TEC Committee Update 2010Jeff Chandler, National Technical Coordinator

For me, the start of another winter season means the end of a busy off-season. In the world of CASI, the summer season is when the actual bulk of the work gets done in the form of course updates, administrative changes, new program development, etc.

Your current Technical & Educational Committee is made up of the following members:

• Mike Bray: British Columbia Representative

• Luc Belanger: Alberta-Man/Sask Representative

• Jeremy Shield: Ontario Representative

• Alexandre Burr: Quebec/Atlantic Representative

• Dave Balne: Appointed Representative

• Andy Maclean: Appointed Representative

At the end of the 2009-10 season, CASI’s TEC met to discuss any potential changes and improvements to CASI’s programs and courses. The bottom line that came forth from those meetings was that in light of the many major changes that have been made to our programs over the past 3-4

years, no major updates should be made for the 2010-11 season. This is in terms of major course content updates – the changes made recently need time to “work through the system”.

Of course, there are many improvements to be made in terms of how we communicate our methodologies, support course candidates with reference materials, and train Evaluators.

Over the course of the summer, developments have been made in a number of areas:

Course Guide updates:• Clarification technical standards, improved

workshop materials.

Training Video improvements:• Teaching Theory Video split into Level 1 and

Level 2 Materials.

• Level 3 Introductory Pedagogy video produced.

Improved Evaluator Resources• Clarified and updated Candidate Evaluation

Forms

• On-Snow reference materials for Evaluators produced.

CASI Membership Contest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CASI Pro Deals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Rocker, Camber or a Mix? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Regional Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Interski 2011 Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CASImania in Korea! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

AGM Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Evaluator Training Courses Overview. . . . . . . . . . 16

CASI Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

QuickRide Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

CASI’s Scholarship Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

National Course Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Resort Tools:• CASI QuickRide Promotional Video/DVD

produced, and provided to all resorts in Canada.

• QuickRide Rider Improvement Program: A six-card program offered to resorts as an updated version of the former STEP program.

Web site updates:• Course standards videos included with

certification course info.

• Improved course candidate resourses online.

Among others…As usual, changes need to come from you, the CASI membership. The TEC needs your input throughout the winter in order to effectively react to the needs of the industry. So this winter, when you say to yourself (or others), “CASI should really do this…”, make sure to send it to your TEC rep, or to me directly.

Email contacts:

TEC: tec@casi-acms.com

NTC: ntc@casi-acms.com

General CASI Contact: info@casi-acms.com

Have a great winter!

In this issue

For CASI Snowboarding Professionals

Fall 2009 · Volume 16 · Issue 1

Casi Level III, IV, Volunteers Needed for Sickkids FundraiserSickKids foundation will be hosting the “Melodina Herman Memorial Ski Day” at Mansfield Ski Club on Friday January 28, 2011. Melodina was an active ski racer with her sights on the national team who lost her battle with cancer. The day has been created to generate funds for further research at SickKids. It is being well publicized and there promises to be a strong turnout. All participants will receive snowboarding, or skiing, for the day, a 1.5hr lesson and participation in a fun race as well as other events.

We are in need of some instructors for the lessons that day. We are looking for level III or IV CASI staff to volunteer for 1.5 hrs to teach. In exchange you will get: Snowboarding for the day, Lunch, Participation in the race, Exposure through published bio’s and the good feeling you get from helping such a worthwhile cause.

If you are willing to assist, or for more information, please contact: Brian Diedenhofen 705 435 3838 ext 224 brian@mansfieldskiclub.com

CASI Pro Deal Supplier gives back!CASI would like to thank Nev Lapwood from Snowboard Addiction for their donation of $100.00 to the CASI Scholarship Fund. They generously donated a percentage of sales from last seasons Pro Deals to the CASI Scholarship Fund.

Does they rock or what!

CASI Membership Contest

WIN your membership FREE for a year!

Pay your dues by October 31, 2010 and you will be eligible to win 1 of 10 FREE memberships for the upcoming season and a

chance to win a new custom-made board from Prior Snowboards!

Additionally, save more with the NEW option to pay for 2 years (2 year option only available to CASI single members). Take

advantage of this awesome saving!

CASI Dual and Triple members must pay their dues at www.snowpro.com.

2 Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Remember, only current members who have paid their dues for the 2010/11 season will be able to purchase products on the Pro Program. Some suppliers may also ask for proof of employment within the industry, some may limit their offers to different levels of certification and some may ask you to go through your local retailer.

