AKOVA® PRO TEAM
We’re proud to partner with athletes who challenge not only the limits of our gear, but us as human beings. They are the embodiment of drive and determination, chasing nothing but their passion, willing to pour every ounce of themselves into what they do. They inspire us to push past our own expectations and adventure into the unknown.
Marie-Michèle "Mitch" Gagnon
Some call her Multi-World Cup, Multi-Olympian, Marie-Michèle Gagnon. Everyone else calls her “Mitch.”
Mitch’s optimism and incredible intensity were on display early when she decided to leave her home in Lac-Etchemin, Quebec at 12 years old to pursue her ski racing aspirations. Her drive and dedication became evident over the following seven years when she made her World Cup debut in 2008.
A luminary in Alpine skiing, Mitch is known for her versatility across disciplines, her multiple World Cup top finishes, as well as her passionate advocacy for mental resilience and physical preparedness, qualities that have propelled her through the challenges that come with a long and decorated career. Beyond competitions, she can be found chasing snow all over the globe alongside her husband, and our next AKOVA Pro…
Travis Ganong
Raised on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe, Travis Ganong carved his path to success from his years in mighty-mights to the US Olympic team with unwavering dedication, impeccable technique, and true passion for the sport.
Throughout his illustrious 18-year career with the US Ski Team, Travis showcased his versatile talent in Downhill and Super G claiming multiple podium finishes in World Cup events and ascending to the highest echelon of international competition in the 2014 and 2022 Winter Olympics.
Having achieved his competitive goals, Travis now champions for environmental stewardship. He spreads that message traveling the world with his wife, Marie-Michèle, while also rediscovering the pure joy and ultimate freedom in the simple act of climbing up mountains just to ski back down again, and inspire others to chase their own alpine dreams.
Connery Lundin
Introduced to skiing at age two, Connery has been shredding the slopes of Palisades Tahoe for over three decades. While initially focused on racing, he was drawn by the allure of Olympic Valley’s majestic cliffs and the skilled skiers who conquered them. It wasn't long before Connery was standing beside his heroes only to then launch himself into gravity-defying flips with his own effortless style.
In 2015, Connery’s fearlessness and creativity earned him victory in the Freeskiing World Tour. His prowess has been immortalized in numerous ski films with Matchstick Productions and Warren Miller Entertainment, while also gracing the cover of Powder Magazine in all his glory.
Mirroring the diverse landscapes he navigates, Connery enjoys exploring multifaceted pursuits off the slopes in photography, video editing, surfing, cliff jumping and rock climbing.
Julia Mancuso
Julia Mancuso is a trailblazer in every aspect of her life. She’s the most accomplished American Olympic female alpine skier, a dedicated mother, and is now redefining ski apparel as co-owner and Head of Industry Development at AKOVA | SHRED DOG.
“Super Jules” captivated audiences, bursting onto the world cup scene at just age 15. Showcasing her prowess in events from giant slalom to super combined, Julia dominated the competition leading to Olympic gold in 2006.
Beyond her Olympic triumphs, Julia’s commitment to pushing boundaries shines through in every endeavor, from conquering mountain slopes with her family to chasing the perfect wave in Hawaii. Her legacy both on and off the slopes continues to grow and evolve while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Tyler Nicholson
Raised in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, Tyler Nicholson received his first snowboard for Christmas at age 7. Remarkably, he was already in the park days later, tackling rails and jumps with innate skill. It was no surprise to anyone that he would soon find himself competing amongst the greats in the Winter X Games, FIS World Cup, World Snowboarding Tour and ultimately representing Canada in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Tyler’s boundless determination and passion for snowboarding is only matched by his insatiable thirst for adventure. With diverse interests in motocross, wakeboarding, surfing, and camping, he has recently added a pilot’s license to expand his search for new terrain and untouched waves deep in the backcountry. Good luck keeping track of this man who truly defies categorization.
David Wise
Renowned as the most decorated halfpipe skier ever, AKOVA | SHRED DOG co-owner David Wise needs no introduction… but we’ll give him one anyway.
A prodigy on skis since age three and turning pro at 18, David has dominated the halfpipe scene in all major freestyle skiing competitions, including the Winter X Games and becoming the inaugural Olympic Champion in men’s ski halfpipe.
Beyond his extraordinary achievements on snow, David is a devoted father and husband, cherishing time outdoors with his wife Alexandria and their two children, Nayeli and Malachi. Whether he’s skiing, hunting, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, David embodies the spirit of adventure and dedication to family that make him the obvious choice to be signature athlete for our Men’s Legacy line.
