TORONTO - The skiing can be rough in the Toronto area. Â With unpredictable seasons, lots of ice, and smaller hills, it can be challenging to make that progress you really want to make developing your skills in the park.
Simon Chang, Alex Ching, and Adam Zig are looking to change all that. Â Co-founders of Axis Freestyle Academy, these guys are quickly seeing their dreams and vision of a new indoor training facility come to lift just outside of Toronto.
Simon got his start riding at Blue Mountain, while Alex first touched snow at Dagmar. Â This intimate knowledge of Ontario led the guys to partner up and build a facility where training could continue year-round.
"WE HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A PLACE TO TRAIN AND IMPROVE YEAR ROUND, SO NOW WE ARE GOING TO BUILD ONE TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE WHO IS AS PASSIONATE & DEDICATED AS WE ARE."
Axis Freestyle Academy (AFA) will be Canada's first all-in-one, year-round DRYSLOPE freestyle training facility for skiing and snowboarding. They aren't releasing the actual address yet, but the new facility is in the City of Vaughan (Hwy. 400/Bass Pro Mills Dr.).
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The 20,000sq.ft facility will be equipped with custom high performance trampolines, a variety of jumps and rails, foam pits, a gym and yoga studio.
They have designed the facility with all athlete levels in mind. The dry slope will have modular features which can be moved and removed to change up both the experience, as well as the difficulty level. Â They have plans for beginner nights, as well as the facilities for advanced riders training for competition.
The trampoline area features 4 competition style trampolines with walls for practicing elevation, and a foam pit for safe landing while practicing those aerial tricks.
"That "feeling" of confidence when stomping a new trick transfers into everyday life, as success in one area assists in success in all aspects of life."
The key to progression and mastering tricks lies in practice and repetition. AFA provides a year-round venue for athletes and enthusiasts to perfect their skills off the slopes while minimizing the inherent risks associated with freestyle sports.
The facility is about half complete and plans are to open by late June.
Stay tuned, we're working on developing and OUTSLOPES introduction night over the summer.
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