It is important that you DO NOT go directly to the retailers unless instructed to do so by the Supplier, as each supplier has their own program, and each administers it differently. It’s important to check each one out first before making a decision.

For more information on the “Pro Deals” go to the CASI website at www.casi-acms.com under “Membership Info/Benefits/Pro Deals”. You will have to agree to some terms and conditions prior to logging on with your member # to access the Pro Deals Page.

It is expected that each member will require only one, maybe two boards this season (multiple purchases could jeopardize the program). Any member found abusing the program may have their CASI membership revoked.

So pay your dues this fall and take advantage of this great benefit this season and for years to come!

Thanks to all our participating Pro Deal Suppliers

3Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Hi Everyone!I hope all of you enjoyed the summer and engaged in good “cross-over” activities to keep your snowboard skills as sharp as possible. We haven’t had much of a summer in the Calgary area, lots of rain and some cold temperature! We already have some good snow on the peaks in Canmore!

As we eagerly await the white stuff to fly, we are getting excited about gear… I am anyway. Should I get a traditional camber board? Or maybe one of those “new” rockered boards? I hear you can also mix it up? What to do… so many choices.

I hope I can help you make the right choice and in some cases, maybe get you to try something new and see where it will take your snowboarding.

Traditional Cambered boards:Those boards are what we know; we have been riding them for years.

They are poppy and they generate tons of performance. It requires a good amount of effort to bend them and they make you work for your sliding turns but in return they offer a really stable platform. They do well in soft snow (like any snowboard…) but will require some stance adjustments to keep the nose afloat and get them planning on top. Where the camber really shines, like mentioned before, is in the pop at the end of the turn (when the board returns to it’s original shape as the pressure is released), no other shape creates more, it allows maximum amplitude in the park and pipe and will generate more speed from turn to turn (racers use camber!). This traditional board shape is tried and true and is still used by the vast majority of the snowboarders out there. A myriad of different flex patterns are available for the buyer making them perform better or worse in any given areas of the mountain.

I would recommend them for: Corduroy lovers, halfpipe riders, amateur racers and freeriders.

Rockered Boards:The new thing in snowboarding in the last 4 -5 seasons… all started by our friends at LibTech or was it by our ancestors the surfers?

A rockered board is shaped like a surfboard, essentially. Take the camber from your old board and turn it upside down. These boards turn on a dime, feel really “loose” and float like a dream in soft snow. Think about it; they are already bent for you!!! The main contact point with the snow entering the turn is right in between your feet instead of the nose and tail making them virtually catch free (think of the first toe side turn you tried…) entering the turn and as the pressure is applied the full running length of the edge is put to work as usual. The nose automatically gets on top of the snow… effortless in powder, same reason why a surf board does not dive in water (a soft surface). They are really fun in the park as well, very forgiving on boxes and on any landing (the catch free thing again…) but will require good rotational control as they just want to keep spinning when they hit the ground; like my friend Andrew described it: “they’re good but you have to stomp it right on the bolts”.

I found myself riding on a rockered board for the past 2 seasons, I was amazed at how versatile they are; the sliding turns and bump riding was all of a sudden effortless. It hit me; this is the future for all the “average Joe’s” out on the hill! Easy to turn and forgiving.

I would recommend them for: beginners, park rats, freeriders of all abilities and for anywhere it snows lots.

The Mix:To make sure I give you as many options as possible; there is also lots of offering in this season’s boards that have a healthy mix of rocker and camber. We find camber in the binding zone for uncompromised pop and support and rockered at the extremities for a loose, catch free ride. The best of both worlds? It just might be.

I would recommend them for: EVERYONE EVERYWHERE

As a professional of this industry we need to keep an open mind on new shapes and designs; don’t rule anything out until you try it; you might be surprised. Snowboard companies are working hard to make it easier on the rider to have the best time possible out on the slopes; that’s good for the sport… and good for us.

Luc Belanger AB/Man/Sask TEC representative COP Snow School Manager

By Luc Belanger Level 4 CASI

Rocker, Camber or a Mix?

4 Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Sponsors NeededCASI is been seeking corporate sponsors to help out the organization financially and give CASI and the sport of snowboarding more credibility within the industry and with the general public.

If you know of anyone, company, or corporation that could benefit from being associated with CASI, please send us their contact information and we’ll send them our promo package.

