The Canadian Interski Team brings together top instructors from across the country. With diverse backgrounds and shared passion, they represent top professional standards of Canadian ski instruction as they prepare for Interski Vail 2027, the world’s leading international snowsports education congress. The team will be representing Canada along with the rest of the Canadian delegation, our sisters’ associations, CASI and CANSI.
Meet more members of the CSIA Interski Team below: Dominic Éthier, Lucia Glasse-Davies, Pierre-Luc Grenier, Julie Sauvageau and Steve Young and discover their backstory. Stay tuned next month to discover other members of the Team!
DOMINIC ÉTHIER | MONT SUTTON, QC
What shaped your career in skiing?
In high school, while I was in a hybrid sport-study program, a discussion with my ski instructor profoundly impacted me. He asked me if my objective was to become a level 3 or 4 ski instructor, explaining that even if one leads to the other, the path to get there is very different depending on our goal. This still shapes the way I view skiing and my long-term development.
What has been your best ski day?
That’s a hard one! Several moments come to mind. On the emotional front, the year I completed my level 4 exam remains one of the most significant. That last exam day was a real roller coaster of emotions and accomplishment of a long path where I learned to appreciate success and manage my failures.
Who inspires you?
Jean-Marcel Dumontier played a major role in my path to levels 3 and 4. Through several ski days and long discussions, he deeply influenced me with his skiing style and his way of teaching. He especially taught me the importance to keep things simple, just as much in skiing as in teaching.
What obstacles have you faced?
The biggest challenge remains the time spent on snow. Finding balance between full-time work, family and training requires a lot of discipline and organisation. I try to get that stability by using each training opportunity to it’s fullest, even if it’s not always perfect.
LUCIA GLASSE-DAVIES | FERNIE ALPINE RESORT, BC
What shaped your career in skiing?
I was set to start university in the fall, and for the first time I truly pictured a summer and potentially a winter without skiing. That realization hit hard.
I then booked a one-way trip to Australia to line up a job as a ski instructor, and I haven’t looked back since. That moment taught me that sometimes you don’t fully understand the value of something until it’s about to be taken away.
What has been your best ski day?
There are so many great days on the mountain that, in many ways, every day feels like a best day.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to travel to Austria for the first World Women’s Summit event. While there, I spent a day skiing with coaches from the U.S., Austria, Bulgaria, Australia, Switzerland, and beyond. Having so many incredible women from our industry together in one place, skiing with a shared purpose, was genuinely special. It was one of those days that reminds you why you do what you do.
Who inspires you?
Watching Lindsey Vonn’s recent comeback at 41 years old, after six years away from racing, has been genuinely mind-blowing. It’s a powerful reminder that progression, excellence, and ambition don’t have an expiry date and that passion can outlast setbacks if you let it.
Closer to home, Heather Robertson has had a particularly lasting impact on me. Her passion for ski teaching and her drive to constantly push for better standards have really rubbed off. I still catch myself asking, “What would Heather think of this?” when I’m trying to decide if I’m on the right track.
What obstacles have you faced?
Right now, the biggest obstacle I face is time. Development takes time, and finding enough quality training days to keep pushing my skiing forward can be a real challenge. My strategy is to make the most of every opportunity I do get. Whether I’m skiing on my own or teaching guests, I try to ski and teach with intention staying curious, focused, and purposeful.
PIERRE-LUC GRENIER | STONEHAM, QC
What shaped your career in skiing?
I started skiing when I was 5. My father is an excellent skier and a role model for me. I grew up in a household where we would lean on the kitchen counter to explain alpine skiing movements. My father’s passion was palpable, and skiing meant a great deal to him. He often compared the balance you look for on skis to the balance you should strive for in life. I am where I am today largely thanks to him.
What has been your best ski day?
At the start of each season, I ask myself what it will bring me and there’s always something new. THE day where I got my level 4 or the day where I found out that I was part of the 2023 Interski team in Finland, are significant moments for me. I was also chosen to do the technical comparison run in Finland. That was a very good feeling!
Who inspires you?
My father, of course. I also have a few people that really inspire me in the sport. In women’s skiing, I really admire Lindsey Vonn for her intensity and determination, and Mikaela Shiffrin for her remarkable precision. I’m also a big fan of Bode Miller, whose values resonate with me—particularly when he speaks about how chasing money can take your focus away from what truly matters in life.
What obstacles have you faced?
I decided to make skiing a priority in my life, and it isn’t always easy to balance skiing, a relationship, family, friends and work. I made a lot of sacrifices to allow myself to make that a priority. I made choices I acknowledge, and I don’t regret anything, because for me, it made sense.
JULIE SAUVAGEAU | BROMONT, QC
What shaped your career in skiing?
The first time I skied, I started sliding backward all the way to the edge of the slope, where I eventually fell into the snow. That day, I didn’t just fall while skiing, I fell in love with skiing.
My participation at the Aspen World Synchro competition in 2019, was also the perfect finale for a training season with a great group of inspiring women!
What has been your best ski day?
All those spring ski days when bump skiing meets good company, sunshine, and warmth—made even better when it’s my birthday!
Who inspires you?
The people I teach. My students, just like the instructors I meet while training and who are looking to learn and surpass themselves. They inspire me to do the same.
What obstacles have you faced?
Overcoming my fear of speed, especially when I have to ski an expert parallel on very steep, hard-packed terrain. Even today, my ski partners, just like the Interski team, help me build the confidence I sometimes lack.
STEVE YOUNG |CRAIGLEIGHT SKI CLUB, ON
What shaped your career in skiing?
The first defining moment in skiing for me was when I was skiing with my school and many of my hockey teammates at the age of 13. I remember so many details about that day, who I was skiing with, the food I ate, how cold I felt, the instructor that I had and the brand of skis that I wore.
What has been your best ski day?
I have had so many best ski days! The special ones are when I’m spending time with my son Taiga. But I always enjoy skiing with my family!
Who inspires you?
I have been inspired by so many people over the years. Mentors like John Gillies. Most recently, I find my son to be extremely inspiring. His enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of ski racing are inspirational.
What obstacles have you faced?
Challenges that I have faced… this is an interesting question. Although I have experienced significant adversity, I believe it is an essential part of dedication. Without adversity, we miss the opportunity to truly test our commitment and resilience. For that reason, I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve encountered.