Gabriel Dufresne Answers Our Questionnaire

Gabriel Dufresne’s path to international competition began at his home mountain Val Saint-Côme, where he first started skiing as a toddler and later joined the local mogul club as a young athlete. Inspired early on by national team skiers training at the same venue, he progressed steadily through the Canadian development system before making his FIS World Cup debut at Val Saint-Côme in 2016. Since then, Dufresne has achieved consistently outstanding results in both moguls and dual moguls on the international circuit, including top-ten finishes at the World Cup and World Championship levels.

Career at a Glance

Current FIS Moguls ranking: 32 (latest freestyle/freeski points list)

Top World Cup Finishes

6th — Dual moguls, Megève, 2021–22

7th — Dual moguls, Livigno, 2024–25

9th — Dual moguls, Alpe d’Huez, 2021–22

Top World Championships Finish

5th — Dual moguls, Bakuriani, 2022–23

Top Canadian Championships Finishes

2nd — Dual moguls, Val Saint-Côme, 2023–24

3rd — Moguls, Val Saint-Côme, 2023–24

Top NorAm Finishes

1st — Dual moguls, Val Saint-Côme, 2018–19

To get to know the person behind the results, we invited him to answer our questionnaire.

What do you hope to experience or accomplish this season or at the next Olympics?

This season, I would like to reach the World Cup podium for the first time and fully enjoy the experience of my first Olympic Games, if I’m fortunate enough to qualify. I know anything can happen once you’re there, and a podium finish wouldn’t be out of reach. I’ve trained hard for many years to reach these goals, so experiencing that before the end of my career would truly be special. 

What song, musician, band, visual artist, poet, or other artist best represents your style on snow?

“Till I Collapse” by Eminem represents my style on snow really well: explosive, precise, and full of intensity. It also reflects the perseverance and mental strength that drive me to push my limits on every run.

What word or phrase best describes your state of mind during competition?

“One step at a time.” Focusing on one run at a time helps me stay present, lock in on every detail, and avoid thinking too far ahead during the competition.

If you could spend a day on the mountain with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be?

I would choose my grandfather, Marc, who passed away last year. He loved skiing and golf. It would be incredibly special to share one last day on the mountain with him, just enjoying the moment together. 

What’s the strangest training exercise you’ve ever done for your sport?

Definitely plyometric exercises at the gym—with my ski poles! People probably wonder what I’m doing, but it’s a great way to work on coordination and speed while staying connected to my sport.

What’s your favourite place to ski in Quebec? And in the world? Why?  

In Quebec, without hesitation, Val Saint-Côme. I made my first turns there when I was a year and a half old, and my parents still have a chalet there. That’s where it all began for me, and skiing at home between competitions is always a chance to recharge. Worldwide, I have to go with Japan. I love Japanese culture, and the Japanese are true moguls skiing fans. The atmosphere is always incredible: the crowds are enthusiastic, respectful, and full of energy during World Cup events. It’s a special place where you really feel their passion for the sport.     

What’s your most magical moment on snow?

One of my most meaningful moments was at Mont-Tremblant during a World Cup event, where I competed in my first single moguls final in front of my family and friends. After many seasons of trying to break through at home, finally putting together one of my best runs in front of them was a rewarding, emotional moment.

What quality do you appreciate most in your friends? In your ski or snowboard partners? 

What I value most is our ability to be competitive on snow while still supporting one another off it. We compete in an individual sport, but we travel and train together all year long. I have a lot of respect for my teammates because despite the rivalry, we all know how to leave it all behind at the end of the day. 

If you could be reincarnated after death, what being or object would you choose to become? Why?

I would choose something that endures through time, maybe part of nature, such as a tree or a mountain. I’ve always been curious about the future, and I would love to be able to watch the Earth evolve over the centuries.

Do you have a hidden talent that would surprise us?

I have always been really good at Call of Duty on Xbox. I play a lot less now, but as a teenager, I was seriously competitive.