Ever see a pro athlete race in Duck-taped boots in a World Cup? That’s where I’m at.

Turning to my ski community to keep my racing possible and far less stressful! I’m an athlete on the Canadian National ski mountaineering team (third year!) and in dire need of a second pair of race boots so I can get these serviced instead of duck-taped (and generally have a back up as light gear tends to break). These cost so much and unfortunately because of how Canadian sports are funded I can’t afford a second pair. I pay for all travel costs to race World Cups & still work full time to support myself.

Getting these serviced by Sportiva requires that I send them to Europe and part ways with my training tool for a couple of months. I use these boots 6 days/week!

Despite my best efforts haven’t managed to get La Sportiva to sponsor me a pair of boots. Can’t donate? Consider sending an email to davide at davidegiardini.com saying I deserve a pair of Stratos VI boots in size 26, alternatively customercare at lasportiva.com!

Want to go further? I apply for CAN Fund every year. Shoot them an email saying I should get support as I try to train for the 2030 olympics email: athleterelations at CanadianAthletesNow.ca

Wondering what else I’m doing for this sport? Trying my best to grow it locally in Quebec by helping the FQME to become the provincial sports organization. I. 2026 I help set up the first Canada Cup in Quebec (at Orford February 21st!—come race). Every year I put up an intro workshop to ski touring thanks to Arc’teryx! I’m also super stoked on non-race focused skiing and get refilled by mountain time. Trying to push my own limits there.

Small background story:

I learned to ski in 2019 and found skimo racing shortly after. In 2023 I sprinted in my first World Championships and have been on the Canadian National Team since. In 2025 I achieved the olympic standard in the sprint but unfortunately Canada won’t be at the 2026 olympics. I’m keeping my dream of racing at the 2030 olympics in Courchevel.

Any questions? Get in touch cazvezdin at gmail.com

Ski on!!! Alex