Revelstoke native Sabrina Gauthier has been selected for the B.C. Snowboard Association’s (BCSA) B.C. Provincial Freestyle Team.
Gauthier, 18, lived in Revelstoke and started out riding back when the Powder Slug was the lift on Mount Mackenzie.
She then moved up the hill when RMR opened, crediting the advanced hill and lots of snow for her progression. “It’s a steep hill,” she noted, helping her build a “solid foundation.”
For her grade 12 year last season, Gauthier moved to Rossland in order to develop her park skills. Slopestyle involves riding down a course featuring jumps and rails. She also competed in BCSA boardercross races, before giving up the side-by-side format featured in the Olympics for the solo runs in slopestyle.
This year, Gauthier has made the move to Whistler, B.C. to be at the Canadian epicentre of snowboarding. She’s training full-time with the team and coach Adam Higgins. “I just ride everyday and sleep,” she says.
Gauthier will get her introduction to the national and international competition circuit in 2012, starting with a competition in Lake Tahoe in January.
Her goal this year is to stay on the team and qualify for national finals.
She thanks her family for their support, including her brother for pushing her riding. She also thanks Somewon Snow and Society Snow & Skate for their sponsorship assistance.