Based at Calgary’s WinSport Canada Olympic Park, WinSport Freestyle introduces athletes to freestyle skiing in one of Canada’s most iconic training environments. With strong roots in athlete development and a long connection to the National Sport School, the club focuses on building skills, confidence, and a lifelong passion for the sport.
Why and when was the club founded?
WinSport Freestyle began in the early 2000s with close ties to the National Sport School. The academy-style program allowed athletes to balance flexible school schedules with performance-focused freestyle training.
Today, the club focuses on providing an entry point where athletes can discover the sport, develop their skills, and grow. The goal is simple: help every athlete fall in love with freestyle skiing and develop a passion that stays with them for life.
What disciplines does the club focus on?
The club’s primary discipline is slopestyle, with additional dedicated training in halfpipe and mogul skiing techniques.
Who are the club’s coaches?
As one of the larger clubs in Alberta, WinSport Freestyle benefits from a deep roster of talented coaches. The team is led by Head Coach Calvin, supported by coaches Austin, Alex, Brandon, Brayden, Carter B., Carter R., Catrina, Charlie, Chip, Emily, Felix, Fergus, Forest, Marco, Rebeka, Simon, Sonna, and Tobi, along with the club’s freestyle snowboard coaching staff.
Key volunteers making an impact
A big shoutout goes to the parents and families who make the program possible—braving cold evenings, driving athletes to after-school training sessions, and supporting the team at off-site events. Their time, dedication, and commitment play a vital role in the success of the club.
What circuits do WinSport athletes compete on?
Athletes primarily compete at the club and provincial levels, gaining valuable experience while progressing through the freestyle pathway.
Where does the club train?
The club trains at WinSport Canada Olympic Park, making use of the facility’s world-class winter venues. Athletes also take advantage of the Summer Freestyle Training Centre, allowing for year-round development through trampoline, dryslope, and airbag training.
Notable alumni
WinSport Freestyle, alongside Calgary’s broader freestyle community, has helped develop athletes who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Alumni include Canadian National Halfpipe Team members Andrew Longino, Dylan Marineau, and Brendan Mackay, as well as professional freeride skier Janelle Yip, among others.
Club highlight events
One event the club is especially looking forward to this season is the WinSport Club Competition on Sunday, March 22. Each year, the club’s biggest highlight is passing the stoke of freestyle skiing on to the next generation of athletes.
Memorable moments
For many coaches and athletes, the most memorable moments are the “firsts”—the first rail slide, the first spin, or the first invert on West Line. Those breakthroughs are what keep athletes motivated and excited to progress.
Anything else people should know?
During the winter season, the club offers programs running Monday through Saturday, with flexible options for single-day or multi-day participation. Athletes can choose from full-season programs, January-start sessions, and mid-season entry options, along with Try Freestyle programs for those new to the sport.
WinSport Freestyle also runs summer training camps, including a 5-day Summer Camp focused on foundational freestyle skills with trampoline and dryslope training, and a 3-day Advanced Training Camp featuring trampoline, dryslope, and airbag progression.
For full details and registration, visit the club website.