For more information about becoming a National CASI Sponsor contact our Executive Director at: 1 (877) 976-2274

Stay InformedCASI would like to send you information on a more timely basis and the best way to do this is by email. Therefore, CASI needs to have your current email address.

Please go to your member profile on our website and update all of your contact info on your personal page.

CASI Forum CASI members can communicate with each other online via the web forum. Visit http://www.casi-acms.com/forum/ to login and begin posting items regarding CASI courses, riding techniques, and general snowboard discussions. The forum will be moderated by CASI staff and attended by technical committee members, and will act as a means of improving communication between CASI and it’s membership, as well as enhancing member-to-member communication.

5Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

by Greg Daniells, B.C. Regional Coordinator

BC Report

Are You Ready?What do you do to get ready for your snowboard season? Why is it important to be ready? I think most people pull out the old board, dust it off and hit the hill with rusty edges and a dry base. What about those scratched goggles that you make you see double! What about the duct-taped gloves. Don’t be that person one step behind and unprepared wandering around in the parking lot because your goggles are so scratched you can see where you are going.

There are many things you need to be “ready” for the snowboard season.

In this article I will highlight a few things that should jog your memory. The idea is to save time, money and have more fun snowboarding and not to be doing all this stuff in a panic when the mountain opens.

Suggestion #1: Buy Your Season’s Pass Early (unless you are working at a resort):Usually buying your pass early saves you money. When deciding where to buy a pass for the season think about the logistics of getting to that resort such as proximity to you, bus schedule (if needed), & price of the pass. If you are on more of a budget, check into mid-week only or night options if available. If you are buying a pass one advantage is you can get it earlier. You should be able to get a pass around your neck in September or October! If you are buying lift tickets then that makes it simple. Never by a half day pass go early and do a full day.

If you are working at a resort find out when your pass is available and get it early before the mountain opens. When working at the resort you don’t have the same luxury of getting it super early so the key is to just stay on it and be ready. If you are new staff make sure you and/or your supervisor have done all the paperwork needed to keep things moving.

The main point here if you haven’t got it already is whether or not you have to buy your pass or you get it through your job the key is to get it early! Each year everyone gets their pass on the same opening day weekend. Don’t get stuck in the “bottle neck” while the pow gets tracked out.

Suggestion #2: Fine Tune or “Harmonize” Your Gear:First of all unless you are keeping your old board that’s totally beat to be used as a rock board - sell it! Your old gear is worth less every day and drops in value big time each season. Don’t keep old boards unless you are a collector or hoarder. If you sell it you can make money towards your next purchase. Ski shows are good places to move your boards or the obvious places like Craig’s list, EBay, etc.

Since you are reading this you must be a CASI member and eligible for the “pro deals”. Get on these early as the best deals go fast to the savvy web surfers. If you miss out or are not interested in “pro deals” then shop around as there

should be plenty of good deals out there. Again the idea is to do your homework and get stuff early so you are ready and don’t miss the boat. If you can afford to spend the extra money then you should definitely buy good equipment. Your days will be less fun if you are cold and wet looking through foggy goggles.

On another note, if anything smells “rank” wash it or throw it out the window!

In regards to board maintenance…wax your board but don’t worry about scraping it as the wax will come off on the first run. When waxing use the right wax for the general temperature in your area. Make sure all screws are tight in bindings. Experiment or adjust with stance width or angles especially if you have new boots. Check forward lean in high backs. Sharpen edges unless it’s a rock board and trashed it won’t make a difference. This stuff you may as well do before the hill opens so you don’t have to change things while everyone else is riding. Also, don’t forget which foot goes forward...I know, ha, ha – funny joke!

OK,now that your gear is ready you need to ride smart and not get injured on the first day.

Suggestion #3: Tips for Early Season Conditions:Of course it helps to be in shape at the beginning of the season but if your not don’t worry and just focus on having fun. If you are a little tentative make sure you stay on really easy runs and go slow. On your first day I would consider doing just a half day or less depending on fitness.

If you have a rock board and conditions are marginal then use it. Know the coverage it takes at your local hill to be safe and stay away from brown snow.

There are always new people moving to the mountains from back East who are very naive to early season conditions out West. People see powder and lose their minds and common sense! Often smaller resorts back East are grassy and have lots of snow-making so conditions are only so risky. Out West you have huge mountains made of rock, trees, forests, creek beds, cliffs, and it takes a certain amount of snow for it all to fill in before the runs are considered to be safe.

