Uphill or downhill – Para alpine skier Alexis Guimond tames all courses

TORONTO – Before he went downhill (on the slopes), Alexis Guimond needed to conquer some uphill battles.

Guimond is Mr. Consistency and Mr. Versatility on the Canadian Para alpine skiing team. Over the past eight years, the 26-year-old from Gatineau, Que. has been a steady podium presence at World Cups, world championships, and the Paralympic Games.

In his Paralympic Games debut in 2018, he notched bronze in the men’s standing giant slalom and collected another bronze four years later in the super-G. At the world championships, he has won medals in giant slalom and downhill, including most recently a silver in the giant slalom at the 2025 worlds.

On the international front in 2024-25, Guimond pocketed three bronze and four silver medals. Needless to say, Guimond is heading into the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games as a multi medal contender.

“Obviously I want to win,” said Guimond about his goals at Milano Cortina 2026 at CPC’s media summit in June. “But this time it’s extra special. My family and some friends are going to be there. I just really want to put down one of the best performances of my career and showcase my skills.”

Family and friends, along with his hometown community, have been instrumental in Guimond’s development on and off the slopes over the years.

Born in Houston, Texas, he was involved in an accident at just six months old, which resulted in hemiparesis, a partial paralysis on the right side of his body. Guimond began skiing when he moved to Gatineau at age four, inspired by his older brother who was involved in local ski racing competitions.

One early memory still fuels him today.

When he first tried to join his local ski club, coaches hesitated, unsure he could keep up with the able-bodied skiers because of his disability. His father stepped in, giving the club an ultimatum: if he volunteered at races they had to give his son a fair chance.

‘’That was my first opportunity to ski race with other kids,” Alexis said. ‘’It helped them understand that people with disabilities aren’t as limited as they think. It was great to prove them wrong and prove myself right.”

There are no doubts anymore about Guimond’s talent. As the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games approach, he is ready to turn consistency into gold.