become more natural. This helps build confidence, reinforce muscle memory and identify areas that need more attention before your next training session.By alternating coaching, practice, feedback and consolidation, you have the opportunity to make meaningful adjustments throughout the programme and arrive at the CASI Level 1 Course & Evaluation feeling better prepared — both physically and mentally.

PrerequisitesMeet the minimum age requirement (15 years old) set by CASIBe comfortable riding safely and in control on groomed intermediate terrain

Yes. The prep training and CASI Level 1 course & evaluation requires a minimum number of 4 participants to run.If your selected session does not meet the minimum number, we will contact you to discuss the available options, which may include transferring to another available session where possible.You’re also welcome to share your session with friends or on social platforms such as Threads, to connect with others who may be interested in joining the same dates — every extra rider helps increase the chance of the session going ahead!

You should be a confident intermediate snowboarder who can ride safely and consistently on groomed intermediate terrain. You should be comfortable linking controlled turns on both edges and adapting your speed and turn shape to the terrain.CASI assesses candidates on both riding and teaching, so being a strong rider alone does not guarantee a pass.

The CASI Level 1 riding assessment includes four mandatory manoeuvres:Intermediate sliding turnsBeginner turns in both forward and switch directionsOpen carved turnsHopping through turnsCandidates are also assessed on centred and mobile positioning, lower-body turning and their ability to balance effectively along the working edge.

Before the official CASI Level 1 Course & Evaluation, you can complete 4 days of Prep Training, combining trainer-led half-day sessions with independent practice.The independent practice periods give you time to absorb trainer feedback, work on your individual weaknesses and reinforce the required techniques through both physical repetition and mental review.We also recommend completing the required CASI Level 1 online preparation workshop before attending the official course. The online workshop and associated quizzes are mandatory for certification.

We recommend waiting until your CASI course have been confirmed before booking non-refundable flights or making independent travel arrangements.Our training courses require a minimum number of candidates to run, so registration alone does not necessarily mean that the official course has been confirmed.

Training and the CASI course continue in typical winter weather conditions.Cancellation would generally only occur if mountain operations cannot safely continue.

CASI Level 1 has two assessment components: Riding and Teaching.If you do not meet the required standard in both components, you will need to retake the full course.If you pass one component but not the other, you have two calendar years to retake the outstanding component. For a riding retest, candidates attend Day 1 of a scheduled Level 1 course; for a teaching retest, Day 2.

Not at all. There’s no requirement to work as an instructor after earning your CASI Level 1 certification. You can take the course as a personal challenge, improve your understanding of snowboarding, or simply achieve an internationally recognised qualification. If you do want to pursue instructing afterwards, the certification provides a great first step into the industry.

Lift passes are not included in the prep training or course & evaluation fee, and can be purchased directly from Sapporo Teine Ski Resort. We recommend the 25-Hour Pass, which deducts your riding time in one-hour blocks. If you use all 25 hours, you can purchase additional 5-hour top-ups as needed.If you plan to explore other resorts during your free time, you may also consider the K-Winter Pass, which provides season access to Sapporo Teine, Rusutsu Resort, Sahoro Resort and Nakayama Pass Ski Area.

As you’re progressing towards becoming a more advanced rider and potentially a snowboard instructor, we strongly recommend having your own snowboard equipment rather than relying on rental gear throughout the programme.You can purchase your equipment in your home country before travelling, or allow some extra time in Sapporo before your Prep Training or CASI course begins to visit local snowboard shops and get properly fitted.If you’re buying a new snowboard in Sapporo, bear in mind that waxing and preparation may take 1 to 2 days, so we recommend shopping at least a few days before your training starts rather than leaving it until the last minute.

Yes. A helmet is mandatory throughout the programme, including Prep Training, independent practice and the official CASI Level 1 Course & Evaluation.As you’ll be spending extended time on snow practising riding skills, demonstrations and new movements, wearing a properly fitted snow-sports helmet is an essential part of safe training.Please bring your own helmet or arrange one before the programme begins. We recommend owning a properly fitted helmet rather than relying on availability of rental equipment.

Yes. Once you successfully achieve a CASI certification, it is yours for life. You do not need to retake the certification if you stop teaching or let your CASI membership lapse.To remain an active CASI instructor, however, you’ll need to renew your CASI membership and complete the required annual Online Update. If your membership becomes inactive, you can reactivate it later without retaking your certification.