Dufresne and Vaillancourt join Kingsbury in stepping away from Moguls

Freestyle Canada marks the close of a remarkable chapter as Gabriel Dufresne and Elliot Vaillancourt have announced their retirement from competitive skiing, following the recent decision of Mikaël Kingsbury to step away from the sport. With three long-time athletes departing after the Olympic season, Canadian moguls enters a period of transition after years of sustained success on the FIS Freestyle World Cup circuit.

Both Dufresne and Vaillancourt brought their careers to a close on home snow at the Canadian Championships in Sommet Saint-Sauveur, sharing a fitting final stage in front of a Canadian crowd.

“For me, it was always about pushing my limits and representing Canada with pride,” Dufresne shared in his announcement. “I’m grateful for every start, every teammate, and every moment along the way.”

The 29-year-old Dufresne made his World Cup debut in 2016 and went on to reach the milestone of 100 starts earlier this season in Nanto-Toyama (JPN). A consistent presence on tour, he represented Canada at two FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships in Almaty (KAZ) and Bakuriani (GEO). In his final moguls competition, Dufresne delivered a standout performance, finishing second at the Canadian Championships, just behind Kingsbury.

Vaillancourt, 26, reflected on a career built on perseverance and growth. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he said. “From my first World Cup to standing on the podium, I’ve learned so much and created memories that will stay with me forever.”

Since making his World Cup debut in 2018, Vaillancourt recorded 75 starts and two podium finishes, highlighted by results in Alpe d’Huez (FRA) and Val Saint-Côme (CAN). He also represented Canada at major events, including the World Championships in Bakuriani (GEO) and Engadin (SUI), as well as the Olympic Winter Games earlier this year in Livigno (ITA).

“As much as it’s hard to step away, I’m excited for what’s next,” Vaillancourt added. “Skiing has given me so much, and I’ll always be part of this community.”

Together with Kingsbury, their retirements signal the end of a defining era for Canadian moguls skiing—one marked by depth, consistency, and international success.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) extends its sincere thanks to Gabriel Dufresne and Elliot Vaillancourt for their dedication to the sport and wishes them both all the best in their future endeavors.