ARC’TERYX EQUIPMENT INC. is proud to announce that Eric Hjorleifson has been signed to its snowsport athletes’ roster.

Born and bred in Canmore, AB, Hjorleifson (pronounced Hyor-leaf-son), 27, is a member of the infamous “Bow Valley Crew” of freeskiers who cut their teeth ripping big Rocky Mountain lines in and around Lake Louise.

His specialty is skiing steep, challenging, rock-studded faces and couloirs in a high-speed, racer-derived style with the odd air thrown in for good measure.

Tom Duguid, Arc’teryx Director of Brand Management, welcomed Eric to its athlete team. “Eric is one of the most dynamic and visually exciting big mountain skiers out there right now. His understanding of how technically-designed equipment and clothing can increase performance in the big mountain arena is aligned with our mission to build the best gear possible,” said Duguid.

Eric’s first assignment “field testing” Arc’teryx gear just wound up at Golden Alpine Holidays, where the film crew from Matchstick Productions (MSP) documented Hjorleifson and fellow pro Mark Abma dropping powdery pillow lines near GAH’s newly-refurbished Vista Lodge. Hjorleifson has appeared in MSP’s Push, Claim, The Hit List and Seven Sunny Days.

“Hoji”’s Alberta roots can be seen in his 4FRNT signature ski that features a top sheet inspired by Lethbridge Pil, the legendary low-cost brew favored by ski bums throughout the West.