Weird fact about me: I love to feel the wind on my face! - Élissa Algora

Racysuits: How long have you been coaching ski racers? 

Élissa: When I was 13 years old, I decided to start helping at my local mountain and volunteered to help some ski instructors. The day I turned 15, I passed my CSIA Level 1. At 16 years old, I passed my Coach Certification with the CSCF and my CSIA Level 2. At that point I was the youngest in Canada with both of those levels. The year after that, I was training skiers for their CSIA Level 1 and this season I started coaching them at my local mountain! 

Racysuits: What is your favorite mountain? 

Élissa: I grew up skiing at Mont-Habitant, but Mont-Tremblant will always be my favorite eastern mountain. 

Racysuits: When did you start skiing? How has it become your passion? 

Élissa: I started skiing when I was 2 years old. As a child it was an awesome family activity. Growing up, I discovered that skiing was my real passion. I am passionate about training people to become better skiers. The moment I have skis on my feet, I automatically have a smile on my face. I'm a strong believer that skiing is a source of joy, I’ve never seen anyone unhappy about skiing. I have worked hard to be where I am today and I love to see the results of my hard work. 

Racysuits: What are you plans for 2016? Do you want to share your dreams and goals? 

Élissa: I'm training to do my CSIA Level 3 and planing on going to the exams at the end of the season. My dream is to make the Canadian Interski Team one day. 

Photography by Élissa Algora. THE JUNE RACYSUIT modeled by Heïdi Duceppe.