Why I started Durandski Athletics
Durandski Athletics was built from a deep curiosity about human performance and a belief that growth happens best together.
I’ve always been fascinated by what happens when we push the limits of the human body — how we adapt, recover, and evolve. I naturally ask why we do something and how we can refine it. That mindset has taken me down plenty of rabbit holes, but that pursuit of understanding is what continually sharpens the edge.
Over the years, I’ve learned something just as important as physiology: progress means more when it’s shared.
Durandski Athletics isn’t about standing on the sidelines — it’s about building alongside driven athletes and creators who want to grow, experiment, and elevate what’s possible. Collaboration fuels better ideas. Shared ambition builds stronger momentum. And joy keeps the fire alive.
At its core, this brand exists to create space for athletes to push limits, expand opportunity, and succeed without losing their spark.
If we’re going to chase big goals, we do it together.
And remember — if you’re not having fun, build a jump.
— Ian Durand
Durandski Athletics
Founder: Ian Durand
From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to challenge, motion, and mastery. What started as a simple love for skiing and cycling at 12 turned into a lifelong pursuit of performance—on the snow, on the road, and in everyday life.
Over the past 16 years, I’ve competed at both the national and international levels, earning state championship titles in road and cyclocross (2015) and qualified through the USA Cycling’s Talent ID program, where I raced at the Tour de l’Abitibi. I’ve also competed at the U.S. Biathlon Nationals, U.S. XC Junior National Championships, and attended the Regional Elite Group camps—experiences that shaped how I approach performance, training, and athlete development.
Growing up, I was one of the first juniors to help contribute to the development of the Hagerty Cycling Junior Cycling Club and one of the original juniors of the Vasa Ski Club Junior Program. I was also lucky to learn from Eli Brown, who taught me the art of waxing, ski prep, and advanced techniques. That foundation has stuck with me ever since and continues to guide my coaching and R&D work today.
For five years, I served as the Head Racing Coach and Program Builder for the Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) Nordic Division, where I had the privilege of helping athletes grow and chase their goals. Along the way, I earned my PSIA Level 200 and USA Level 100 coaching certifications, which have helped me provide precise, personalized coaching that focuses on both skill and mindset.
Now, as the founder of DurandSki Athletics, I bring together my experiences as an athlete, coach, and innovator to help others reach their best. Whether it’s through coaching, equipment development, performance testing, or Athlete sponsorship, my mission is simple: To make every athlete better and inspire them to chase their dreams.
Outside of skiing and cycling, I also serve my community as a paramedic firefighter, a role I’ve proudly held since 2018. That work has taught me the same things sport has—discipline, focus, and perseverance—and I bring those values into everything I do, both on and off the snow.