Team: Contender Ski Inc.

How long have you been skiing? 3 years of freestyle skiing.

What drew you to this sport in the first place, and what keeps you coming back for more? When I watched other people in the terrain park, it showed me that there was so much more than just skiing down a hill, and that there are so many options, making every run different. 

What’s one skill you want to master before the end of the year? One skill I want to perfect this year is a cork 720 with a grab.

What’s your most memorable moment in your ski journey so far? My most memorable moment in my ski journey so far was winning my first timber tour!

What’sne goal you hope to achieve by the end of this season? A goal I have for my self is to always be trying my best and
having fun while learning.

If you could have dinner with any athlete, past or present, who would it be and
why? If i could have dinner with any athlete I would choose Matej Svancer. I would choose Matej because i love his style and he is always pushing freestyle skiing while keeping it stylish and creative.

If you could live in any mountain town in the world to train, where would it be? If I could live and train at any mountain in the world I would choose Whistler.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a coach or teammate? Creativity opens so many possibilities in the terrain park.

What song do you have on repeat when you’re training? “hate it or love it”-50 cent, The game

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from training? Skateboarding with friends

How long have you been skiing? Fourteen years

What drew you to this sport in the first place, and what keeps you coming back for more?  I would say that the thrill and ski community are what drew me into the sport. Ever since I first experienced that adrenaline rush going into a jump it really drew me into the sport, wanting to learn more and progress. The ski community was also a big factor as there are so many kind people. As I go along my ski journey I continue to meet really good skiers who have that same passion and love for the sport which keeps me coming back for more and wanting to get better and better. 

What’s one skill you want to master before the end of the year? Double Cork 16.

What’s your most memorable moment in your ski journey so far? Second place at Canada Cup last season.

What’s one goal you hope to achieve by the end of this season? First place at Canada Cup and top 5 at Nor-am.

If you could have dinner with any athlete, past or present, who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with any athlete it would be Henrick Harlaut because he has been my favourite skier and inspiration ever since I was little. I found watching him ski so amazing and motivating as I wanted and still want to be as good of a skier as him one day.

If you could live in any mountain town in the world to train, where would it be? Wanaka, New Zealand. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a coach or a teammate? Trust the Process and understand that development takes time. Be patient and stay committed to your goals, even when immediate results are not visible.

Who is your biggest inspiration, both in and out of sports? My biggest inspiration is Kobe Bryant. He was a remarkable role model both in and out of sports, showing hard work and dedication throughout his life. Many of the traits he possessed are qualities I strive to replicate in my own life.

Whats song do you have on repeat when you’re training? Timeless by: The Weekend and Playboy Carti.

My favourite way to spend a day off from training is working out, trampolining, and reading.

Team: Ontario Team

How long have you been skiing? since I was 5 and freestyle skiing since 2020.

What drew you to the sport? I was drawn to freestyle skiing due to Covid-19. When there was nothing to do and the mountains were closed, me and 3 of my friends built a backyard setup featuring a few different rails and that's where it all began!

Most Memorable moment in your ski journey so far? My most memorable moment in skiing so far has to be skiing in Sun Peaks, BC. I competed in the Canada Cup there the previous season and everything from the village to the tree skiing there was unforgettable.

Biggest Inspiration? My biggest inspiration in skiing has to be Corey Vanular. Corey was my coach for the last 3 seasons. He is one of the OG's in freestyle skiing and everyone in the sport has heard his name. He has so much style and amplitude in his tricks ranging from massive disasters to nose butter cork 810s onto rails. He is also a really down to earth and humble guy to talk with. 

What do you like to do on your time off? My favourite way to spend a day off training would have to be to explore wherever I am, I love going to the local village or town wherever the mountain is located and experiencing some of their culture. If the weather permits my #1 choice of what to do would be going golfing. 

How do you want to inspire the new generation of athletes? I want to play the role of pushing them to step out of the comfort zone and try that trick that they may be scared to do or maybe the trick they’ve been dreaming about landing. Another thing that I see a lot in the park and even when I first got into the sport is many athletes are intimidated by the athletes doing bigger tricks, and I just want to say never be intimidated by others, people in the park are often very chill people who would love to show the younger generation a trick or give some advice so I recommend going up and talking to older athletes for inspiration, it will also help you step out of your comfort zone. Anyway, just go out there and ski however you like, just by yourself and most importantly have fun! 

Team: Contender

How long have you been skiing? I have been skiing since I was three years old!

What drew you to this sport in the first place, and what keeps you coming back for more? My mom got me skiing at a young age, and I have been hooked ever since. Skiing is the most fun thing in my life, and I always find it fun whether Im skiing at a huge mountain or hiking a little rail! 

What’s one skill you want to master before the end of the year? I want to get my forward and switch unatural corks really good, as they would be very beneficial for my competition runs.

 What’s your most memorable moment in your ski journey so far? Probably going to Mt. Hood, I hit the biggest jump of my life there, and the freestyle community is very strong there!

What’s one goal you hope to achieve by the end of this season? I want to just be overall more comfortable doing my best tricks on bigger features.

If you could have dinner with any athlete, past or present, who would it be and why? I would eat dinner with Tom Wallisch because he is the pretzel king and a big inspiration of mine.

If you could live in any mountain town in the world to train, where would it be? I would want to live in Innsbruck, it is right in the alps
and its a very nice city.

 What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a coach or teammate? I have a bad habit of being hunched over on rails, but someone told me to stand tall and it makes it so much easier to balance!

 Who’s your biggest inspiration, both in and out of sports? My biggest inspiration in sports is Henrik Harlaut, he is a legend! My parents are definitley my biggest inspiration outside of sports.

What song do you have on repeat when you’re training? I will sometimes listen to songs from my favourite ski edits, and then I just pretend that Im in the edit!

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from training? I enjoy practicing guitar and playing minecraft with my
friends.

I want to be a positive role model for the younger kids getting into it, and help inspire them to reach there goals and fully realize how fun and rewarding this sport is!

Team: Contenders

How long have you been skiing? 9 years

What drew you to this sport in the first place, and what keeps you coming back for more?  My dad got me into it and I keep going back because it is really fun.

What’s one skill you want to master before the end of the year? Bringing my Cork to snow

What’s your most memorable moment in your ski journey so far? First backflip on snow.

What’s one goal you hope to achieve by the end of this season? My goal is to make it to junior nationals.

If you could have dinner with any athlete, past or present, who would it be and why?  Henrik Harlaut because he is my favorite skier and is really good.

If you could live in any mountain town in the world to train, where would it be? Klausberg because it is in Italy and I want to go to Italy.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a coach or teammate? Just commit to it and not get scared.

Who’s your biggest inspiration, both in and out of sports? Friends  

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from training? Go karting