Alex Hackel is a multi-time X Games medalist skier hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. His journey to becoming a decorated professional skier has been anything but traditional. As a kid on his weekend ski team at Sunday River, Maine, Alex was often picked last and overlooked by local ski programs. That feeling wasn’t unfamiliar; he grew up with dyslexia and a rare growth condition called idiopathic short stature, both of which made him stand out in ways that didn’t always feel like strengths.

But those early challenges helped shape Alex’s resilience. His experience with neurodivergence taught him how to think differently, work harder, and ultimately carve his own path, even when others didn’t see his potential. He eventually found a supportive environment at Windells Academy, where he connected with world-renowned ski coach Mike Hanley. Under Hanley’s guidance, Alex earned a spot on the U.S. Ski Team and competed on skiing’s World Tour for several years.

After stepping away from competition to focus on filmmaking, Alex was invited to the X Games Real Ski, one of the sport’s most prestigious film events. In 2020, he took home the bronze medal and fan favorite award and followed up with a silver medal in 2021.