Erik Guay has lived all his life at La Conception, in the heart of the Laurentians. His brothers Kristian and Stefan were also part of the Canada national team.
Sometimes a first job can lead us to a career. Erik started mowing his neighbors’ lawns and today, along with his wife Karen and good skiing friend Julien Cousineau, they are part of a group that runs Mont-Tremblant-based Paysagistes Northland.
On his farm he has built a magnificent multi-purpose sports field that includes a tennis court with sections for basketball and pickleball and is converted into a hockey rink in the winter. However, it left plenty of room for their two dogs, their cat, their 15 chickens and their two mooses.
In conclusion, Erik can be proud of his career as he notably has two world titles and won the Super-G Crystal Globe in 2010.
Why do you thank all the Tremblantois for their support?
Without their financial support at fundraiser evenings, I would not have been able to have a career as a skier.
Her parents were skiers.
My father, Conrad, coached both the Quebec women’s team and the national team, while my mother, Ellen, was a ski instructor at Mont-Tremblant. My father was undoubtedly my best coach because he was the one who taught me the different techniques of alpine skiing.
You started skiing when you were 18 months old.
It helped that mom was a ski instructor, she taught me this wonderful sport.
What influence did your mother have on you?
My mother is a wonderful person who was always there for us. She was my confidant.
You’re pointing out to me that your father was patient.
When I was 12 I wanted to enjoy freeskiing, but he took the time to teach me and understand the importance of technique if I wanted to be successful. After his lesson he said to me: “Have fun on the ski slope”.
(Erik answers the phone before continuing our conversation.)
My excellent trainer, François Hamelin, made me “go out” on skis because we regularly left with him, not always performing conventional maneuvers.
A unique daycare center for you and your brothers.
We left early in the morning with mum who was a ski instructor in Mont-Tremblant. Our guard were the clearings, the ski slopes and the glorious white snow. Yes, skiing in freedom, that would be hard to imagine today.
Why do you understand your parents better today?
They organized many fundraisers and sacrificed their quality of life so that I could compete from the age of 14. Today I have four sporty young daughters. My parents, I appreciate them even more because I can’t help but think of the many sacrifices they made.
Your brother Kristian was your source of motivation.
At 14 I competed in regional competitions against Julien Cousineau, Quebec’s Thomas Rinfret and my brother Kristian. One day I won the victory against my brother and it was my departure for the future.
You started competing at a young age.
I started in the Laurentians when I was 12, in the Quebec regions when I was 14, in Canada when I was 16 and in Europe when I was 18, followed by World Cups and three Olympic Games appearances.
Did you practice other sports?
I rode my bike a lot and played hockey, basketball and soccer. I attended the English school in Arundel, the Académie de Sainte-Agathe, and then I took part in the module-based physical education program at the Vanier School in Laval.
Family holiday.
We only went to Florida once, because we must not forget that in winter there are ski competitions and in summer there are physical training sessions.
Did you think you would compete in World Cup competitions?
No way. However, when I was in France at 16 and was struck by the size and beauty of the mountains, I started 160th and finished 105th. I realized that if I wanted to get on the podium, I had to train even harder.
The Canadian allowed you to date your future wife.
I met Karen at a ski meet in Lake Louise, Alberta. She was next to my mum who didn’t know her to watch the descents and after the races I met her with my mum.
Would you like to tell us something about the Canadian?
I get there A few months later we are both single and I need to go back to Calgary to attend a rehabilitation program for an injury I sustained. I’m trying my luck, I’m calling her because she lived in Alberta to express my desire to meet her.
Erik, you’re going downhill faster than your story.
The Canadian met the Calgary Flames. So I offered her a challenge: If the Canadiens win, she should come to Calgary with me.
Did the Canadian win?
(A moment of hesitation from Erik to prolong the flow of things.)
Easy. Since then, my wife Karen and I have shared our lives for 13 years. I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife and four dynamic, beautiful, athletic daughters, Logann, Leni, Marlo and Maude, and my two eldest are moving towards ski racing. They play tennis, rugby, boxing, dancing and of course skiing. You know, I’ve always dreamed of being surrounded by pretty girls, but I never expected it that way.