Ashton Salwan’s journey into the world of freestyle aerial skiing began in the most unexpected place — a quiet front yard pond in Chesterland, Ohio. In 2014, at just ten years old, Ashton took his first flips at the Mont Chalet Freestyle Aerials Training Center, where landing upright was the first real victory. Under the guidance of coach Bill Harris, he spent summer Sundays shaping air awareness one splash at a time, igniting a love for a sport few could’ve imagined would grow into something so much bigger.
By age 12, after two summers of water ramp fun on Bill’s property, Ashton knew he was ready for snow. He became a weekend warrior at Buffalo Ski Club in New York, coached by Mark DePeters, where he faced the tricky transition from water to winter — learning how to carry aerial skills into a whole new element. The shift required more than enthusiasm; it demanded more technical precision and body control, and the discipline to adapt.
To keep leveling up, Ashton added structure to his training: strength conditioning with Shaun Sterling, trampoline sessions at Gymnastics World Ohio in Broadview Heights, and freestyle camps with the Holimont FLIGHT Team led by Corey and Kelly Hacker. Each new challenge fueled his motivation, and every new skill added another brick to the foundation he was building.
As competition opportunities opened up, Ashton began traveling to events across the East — from Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, to Sunday River, Maine — testing his skills in new environments and steadily growing his confidence. His love for the sport deepened, and so did his commitment. After his 15th birthday, Ashton and his mother made a life-changing decision: they packed up and moved to Park City, Utah, so he could train year-round. He left behind his friends, a traditional high school experience, and the comfort of home in pursuit of something greater.
Since then, Ashton has earned standout results at FIS Junior World Championships, NorAms, Europa Cups, and World Cups. Each season brings new personal bests and greater contributions to Team USA’s success. Through it all, he’s stayed grounded in the same work ethic that carried him from a pond in Ohio to the global stage.
Every jump Ashton takes represents more than a moment — it reflects years of quiet work, sacrifice, and belief. In a sport that demands both courage and control, he remains focused on progress and passionate about leaving the sport better than he found it.
"Every leap begins with belief. Trust the process, embrace the challenge, and let your passion take flight." ~Ashton Salwan
