Michel Daigle

Michel Daigle is a renowned pioneer of Freestyle Skiing, born and raised in Montréal. Originally an Alpine racer, he transitioned to Freestyle Skiing in 1971 while working with the Ski Patrol for the Garibaldi Lift Company in Whistler. He constructed jumps for the famous Whistler Mountain Gelandesprung event. Encouraged by his colleagues, he entered and won his first professional title.

Daigle competed in numerous events across Canada, the United States, and Europe, excelling in Moguls, Aerials, and Ballet disciplines. He earned recognition and was instrumental in promoting Freestyle Skiing through competitions, ski performances, and clinics.

Michel Daigle reached the podium 34 times in various competitions, winning the Canadian National Freestyle Championship in 1974. He earned fame for his signature ballet skiing move, “The Daigle Banger,” a pole flip / handspring-front flip. He co-authored the 1974 book “Freestyle Skiing” and piloted the first CSIA Level 1 Freestyle Course. He also hosted Michel Daigle Freestyle Camps at Whistler and Mont Saint Anne in the mid-70s.

Michel Daigle’s legacy in Freestyle Skiing is profound. His training facility in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts offered innovative training techniques that revolutionized the sport and became the foundation for off-season Freestyle training in Canada. It included trampoline and water ramp training, which significantly contributed to the advancement of safe training measures for
Freestyle Aerials. James Bond stuntman, John Eaves, was among his line-up of expert coaches.

Between 1974 and 1977, Daigle coached and groomed the careers of future Canadian Freestyle champions who excelled in World Cups and FIS Championships. Marie-Claude Asselin was amongst his most decorated protégés.

In 1999, Michel Daigle was inducted into the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame. His legacy will forever be cemented in the world of Freestyle Skiing.