Matthew Leseur has nothing but praise for Apex Mountain Resort.
Especially the moguls course, where he put his skills on display during the FIS NorAm competition March 4 to 5.
“It was amazing, it was perfect,” said Leseur. “It’s probably one of the best courses I’ve ever skied right now. I think this is the best course I’ve skied all season, maybe in my life.”
Leseur, born in Bermuda and living in Vail Col., loved being back in Penticton. Graduating from high school this year, Leseur has been competing on the NorAm circuit for four years, since he was in Grade 9.
MORE: Bermuda mogul skier takes flight at Apex
“It’s almost comfortable being here. Great people, great everything,” he said.
Leseur had just completed his first run that he was very happy with.
“I was a little nervous at first,” said Leseur, who got an ego boost from his two coaches. “Skied a great run.”
Leseur missed the top 16 cut, placing 28th. In dual moguls, he made the round of 32, placing 18th. Leseur was one of 59 males competing. He ranked 43rd on the circuit. Leseur said he got off to a slow start this season, especially with snow arriving late in Colorado. He competed in his first World Cup event in Deer Valley.
“It was amazing. Really getting to the point where I can feel like I’m getting close to my main goal of the 2018 Olumpics,” he said. “The World Cup is the level right below it. I just need to get a top 30 position in the cup and 80 FIS points.”
Next season he plans to compete full-time in the World Cup circuit. He has already been getting a sense of what the field is like because he said the skiers in NorAm are not far off of it in his opinion. He has felt how tight the competition is.
“Everybody wants to win it. It has been a tight tour so far,” said Leseur.