A Tour of Whistler's XL Terrain Park

Mark Draper

Mark Draper (born 1998) is a Canadian freestyle skier known for competing in slopestyle, big air, and park & pipe events. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Draper has built a well-rounded career that combines competition, coaching, social media presence, and brand ambassadorship. He represents a generation of freestyle skiers who are shaping the sport both on and off the slopes. Early Life and Background Draper grew up skiing in Ontario, where his passion for freestyle skiing developed at a young age. Rather than focusing on alpine racing, he gravitated toward terrain parks, jumps, and rails. This early interest led him to participate in regional and national competitions, gradually earning a reputation for his technical style and creativity. His early experiences in local ski clubs and training programs helped him build a solid foundation for his career. Competitive Career Mark Draper has competed primarily on the Nor-Am Cup circuit, which serves as the North American development level just below the FIS World Cup. He has earned several top-10 finishes in slopestyle events, showing consistency and competitiveness against some of the best up-and-coming freestyle skiers. His 2019 performance at Le Relais, Quebec, where he finished in the top ranks of the slopestyle event, highlighted his ability to compete at a high level. While Draper has not yet reached the podium in World Cup events, his participation in Nor-Am competitions demonstrates his drive to progress in the sport. These competitions are often a proving ground for skiers seeking to qualify for elite events such as the X Games, World Cups, and ultimately the Winter Olympics. Coaching and Mentorship In addition to his competitive career, Draper is known for his work as a coach at ski camps in Whistler, British Columbia. His coaching focuses on helping young athletes improve their park skills, progress safely, and gain confidence on skis. This mentoring role allows him to give back to the skiing community and inspire the next generation of freestyle skiers. Brand Ambassadorship and Media Presence Draper also collaborates with ski equipment brands and local mountain communities as an ambassador. He regularly appears in promotional content, product launches, and community events, helping to promote skiing culture and gear. His social media platforms showcase his skiing edits, training sessions, and behind-the-scenes moments, engaging with fans and keeping freestyle culture alive and visible. Skiing Style and Strengths Mark Draper is recognized for his technical precision, clean rail tricks, and ability to adapt to various terrain park setups. His skiing style is smooth and controlled, making him a consistent competitor. His versatility allows him to transition between slopestyle features, jumps, and creative park lines with ease. This ability is particularly valuable in competitions, where adaptability can make the difference between qualifying runs and podium finishes. Current Status and Future Potential As of recent seasons, Draper has appeared less frequently in official competition standings, which may indicate a shift toward coaching, content creation, and ambassador work. However, at his age, there is still potential for a return to higher-level competition. If he chooses to refocus on competition, Draper has the experience and skill set to push toward World Cup events and possibly break through internationally. Mark Draper is a respected figure in the freestyle skiing world who embodies the modern skier’s balance of competition, community involvement, and media presence. His story highlights the importance of both results and cultural contribution to the sport. Whether he continues competing at a high level or focuses on coaching and influencing the next generation, Draper remains a valuable part of the North American freestyle skiing scene.