Pay attention to all signs, ropes, etc. especially in early season. Too many people go under ropes to get the pow and end up getting injured. The rope or sign is there for a reason - be smart and patient otherwise your season may be over quick.

Be aware of your surroundings and the shapes in the snow. For example if you drop into an area that has rocks all around it and there are several dark shapes under the snow you are in a mine field ...get out of there. Don’t forget the mountain is made of rock.

continued on page 7

6 Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Alberta Report

by Andrew McCraney, Alberta Regional Coordinator

At this time of the year I find that we as snowboarders are on a bit of a different track than the average Joe.

Most of my family and non-snowboarding friends are sort of in a pre-hibernation mode getting ready for spending the winter inside, while I’m getting more and more excited as the temperature drops. I find myself in training mode, watching what I eat and making an effort to get to the gym most days. Everyone around me (none skiers/boarders) seems to question whether I’m nuts or not. Well, I am but mostly just about snowboarding.

Last season I took things for granted in terms of training and preparation. I did NO real physical training prior to snowboarding, and as a result my first 3 days were really NOT enjoyable beyond the first few runs. I found myself struggling in situations on my board that I would (and have) normally brush off and zip down. I hated that. Apart from any expectations that other people may have had for me given my job, I felt like I had really let myself down. It coloured the rest of my season with a bit of a feeling that it was/would be a washout; and that’s not the way to start a season of the job you love!

The season ended up OK, but this one’s going to be a LOT better. Last year a big reason for my lack of focus on the hill was the addition of a new member of our family. Anyone who’s been there knows how all of a sudden pretty much

Stay out of the trees until it is safe. If you are in the trees and there are lots of log shapes, be aware. Theses things seem obvious but many people especially new to the mountain environment are super emotional and don’t have the instincts yet. Know how much snow pack base you need for your local area to be safe in the trees. For example at Whistler you need 150 - 200 cm base depending on the area before the trees are filled in safely. Also, watch out for the tiny trees that are 1-2 feet tall that stick out just above the snow they won’t hurt you but it’s easy to catch an edge on one.

If you find your self in a sketchy situation ride slower so less impact in a fall. Also ride board flat as this will help you go over things and less catching your edge. This may do less damage as well.

EVERYTHING takes a backseat to the new arrival...backseat?? No, more of a spot in the trunk under the spare tire. That’s how big a deal it becomes when you have a new child. So all last winter, snowboarding was not so much of a focus for me as it was an afterthought. To be fair, even eating and breathing were afterthoughts (after changing diapers etc.); but now we’ve got a handle on things.

The funny thing is, the little monster is a big part of why I’m so stoked to start this season. I have been hunting out gear that would fit a 2 year (ALMOST 2) old child, with the passion that I would normally reserve for my first steps toward my OWN new gear! I have his learn-to-ride plan all figured out, and I’m super excited to get him out on the board (when I find one small enough). I know in my head that he’s probably too young, but the heart is leading on this one. If all we accomplish is getting him to stand on a toboggan down a little hill, I’ll be super happy. If he is able to stand on a board and slide down beside the magic-carpet at 2mph (and we manage to find gear small enough!), I’ll be over the freakin’ moon (as long as he’s smiling!). Of course, now the truth is out; being in shape for my own riding is the fringe benefit, what I’m really training for is all the running up and down the stupid hill.

Have a great winter everyone, and to all you evaluators...can’t wait!

Again in the trees if you are in a gully ask yourself if it’s a creek bed. Listen for water running. Is it really warm out or minus 20º? Obviously if it’s mild there could be open water, stay high on the sides if you’re not sure. Be smart and don’t end up in a creek bed upside down!

Last thing… don’t forget where you parked your vehicle.

These are a few ideas to get you ready and thinking about the start of the season. I hope this helps.

Yours in Snowboarding, Greg Daniells

BC Reportcontinued from page 6

7Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Ontario Report

by Doug Mooder, Ontario Regional Coordinator

It is great to be busy, healthy and have the opportunity to work. I finished my season in Whistler last season, riding one day on the mountain with my brother for shear enjoyment. The longer I have the opportunity to administrate the level one program in Ontario, the more I appreciate what a great opportunity it is. I make my living slugging stone in the summer, design, plants, but primarily just hard work. Extrapolate your life to near 50 and determine what shape you want to be in. My dad is 74 and works as hard as I do every day, my grandfather made 102, I hope the genes of longevity prevail.

