Do I have a chance at making it big at freestyle skiing?

Question

Hey,

So let it be known now, I'm not asking this question so I can get snarky remarks back. I don't know how stupid this will sound because I don't know the answer so if you feel like saying something rude, just hit Ctrl W now.

Anyways! I am 17 (18 in January), and I just moved to Vancouver from Toronto. I began skiing about 4 years ago, have skied in Quebec numerous times, but have been mostly limited to Ontario's Blue Mountain. Despite my hometown's sad excuse for decent ski mountains, I believe I can say with some confidence that I am a skilled skier. After moving out here to BC, I am quitting my elite-level hockey ('AAA') to pursue my passion: skiing!

I am joining a 12-week program where from 8:30 to 3:30 Saturday AND Sunday at Cypress Mountain, I train for competive freestyle skiing. It begins early January and ends in March.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will be able to compete when this training ends, but as to at which level, I'm unsure. My dream is to compete in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics... I know that is not going to happen, I started too late, but is there any hope in my future of skiing in the following Winter Olympic Games? Or at least internationally?

Please assume that I am on the slopes every weekend and during each holiday I get, even outside of this development program I have eluded to.

If anybody has any tips on how to make this happen (assuming it is not laughable), feel free to leave them with your response.

Answer 1

Yo man,

I was about in the same situation in your age.

When I was younger I played soccer like many of my friends, moved then, when I was 18 to bumpskiing, with the dream to race international.

Well, all my money, all my free time get into the sport, I really worked hard for it, and when i was 23 I started in international-races around hold europe.

Sadly I lost a season after a stupid accident I had while free skiing, and then I just didnt restarted the training so serious and international races were over.

Well, it is possible for sure, but not easy at all. if u want to make it, u have to live for it, seven days a week 12 month a year, and be lucky, because if u loose a season because of an accident it could be over strait away allready because of the age.

I tell u, go for it. I mean, I didnt get that far I wanted to, but at the same time I learnt so much for live, I have so many awesome remembers from my international-race time.

And still now, about 7 years later, i profit every season. For exempel with the ski-instructor-salary, with some good jobs like prepare instructors for some tests, still good prices for skis, boots, skipass and and and....

Good luck, and enjoy it

greets from switzerland

Answer 2

this program u are doing is going to help u a lot i dont meen to burst ur bubble but its a little late considering that sammy carelson turned pro at the age of 12 but thts different if u keep trhying it may be possible

Answer 3

a lot of people have that dream, but you really have to PRACTICE and give it all you got!