Team Members

Full name	Dominique Vallée
Date of birth	April 9, 1981
Age (as of January 1, 2010)	28
Birthplace (Birth)	Montreal, QC
Hometown (Grew-up)	Montreal, QC
Residence (Currently reside)	Montreal, QC/Squamish, BC
Snowboard/Ski Club	Canada Snowboard
Current coach	Tom Hutchinson, Kris DeCoste
Board Company you ride on	Elan Snowboards
Stance on board	22.5
Boots company	Northwave
Personal website	Go check out www.elansnowboards.com www.powderroominternational.com
Nickname	Dom, Doudou, Doum, Dominator
Sponsors	Powder Room, Elan Snowboards, Whistler Mountain, Bern Helmet, Ogio, Northwave
Years on National team	10
Language you speak	French and English

RESULTS
>> FIS World Cup
>> FIS Nor-Am Cup
>> Olympic Winter Games
>> World Championships

Have any of your relatives played sport at a high level?

My brother runs marathons mostly in East Coast of Canada and States.

Why and how did you start snowboarding?

I had been skiing and ski racing my whole life and was losing my passion for it. I saw the whole Tremblant crew riding and they always looked like they were having so much fun on and off the hill. I tried one day and I was hooked with the feeling snowboarding gave me and the people I met.

What is your first memory of snowboarding?

The first powder run I did, after 2 turns there was no way I was ever going to go back to any other sport.

Why is snowboarding so much fun to you?

It’s the freedom it allows you to have on the hill, the friends you meet around the World, it’s a way I can let go of everything else that is going on.

Who has had the most influence on your snowboarding career and why?

My parents. They encourage me to keep going and push me further every time I need it.

What is the most memorable moment you had in your career?

At the Torino games in 2006 at Opening Ceremonies. The moment that they called in Canada and we got to walk in the arena and see the back of the Olympic rings and everybody screaming. That’s when it all hit me.

Do you currently support a charity of any kind?

Not particularly, but every time I have a chance to get involved I do what I can to support a cause that I believe in.

Do you do competitive sports other than snowboarding?

Not since I started snowboarding but before I was National Junior sailing champion in Laser II. I was also ski racing on the Mont-Tremblant ski team.

What do you do in the summer?

I always try to go surfing somewhere hot. I teach yoga as much as I can and work at the Farmer’s Market in Whistler on Sunday’s selling berries.

How would you describe your style of snowboarding?

I try to stand out by doing some different tricks and going as big as I can.

What was your first job?

Bartender/hostess/server at Pizzaterria in Mont-Tremblant for a few years.

What was your first car?

Mazda Protégé 1998.

What is your highest level of education?

Prana Yoga Teacher College, advanced 500-hour program, Fall 2008. John Abbot College, Creative Art Degree Fine Art Core Education (F.A.C.E.) High School.

Do you play a musical instrument?

I play piano as much as I can.

What’s on your Ipod right now?

Everything, lots of yoga music for my classes, Brazilian Beats, hot summer hits that make you dance, to the piano Soundtrack of Amelie by Yann Tiersen

Favourite musical type?

Anything Latin, I can’t get enough of it.

What music do you listen on race or contest day?

Music that makes me move, usually a few popular hits and some Latin hits too.

Favourite band of all time?

That changes all the time.

Favourite movie of all time?

Beetle Juice

Favourite food/meal?

Sushi and Blueberries

Favourite book/reading material of all time?

Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss

Favourite World Cup region/location to compete?

Italy, anywhere where they make their own pasta and pizza

Favourite travel/touristic destination?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Any superstitions?

No, when you do, that’s when something can go wrong and you don’t have control over it.

Who’s your snowboarding hero/favourite snowboarder?

I love David Carrier Porcheron, he has great style, makes snowboarding look so fun and no matter what he does you know that his heart is always into it.

Do you have any hobbies?

Lots of yoga, I play piano, run and surf as much as possible.