Key Facts
- Athlete
- Dillan Glennie, Canadian freestyle skier
- Olympic result
- 14th in women's halfpipe at 2026 Winter Olympics
- Training location
- Banger Park, Innsbruck, Austria
- Training method
- Airbag jumps instead of snow landings
- Return to Canada
- September 1st
- Upcoming events
- World Cup circuit, The Snow League, X Games League
Background
Dillan Glennie, a freestyle skier from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, represented Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing 14th in the women's halfpipe event. She has also competed internationally at World Cups, World Championships, X Games and The Snow League.
After four demanding competition seasons, Glennie decided to spend the summer in Innsbruck, Austria, rather than following her usual training routine in North America. In previous years, her spring and summer preparations often included training on the glacier at Mount Hood in Oregon.
Current Situation
Glennie is now based in Innsbruck and training at Banger Park, where large jumps lead into an airbag rather than a conventional snow landing. The setup doesn't fully recreate a halfpipe, but it allows her to work on air awareness, practise tricks and build repetition before taking them back onto snow.
She doesn't have her regular coach with her. Instead, Banger Park's community has become part of the training process. Other athletes are ready to watch a jump, offer feedback or explain what conditions are like that day. Glennie described it as a very supportive community where everyone understands the risks.
Glennie lives with her boyfriend and five other roommates, who are skiers, snowboarders, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and more. She has also enjoyed the European summer, travelling to France, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany, and plans to visit Spain before returning to Canada on September 1st.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Training facility | Banger Park airbag |
| Previous summer training | Mount Hood glacier, Oregon |
| Roommates' sports | Skiers, snowboarders, rock climbers, mountain bikers |
| Travel plans | Spain, surfing |
| Cultural surprise | Sunday store closures |
| Food preference | Cappuccino with non-dairy milk |
| Missed food | Sushi and Asian food |
| Nature comparison | Forests similar to home |
Impacts
The training facility was a major reason for choosing Tyrol, but Glennie also wanted a European summer experience. She noted that Austria's central location makes it easy to travel to multiple countries, and she appreciates the quick changes in scenery, language, and cuisine.
Life in Austria has brought cultural adjustments, such as grocery stores being closed on Sundays, which she found surprising. She also misses good sushi and Asian food, as well as the ocean, but finds the forests, lakes, and mountains remind her of home.
Glennie has found Austrians welcoming, contrary to stereotypes. The outdoor community in Innsbruck has made it easy to meet people, and she enjoys the city's outdoor social life, including courtyards and patios for coffee, live music, or dancing.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The World Cup circuit will return during the next winter season, alongside The Snow League and a planned X Games League. Glennie's summer training in Innsbruck is aimed at preparing for these competitions while maintaining a balance between hard training and enjoying an ordinary summer.
If her training at Banger Park proves effective, she may continue using airbag facilities in future off-seasons. However, she might also return to traditional glacier training if she feels the need for more snow time.
Glennie's experience could influence other athletes considering alternative training locations. If Innsbruck's community and facilities continue to attract international athletes, it may become a more popular summer training hub for freestyle skiers.
Source: thelocal.at
