Two Course & Exam Locations: Kagura Ski Resort (Echigo-Yuzawa, Niigata) / Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata)
CSIA Ski Instructor Certification｜2026/27 Registration Now Open
CSIA Ski Instructor Certification｜2026/27 Registration Now Open
🔴Attention! All courses this season are taught in English. (No Chinese classes)🔴
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Registration Process
- Complete the Required Information: Complete the registration form and online waiver.
- Contact Customer Service: Contact Outdoorland Academy Official LINE and confirm your name, course session, date, and program.
- Wait for Confirmation: After your information has been verified, our customer service team will inform you of your registration priority. Once the minimum number of participants has been reached and the course is confirmed, a payment link will be provided. Please complete payment within 7 days.
- Complete Your Registration: Your registration is officially confirmed only after full payment has been received.
Online Waiver
For the 2026/2027 season, the waiver will be completed entirely online. There is no need to download, sign, or upload a PDF. The page includes instructions and a demonstration video. After completing the waiver, please make sure your name, email address, and other information are correct.
2026/2027 Certification Course Schedule
【E1】Kagura｜Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification (Including 1-Day Pre-Course)｜Dec 6–9, 2026 (4 Days)
- Course Dates: December 6–9, 2026 (4 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: December 6, 2026 (1 Day)
- Certification Course: December 7–9, 2026 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: December 7–8, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 8–9, 2026 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【E1】Course Fee: ¥230,000/person (4 Days)
【E1】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
【E2】Kagura｜Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification (Including 1-Day Pre-Course)｜Dec 8–11, 2026 (4 Days)
- Course Dates: December 8–11, 2026 (4 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: December 8, 2026 (1 Day)
- Certification Course: December 9–11, 2026 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: December 9–10, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 10–11, 2026 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【E2】Course Fee: ¥230,000/person (4 Days)
【E2】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
[E3] Kagura Level 1 Coach Certification (including 1-day Pre-course) 2026/12/10–12/13 (4 days)
- Course Dates: December 10–13, 2026 (4 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: December 10, 2026 (1 Day)
- Certification Course: December 11–13, 2026 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: December 11–12, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 12–13, 2026 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【E3】Course Fee: ¥230,000/person (4 Days)
【E3】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
[Y1] Kagura Level 2 Instructor Certification (including 4-day pre-training) 2026/12/13–12/18 (6 days)
- Course Dates: December 13–18, 2026 (6 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: December 13–16, 2026 (4 Days)
- Certification Course: December 17–18, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 17, 2026 (1 Day)
- Retest – Skiing: December 18, 2026 (1 Day)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【Y1】Course Fee: ¥335,000/person (6 Days)
【Y1】Retest Fee: ¥80,000/person (1 Day)
[E4] Zao Level 1 Instructor Certification (including 1-day Pre-course) 2026/12/15–12/18 (4 days)
- Course Dates: December 15–18, 2026 (4 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: December 15, 2026 (1 Day)
- Certification Course: December 16–18, 2026 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: December 16–17, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 17–18, 2026 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata
【E4】Course Fee: ¥220,000/person (4 Days)
【E4】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
【E5】Zao｜Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification｜Dec 19–21, 2026 (3 Days)
- Course Dates: December 19–21, 2026 (3 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: None
- Certification Course: December 19–21, 2026 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: December 19–20, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 20–21, 2026 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata
【E5】Course Fee: ¥205,000/person (3 Days)
【E5】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
【E6】Kagura｜Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification｜Dec 19–21, 2026 (3 Days)
- Course Dates: December 19–21, 2026 (3 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: None
