HOW THE DREAM STARTED

Read here how through discipline and grit, Ashton strives to inspire others; pursuing greatness with resilience, precision, and passion, and honoring the values of integrity and sportsmanship

Ashton Salwan - Freestyle Aerials - World Cup athlete - Winter Olympics
HAILING FROM NORTHEAST OHIO

Ashton’s freestyle aerial skiing journey took flight in 2014 at the Mont Chalet Freestyle Aerials Training Center in Chesterland, Ohio. At just ten years old, he began honing his technique into a small pond on Bill Harris’s property, where simply landing upright was his first milestone. This humble start ignited a passion that would shape his future.

Two years later, after summers spent refining flips on Bill’s water ramp, Ashton felt ready to take his developing skills to the snow. Determined to progress, he became a weekend warrior at Buffalo Ski Club in New York under coach Mark DePeters. During these winter months, Ashton faced the unique challenge of transitioning from water to snow, establishing the foundation for his continued growth.

Despite a deep love for skiing, Ashton soon realized that this snow sport required more aerial knowledge than just the basics. It demanded enhanced air awareness, technical precision, and a year-round commitment. To meet these demands, he incorporated strength conditioning, trampoline sessions, and attended Holimont's Freestyle Camps led by Corey and Kelly Hacker.

Fueled by each new challenge, Ashton’s passion and dedication intensified. He broadened his competitive scope, appearing in regional events at Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, and Sunday River, Maine. Through unwavering determination, disciplined training, and growing competitive experience, Ashton transformed his interest into a full-time pursuit. Shortly after his 15th birthday, he and his mother made the move to Park City, Utah, to train year-round — sacrificing friends and traditional high school to fully immerse himself in the demanding yet rewarding world of freestyle aerial skiing.

Committed to continuous growth, Ashton embraces challenges as opportunities to push boundaries and achieve peak performance.

AFFILIATIONS:

FIS (International Ski Federation)

US Ski & Snowboard

GMTM (Game Time)