Founded in 1938 and incorporated in 1949 as a not-for-profit organization, the CSIA is the professional ski teaching body in Canada. It is a federally recognized teaching institution and it trains and certifies ski instructors to best serve its partners such as ski schools and the Canadian skiing public. Canada has six CSIA regions: British Columbia, Alberta, Central, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic — each represented on the Board of Directors. The six members of the National Board of Directors conduct the affairs and business of the CSIA. Regional affairs and member services are addressed through Regional Committees, who are serving regional needs through member newsletters, regional events and Level 1 Courses. The CSIA offers four certification levels, in addition to prep training courses and professional development sessions along with hosting of on-snow regional events during each season. These levels represent a progression of skills and knowledge. Level 1 courses are administered by the Regional Committees under the technical guidelines established by the Education Committee. All other levels are administered by the National Office, based out of Montreal, Quebec. Anyone who wishes to become a regular member of the CSIA must attend and pass a certification course. Each member has access to extended training and education and receives newsletters and material provided by the CSIA.