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Kelby Halbert of Canada zooms down the course in training for the Lake Louise Men's World Cup downhill ski race in Lake Louise, Alta. on Thursday November 24, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank GunnFrank Gunn/The Canadian Press

Alpine ski fans doesn't have to look hard to find Canada's up, up, up and comer.

At 6 feet 8 inches, Kelby Halbert is probably the tallest skier on the World Cup circuit. Dubbed "T2" or too-tall by teammates, the 21-year-old, 240-pounder from Bradford, Ont., pointed out the benefits – and pitfalls – of being so big.

"It's a gravity-based sport, so I can build speed and carry it very well compared to some of the smaller guys on the circuit," explained Halbert, who confessed that he's not very aerodynamic.

He finished 73rd of 85 skiers during downhill training at Lake Louise on Thursday.

There are also practical considerations. He rides the longest downhill skis he can find (220 centimetres) and squeezes his size-13 feet into the biggest boots. Even his double-XL ski suit doesn't quite fit. And European hotels have those pesky smaller beds.

"I've been known to pull the mattress off of the bed and put on the floor just so my feet don't hit the footboard," he said.

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