IFSA Core Shot: Marcus Goguen’s Journey from IFSA Roots to the World Stage
From the Whistler Freeride Club to the Freeride World Tour, Marcus Goguen’s journey has been shaped by the community, competition, and camaraderie he found in the IFSA. In this first edition of Core Shots, we caught up with Marcus to talk about his favorite IFSA memories, the lifelong friendships forged along the way, and his advice for the next generation of freeriders.
What did you gain from the IFSA that you can take to other aspects of your life, both on and off the hill?
The IFSA competition circuit was a huge part of my life from the age of 11 until I was 18. Without this circuit, I wouldn’t be the freeride skier I am today. Throughout those years of competing with the IFSA and travelling around Canada with the Whistler Freeride Club, I learned so much. Constantly adding tools to my skill set that I still use every day in my skiing, even now on the Freeride World Tour.
But that’s not all I thank IFSA for. This competition circuit gave me lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. Whether it was building friendships with peers, coaches, or judges, there was always excitement in reuniting and reliving those moments together from the IFSA days.
What is your fondest memory as an IFSA athlete?
My fondest memory of the IFSA tour was travelling around Canada with my core group of friends at such a young age. We were lucky to have those opportunities and to share so many amazing experiences. I can honestly thank my ski buddies for shaping the way I ski today and for the progression I made during those years.
The atmosphere between us was something special, and I know it will never change. It was this perfect mix of peer pressure, pushing each other, and calling out the BS that allowed us all to grow, not just as skiers, but as people, too.
Do you have any advice for young freeriders?
My advice for the next generation of freeriders is to protect the atmosphere that freeride has always been about. Enjoy the process, have fun with your buddies, ski hard, and try new things! Freeride is meant to be fun, whether you’re with your friends, your coaches, or your family. Don’t ever let it get too serious. At the end of the day, we’re just sliding around on two sticks over frozen water.
That’s the mindset I bring into competition: have fun with the process. To me, it’s just a jam sesh with your buddies, where you can all try to one-up each other. Try not to overthink it. Figure out your process and stick to it.
For me, that process starts long before the start gate. I put in the work during the preseason and throughout the year, whether it’s in the gym, on the tramp, or doing mindset training, so that when I click in, I don’t have any doubts. That preparation is what lets me enjoy the moment and ski with confidence. Over the years I’ve taken what I’ve learned from competition, pre-season training, and mindset work, and built it into Adrenaline Performance, a coaching platform I’m launching this fall. It’s designed to help freeriders build the same confidence and preparation to outwork doubts when it really matters. You can check it out at @adrenalineperformance.
Now get after it and make this season unforgettable!