Why take CASI at Kiroro? 5 reasons

Kiroro · CASI · 2027

Whether you are preparing to take the CASI Level 1 exam or moving on to Level 2, choosing the course date and the ski resort where you will take the exams and receive feedback are also worth serious consideration.

The snowy road conditions, the crowds, the pre-exam training, and the accommodation and ski ticket costs all influence this exam journey. For students who want to focus on their preparation and want to plan their itinerary according to their vacation and budget,Kiroro is a worthwhile option to consider.

Kiroro will be established in 2027 CASI Level 1 and Level 2 Chinese native speaker instructor classesSnoway Academy also offers Prep Courses at corresponding levels. Based on our actual experience in Kiroro, we would like to share five reasons why you should attend CASI courses here.

1. The ski resort is spacious and the crowds are dispersed; certification courses and evaluations can maintain a consistent pace.

Based on Snoway Academy's actual experience, even during the peak holiday season, there are fewer queues at the cable car in Kiroro.Different ski areas help disperse the crowds, as fewer people are concentrated in the same place.

For participants taking the CASI certification course, having less time to wait in line means not just more turns on the board, but also a more consistent flow of learning and assessment throughout the day.

Complete one gliding demonstration, listen to the feedback from the examiner, then make adjustments on the next trip—without needing to be interrupted by long waits, it’s easier to remember the feeling of just now and bring that feedback into the next performance.

During the evaluation period, shorter wait times for the cable car also help reduce the time spent standing in line, allowing you to maintain your physical condition and focus.

If you plan to attend the Prep Course several days in advance as well, a more consistent pace of skating will also help with repeated practice, adjusting your movements, and digesting the coach's feedback.Get familiar with the ski resort, slopes, and current snow conditions early on.

The above are our actual observations; actual crowd sizes, wait times, and open areas may vary depending on the date, weather, and snowfield operating arrangements.

2. Less external interference, allowing for a more relaxed presentation of slides and teaching

Preparing to take the CASI exam requires not only mastering the techniques, but also thinking about the following:What kind of environment can make it easier for you to present your prepared results with ease?

If you tend to get nervous or don’t like the pressure of the bustling crowds on busy ski slopes, Kiroro is worth adding to your list of places to visit.

In our experience, in areas with more dispersed crowds, the slide demonstration is less interrupted by other skiers; it is also easier to find suitable space when conducting instructional demonstrations, arranging explanations, demonstrating the route, and stopping at designated locations.

When gliding, it is easier to maintain your own rhythm.

When you are performing a specific maneuver, suddenly someone cuts into the path, which may require you to slow down, change course, or even start over.

Snowy trails with more space help reduce this type of external interference, allowing you to choose your line and control your speed more confidently, clearly demonstrating your movements rather than constantly changing your glide rhythm due to the crowd around you.

When demonstrating teaching methods, ensure that safety judgments and expressions are clearer.

Teaching is not just about communicating the content; it also involves observing the environment, choosing the appropriate location, and arranging for the trainees to move safely and stay in place.

In environments with a more dispersed crowd, you still need to keep a close eye on other skiers and snowboarders, but you can make more relaxed judgments and showcase your explanations, demonstrations, and organizational skills.

You spent time preparing, so it’s worth choosing an environment that suits you and making the most of it.

3. Choose to take the CASI exam in Kiroro to make the exam journey more flexible

Everyone’s level of preparation, vacation time, and budget are different. By choosing to take the CASI exam in Kiroro, you can arrange your pre-exam preparation around the official exam period, without having to cram the entire vacation into a single long-week itinerary.

Course Schedule｜L1 Three-day Course, L2 Four-day Chinese as a Second Language Instructor-led Class

The Kiroro CASI Level 1 Chinese native speaker instructor class in 2027 March 3–5The course and certification program will last three days and the cost is ¥130,000.

Taking courses in Chinese can reduce the linguistic burden of understanding professional explanations and expressing teaching ideas, allowing you to focus on learning and performance. The certification courses are registered with the Japan Outdoor Institute (JOI).View certificate course information →

For coaches who already hold Level 1 certification and wish to improve their gliding and teaching abilities, Kiroro might be an option. Level 2 Chinese native speaker instructor classThe certification courses are also provided by JOI.View L2 Certification Courses and Sign Up →

L1 Continuous Training for Five Days | Prepare First, Then Attend Certification Course

If time permits and you want to prepare more thoroughly for the exam, we recommend adding two days to the Prep Course.

