Canada’s national snowboard team is lock in for the 2025–26 season, and it features familiar faces with Olympic pedigree and global acclaim. Among them are two of the sport’s most accomplished athletes: Mark McMorris, the slopestyle and big air phenom from Regina, Saskatchewan, and Laurie Blouin, the versatile freestyle snowboarder from Quebec who continues to lead the women’s program. Both were officially named to the national team this week by Canada Snowboard, reaffirming their roles as icons of Canadian snowboarding and key contenders heading into the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
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The announcement underscores Canada’s commitment to excellence across all snowboarding disciplines—slopestyle, big air, halfpipe, snowboard cross, and alpine snowboard. With a blend of experienced champions and rising stars, the national team reflects the depth and ambition of a country that consistently ranks among the world’s elite in Winter Olympic snowboarding.
Veterans McMorris and Blouin Poised to Lead Canada’s Charge Toward Winter Olympic Snowboarding Glory
At 30 years old, Mark McMorris remains one of the most decorated snowboarders in history. With three Olympic bronze medals (two in slopestyle and one in big air), 21 X Games medals, and countless podiums on the World Cup and Dew Tour circuits, McMorris has nothing left to prove—yet continues to push boundaries. His inclusion on the national team isn’t just ceremonial; it’s strategic.
McMorris is still a contender for the podium at every event he enters. His riding remains stylish and technically sharp, and his resilience—particularly following multiple career-threatening injuries—is legendary in Winter Olympic snowboarding circles. With the Winter Olympic 2026 on the horizon, he’s made it clear he intends to compete for gold in what could be his final Games. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Chloe Kim Returns to Olympic Snowboarding
Laurie Blouin, meanwhile, is entering her prime with Olympic experience already under her belt. The silver medalist in slopestyle at PyeongChang 2018 has shown consistent form since, earning multiple World Cup medals and asserting herself as one of the top all-around riders in women’s freestyle Winter Olympic snowboarding. Her technical riding, especially in big air, is a major asset to Team Canada’s medal hopes in 2026.
Rising Stars Add Depth and Energy
While McMorris and Blouin headline the roster, Canada Snowboard also announced the return of young phenoms like Jasmine Baird, Liam Brearley, and Éliot Grondin—each bringing a unique style and competitive edge to the team.
Jasmine Baird, fresh off a breakout season on the FIS World Cup circuit, has solidified herself as a podium threat in both big air and slopestyle. Her amplitude and fearless trick selection have earned her recognition across the international snowboarding community.
Liam Brearley, a silver medalist at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, continues to evolve into one of Canada’s most exciting male riders. He brings depth to the men’s slopestyle and big air team, helping to support McMorris and carry the torch forward. In snowboard cross, Éliot Grondin remains one of Canada’s brightest stars. At only 23, he already owns a silver and bronze from Beijing 2022 and has proven his consistency on challenging courses. Grondin’s explosiveness out of the gate and race instincts make him a perennial favorite.
A Strong Legacy in Winter Olympic Snowboarding
Canada’s history in Winter Olympic snowboarding is rich and decorated. From Ross Rebagliati’s Olympic gold in Nagano 1998 to Maëlle Ricker and Jasey-Jay Anderson’s championship runs, Canadian snowboarders have been pioneers on the world stage. Today’s national team carries that legacy with pride.
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Snowboarding in Canada is also deeply root in community culture. Many of these athletes got their start at small hills and local contests before earning national recognition. Programs like Riders on Board, NextGen camps, and provincial high-performance initiatives have been critical to developing Canada’s top talent. These efforts support both today’s stars and the next generation of prospects. By strengthening the link between grassroots development and elite competition, Canada Snowboard builds a sustainable path to success. This approach benefits not only Milano Cortina 2026 but also the Olympic cycles that follow.
Canadian Snowboarders Gear Up for Olympic Qualification Ahead of Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
With just over six months until the Winter Olympic 2026, the newly named national team now turns its attention toward qualification and preparation. The path to Milano-Cortina will include key events like the FIS World Cup, X Games, Dew Tour, and World Snowboard Championships. Strong performances at these events will influence Olympic selection and seeding.
Canada is expected to field full teams across freestyle, alpine, and snowboard cross disciplines. In freestyle, both McMorris and Blouin will lead qualification efforts in slopestyle and big air. In halfpipe, Canada continues to invest in a growing pool of talent, including Derek Livingston and Elizabeth Hosking, who are pushing to break into Olympic finals contention.
Snowboard cross and alpine snowboard, while less spotlighted, remain medal-capable. Grondin and Meryeta O’Dine, both Beijing 2022 medalists, are hungry for more. On the alpine side, Arnaud Gaudet and Kaylie Buck aim to qualify and carry Canadian hopes through challenging technical courses.
Coaching and Support Staff Key to Success
Behind every successful Winter Olympic snowboarding program is a world-class team of coaches, trainers, and support staff. Canada Snowboard has strengthened its coaching structure in recent years, bringing on discipline-specific experts with competitive and coaching experience at the highest levels.
Chris Witwicki, head coach of the freestyle program, has worked closely with McMorris and Brearley to maintain Canada’s edge in slopestyle and big air. Meanwhile, Elliott Catton and Mario Deschenes continue to develop the snowboard cross and alpine programs respectively, focusing on athlete health, mental performance, and race-day readiness.
Nutritionists, physiotherapists, and sport psychologists have also become integral parts of Canada Snowboard’s high-performance team, ensuring that athletes are prepared in every aspect—from the physical to the emotional—for the demands of the Olympic season.
Fan Support and Strategic Investment Fuel Canada’s Winter Olympic Snowboarding Momentum
The announcement of the national team has energized snowboarding fans across Canada. McMorris and Blouin, in particular, remain household names and are frequently spotlighted in Olympic promotional content. Their presence on the team boosts not only the medal hopes but also the public’s excitement and engagement with the sport.
Snowboarding remains one of the most-watched and socially popular events at the Winter Olympic. With Canada sending a roster packed with stars, the stage is set for major viewership milestones come 2026.
Support from sponsors and government agencies such as Own the Podium and Sport Canada continues to ensure that athletes have the resources they need to compete at their best. These partnerships have proven critical in keeping Canada at the forefront of international Winter Olympic snowboarding.
Canada’s Winter Olympic Snowboarding Legacy Poised for a New Chapter
Canada’s 2025–26 national snowboard team, led by Mark McMorris and Laurie Blouin, is a blend of grit, experience, and youthful firepower. The team embodies the passion and excellence that has become synonymous with Canadian Winter Olympic snowboarding.
With Olympic qualifications approaching, training camps ramping up, and the world watching, the next chapter in Canada’s Winter Olympic snowboarding legacy is just beginning. Whether it’s one last Olympic run for McMorris or a breakout moment for the next generation, fans can expect unforgettable performances from a nation that knows how to fly.
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