- Certification Course: December 19–21, 2026 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: December 19–20, 2026 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: December 20–21, 2026 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【E6】Course Fee: ¥215,000/person (3 Days)
【E6】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
【P1E】Kagura｜Level 1 Pre-Course｜Mar 15–16, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Dates: March 15–16, 2027 (2 Days)
Main Focus: Skiing - Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【P1E】Course Fee: ¥70,000/person (2 Days)
【P2E】Zao｜Level 1 Pre-Course｜Mar 15–16, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Dates: March 15–16, 2027 (2 Days)
Main Focus: Skiing - Course Location: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata
【P2E】Course Fee: ¥70,000/person (2 Days)
【E7】Kagura｜Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification｜Mar 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
- Course Dates: March 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: None
- Certification Course: March 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: March 17–18, 2027 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: March 18–19, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【E7】Course Fee: ¥215,000/person (3 Days)
【E7】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
【E8】Zao｜Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification｜March 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
- Course Dates: March 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: None
- Certification Course: March 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
- Retest – Skiing: March 17–18, 2027 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: March 18–19, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Location: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata
【E8】Course Fee: ¥205,000/person (3 Days)
【E8】Retest Fee: ¥130,000/person (2 Days)
【P3Y】Kagura｜Level 2 Pre-Course｜Mar 20–21, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Dates: March 20–21, 2027 (2 Days)
Main Focus: Skiing - Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【P3Y】Course Fee: ¥70,000/person (2 Days)
【P4Y】Zao｜Level 2 Pre-Course｜Mar 20–21, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Dates: March 20–21, 2027 (2 Days)
Main Focus: Skiing - Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【P4Y】Course Fee: ¥70,000/person (2 Days)
【Y2】Zao｜Level 2 Ski Instructor Certification (Including 4-Day Pre-Course)｜Mar 23–28, 2027 (6 Days)
- Course Dates: March 23–28, 2027 (6 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: March 23–26, 2027 (4 Days)
- Certification Course: March 27–28, 2027 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: March 27, 2027 (1 Day)
- Retest – Skiing: March 28, 2027 (1 Day)
- Course Location: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata
【Y2】Course Fee: ¥325,000/person (6 Days)
【Y2】Retest Fee: ¥80,000/person (1 Day)
【Y3】Kagura｜CSIA Level 2 Certification Course (4 Days of Development + 2 Days of Exam)｜Mar 23–28, 2027 (6 Days)
Course Dates: March 23–28, 2027 (6 Days)
Course Schedule:
- Pre-Exam Development: March 23–26 (4 Days)
- Level 2 Exam: March 27–28 (2 Days)
- Teaching Retest: March 27 (1 Day)
- Skiing Retest: March 28 (1 Day)
Location: Kagura Ski Resort
Course Fees:
- 【Y3】Full Certification Course (6 Days): ¥335,000 / person
- 【Y3】Single-Component Retest (1 Day): ¥80,000 / person / component
【P5Z】Kagura｜Level 3 Pre-Course｜Mar 30–Apr 4, 2027 (6 Days)
- Course Dates: March 30–April 4, 2027 (6 Days)
Main Focus: Skiing & Teaching - Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【P5Z】Course Fee: ¥360,000/person (6 Days)
【Z1】Kagura｜Level 3 Ski Instructor Certification｜Apr 5–6, 2027 (2 Days)
- Course Dates: April 5–6, 2027 (2 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: None
- Certification Exam: April 5–6, 2027 (2 Days)
- Retest – Teaching: April 5, 2027 (1 Day)
- Retest – Skiing: April 6, 2027 (1 Day)
(If required, an additional Teaching Exam day is scheduled for April 7.)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【Z1】Course Fee: ¥160,000/person (2 Days)
【Z1】Retest Fee: ¥80,000/person (1 Day)
【P5Z+Z1】Kagura｜Level 3 Ski Instructor Certification Package｜Mar 30–Apr 6, 2027 (8 Days)｜Special Package Offer
- Course Dates: March 30–April 6, 2027 (8 Days)
- Pre-Course Training: March 30–April 4, 2027 (6 Days)
- Certification Exam: April 5–6, 2027 (2 Days)
(If required, an additional Teaching Exam day is scheduled for April 7.)
- Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
【P5Z+Z1】Package Fee: ¥460,000/person (8 Days)
CSIA Ski Instructor Certification
CSIA Level 1 Certification and Pre-Course
In addition to the official 3-day CSIA Level 1 certification course, Outdoorland offers 1 day of Pre-Course Training, giving candidates an opportunity to receive guidance from an instructor, become familiar with the relevant skiing skills and course expectations, and prepare before starting the official certification course.
