Daily discipline is the foundation of his confidence. Étienne Mazellier knows exactly what he needs to do each day to keep moving forward. The path to the Milan–Cortina Olympic Games is short, but he is determined to put in the necessary work to get there. Qualify. Perform. Position himself. Three essential ingredients on which he is fully focused.
Where does his drive to perform in alpine skiing come from? How did this passion evolve into a pursuit of a career at the highest level? What obstacles have shaped his journey so far? NOPé met with Étienne at a pivotal moment, just as he was preparing to leave Quebec for Beaver Creek, Colorado, to begin his 2026 Nor-Am season.
Étienne’s athletic journey
“When I was four years old, my parents decided to move to Stoneham. Both of my parents skied, my father especially, who grew up in the Alps. They enrolled me in ski school, and after two weeks, my instructor told them I was going way too fast for the group,” he recalls with a laugh.
In February of that same season, Étienne joined the ski club and quickly began competing. He then progressed through every stage of the Quebec ski development pathway, moving on to the regional team, the elite team, and eventually the Quebec Team.
As he reflects on those early years, one defining moment stands out. “When I was 14, I could have gone to the Quebec Games, but I broke my leg in November. I didn’t ski that entire year, and watching my friends compete and perform at the Games really sparked my competitive drive.”
His entry onto the international ski circuit
From 2023 to 2025, Étienne competed in U.S. collegiate skiing (NCAA) at the University of Colorado. Despite limited support structures, he delivered some of the strongest performances of his career in a circuit known for its high level of competition.
In slalom and giant slalom, Étienne has established himself among Canada’s top technical specialists. His FIS victories and podium finishes across Canada and the United States mark his progression, alongside a standout international achievement: a gold medal in the team parallel event at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Panorama, British Columbia. Over the past several seasons, he has continued to develop on the Nor-Am circuit, where he consistently posts solid results.
His transition to a private team
After being denied a spot on the national team, Étienne chose to chart his own path and adopt an independent model. In 2025, he joined Simon Fournier and coach Jonathan Blanchard as part of Team Ski Boréal.
“Last season was really difficult in terms of training structure with the universities. There was a lack of both training volume and training quality,” he explains.
In a context where technical specialists receive limited support in Canada, Étienne felt the need to return to a stable environment focused on training quality. Confident in his potential for growth, he chose to act rather than wait.
“I told myself: Ok, I have to go for it and make it happen. We have a coach who believes in us. Yes, funding will be a challenge, but we’ll get there.”
This transition has also led him to take ownership of key aspects of his career, from partner outreach to the day-to-day management of his athletic project.
His focus for 2026 : Nor-Am circuit
Finishing first or second in each discipline on the Nor-Am circuit would grant him access to all World Cup events. That is where the core of his efforts lies this season.
“My focus is really on the Nor-Am circuit.”
To qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games, he must secure a top-30 finish in World Cup competition. An objective he keeps in mind while remaining firmly grounded in the present moment.
Five facts about Étienne
- His role model comes from outside of skiing. He draws inspiration from mixed martial arts legend Georges St-Pierre, particularly for his mental strength, discipline, and ability to maintain perspective on performance.
- He follows a strict routine to eliminate doubt. His disciplined lifestyle is intentional: no alcohol, early nights, reading in the evening. For him, consistency is as much a performance tool as physical training.
- He is comfortable in the role of athlete-entrepreneur. Fundraising and partner engagement are now part of his daily life. Challenges he views as motivating rather than limiting.
- He often performs stronger in second runs. Known for delivering under pressure, he is working this season on attacking earlier in first runs.
- He remains deeply connected to his home club. Despite his international career, Étienne remains affiliated with the Stoneham ski club, maintaining a strong link to his roots.
The statements in this article were collected by Isabelle Simard.