Another season has flown by, thankfully I have been very busy in the landscape world in Ontario. After the recession the summer before, I take nothing for granted. Having the opportunity to provide for your family is peace of mind that is tough to describe. Being an artist is a tough load to carry, I’ve been made fun of, but the roof is still over our head, I snowboard every day if I choose, all winter. My world wide web is as simple as this, dmooder@rogers.blackberry.net, as well as my cell 519-589-0305. Not to worry, I have the program that allows me to talk long distance across our country, only about snowboarding though. If you do not get emails, and want to, send me a text or email. I want to stay current with everyone around me, and bother as few people as possible. I do my best to respond to emails and calls, realistically I am all about snowboarding come the Toronto show in October, and remain buried in sliding until the top of April, at most hours of the day. I love my job, please bug me, I will help if and as I can, that is my job!

It’s not all glitz and glam, fabulous trips, big decisions, really it is more about making sure books arrive, we know where to meet, parents and candidates understand the course outcome, and results are efficiently expedited to national. It doesn’t seem that long that I have been at it, I am one year younger than CASI as RC, being contracted the year after CASI’s inception. The years fly; I started full time on the snow at 23, the year I was diagnosed with cancer. After 7 years of skiing I finally followed my dream of snowboarding, 18 years on a snowboard, 25 years on the snow, I am young enough to know there are 25 more good years in these wheels. For those of us that started at 15, 16, 20, or like my son Chase, 9, you are spoiled, enjoy!! My daughter Delaney does not

stop, she is very busy like her dad. She should not snowboard, never say never, there will be a lot to be careful about for Delaney, if she wants to I will teach her.

The things we work for the most are the things we appreciate the most. I have faced adversity trying to get my snowboard levels, I kid you not. Quitting may have it’s wisdom, however I was raised to never give up. As a student that works for me in the summer, football athlete, that levels stone for fancy ladies with me says, “people just need to learn to pick up their feet”. We in the summer, yes, have clients that search for nature to be perfect, rather than accepting the world, they simply complain. Don’t get me wrong, I will help everyone, if you have already picked up your feet we are on the same team and nothing can stop us.

To finish, I am a snowboarder in a hockey town. Chase will not play hockey forever, I think, but for now he does. He, at 9, has faced adversity we never will with CASI. It is a system of politic, and corruption. Within any system there are people that will help, he has found an amazing coach this year, not easily, but he has. If you need help, and think old man winter can help, I’m here. “pick up your feet” and bring work ethic to the table. Everything that CASI has done for me will come back at you faster than you can deal with it. In respect for everything that CASI stands for, earn your place, we will all be proud!

As everyone says to me in my hockey town, “see you at the rink”. See you on the slopes, whatever you need, any level, I am there. Although I have big dreams with twitter, linked in, facebook and the like, I lose more friends than I gain as life is busy.! Email, call, whatever, most importantly, pick up your feet and RIDE!

D

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!If you are looking for a job as a Snowboard Instructor check out our website at:

www.casi–acms.comHere you’ll find a complete listing of available job postings in the "Jobs" section, and a listing of all the snow schools

with all the pertinent contact information in the “Snow School Directory” section.

8 Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Quebec Reportby David Gagnon, Ontario Regional Coordinator

A difficult timeLast June I took part in some conferences that were held at the Salon de L’ASSQ (L’Associtation des Stations de Ski du Québec). Several speakers had been invited and they all dealt with very interesting topics. My main goal was to find out more about the snowboarding and skiing industry in Quebec. In short, here’s what caught my attention:

- According to the preliminary results of the 2009-2010 Economic and Financial Study, the skiing and snowboarding industry once again experienced a decrease when it comes to days/skiing in Quebec. It was the biggest decrease since 2002.

- The days of operation also decreased by 16 days compared to 2008-2009 when there was a drop of only 6 days.

- The number of days/skiing decreased in Quebec.

- The average temperature was higher than last season and there was less precipitation.

- Most resorts reported being less busy than usual (days/skiing) . Average business is down since 2002-2003 and hit an all-time low last season.

- Our colleagues at the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance have also experienced a major drop in the number of certifications since 2002.

