From the slopes of Blue Mountain and Beaver Valley, local teen Desmond Solursh has earned a spot on the Ontario Freestyle Ski team. Skiing began at two years old for Solursh when his family would hit the slopes at Blue Mountain. These early trips cultivated a love of the sport for him, but it was at nine years old when his passion for freestyle skiing was ignited.
Freestyle skiing was seen on the slopes of Austria, Norway, and Italy in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it took off in North America. In its early years, it was known as ‘hot-dogging’, and was officially recognized by the International Ski Federation in 1979. It made its first appearance in the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games and cemented a permanent spot at the games in the decades since. Olympian and Canadian Freestyle Ski team member Evan McEachran has been an inspiration and icon for Solursh as he trains and chases his goals.
While making the rounds of the provincial circuit, Solursh has come away first in four competitions and second in two. When asked if he aspired to the Olympics, he responded it is still a long way off, and he prefers to face off what’s closer at the moment. Heading out to the Canada Cup is a big step and he hopes to be competing in the North America-wide competitions soon.
Of course, living in this part of the world, snow sports have to take a break in the summer months, but Solursh keeps active even in the off season. He can be found out on the golf course, working out, and even out for the occasional run. But there are still training camps available to serious skiers during the summer months, such as in Oregon on a glacier and in Quebec where they are equipped with a giant air bag for trainees to land on when the snow isn’t around.
Heading into the upcoming season, Solursh is focused on consistency, not pushing too far but also not being too reserved, making a plan, and executing it. When dealing with nerves he takes away focus on what everyone else is doing, instead only thinking about what he can do, and doing his best. Solursh participates in Big Air, where he often preforms a double cork-1080 (three spins and two flips!) and Slopestyle, which consists of three jumps and three rails for performing tricks. When he is barrelling down the mountain, having reliable equipment is a must. Skis have been known to break during competitions, but Solursh said his durable, Head skis have never failed him. He has been using them for four years now, using two pairs a season, and is sponsored by Head Skis as well as Squire Johns.
Solursh will be heading off to the Yukon in December to compete in the Canada Cup series, representing Ontario. If you see him around town or at Blue Mountain, don’t forget to give him a cheer as he prepares for this exciting journey.