First, under the guidance of a Level 3 coach, familiarize yourself with the Kiroro snow slopes, adjust your skiing techniques, and practice demonstration lessons; then, with a clearer direction for improvement, prepare for the certification course and evaluation.

Registration and payment for the Prep Course and CASI certification courses are separate; the total cost does not include snow passes, accommodation, transportation, and personal equipment.

L1 Early Training｜Stay a few days to digest the information and then start the exam period

If you want to have time to practice and digest feedback on your own after completing Prep, you can also choose to do so. February 25–26Take the Level 1 Prep Course and join the certification course starting on March 3rd.

Some students prefer to complete the exercises in a consistent manner; others need a few days to solidify the problems identified by their coach. You can choose the pace that suits your learning style.

L2 Exam Pre-Preparation｜Three days of preparation, one day to organize, and then ready to face the evaluation

Level 2 Prep Course Three days per term, optional March 5–7/March 8–10If you want the training and exam dates to be closer together, you can arrange it like this:

This arrangement includesThree days of prep plus four days of certification course, totaling seven days of instruction, spread over eight days.If you want to have more time to adjust, you can also choose the Prep sessions on March 5–7 and prepare at your own pace.

Pre-course and certification courses are booked and paid for separately. The total above does not include snow passes, accommodation, transportation, equipment, insurance, and the CASI membership fee that may be required; L2 applicants must confirm their membership status and payment of the membership fee.

Individualized reinforcement: Private instruction tailored to weaknesses

If you want to focus on mastering a particular skating technique or want more personalized instruction and feedback, you can also contact Snoway Academy. Level 3 Coach Private Training.

We will discuss the appropriate arrangements based on your level, goals, and coach schedule.

4. Level 3 coaching provides more direction for preparation

Hard work is important, but knowing what to change is often even more important.

This time, Snoway Academy's Prep Course is provided by Sebastien Led. He holds CASI Level 3, Park Level 1 He also served as a team training coach, helping trainees to organize improvements in their skating and teaching techniques.

Skating preparation: Identifying problems and knowing how to improve the next time

The Prep Course is not just about skating under the guidance of a coach; it’s about observing, practicing, and receiving feedback to understand where your movements need to be adjusted.

From speed control and turning rhythm to the stability of the demonstration moves, the key is to let you know:Where is the problem, and how should we proceed from here?

At the same time, you can familiarize yourself with Kiroro’s snow trails and conditions in advance, reducing the burden of adjusting to the environment on the first day of your certification course.

Educational preparation｜It’s not just about being able to ski yourself; you also need to make sure that others can understand it too

Being good at skating and being able to clearly teach others are two abilities that need to be practiced.

Pre-exam training will also focus on preparing for teaching and demonstrations, such as how to organize the order of explanations, choose the practice location, and emphasize key points in a simple and clear manner.

Practicing expressing your thoughts first, then receiving feedback, can help you discover problems that you might not have noticed when you were gliding normally.

L1 vs. L2｜Focusing on different key areas based on the level of the exam

L1 Prep:Emphasis is placed on stable gliding, clear basic movement demonstrations, and explanations and class arrangements for teaching beginners to prepare for the first coaching certification.

L2 Prep:Designed for coaches with L1 certification, this course further develops skills in carving, controlling small turns on steeper slopes, and adapting to different terrain; the teaching focuses on enhancing intermediate skill demonstrations, movement analysis, practice design, and targeted feedback.

No matter which level you apply for, the goal is to identify the areas that need improvement most at the moment and then translate those practices into clearer and more consistent performance. The actual content is adjusted based on the trainee's level, snow conditions, and open terrain.

Language support｜Understanding feedback, improving practice

Snoway Academy Prep Course Free translation support includedHelps trainees understand and respond to the coach's explanations.

When you have questions, be sure to ask them clearly. Knowing the reason for the adjustment will help you practice in a more focused manner.

