What does freestyle skiing have to do with circus acrobatics? It’s not such an odd pairing if you consider that both involve flying through the air with the greatest of ease. That’s part of the reason why a group of top halfpipe athletes spent time with Cirque du Soleil performers to exchange tips for improving concentration, timing, adaptation and creative style. “Our skiers do three or four tricks during their halfpipe runs, and are skilled at adapting and thinking quickly in the air,” says George Fadel, communications manager, Canadian Freestyle Ski Association. “We thought it would be a good opportunity for our athletes to step out of the box and try something new.”
PHOTOS: PAVEL KOTOV / CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
