Contender Ski is a new training program aimed at developing the next generation of Canadian freeskiers. This Ontario based program is the brain child of former pro skiers Max Hill and Corey Vanular. These level 4 coaches are masters at developing the skills necessary to excel at park skiing. Horseshoe Valley Resort will be the main location for the program offering both a high-performance program and a train-to-train program for those who are learning to compete. The program will have 40 available sign-ups and be running out of two-ski resorts. Registration will open for July 25th exclusively on their website WWW.CONTENDERSKIING.COM (launching soon) and check out their instagram @contenderski for more updates along the way.
The Contender Ski Training Approach
These ski lessons are focused on slope style and big-air but also provide a comprehensive base for skiers to build their skills upon. The coaches encourage athletes to look at skiing in fun and creative way. They strongly believe that this approach to coaching young skiers is the most effective way to achieve success in all aspects of the sport, including in the competitive ski scene. Skiing is meant to be fun, The Contender program always keeps that in mind.
Who is the Contender Ski program for?
Max and Corey recommend that students have basic park skills like 360 and 540, can slide a rail and are comfortable skiing in the terrain park. They have brought first time competitors all the way to the Jr. Nationals, proving there is ability in any athletes who wish to pursue a future in competitive skiing. With registration opening on July 25th, be sure to secure your spot for Contender’s winter season ahead.
How the idea for Contender was born
Max coached at the infamous “Camp of Champions” for six years and Corey coached at “Momentum” ski camp on Whistler’s glacier during summer seasons. They were coaching alongside some of best skiers from around the world. This was how the duo was first introduced to coaching, and they have been passionately coaching rising talent ever since. Since then they have worked with the Ontario team and coached the “Escapment” team.
The coaching team consists of three people – Max Hill, Corey Vanular and Kale Skywood. All three of these gentlemen are decorated and well respected coach’s in the freeski comunity.
About the Contender Founders
Max Hill graced the cover of SKIER Magazine in 2010 while riding professionally for Line, Full Tilt, Joystick, Smith, Orage to name a few of his sponsors along the way. Max had full film parts in IF3 Award winning films like Austrian based “Legs of Steel,” Line’s “Travelling Circus” & Super Proof’s “The Recruitment” by Redbull Media House. Max’s unique style earned him signature promodel clothing with Orage, promodel ski with Line’s “T.C.” and has even launched his own successful ski glove brand “Victor Academy” developing a signature pro model for Olympic athlete, Evan McEachran.
Corey Vanular became world renowned after turning pro at the young age of 15. Corey dominated high caliber contests winning first place at The U.S. Open Slopestyle , first place at Gravity Games, third place Ruka Halfpipe World Cup Championships, Two X Games appearances, as well as invites to the legendary Candide Invitational, Jon Olsson Super Sessions. Corey film Parts in “Level 1,” Tanner Hall’s “Bigger Picture” and invites to “Parkasaurus” are proof of Corey’s competitive versatility and professionalism.
How to Register for the Contender Ski Program
Registration will open for July 25th 2023 exclusively on their website WWW.CONTENDERSKIING.COM (launching soon) and check out their instagram @contenderski for more updates along the way.
Article by Chris Dane German and Max Hill
