Do I have a chance at making it big in 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

well not to be mean but i will give you the strait up answer no, i am 17 have skied everyweekend for 3 years and the locals still kill me, the good guys ski like at least 4 times a week and have been doing it since at least 14, so have fun go for it but eventually you have to realize there is always someone better at our age, for ex next year would you be able to compete with sammy carlson? he would only be one year older  

Answer 2

it is just persistance and practice. You just need to get the feel for freestyle. But only like 2% of people make it.

Answer 3

8 days a month are not gonna cut it. You need to be on the mountain DAILY! How much time did you spend on the rink to get to where you are in hockey? You know what it takes to be an athlete at that level.

Stick with the hockey. Guys your age still have a chance, even if you duke it out in the AHL for a bunch of years, you'll still get better money there than skiing. If you just moved to BC you should get a job that is gonna let you hit the slopes every day. Consider night shifts at Tim Hortons.

If you want to switch sports, go for it...but commit. Weekend clinics aren't goona get you to where you want to go. Good Luck...seriously!

Answer 4

Practice, practice, practice.  

You have to train hard and know you can achieve you goals.

Not only train on the mountain, but also do strength training so you wont get hurt as easily.  Go big and take risks, but within reason.  Good Luck.

Answer 5

well im 14 and i can 720 and do all kinds of tight stuff....

and i think ill be a pro or something someday....

so can you do any crazy sh*t??