Before registering, please ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
① Age Requirement
- Must be at least 14 years old on the first day of the course.
② Skiing Ability
- Be a confident and independent skier.
- Be comfortable skiing blue and black runs independently (approximately equivalent to intermediate red runs in Japan).
- Be able to consistently perform parallel turns while maintaining effective speed control.
⚠️ Important Notice
The CSIA Level 1 course is not a beginner learn-to-ski program. It is designed to develop your existing skiing skills while introducing the fundamentals of ski instruction.
Please ensure that your current skiing ability meets the above prerequisites before registering.
Course Fees (Including 1 Day of Pre-Course Training + 3-Day CSIA Certification Course)
- Kagura: ¥230,000 / person
- Zao: ¥220,000 / person
｜Official CSIA Resources｜
CSIA Level 1 Certification
Join the official 3-day CSIA Level 1 certification course directly, without additional Pre-Course Training.
Before registering, please ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
① Age Requirement
- Must be at least 14 years old on the first day of the course.
② Skiing Ability
- Be a confident and independent skier.
- Be comfortable skiing blue and black runs independently (approximately equivalent to intermediate red runs in Japan).
- Be able to consistently perform parallel turns while maintaining effective speed control.
⚠️ Important Notice
The CSIA Level 1 course is not a beginner learn-to-ski program. It is designed to develop your existing skiing skills while introducing the fundamentals of ski instruction.
Please ensure that your current skiing ability meets the above prerequisites before registering.
Official Course Duration: 3 Days (9:00–15:30)
Course Fees (Including the 3-Day CSIA Certification Course)
- Kagura: ¥215,000 / person
- Zao: ¥205,000 / person
｜Official CSIA Resources｜
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December 2026 Sessions
▶E5｜Zao | 2026/12/19–12/21 (3 Days)
▶E6｜Kagura｜2026/12/19–12/21 (3 Days) -
Mar - Apr 2027 Sessions
▶E7｜Kagura｜Mar 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
▶E8｜Zao｜Mar 17–19, 2027 (3 Days)
▶E9｜Kagura｜Mar 29–31, 2027 (3 Days)
▶E10｜Kagura｜Apr 2–4, 2027 (3 Days)
CSIA Level 2 Certification Program
The CSIA Level 2 Certification Program is a 6-day program consisting of 2 days of Skiing Development, 2 days of Teaching Development, and 2 days of Exams.
Course Requirements:
- Hold a valid CSIA Level 1 certification
- Be a current paid CSIA member
- Have good communication skills
Course Fee: ¥310,000/person
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December 2026 Sessions
▶Y1｜Kagura｜Dec 13–18, 2026 (6 Days)
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March–April 2027 Sessions
▶ Y2｜Zao｜March 23–28, 2027（6 Days）
▶ Y3｜Kagura｜March 23–28, 2027（6 Days）
CSIA Level 3 Certification Course
The CSIA Level 3 Certification Program consists of 3 days of Skiing Development, 3 days of Teaching Development, a 1-day Skiing Exam, and a 1-day Teaching Exam. Each component may be registered for separately.
Candidates who wish to register for the Exam only must have already completed both the Skiing and Teaching Development components. Proof of completion recorded on the official CSIA website is required.
Course Requirements:
- Hold a valid CSIA Level 2 certification
- Be a current paid CSIA member
- Have good communication skills
Course Fees:
- Full Program: ¥460,000 (8 Days) — Development + Exam
- Development Only: ¥360,000 (6 Days) — Development
- Exam Only: ¥160,000 (2 Days) — Exam
- Single Component Retest: ¥80,000 (1 Day)
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▶ P5Z｜Kagura｜Level 3 Development (6 days)
Pre-Course Training (6 Days): March 30–April 4, 2027
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▶ Z1 | Kagura｜Level 3 Exam (2 Days)
Certification Exam (2 Days): April 5–6, 2027
Retest – Teaching (1 Day): April 5, 2027
Retest – Skiing (1 Day): April 6, 2027
(If required, an additional Teaching Exam day is scheduled for April 7.)
