Calgary, Alta. (January 21, 2023) – Today was a strong day on the slopes for a couple of Canadian men. Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) stood on the podium at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Idre Fjäll, Sweden, while at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup race in Kitzbühel, Austria, Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) raced to a sixth-place finish in the downhill.

On the spectacular, 53 elements filled Idre Fjäll ski cross course, Howden continued his strong season battling to second place. This is Howden’s fourth consecutive podium, and he continues to lead the ski cross World Cup standings.

“It was a pretty good day,” said Howden. “There was good strong skiing at the top, and then I made a couple of mistakes that cost me the win, but it worked out OK. It was really great to see so many Canadians in the top eight today.”

Meanwhile, with snow falling on the 40,000 thousand fans in the grandstands at the base of the Hahnenkamm, Alexander started 27th and powered his way down the Streif course to finish sixth. In his 25th World Cup start, this is Alexander’s best result this season and his first top 10 since last season’s win in the downhill in Kvitfjell, Norway.

“Today felt like I skied well,” said a pleased Alexander. “I had a solid run yesterday but there were a few mistakes that I wanted to clean-up. Did my best today to do that and it turned out really well. Kitzbühel is an insane place, coming into the finish with thousands of fans cheering felt really good. I’m stoked to build on this confidence heading into the next races and into the World Championships.”

On a beautiful day in Idre Fjäll, Canadian ski cross racers claimed three of the top eight spots in both the men and women races. Along with Howden in the men’s race, Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) won the small final to finish fifth and Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) was sixth. Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) finished 10th, Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) 14th, