Ski school’s cool

The Leseur brothers are busy shattering warm-weather Bermudian stereotypes by excelling as competitive freestyle skiers.

Now living in Vail, Colorado, Christopher, 16, Matthew, 14, and John, 11 moved from the island in 1998 with their parents and immediately enrolled in ski school. 

Having enjoyed success  in the freestyle moguls discipline, Christopher and Matthew have set their sights on competing in the North American (NorAm) Cup circuit this season and eventually qualifying for skiing’s World Cup.

Christopher told the Bermuda Sun: “Basically, we ski bumps. Our course includes two jumps in which we perform aerial manoeuvres. We are scored on time, degree of difficulty in our aerials and turn points in the moguls. Some gymnastics is always helpful for training back flips. 

“We train on trampolines and at water ramps where we gear up in a swim suit and skis and go down a ramp, performing our aerials, and landing in a lake.”

The boys are eager to represent Bermuda in competitions around the world. Matthew said: “We would like to be the best we can be and feel we grow a lot every year.”

John added: “My goal is to improve every season and, like my brothers, eventually ski the NorAm Cup for Bermuda.”

The boys follow a rigorous training schedule.

From November through to April, the boys train on snow Tuesday to Friday from 8am until noon before lunch and then classes.

From 5pm until 6pm they have dry land training for strength and conditioning, while Mondays are reserved for school all day. 

Then on the weekends, they will either train or, during the competition season, compete. 

Exhausted? Well, summer’s not exactly down time either. 

Dad Adam said: “Once the schedule changes on April 1 for the remainder of the school year, each afternoon is dry land training and conditioning. 

“Summer camps such as the Mount Bachelor on snow camps are held as well as water ramp camps in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This is the time that the boys perfect and improve their aerial manoeuvres.” He added: “It is a very dedicated and committed programme that requires the whole family’s commitment.”

Despite the long training hours, the decision remains with the boys. 

Adam added: “Judi and I don’t force the boys. They must choose their path and remain committed to their vision. They also need to have fun. When this is no longer fun, then they shouldn’t do it. 

“As long as they choose to do it and like doing it, their mother and father will be there to support them and help them achieve their goals.

“The NorAm Cup is the clearing house for the World Cup. We are at the NorAm level and will remain focused on success in the NorAms. 

“It will take them from Colorado to Canada to New England next winter. We hope they avoid injury and enjoy meeting many amazing athletes and people along the way.”