Featured image ski photo: @canuckone & CAST profile photo Alpine Canada

Early Beginnings and Commitment

Erik Read’s journey in alpine skiing began long before his standout performances on the World Cup circuit. His deep-rooted passion for the sport, coupled with his commitment and perseverance, has driven him through the ranks of Alpine Canada Alpin. Since 2017, Erik has been a key World Cup player in both giant slalom (GS) and slalom (SL) events, proudly representing his country with determination. His career also includes a 2023 World Championship Bronze medal in the Mixed Team Parallel in Méribel, France.

Read’s affiliation with the Canadian Alpine Ski Team (CAST) goes back to 2015, the year he first started scoring World Cup points. Over the past decade, he has been a consistent performer, earning points for Canada every season. His dedication and skill has brought him personal success and elevated Canadian alpine skiing on the international stage.

Career Highs: A Peak Season

Notably, Read used his experience in the NCAA as a stepping stone to launch his international career. In 2016, he won the slalom and team championship at the NCAA nationals and the Nor-Am title. These achievements fueled his momentum, leading to a highly successful season in 2017. He informs Ski Racing Media that NCAA skiing played a crucial role in building his skills and confidence, paving the way for his future successes on the world stage.

The 2021/22 season stands out as the height of Read’s career. During that season, he accumulated an impressive total of 249 points: 84 in slalom, 129 in giant slalom, and 36 in parallel events. This achievement was a testament to his hard work and strategic approach to training and competition. Despite never qualifying for the World Cup slalom finals, Erik has finished among the top 30 in slalom during three seasons. More impressively, he has ranked within the top 30 in giant slalom during seven seasons, including four consecutive seasons among the GS top 25. His best season-ending ranking in GS was 16th during the 2021/22 season, a high point in his decade-long career. During that same season, Read was able to finish 13th in the GS at the 2022 Beijing Olympics

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Facing Adversity: A Challenging Season

However, last season presented unforeseen challenges for Read. He concluded the season ranked 44th in slalom and 35th in GS on the World Cup Start List. To make matters more difficult, only one other Canadian male skier scored World Cup GS points during the season. The results and financial constraints forced Alpine Canada Alpin to make the tough decision to cease funding the World Cup Men’s tech SL/GS team, leaving Read without a national program to support him.

A New Beginning with World Racing Academy

Undeterred by these setbacks, Read found a new home with the World Racing Academy (WRA), led by Italian Coach Martin Fahrner. WRA has become a sanctuary for independent World Cup racers, offering the support and resources needed to compete at the highest level. Erik joined a program where he was not alone in his struggle; Simon Fournier, a fellow Canadian skier and University of Denver graduate, also found refuge at WRA. Fournier, 27, brings his own World Cup start spots earned through a stellar 2023/24 NorAm season.

Martin Fahrner, head coach of WRA, is excited about Erik Read joining the team. “Erik’s strong work ethic, proven success, and positive attitude make him a perfect fit for our program,” Fahrner says. “His transition from the NCAA to the international stage shows his ability to compete at the highest levels. We are confident that Erik’s experience and dedication will inspire and elevate the entire team.” Fahrner looks forward to seeing Erik’s impact on WRA and expects him to be a valuable asset to their continued success.

Concerns for the Future of Canadian Skiing

Read’s move to WRA has not been without concerns for the future of Canadian ski racing. He is particularly worried about the younger athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Reflecting on the 2018 US Ski Team’s decision to end their men’s World Cup Slalom program, which led to years of struggle to regain footing, Erik fears a similar fate for Canada. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and nurturing upcoming talent to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sport. Read is also aware of the broader implications, emphasizing the need for a global presence in the sport to prevent it from becoming too Euro-centric.

Determination to Continue

Despite the uncertainty and challenges, Read’s determination to continue his pursuit of alpine skiing remains unshaken. After a period of introspection following the previous season, he realized that his passion for the sport has never been stronger. “I realized it was what I wanted to do the most,” Erik shared. This realization has driven him to embrace the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

The Thrill of the Sport

Read’s love for alpine skiing goes beyond the thrill of competition. He cherishes the relationships he has built over the years and the joy he finds in the sport. “At the core of it, it’s fun. I still get that rush when I rip a few turns,” Read said while highlighting the excitement and unpredictability of skiing. The ever-changing conditions, the stunning landscapes, and the camaraderie with fellow athletes are what make the sport truly special for him.

Adapting to New Challenges

Joining WRA has given Read a fresh perspective and renewed motivation. He values the flexibility and control he now has over his training and competition schedule. This autonomy allows him to tailor his preparation to maximize his performance. Read also plans to selectively compete in limited NorAm and European Cup races and adapt his equipment to perform better in rougher conditions. Additionally, Read aims to take advantage of the Australia/New Zealand Cups this summer, seeking to improve his world ranking. This strategic approach is crucial as he aims to overcome the challenges posed by starting later in World Cup races due to his current rankings.

Financial Hurdles

One of the most significant challenges Read faces as an independent racer is financing his season. Unlike when he was part of a national program, he now has to cover all his expenses, including coaching fees and travel costs. Read is actively seeking sponsorships and considering crowdfunding to support his career. He acknowledges the importance of every dollar and is grateful for the continued encouragement and support from his network of sponsors and fans.

Words of Wisdom

Reflecting on his career, Read offers valuable advice to young ski racers and their families: “Enjoy the moment and make the most out of every opportunity. Find a team you enjoy being with, and focus on what you want to achieve without letting it detract from the fun.” He emphasizes the importance of balancing ski racing with education and other pursuits, highlighting the opportunities that come with a well-rounded approach to the sport and life.

The Evolution of Competitiveness

Over his ten-year career, Read has witnessed significant changes in the competitiveness of World Cup skiing. “It has become more competitive. The margins are much tighter,” Erik noted. He pointed out that advancements in equipment have leveled the playing field, making it essential for athletes to bring unique strengths to the table, whether it be technical skills, mental toughness, or physical fitness.

Conclusion

Erik Read’s journey in alpine ski racing is a testament to his perseverance, passion, and adaptability. As he navigates the challenges of being an independent racer, his story serves as an inspiration to both current and future athletes. Read’s commitment to the sport and his unwavering determination ensure that his legacy will be remembered for years to come. His journey is not just about personal achievements but also about the broader impact on the future of Canadian ski racing.