Course Location: Kagura Ski Resort
CSIA Training Courses by Level
For ski instructors who want to continue improving their teaching and skiing skills, we offer CSIA Ski Instructor Pre-Courses at various levels.
These courses provide an opportunity to continue training and developing your skills during the season while preparing for certification exams later in the season.
Main Focus: Skiing
Course Fee: ¥70,000/person (2 Days)
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Course Requirements
All CSIA courses are conducted in English. Candidates must have basic English communication skills.
- LEVEL 1: Must be at least 14 years old on the first day of the course. Candidates should be confident, independent skiers who are comfortable skiing blue and black runs (approximately equivalent to intermediate red runs in Japan), consistently performing parallel turns with effective speed control.
- LEVEL 2: Must hold a valid CSIA Level 1 certification and an active paid CSIA membership.
- LEVEL 3: Must hold a valid CSIA Level 2 certification and an active paid CSIA membership.
⚠️ Level 1 is not a beginner learn-to-ski program. Please ensure your skiing ability meets the prerequisites before registering.
▐ LEVEL 2 / LEVEL 3 Proof of Eligibility
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates must prepare and upload the following documents when completing the registration form:
- CSIA Certification: Proof of valid certification at the required level. (JPG / PDF)
- Active CSIA Membership: A screenshot of your membership page on snowpro.com, or other proof showing that your membership is currently valid. (JPG / PDF)
Additional requirement for LEVEL 3 Exam-Only candidates:
- Proof of Development Completion: Official CSIA records confirming completion of both Skier Development and Teacher Development. (JPG / PDF)
Please prepare all required documents before completing the registration form.
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Cancellation Policy
- No refunds will be issued once registration has been confirmed.
- More than 14 days before the course start date, the registration may be transferred to another participant, but no refunds will be provided.
- Within 14 days of the course start date, transfers, name changes, and refunds are not permitted.
- Completion of registration and payment constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions.
Force Majeure
If the course cannot proceed as scheduled due to a Course Conductor’s health condition, other circumstances beyond our control, or weather conditions causing the ski resort to close with no alternative resort available, participants will be notified as soon as possible and the course will be rescheduled or refunded.
The organizer is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred as a result, including transportation and accommodation costs.
CSIA Member Promotion Restrictions
🚫 The CAD $60 Pro Day Promo Code listed under “Pro Deals & Promos” on snowpro.com is valid only for Pro Days held in Canada. It does not apply to CSIA courses or Pro Days held in Japan and cannot be used toward any fees listed on this page.
Instructor introduction
Paul Cunnius
- CSIA Level 4 Instructor and Examiner
- 36 years of teaching experience
- Skiing technique book Next Level Skier Author
The examiner is officially appointed by CSIA, and there is no guarantee that the examiner will be Paul
Ski resort
Kagura Ski Resort
The class location is located at Kagura Ski Resort in Yuzawa Town, Niigata, Japan. The specific class meeting location will be provided after registration.
Ski resort
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
The course will take place at Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata, Japan. Detailed meeting point information will be provided after registration is confirmed.
▐ Important Information
- Course Hours: Courses generally run from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. If the following day's schedule changes, the Course Conductor will inform participants before the end of the current day's session.
- Language: All CSIA courses are conducted in English. Participants must have basic English communication skills.
- Class Size: A maximum of 8 participants per session. If fewer than 4 participants register, the organizer reserves the right to cancel the course or examination.
- Personal Expenses: Transportation, ski equipment, lift tickets, insurance, meals, and other personal expenses are not included in the course fee and must be arranged and paid for by participants.
- Skiing Prerequisites: CSIA certification courses focus on developing ski instruction skills and are not beginner learn-to-ski programs. Please ensure that your skiing ability meets the prerequisites for your chosen certification level before registering.
- Course Arrangements: Specific course content and daily schedules may be adjusted by the Course Conductor according to snow conditions, weather, and participants' needs.
