 Join us on January 26th from 7-9pm for an après networking reception followed by an interactive 4 person Q&A panel! Panelists include adaptive ski coach, Alex Elkerton; Paralympian, Mac Marcoux athletes and invisible disability advocate, Alex MacInnis. Questions will be centered around their perspectives on current practices, their personal and professional experiences, and how they keep up in the industry while managing health and wellness! RSVP bellow to enjoy a night of good conversation, drinks and door prizes!Â
 Join us on January 26th from 7-9pm for apres networking reception followed by an interactive 4 person Q&A panel! Panelists include adaptive ski coach, Alex Elkerton; Paralympian, Mac Marcoux athletes and invisible disability advocate, Alex MacInnis. Questions will be centered around their perspectives on current practices, their personal and professional experiences, and how they keep up in the industry while managing health and wellness! Enjoy a night of good conversation, drinks and door prizes!Â
In preparation for the Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy, Arc'teryx Whistler is hosting a panel discussion between local leaders in disabled backcountry skiing and snowboarding. We will be sitting down with 4 people involved with disabled skiing and snowboarding. Join us as we discuss their perspectives on trip planning, group dynamic, and special equipment. Learn how they keep motivated and momentum in the world of backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
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Where - Arc'teryx WhistlerÂ
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Paid public transport available to Whistler's Marketplace.
Paid parking and accessible parking available on Main Street and at Whistler's Marketplace.
Paid parking available all day at Day Lots 4&5.
Venue is wheelchair accessible.Â
For any further questions surrounding accessibility please contact whistler.marketing@arcteryx.com or call the store at  604 962 9272Â
 John Leslie is a 2 time Paralympic snowboarder for Canada. Like most snowboarders John explores all avenues of the sport. This includes adventuring into the backcountry of the BC coastal mountains, where he lives. What makes John's adventures unique is he does all this with an artificial leg! John prides himself on obtaining his Ast 1 and 2 along with working closely within the industry. With said experience John will be leading a discussion amosts other disabilities athletes in a panel format. Our goal is to inspire inclusion, share some laughs, and get everyone hyped for good times in the snow.
I was born and raised in Northern Ontario just outside of Sault Ste. Marie. When I was 8 years old I was diagnosed with Stargardt‘s Disease ( a juvenile form of macular degeneration) which has taken all of my central vision and left me with 6% In my peripheral.
In 2012 I became a member of the Canadian Para Alpine Ski Team and have spent the last 11 years competing on the IPC World Cup circuit along with having the greatest opportunity to represent Canada in the last 3 Paralympic Winter Games (Sochi, Pyeongchang & Beijing).
Throughout my ski racing career I have been fortunate enough to bring home 6 Paralympic medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver & 3 Bronze), 5 World Championship titles , and over 50 World Cup podiums.
Aside from my career as a ski racer, I have grown extremely passionate about pushing myself in avenues of sport that do not fall under the umbrella of ‘Paralympic’ sports. I spend the majority of my free time in the winters in the backcountry free skiing and snowmobiling and riding downhill bikes in the summer!
Originally from Newmarket, Ontario. I grew up playing competitive hockey until I sustained a traumatic brain injury at the age of 16. After years of cognitive and physical rehabilitation, I decided that I needed a change and moved to Whistler, BC. I fell in love with the mountains and the snow sports community. I began volunteering with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program in the fall of 2016 and successfully completed my CSIA, CASI, and CADS certifications. After a few years, I joined the team as a full-time instructor. During this time, I became interested in exploring the backcountry. I completed my AST 1 and bought my first splitboard. Needless to say I've been hooked ever since. Most recently, I've been extremely fortunate to have worked with companies such as Altus Mountain Guides and Blacksheep Adventure Sports which encouraged me to pursue a career in the guiding industry. I am currently employed at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and working as an apprentice tail guide.
Alex was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was 12. Since that time he has used the outdoors as a place of healing and escape. Being able to access rivers, mountains and forests has allowed him to maintain a positive attitude through the ups and downs of a seemingly unpredictable disease.Â
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In 2018, after 4 years of extremely poor health, massive weight fluctuation, and long term hospitalizations he had his entire large intestine removed, and now lives with a permanent ileostomy.Â
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Since that time he has been able to get back to participating in the sports he loves, and access the places he draws his energy from. He is an avid kiteboarder, split boarder, and more recently took up trail running, and completed his first ultra marathon in April 2022
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