*(Information taken from the Preliminary Summary of the 2009-2010 ski season, ASSQ Annual Conference, June 2010, Michel Archambault)

These statistics partly explain why the number of certifications for snowboard and ski instructors dropped last year. I know that quite a few instructors in some resorts had fewer lessons last year than in previous seasons. I was also told during the season that several snow schools would hire fewer instructors. So what’s going on in Quebec? Why are we in a downward spiral when it comes to teaching snow sports? Is it just a temporary situation or will things only get worse in the years to come? Nobody seems to have an answer. Personally, I think that the weather definitely had an impact because the season only started in late December due to a lack of snow. And in March, the province experienced record high temperatures that resulted in several resorts closing early. It is also possible that the recession of the previous season (2008-2009) had an impact. Some businesses were affected to varying degrees by the recession and some experienced a drop in sales. Finally, could it be that the level of popularity of lessons has dropped for whatever reason? If so, how can we solve that problem? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that question but I hope to know more about it in the very near future.

That being said, I had a chance to go to England, to Manchester, this summer to visit some friends. Because they are such die-hard snowboarding fans, they treated me to a great experience by inviting me to the “Chill Factore”, which is located just outside Manchester. It’s a huge building with an indoor run covered in artificial snow. In fact, it looked like a huge indoor skating rink covered in snow with a slight incline that would be somewhere between a beginner’s run and an intermediate run. There are two “Poma”-type lifts that are not very fast. A run takes a minute or less. But I was delighted to practice my favourite sport, in August, in a country where the average annual temperature hovers around ten degrees Celsius and where snow and high mountains are not part of the landscape. I was also impressed by the quality of the snowboarders there. On Wednesday nights, they install “rails” and “boxes” and the evening takes on a “Jam” feeling. The event attracts a lot of interested people. Especially surfers! I was delighted to be able to snowboard with them and to practice a few moves even though I was a little rusty. The evening just flew by. Everyone made me feel like I was at a resort where I’m used to snowboarding. Everyone was so passionate about it. These Brits do a great job promoting snowboarding not just in that area, but all over the country. The business also offers full rentals as well as snowboarding and skiing lessons every day of the week, 365 days a year. They hire five full-time snowboarding instructors who must have recognized certification (CASI, BASI, NZSA, etc).

The trip gave me a chance to step back from our situation in Quebec and to gain a totally different perspective on our industry when compared with other countries. The experience made me aware that sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a difference. The concept of the “Chill Factore” may not apply to the Quebec industry. But innovative and unusual ideas are at the root of that kind of success. In any case, if you ever think about going to Manchester, stop off at the “Chill Factore”. You’ll leave with a mile on your face. I guarantee it!

9Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Jeff Chandler, National Technical Coordinator

The Interski Congress is an international gathering of all nations who teach alpine sports. Every four years, over 1500 ski and snowboard pros gather to exchange information. CASI has been represented at each of the Interski Congresses for the past 16 years (Japan ’95, Norway ‘99, Switzerland ’03, South Korea ’07). The purpose of the congress is to exchange information on technique and teaching methods.

The next Insterski Congress is being held at Ste Anton, Austria in January 2011, and once again CASI will be there to represent our methods to the world, and to gather info and techniques to help improve our own programs.

CASI is extremely well received on the world stage, and the fact is, many countries look to our programs, courses, and techniques as the system to model their own on. As an association, we have made significant contributions to the international snowboard-teaching community.

The benefits of attending an event such as this are many: international exposure for our members and association, marketing of our programs and courses, information gathering, etc. But how does this benefit you, as a member of this organization?

• Access to current, internationally advocated teaching methods.

• Support and training opportunities to help you do your job as an instructor more effectively.

• Membership in an association that is respected internationally.

• Favorable views in the eyes of employers and the public of your skills and training as a CASI instructor.

• Increased opportunities such as employment abroad.

• A stronger CASI means more value overall for you as an individual member. As members of CASI, we all need the association to prosper and grow both at home and abroad.

A team of key CASI technical and administrative personnel has been assembled to represent our membership, and each member is proud to have the responsibility to represent our membership in an event such as this.

Each country in attendance will be presenting both an indoor lecture and an on-snow workshop catered towards one of the following categories:

1. Snow sports and educational aspects/development

2. Snow sports for all ages

3. Snow sports and emotion

4. Snow sports - social

Aside from simply representing our methods of teaching snowboarding, one of the major goals of the team will be to research and observe the approach of other nations. With this comes the responsibility of returning to Canada with this info, and then working to a) provide this info to the CASI membership, and b) look towards using this info to make improvements to our own programs.

