A bit about me

I am Griffin Mason, 21 year old Snowboard Cross (SBX) athlete, born and raised in Wakefield, Quebec. I started snowboarding at the age of 5. It helped that my parents were both seasoned snowboard instructors and evaluators. I rode every day after school and weekends at Vorlage Ski Hill, just one block away from my elementary school. 

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Just before my 12th birthday, February 2015, my family heard about a provincial level snowboard cross race at Mont Ste Marie. We decided to take part with my dad, Tom Mason, as my coach. I surprised us all and won my category both days of racing. 

That following summer, I was fortunate to start my first summer job at Expedition Wakefield, a local bike and outdoor gear shop. This opportunity allowed me to also begin mountain biking and developed skills as a bike mechanic.  I worked there in the spring, summer, and fall until 2022 – saving winter for snowboarding. I’ll be forever grateful for the years of guidance and support from owners Jamie and Vicki. 

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In 2017, I joined the Quebec development SBX team.  I was on the podium at most events in the 12-14 agecategory. In March of 2018, I represented Quebec in the U15 nationals and won!  Then, I did it again in 2019, which was crazy! That same year, Club Prestige Snowboard ~ Mt. St. Marie (MSM) was created. Our club started with 3 athletes, myself, Noah Royz and Lilly Bellaar-Spruyt. It now has over 20 athletes. 

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My first International Snowboard and Ski Federation (FIS) year was 2019/2020 and a time when I experienced some awkward growth spurts. I made the podium here and there and qualified in a few NorAms. Then COVID happened and everything came to a halt until January 2021. I was asked if I was interested in going to Europe as they were hosting events and we were still in lock down. We fundraised like mad and with the support of my awesome community, I headed to Europe with a new coach and 3 other Team Quebec athletes. 

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I participated in Europa Cup Circuit to earn points for World Juniors. I had an outstanding race at Reiteralm and placed 8th which gave me the points to stay in Europe for World Juniors, my first experienced representing Canada. That spring I graduated high school and knew my focus was a career in snowboarding. I worked hard and saved money to support it. My mom, Carly Woods, has helped immensely with fundraising and management over the years, I would not have made it this far with her support or my dad coaching me. 

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I started working with Leilak Tree Services part time in 2022 and full time in 2023 with winters dedicated to snowboarding.  My work as an arborist provides me many opportunities for cross training. At MSM, when not racing, training, and mentoring upcoming athletes, I am designing the SBX track, making snow, and grooming hills.

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In the race season of 2022/2023, I earned enough FIS points to place; which placed me in several top 10s in the NorAm circuit. This achievement allowed me to take part in the World Cup at Mont Ste Anne hosted by Canada Snowboard and Quebec Snowboard. 

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This annual World Cup race has now become a family event with my dad coaching, my mom as chief of start, brother Johnny on the colour crew, sister Emmy as a section judge and girlfriend, now fiancé, Julia Gilmour as a lead slipper. 

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The year 2023/2024 was a tough season with little snow (resulting in cancelled events) and my first injury. Fortunately, I was still able to participate in the World Cup at Mt. Ste. Anne. After that season, I thought about changing directions in my career path but gritted my teeth, focused on healing my injury, and trained harder than ever in preparation for the next season. 

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Last season, 2024/2025, was my most incredible race season yet!  I placed 1st at the first NorAm of the season and continued to make the podium a number of times throughout --- finishing 2nd overall. I also participated in my third World Cup and qualified, placing 31st overall. The hard work and dedication paid off by gaining me a World Cup Circuit spot for the upcoming 2025/26 season. 

 

I have been working hard, saving money, training at the gym and on the hills to prepare for the upcoming season. I look forward to representing Quebec and Canada on the World Cup circuit with hopes of joining Team Canada in the future. Can hardly wait for the snow to fly!