Kayla Constantini can be shy at times, according to her mom Bev. Get the 17-year-old on skis, however, and you’ll see a different side: a talented, unfettered athlete with a burning love for her favourite sport.
“Freeride skiing is my ultimate passion, and what makes it truly special is the shared experience with my friends,” said Kayla. “Every day on the mountain becomes an exhilarating adventure, filled with laughter, challenges, and the joy of navigating the slopes together.
“The freedom that freeride skiing provides is unparalleled, allowing us to rip around the mountain, hit cliffs, and carve through powder-filled bowls. It's a dynamic and ever-changing playground that keeps the adrenaline pumping. What adds to the magic is the incredible community of coaches who serve as mentors. Their guidance and expertise enhance the experience.”
Whistler Freeride Club (WFC) coaches like Derek Foose and Jen Ashton have done well to foster the next generation of top-tier Sea to Sky talent. Come January 20 to 26, Kayla will join fellow club members Drea Dimma, Kane Gascoigne, Lukas Bennett, Nate Wilson and Kieren Ferguson to represent Canada at the 2024 Freeride Junior World Championships (FJWC).
Never before has the entire Canadian roster been drawn from the ranks of Whistlerites.
‘A permanent fixture’
Kayla moved to Whistler from Vancouver at seven years of age, though she began skiing five years before that. Her older siblings, brother Cole and sister Amanda, were both high-level athletes in their own right, but she felt especially captivated by Amanda’s journey from the beginning.
“At just two years old, I snagged her ski boots and stubbornly clung to them until I could hit the bunny hill,” remembered Kayla. “Once I got my chance, it was pure joy, and those boots? Well, they became a permanent fixture—I never wanted to take them off again.”
Kayla followed Amanda through the WFC pipeline, and her first notable contest was the North American Freeride Championship in Snowbird, Utah at 11 years old. She’s continued to grow since then, and the fuel for her engine has been an unwavering dedication to excellence in all she sets her mind to.
“As a parent, witnessing her growth both as an athlete and an individual has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Bev. “Skiing has not only honed her skills but also instilled a profound sense of confidence, a quality particularly noteworthy for a young teenage girl. Her journey has been shaped by the guidance of exceptional coaches and inspiring female role models who have empowered her with the belief that she can achieve anything.”
Perhaps it is now Amanda’s turn to be inspired by her younger sister. The elder Constantini plans to join Kayla and company in Kappl, Austria to support them on the world stage.
Home away from home
It takes a village to raise a child, and also to develop an athlete. The Constantini family praises the WFC for being that village.
“The Whistler Freeride Club is my home away from home, and its tight-knit community is the heartbeat of my freeride experience,” said Kayla. “Joining this club means becoming part of a freeride family, where shared adventures and supportive connections extend beyond the slopes. It's not just about perfecting skills, but about conquering challenges and sharing in the joy of each other's successes.
“The club's training programs, guided by expert coaches, are equally essential. Every time we hit the slopes, it's like taking a step forward, challenging myself, and making sure each ride down the mountain is more fun and exciting than the last.”
Bev knows firsthand the challenges that arise in parenting a high-end skier, but she describes the experience as exhilarating and fulfilling in equal measure. Despite her own reservations, she won’t take for granted the sight of watching her kids navigate foreboding terrain with apparently fearless gusto.
“Our experience with the Whistler Freeride Club has been overwhelmingly positive. The commitment to athlete development, safety, and fostering a supportive team perfectly aligns with our family values,” Bev said. “The freeride coaches have played a crucial role in Kayla's journey, and we are grateful for the professionalism, care, and fun they bring to the program. Their support extends beyond the mountain, reflecting the exceptional individuals they are.”
WFC alum Marcus Goguen made a huge splash in January 2023 when he struck gold at the previous FJWC. Kayla and her peers are no doubt gunning for the top of the podium themselves.
