Kaya Turski is a Canadian freeski athlete previously described as a professional freestyle in-line skater in her teens. Now 25, she is considered to be one of the best female slopestyle skiers in the world who is constantly pushing herself and the sport. Currently Kaya is ranked number one in the world by the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) in the women’s slopestyle discipline for the fifth year in a row.
Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Kaya lives part-time in Mammoth Lakes, CA during the ski season, and out of her suitcase traveling the globe during the competition season. When she’s not competing she films for her “State Of Mind” video webisode series and spends time with friends and family back in Montreal.
In 2011 Kaya was added to the inaugural Canada Freestyle Ski Association National slopestyle team that will be heading to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games where the sport of slopestyle skiing will make its Olympic debut. Kaya says “it’s really a dream come true for slopestyle skiing and halfpipe to be in the Olympics”.
Early Days
In 2005 Kaya was on the D-Structure shop in-line skate team. One Spring weekend Kaya decided to borrow a pair of skis from the shop so that she could give skiing at try at the upcoming local D-Jam ski event. Kaya was instantly hooked to the sport. She then spent the next 9 months working at Subway with a goal of earning enough money to move to Whistler in the early winter and dedicate a season to skiing.
In her first ski season she won the first slopestyle competition she entered, The Vermont Open. She quickly became fully immersed in the exciting, and quickly evolving freeski community.
Skiing Career
After a great start to her skiing career in 2006/2007 Kaya was sidelined for almost 2 ski seasons due to an internal organ injury and an ACL knee injury and repair.
When she returned to the competition circuit for the 2008/2009 season she took first place at all 3 Dew Tour stops, at The Homecoming Invitational, and earned a bronze medal at her first Winter X Games.
In the 2009/2010 season Kaya outdid herself by winning gold at her second Winter X Games and had the highest score in slopestyle history at X Games. She also won gold at first ever European X Games in Tignes, France. At the event, Kaya sustained another ACL injury, which she repaired and rehabbed so that she could return to the snow the next Fall.
And that she did. In the 2010/2011 season Kaya won the gold medals again at both X Games, 1st at Dew Tour, 2nd at the AFP World Championships, 2nd at the Nine Queens, and 1st at AFP slopestyle, and 2nd at the AFP Big Air to end the season.
The 2011/12 season brought more success for Kaya. She competed at five events, all of which she came out on top, including X-Games, Euro X-Games, two Dew Tour stops and the US Grand Prix. She was also awarded the female Athlete of X-Games, Dew Cup for overall success at the Dew Tour (ski slopestyle female athlete), Canadian Freestyle Ski Association Athlete of the Year and Freeskier Magazine’s athlete of the year.
The 2013/13 season started off with the Dew Tour in Breckenridge, CO, where Kaya took 1st place.
Coaching
Throughout the years Kaya has supported grassroots skiing by coaching at events such as the Jib Academy ski event for junior freeskiers, Oakley Progression Sessions and at Camp of Champions and Momentum ski camps in Whistler, BC. during the summer months.
Filming
Kaya had her first major segment in the 2010 ski film “Eye Trip” produced by Level 1 productions. She also filmed with Level 1 for the movie “After Dark” released in 2011. The competition season is very busy so she films when she can and loves doing it.
In 2011 Kaya launched her “State of Mind” webisode series. The series gives you a sneak peak into Kaya and her friends adventurous lives. The webisode series is filmed in various locations throughout the world and is released during the winter months. Kaya premiered a special edition, “The Edge State of Mind” at the International Freeski Film Festival in September 2012.
Off The Hill
When Kaya is not skiing she enjoys hanging out with friends, taking university classes, making ski video edits, rollerblading, and designing clothing and accessories. Kaya’s rigorous training regime keeps her strong and “air aware”. She spends many hours in the gym, in addition to trampolining, water ramping, rollerblading and working with physiotherapists and trainers.
Throughout Kaya’s skiing career she has proven to be very determined, hard working and doesn’t give up until she’s satisfied with her results. Her strong will has set herself up to be a leader in women’s slopestyle skiing. She has undeniably brought a new style to women’s skiing, particularly on jumps and rails and she would like to be an inspirations to others by sharing her love for skiing and her story to girls across the world who are currently in the sport or who would like to start.
Supporters
Kaya has always had a long list of supporters. Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, media or sponsors Kaya knows that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the love and support from her community. Kaya is excited to have her support team be on the road to Sochi 2014 with her!
Photo by: Russ Hennings, Oakley
Check out Kaya when she is at home in Montreal.