CASI’s Message – The QuickRide SystemSnowboarding has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years – from huge growth to a bit of a plateau effect. With this comes a challenge for instructors and snow schools to provide more value and success in the early stages of learning to snowboard. It’s more important than ever now to create snowboarders out of beginners!

Our team will be presenting info regarding one of our most major initiatives in the past few years – the QuickRide System of teaching, which we now promote in our Level 1 course. The QuickRide System has created a new approach to how we train new instructors to do their job – relying on decision making to move through the beginner lesson, as opposed to a simple step-by-step process, with may not apply to all student types.

Watch for more info to come following the completion of the next Interski Congress!

INTERSKI 2011 REPORT

Jeff Chandler; National Technical Coordinator, Level 4 Instructor / Level 4 Evaluator

Dan Genge; Executive Director

Rob Stevens; President & Level 4 Instructor / Level 4 Evaluator

Mike Bray; British Columbia TEC Rep & Level 4 Instructor / Level 3 Evaluator

Luc Belanger; Alberta/Man-Sask TEC Rep & Level 4 Instructor / Level 4 Evaluator

Jeremy Shield; Ontario TEC Rep & Level 4 Instructor / Level 3 Evaluator

Alexandre Burr; Quebec/Atlantic TEC Rep & Level 4 Instructor / Level 3 Evaluator

Dave Balne; TEC Rep & Level 4 Instructor / Level 4 Evaluator

Andy MacLean; TEC Rep & Level 4 Instructor / Level 4 Evaluator

Yukiko Kawada; Senior CASI Evaluator & Level 4 Instructor / Level 3 Evaluator

10 Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

11Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

Last fall, I applied to go train instructors in South Korea, not knowing what lay ahead. A job change a few months earlier along with the green light from my family (3 kids) provided me with the opportunity to leave for a month in February. Much to my surprise, I found out in November that I had been selected. Upon getting in touch with the Korean Association (KASSI), I found out that the snow conditions would be pretty much the same as in Quebec…artificial snow!!! But the mountains seem bigger than the ones in my area, the Laurentians.

On my way to SeoulThe big day had arrived, February 1st, and I had to say goodbye to my wife and 3 kids for a month. I think that was the hardest part…leaving and going through the customs door. I really want to thank Audrey for that big month of February. She’s the greatest wife and mom in the world. After changing planes in Toronto and 14 hours of flying, I had made it to Seoul. I was stunned to see two fans waiting for me like a star with their little CASI sign – Simon Brune (the « T » was missing). It was three o’clock in the morning and Pil, the KASSI representative, couldn’t be there, so he had sent the two brothers to pick me up at the airport because they too had to get to Sungwoo. After getting a few hours sleep, I had to get out on the snow because several fans wanted to meet me and ride with me. After going around the mountain, making a few runs with my fan club and taking a few pictures, I went off to sleep to recover from the flight and the jet-lag.

Snowboarding in KoreaTo sum up my experience, in spite of the changing conditions, the rain, the warm weather, the strange food and the people who don’t speak English…it was a shock to see that snowboarding is so popular with the public. In fact, 65% of the people out there are snowboarders and 35% are skiers. There’s even one resort where the ratio is 85% vs. 15%, although it must be pointed out that they have made every effort to attract snowboarders. Sungwoo Resort has a park with obstacles for all calibers, an Olympic-sized half-moon with a magic carpet strictly for users and a permanent boardercross. As Elvis Gratton would say: “Those Koreans sure know what they’re doing!” In the stations, it’s

great to see how motivated the staff is, all smiles and always ready to help you…just the opposite of how things are over here. One warm day, the chairs were dripping a bit…and if your seat was wet they would ask you not to get on. And the employees would dry the chairs off with a rag and an air gun for every single wet chair!! Each time you went through the electronic gates to validate your ticket, an employee would say hello and wish you a nice run. If you were really lucky, there were even some that would sing!!

CASIMANIA IN KOREA!!