Use when registering SNOWAYPREPYou can enjoy the Prep Course here. 9% discount.

View the details of the Prep Course →

5. Ski passes are more affordable and accommodation transportation is more flexible

When preparing for exams, in addition to the tuition fees, you also need to consider the cost of snow passes for several consecutive days, accommodation, and transportation.

The appeal of Kiroro lies not only in its advantageous snow ticket prices, but also in the choice of lodging in the resort, Otaru, or Asiri River hot springs depending on your budget and travel preferences.

Snowballing vs. skiing for many days: the difference is worth considering carefully

The following is in Adult one-day ticket in early March 2027For reference:

Source of data:Official Kiroro snow ticket prices, Official snow ticket prices for Rujushi Town, Prices for the Two-Way Old Mountain General Snow Pass.

Compared to the daily ticket prices above, Kiroro online ticket sales are less than Riu-Shu online ticket sales every day. ¥4,460Less than the two-day general ticket for Mt. Jiuzhaigou ¥3,860.

If you plan to arrive early for practice and then continue with the certification course in succession, the difference in the ski ticket price is worth considering when budgeting.

Kiroro receives additional revenue ¥500 deposit for the IC cardIf you still have the card, you can return it. Currently, there are no special prices for candidates; the above prices apply to general public tickets.

Different ski resorts have different usage areas and ticket types; a two-day pass may not be necessary for all of the mountain. Multi-day passes, time-of-use passes, or other discounts may be more suitable for individual trips; before purchasing, compare them based on class requirements and the latest official prices.

Accommodation options｜Stay at ski resorts, Otaru or Asiri River hot springs

Living in Kiroro: Reducing daily commuting
If you want to keep your itinerary simple, you can choose to stay in Kiroro and avoid the daily transportation arrangements for going up and down the mountain.

Living in Otaru: Balance between accommodation and city life
Otaru offers accommodation options with different prices, and after-school meals and shopping are also convenient. Coupled with the mountain bus service, this is an arrangement that students without a car can consider.

When choosing a hotel, in addition to the price, it is recommended to consider how far it is from the bus pickup point, especially if you need to bring your snow gear with you every day.

Staying at Asari River Hot Spring: Besides skiing, you can also take some time to relax.
If you want to take a bath in a hot spring after class, you might consider going to the area around Shiikawa Onsen.

Snoway Academy It may also help arrange transportation.If you need it, please feel free to contact us in advance to confirm the date, pickup location, feasible arrangements, and costs.

Transportation Arrangements｜The most convenient way to travel is by car, but taking the bus is also an option.

Car travel offers the most flexibility in terms of departure time, equipment transportation, and after-school arrangements. However, if you don’t have a rental car, you can also consider staying in Otaru in conjunction with the bus, or discuss the transportation arrangements with us first.

According to the currently announced winter class schedule,From December 19, 2026 to March 14, 2027The early morning train from Otaru to Kiroro is as follows:

The return route reference schedule is as follows: 16:10 Departing from Kiroro. The pickup point near Otaru Station is not the station entrance; this early morning train also does not stop at Otaru Tsukimanato Station; please confirm the designated location before departure.Check the official winter traffic information for Kiroro →

Please check with us first regarding transportation on exam days.The start times for Level 1 and Level 2 on JOI are currently set at 08:30, which is very close to the arrival time of the aforementioned bus. We are unable to provide you with sufficient time to prepare; we can help you understand the appropriate travel arrangements.

L2 students are also requested to pay attention.Bus schedules have been adjusted on March 15. If you need assistance with arranging transportation, please contact Snoway Academy.

Before you report, you might still want to know:

Read more

• Skiing in Kiroro: Tips, Accommodations, and Transportation Arrangements
• Kiroro
• Consulting Level 3 Trainer's Private Training

Date for checking ticket prices and transportation information: September 25, 2026. Please reconfirm the official latest information when booking. Image: CASI/JOI licensed promotional material; Photography: Rob Whelan. The photos are for illustrative purposes only; not a real image of Kiroro.

CASI certification courses are provided by Japan Outdoor Institute (JOI). Snoway Academy supports and coordinates the program and provides prep courses to help candidates prepare for their certification.