Featured Image: GEPA
Kendra Giesbrecht’s first World Cup start wasn’t just a milestone—it was the fulfillment of years of work, setbacks, and unwavering belief in the long-term process. Making her debut in the GS races at Mont-Tremblant, and doing so in front of Canadian fans, made the moment even more meaningful.
“This being my first World Cup start means so much to me,” Giesbrecht said. “It’s the result of years of work, setbacks, and trusting the process. I’m really proud to be here at ‘home’ in front of all the Canadian fans.”
From St. Albert to the World Stage
Giesbrecht’s journey to the World Cup began far from the bright lights of the tour. Born and raised in St. Albert, Alberta, she first clicked into skis at Snow Valley Ski Club, where her love for the sport took root. She later transitioned to racing FIS with the Banff Alpine Racing program, steadily climbing the ranks and sharpening the technical foundation that would ultimately earn her a spot on the Canadian Development Team.
Her path hasn’t been glamorous; it’s been gritty, steady, and built on trusting herself, her coaches, and the work.
A Turning Point: Development Over Results
The biggest shift in her progress came when she stopped chasing results and fully committed to her development “The turning point was learning to commit fully to my development instead of chasing results,” she said. “When I trusted the long-term process, everything started to click.”
Breakthrough in Europe
A defining chapter came during her first extended racing stint in Europe, where she learned she could compete at a higher level. “That trip was huge for me,” she recalls. “I proved to myself I could hold my own, I won a race, and I earned my best score at the time.”
That success reinforced her belief that she belonged among the world’s best.
Strengths, Style, and Ski IQ
Giesbrecht attributes her rise to her strong learning instincts and her understanding of the sport. “I’m proud of being a quick learner and having a high skier IQ,” she said. “I’m not exactly where I want to be yet, but I understand the steps to get there and why they work. That gives me confidence.”
She describes her skiing as “aggressive, loose, and sometimes hectic”—a description she laughs her coaches would probably agree with.
Racing Nerves & Non-Negotiable Rituals
On race day, Giesbrecht dials in by focusing on the elements she can control. “My routine, my plan, my preparation—that’s what I lock into,” she said.
And she stays loyal to her race rituals: a dynamic warm-up and her superstition of eating mini eggs before every race.
Empowered by an All-Female Staff
One of the most impactful pieces of her journey has been the support of her all-female coaching and support staff, including Marie-Ève Boulianne, Leslie Firstbrook, and ski technician Katja Kač. “It’s been really empowering,” she said. “We have a tight-knit team and they always make me feel fully supported.”
She remembers a difficult stretch of low confidence and low results, and she also remembers who pulled her through it. “They continued to believe in me,” she said. “They reminded me to trust myself and showed they had full confidence in me. That support changed my season.”
More Competitive Than Fans Might Think
While Giesbrecht thrives on the energy and precision of ski racing, she jokes that her competitive streak shows up strongest in unexpected places.
“Fans might be surprised to know I’m more competitive in card games than I am on the hill,” she laughed.
A Debut That’s Only the Beginning
Debuting on the World Cup stage at Tremblant, surrounded by Canadian supporters and racing on familiar snow, marked a powerful beginning to Giesbrecht’s next chapter. From Snow Valley to Banff Alpine to the Canadian Development Team, her path has been shaped by persistence, belief, and the people who have backed her every step of the way.
Canadian rookie Kendra Giesbrecht made her World Cup debut, marking a gritty and promising start to her journey on the world stage. Watch for her in the first Nor‑Am series in Copper Mountain and throughout the rest of the season.
About the Author: Katie Twible
