Cover photo by Carlo Mion
The Gagnier dynasty is unmatched.
Then Charles set the competition world on fire, winning an X Games gold in the process.
But could he have had more silverware?
He has his say on how he was judged in comps.
The conversation covers broken backs, staying true to himself and even South Park!
We finally get an answer on who’s the best skier in the Gagnier family!
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Where and when did you first get on skis?
Which skiers did you look up to growing up?
I was about 9-10 months old and it was at my home resort Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Candide Thovex became my favorite soon after.
Were you competitive with your brothers?
I looked up to them and had the best mentors anyone could ask for.
They had a different vision and ways of doing tricks than anyone at the time.
I knew from a young age what to do to stand out from the rest.
Who is the best skier in the family and why?
Antoine is Yoda, Charles is Obi-Wan Kenobi and Im more of a Luke Skywalker.
To get back to the question, Charles is the best!
Not an easy guy to judge, but we know it looks unreal.
Credit: Rachel Bock
Your approach to contests was always to do things differently to everyone else.
Do you think you usually got the scores you deserved or did judges ever not get it?
Do you think there is a lack of uniqueness in the comp scene these days?
Sometimes I got the scores I deserved but most of the time not.
Does recovery from a broken back make it easier, mentally, to deal with/recover from other injuries?
That whole injury was more about my future as a person and if I would have a normal life.
That recovery taught me to be patient and to never give up.
My back to back ACL surgeries (2017-2018) was different but just as tough.
I hope to be an inspiration for whoever goes through the same stuff I went through.
What would you say was the highlight of your career so far?
X Games gold in 2015 stands out on the comp side but are there things youre more proud of?
If so, why do you think things have changed?
That trademark Vini Cash style.
Credit: Rachel Bock
Will we see you out in the streets again/filming parts?
You have been judging movies at iF3 for a number of years.
Would you ever consider judging regular comps?
What are your plans for winter 19/20?
I plan on moving to Whistler with my girlfriend for the winter.
I will have a go at get in the backcountry, learn a lot and get some shots!!
Id love to get invited to the X Games again, but thats out of my power.
What do you like to do when youre not skiing?
Do you have any passions off the hill?
Spend time with my family, my nephews, and nieces.
My biggest passion outside of skiing is probably watching American football and basketball or just sports in general.
All Smiles Credit: Carlo Mion
Before we finish up a few quick ones…
Anything youd like to tell the Newschoolers community?Mr.
Bishop is a funny guy.
Some good hip hop from time to time is good too!
Trip:Fiji with my boys Napes and Jaahs
Track:Any song from South Park
