Founded in 1985, the Southern Alberta Freestyle Ski Club (SAFSC) is one of the original freestyle clubs in Canada and a cornerstone of the sport’s development in Alberta. With deep roots in the community and a long-standing commitment to athlete development, SAFSC continues to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment focused on progression, passion, and lifelong participation in skiing.
Why and when was the club founded?
SAFSC was established in 1985 as the first freestyle ski club registered as a society in Alberta, and one of the first in Canada. The dedication of its early members played a role in bringing freestyle skiing to the 1988 Calgary Olympics as a demonstration sport.
The club remains a grassroots organization focused on developing youth athletes through high-quality coaching, strong volunteer support, and a fun, safe, and challenging environment. SAFSC’s mission is to help athletes grow both on and off the snow—building skills, confidence, and a lifelong passion for skiing.
What disciplines does the club focus on?
SAFSC supports athlete development in moguls, slopestyle, and big mountain.
Who are the club’s coaches?
- Head Coach: Sydney Sikora
- Coaches: Conner Hurry, Eric Leeds, Ashton Kincaid, Emily Pickett, Finn Snively
Key volunteers making an impact
SAFSC is built on the strength of its volunteer community. Since the club’s inception, volunteers have played a critical role in its success, contributing countless hours to support athletes, programs, and events.
What circuits do SAFSC athletes compete on?
Athletes primarily compete at the club and provincial levels.
Where does the club train?
Training takes place at Sunshine Village and WinSport, offering a mix of terrain and training environments that support well-rounded athlete development.
Notable alumni
Over the years, SAFSC has helped develop athletes who have progressed to Alberta provincial teams and Canadian national teams across multiple disciplines. Notable alumni include Kyle Nissen and Warren Shouldice, both Olympic aerialists, along with national team athletes such as Dylan Marineau, Mark Hendrickson, and Evelyn Mullie, among many others.
Memorable moments
A highlight each season is the strong sense of camaraderie among athletes and families, especially during club travel events. One of the most anticipated traditions is the annual “Moustache Olympics” wrap-up at Sunshine Village, bringing the community together to celebrate the season.
Anything else people should know?
SAFSC continues to stand behind its mission of creating skiers for life, fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where athletes of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities feel welcome, respected, and inspired to grow.