I should mention that the snow centers in Korea are all quite recent. Don’t be surprised to see chairlifts from the previous generation, chairs with 4 or 6 people, sometimes with automatic loading (carpet system), gondolas for eight people and sometimes as many as three at the same resort. There’s a huge cafeteria with varied menus that do not include fast food, an escalator, underground parking, restaurant franchises (Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Lotteria, etc…). Just to give you an idea, High One Resort had a height difference of 680 meters, 18 trails, 2 gondolas and another linked to the hotel, 3 chairs for 6 including 2 with automatic loading, 3 chairs for 4, four 25-meter long magic carpets, 5 chalets, 2 snow parks and 1 half-moon for users only. The 5-storey chalet included an underground parking lot that could hold up to 1,000 cars, four elevators and several escalators leading to the gondola or to access the cafeteria. The resort opened in 2006 and there are still condos being built around it. However, there is no underbrush because of the lack of natural snow. All the trails were surrounded by snow fences and snow cannons are permanently set up. Another thing that I really liked was that most of the resorts would close during the supper hour to work on the trails for the evening. You would often see ski resorts open until midnight or even 3:00 AM and the trails were busy all night long.

CASI CourseI had the opportunity to give four courses, which included three Level 1s and one Level 2. I visited four resorts: Sungwoo Resort, Muzu Resort, High One Resort and Phoenix Park Resort. To get you situated, all of the resorts were 2-4 hours outside the city of Seoul. There are some smaller resorts that are closer but we didn’t get a chance to visit them. In all, Korea has sixteen resorts for a total population of 35 million people. In comparison, Quebec has seventy-five resorts for fewer than 8 million people…imagine how busy the trails are on weekends!!!

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12 Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1

TraineesThe first thing I noticed was that the average age of the trainees is much higher than in Canada. I was used to teaching youngsters between the ages of 15 and 19, but where I was the trainees must have been between 25 and 35 years old. The course dynamic would be completely different…not to mention that Koreans are very studious and technical. They want to know everything and they want to know why. Every single detail is important and can lead to a discussion. I even remember having conversations in the evening over a glass of soju about whether or not to use your knees, whether it should be shoulders first or feet first, etc…

Beef soup with rice and vegetables…not very appetizing when you’re just waking up. But I managed to find some things that resembled a Canadian-style breakfast at a few spots, including Starbucks!!

JapanBecause I was over there, my fellow snowboarders (Bob Joncas, Christian Hrab and Dan Lefebvre) strongly suggested that I head over to Japan. So I went to Niseko Resort (on the North Island near Sapporo) to sample the Japanese powder. Unfortunately, my timing wasn’t very good…the powder had fallen two weeks before I arrived and after I left. All I got was a measly 25 cm, but it was better than nothing! On site, I got a chance to meet Carlos Riveroll, Level 4, who had spent the winter at the Niseko snow school. It was worth the trip and I knew that I may never be back in that area again. And I was only a two-hour plane ride and a two-hour bus from Seoul.

If you are thinking about going to South Korea next winter, feel free to contact me by email: sb_acms@hotmail.com. I’ll be happy to answer your questions..

Simon Brunet Level 4 Evaluator since 1996

CASIMANIA IN KOREA!!

Although the courses were given in English, the level of English comprehension was lower than I thought it would be. A few times, I had to mention that I had to see if the explanations were comprehensible. Often, some of my trainees had to repeat my explanations in Korean for those who didn’t understand. But overall, with the exception of a few failures (mainly due to communication), all of the courses went well. In Quebec, I have a few ‘Padawans” as I call them; I gave them their Level 1, their Level 2 and often their precourse. But I can now say that I have two “Padawans” in Korea: Chong-Hyuk and Jun. Congratulations guys! Some of you may have run into Jun at the Level 3 – Supercourse last spring at Sunshine Village.

KoreaI was lucky enough to have several guides during my stay: Pil, Waxy and Jun. We spent most of the four weeks together. I must admit that without them…I would have had a tough time. They were my translators, my tour guides and my restaurant guides. And because I spent so much of my time on the slopes, I was in areas of the country where people didn’t really speak English. So for meals, it was great to know where to go. I’m not picky, but for me food was a major challenge. The traditional dish is barbecue grilled pork accompanied by all sorts of very spicy little dishes (including kim-chi). Also, you couldn’t skip your turn for a round of Soju (rice alcohol), but I enjoyed having a nice KASS beer. But it was in Seoul that I was faced with strange dishes: pork intestines and raw squid (freshly cut and still squirming on my plate). I have to admit that I did not have the nerve to taste the squid. Breakfasts were different too.

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13Fall 2010 · Volume 17 · Issue 1