Alex Armstrong

Tell us about you! How did you get into sport? Where are you from? What is your story?
My name is Alex “Army” Armstrong, I'm originally from Ottawa, Ontario and grew up ski racing on the slopes of the Gatineaus at Mont Ste. Marie. My grandfather was an avid skier and helped start Mont Ste. Marie. My entire family on that side grew up ski racing and it is a huge part of our quality family time. After a fateful trip to Chile with 3 large storms, I realized I loved skiing but not necessarily ski racing. This changed my trajectory and had me moving out west shortly after high school graduation. I ski coached racing for 8 years from the age of 16 then switched to ski patrolling and coaching freeride skiing for another 4 years. In 2016, I started to get picked up by sponsors and have been skiing professionally for 5 years.

What is a fun fact about you or something not many people know about you?
I eat pineapple on my pizza, sue me :)

What has been your biggest struggle throughout your career? How have you dealt with or overcome that?
I have had 4 knee injuries, 2 of which have resulted in major ACL reconstructions, meniscus repair and IT band repositioning. This has not only imposed physical but mental challenges along my career. Doing my physio and staying strong has helped me overcome both the mental and physical aspects of injury. If I'm strong, I'm less prone to injury and it makes me feel more confident in myself and what my body can do.

Injury is a part of life, and sport - how did you deal with yours?
Of course, doing the work in the gym to get back and listening to my body is important. But outside of that, I try to stay positive and focus on other parts of my life. Having other passions and goals is important to me to feel well rounded as a human. I write for tourism and ski magazines so being able to focus on that creative side of my life was really fulfilling.

What’s your favourite pre/post sweat snack? Your must have treat?
Meat chips aka Salami!

Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Before filming a line, I always visualize myself being successful. I focus on my breathing and positive self-talk. Before I drop into a line I always tell myself to trust my body, it'll know what to do, and let out a little "grr" because it makes me feel powerful and attack.

What gets you most excited about being a part of the Stoko Ambassador program?
I'm excited about the knee support without the weight and restriction of a brace. I've chosen not to wear a traditional brace after my last surgery as it impeded my speed in recovery of my stabilizer muscles and was very uncomfortable. I'm excited to have the support of a brace and the peace of mind going forward in the Stoko tights!

Also, the team is amazing, supportive and approachable and I love working with them and being apart of the design process!

Instagram

Career Highlights!?
Blonde Highlights-Vimeo Staff Pick
Backcountry Moms-produced and skied in it
RMU North Shore 116-I designed this ski! Will be on market in 2022
Skier Rich-produced and skied it but I'm also really proud of my skiing-Release Fall 2022