Organized freestyle skiing in Canada took shape when a group headed by John Johnston founded the Canadian Freestyle Skiers Association (CFSA) in 1974. Shortly thereafter the Canadian Ski Association adopted Freestyle as one of its member disciplines.

In 1979, the International Ski Federation (FIS) officially accepted Freestyle as a member of the international ski community, and the first FIS sanctioned World Cup Freestyle Events took place. In February 1986 the first ever FIS Freestyle World Championships were held in Tignes, France. They were held for the second time in 1989 and have been held every two years since. In 2001 Canada hosted the World Championships at Whistler.

Freestyle made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport in Calgary in 1988. With the acceptance of Moguls as an official medal sport in 1992, and with the subsequent acceptance of Aerials in 1994, Freestyle has gained even more widespread attention and undergone phenomenal growth in Canada and internationally.

In 1995, Canada established its own national governing body, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association. There are now well over 50 Freestyle Ski Clubs across the country.

Internationally, approximately 30 countries have developed active competitive programs. At the top of the scale, elite national teams participate each year on the FIS World Cup tour, which features events in Canada, the USA, Europe, China, Japan and Australia.