Mark Abma facts for kids

Mark Abma, born on March 3, 1980, is a professional freeskiing athlete from Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada. He is known for his amazing skills in "big mountain" skiing, which means skiing down huge, natural slopes. Mark has won many awards, including the Powder Video Award for Best Male Performance in both 2005 and 2007.

He first became known as a skier who specialized in moguls (bumps on a ski slope) and park skiing (doing tricks in a snow park). Later in his career, he started exploring the backcountry, which is skiing outside of marked trails. He also became involved in heliskiing, where a helicopter takes skiers to remote, untouched mountain areas. Mark Abma has appeared in many exciting ski movies.

Mark Abma's Skiing Journey

Mark Abma began his skiing journey at Sasquatch Mountain Resort in 1994. He was part of the Hemlock Ski Club program until 1998. After that, he moved to Whistler to join the provincial freestyle ski team. This was a big step in his career.

In 2003, Mark starred in his first film by Matchstick Productions. This happened shortly after he was named "skier of the year." These achievements showed his growing talent and popularity in the freeskiing world.

Cool Projects and Ideas

Mark Abma is not just a skier; he also cares about the environment. He started an advocacy group called One Step. The main goal of One Step is to help skiers and ski resorts reduce their carbon footprint. This means finding ways to lower the amount of greenhouse gases they release into the air.

Mark also worked with the company Salomon to design a special ski. This ski was named the "Shogun." It shows that he uses his experience to help create better equipment for other skiers.

Mark Abma's Achievements

Mark Abma has achieved a lot in his skiing career. He has competed in major events and won important awards.

Competition Results

• In 2003, he placed 4th in the U.S. Open Big Air competition.
• Also in 2003, he finished 5th in the U.S. Open Slopestyle event.

Awards and Recognition

• 2010: Powder Video Awards - Best Natural Air (for his work in the film In Deep, by Matchstick Productions).
• 2009: Powder Video Awards - Best Powder (for his skiing in the film Claim, by Matchstick Productions).
• 2007: Powder Video Awards - Best Male Performance (for his role in the film Push, by Matchstick Productions).
• 2005: Powder Video Awards - Best Male Performance (for his part in the film Yearbook, by Matchstick Productions).

Films Featuring Mark Abma

Mark Abma has been featured in many exciting ski films. These films showcase his incredible talent and adventures on the snow.

• Into The Mind (2013) by Sherpas Cinema
• Superheroes of Stoke (2012) by Matchstick Productions (MSP)
• All.I.Can (2011) by Sherpas Cinema
• Attack of la Niña (2011) by Matchstick Productions (MSP)
• The Way I See It (2010) by MSP
• In Deep: The Skiing Experience (2009) by MSP
• Everyday Is Saturday (2009) by Poor Boyz Productions (PBP)
• Claim (2008) by MSP
• Reasons (2008) by PBP
• Seven Sunny Days (2007) by MSP
• Push (2006) by MSP
• The Hit List (2005) by MSP
• War (2005) by PBP
• Session 51 (2005) by Warren Miller (WM)
• Yearbook (2004) by MSP
• Impact (2004) by WM
• X = 10 (2004) by PBP
• Ready, Fire, Aim (2003) by PBP
• Focused (2003) by MSP
• Forward (2003) by Level 1
• Mark also appeared in over a dozen episodes of Salomon Freeski TV.
• He also appeared with Sean Pettit in the Red Bull series "Keep your tips up."