- Additional Sessions & Private Groups: Additional sessions may be arranged depending on demand. If the listed sessions are fully booked, the scheduled dates do not suit you, or you would like to arrange a private group of 8 participants, please contact our Official LINE Support.
- Alternative Resort Arrangements: If Kagura Ski Resort suspends operations on a scheduled course day due to weather or other circumstances, the organizer will assess the possibility of relocating the course to an alternative resort. The primary backup location is Naeba Ski Resort. Updated arrangements will be communicated through our Official LINE Support after the resort's operating status has been confirmed that morning. Relocation is subject to the alternative resort's operating conditions and course requirements.
Common problem
Course fee includes
CSIA Level 1 Certification & Pre-Course Training
- 3-Day Certification Course & Exam
- 1-Day Pre-Course Training
- CSIA Membership Fee (for candidates who successfully pass the certification)
CSIA Level 2 Pre-Course Training
- 2-Day Training Course
CSIA Level 2 Certification Program
- 4-Day Development Course
- 2-Day Certification Exam
CSIA Level 3 Certification Program
- 6-Day Development Course
- 2-Day Certification Exam
All course fees exclude personal expenses such as transportation, meals, accommodation, lift tickets, and accident/travel insurance.
For Level 2 and above, candidates must renew and maintain a valid CSIA membership before participating in the certification program.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Instructor certification courses differ from regular ski lessons and require advance preparation and coordination. Therefore, the terms and conditions for regular ski lessons do not apply.
Once your registration and payment have been completed, cancellations and refunds are not permitted. Please make sure of your plans before registering.
- More than 14 days before the course start date: The registration may be transferred to another participant, but no refunds will be issued.
- Within 14 days of the course start date: Transfers, name changes, cancellations, and refunds are not permitted.
What are the advantages of taking the ski and snowboard instructor certification?
A ski instructor certification can be used as a qualification when applying for a ski instructor work visa in Japan.
Currently, internationally recognized ski instructor certifications can support eligibility for Japan’s ski instructor visa status. Therefore, many established ski schools in Japan require foreign instructors to hold a recognized ski instructor certification.
Why take the Kagura exam in Yuzawa?
Yuzawa offers excellent accessibility and is very convenient to reach from Tokyo. Kagura Ski Resort also has one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, typically operating from late November through mid-May.
In addition, accommodation options around Kagura tend to be less competitive than those near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, making it a practical location for participants attending multi-day training and certification programs.
Why Choose Zao Onsen for Your CSIA Certification Exam?
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of the most renowned ski destinations in Japan's Tohoku region, offering diverse terrain ideal for developing skiing techniques and teaching skills.
Located approximately 40 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station, the resort is surrounded by a traditional hot spring village with a wide range of accommodation options. After a full day of training, participants can relax in natural hot springs and enjoy the spectacular snow monsters (Juhyo) that Zao is famous for, combining professional certification with an unforgettable winter experience in northern Japan.
【CSIA 官方考試指南網站】
CSIA Official Certification Guide
請於報名前詳閱此官方網站，了解各級別的滑行能力要求及參考示範影片。
Please review this official website before registering for information on skiing ability requirements and reference demonstration videos.
網頁詳情 / Original Website： CSIA Standards Videos – Am I Ready? ↗
About CSIA
The Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) was established in 1938 and is one of the world’s longest-standing ski instruction systems. Its certifications are highly recognized internationally.
The CSIA instructor certification system emphasizes both technical skiing ability and effective teaching methodology, with the goal of developing well-rounded ski instructors who can ski proficiently and teach effectively.
Introduction to each level
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Level 1
An entry-level certification focused on teaching beginner skiers, covering fundamental skiing skills and basic teaching methods.
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Level 2
An intermediate certification level, requiring instructors to teach intermediate skiers and demonstrate more advanced skiing skills and teaching techniques.
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Level 3
An advanced certification level, requiring instructors to teach advanced skiers and demonstrate high-level skiing skills and advanced teaching techniques.
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Level 4
The highest certification level, requiring instructors to have extensive teaching experience and strong leadership skills, with the ability to train and mentor other instructors.