Raphael Lessard’s path to the World Cup wasn’t linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.

In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, World Cup speed skier Raphael Lessard joins the show to break down his journey from ski racing in Quebec, through Burke Mountain Academy, formative years racing in Europe, and a deliberate return to North America to ski for the University of Utah. Along the way, he balanced NCAA competition, international racing, and a demanding academic path that included internships in financial services.

We talk about winning the overall NorAm title, earning a full slate of World Cup starts, scoring his first World Cup points with a top-20 Super-G in Val Gardena, and navigating the mental and physical challenges of injury and recovery. Raphael also offers rare insight into speed-ski development—covering intentional training, visualization, race-day preparation, and why college skiing can be a powerful part of a World Cup trajectory.

A thoughtful, honest conversation with an athlete who approaches ski racing with both patience and purpose.