AST Athlete Journal: Deavyn Parchewsky

Hello Ski family!

Deavyn here, checking in with my final athlete journal of the 2025–2026 season and my last one as a member of the Alberta Ski Team.

It’s a bittersweet moment, but I’m incredibly excited to announce that next year I’ll be joining the Plymouth State University Ski Team! I’m beyond thrilled to compete at the NCAA level and to begin a new chapter both academically and athletically. I’ll be studying business while continuing to chase my ski racing goals, a dream I’ve been working toward for years.

As this chapter comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on how much this season has meant to me. Like any season, it had its ups and downs, but it was filled with unforgettable memories, major growth, and so much fun with teammates.

Here’s a little recap of some of my favourite highlights from this season. We kicked things off with an amazing pre-season training camp in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, where we focused heavily on fundamentals and technique. Saas-Fee is always a blast not just for skiing, but for all the off-snow activities too. We spent the afternoons hiking, sightseeing, and playing endless games of beach volleyball and spikeball. After Saas-Fee, we headed south to Chile for our second pre-season camp, which was another big highlight. The training was really exceptional as we trained on lots of different terrain, surfaces and disciplines. On one of our off days, we went exploring and discovered some incredible waterfalls. It was such an awesome way to experience more of the local culture and scenery.

After returning home, we got back to work at our home hills, Nakiska and Panorama, dialing things in before the race season began. Our first NorAm was at Panorama, which was the perfect start as they always host amazing races and we’re super familiar with the hill, so it felt like the ideal way to start the race season.

Following Christmas, we had an incredible opportunity to train downhill and super-G on the Kimberley speed track. We were working with the BC and Ontario Ski Teams, and managed to get in 6–8 downhill runs per day. That’s some of the best speed training you can get in Canada. It was one of the biggest highlights of my season, and I made major progress in speed. Plus, it was a ton of fun learning and pushing myself alongside some great athletes.

Soon after, we headed to the Lake Louise and Norquay NorAms, which were extra special since they’re right in our backyard. Being able to compete at home is always exciting.

One of the most fun events of the year was definitely the Bozo Cup. It’s always a team favorite with the head-to-head racing in costumes just brings out a whole different energy and spirit. So much laughter, competition, and passion. 

Our final race series took place in Sun Peaks, and it was full of emotion. Some of our teammates and peers were racing for the last time, which made it a truly meaningful and celebratory way to wrap up the ski season. The weather was beautiful, the surface was great, and it was the perfect way to end the season. 

After Sun Peaks, I was lucky enough to take a trip to Europe, without ski gear this time! It was such a cool experience to explore Europe just for fun and see places we don’t normally visit when we’re there for training. I visited France, Italy, Greece, and Monaco, soaking up the sun, food, and culture. It was a refreshing change of pace after a long ski season. 

Now that the ski season is officially over, it’s time to switch gears. Like many athletes, I’m diving into summer training with gym sessions, biking, hiking, swimming, and getting ready for the next ski season. I’ll also be working at Brewster Golf Course this summer, and I’m especially excited to get back on my road bike and do some Gran Fondos with my mom!

This season, and the years leading up to it, have shaped me in so many ways as an athlete, a teammate, and a person. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, my coaches, teammates, family, and the ski community that’s felt like home.

This could not have been possible without the help from our sponsors of the Alberta Ski Team; GMC Dealers of Alberta, Karbon Sports, Genstar Canada, Mountain Fire Foods, and Gear Up Mountain Sports. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. See you later ski family! 

— Deavyn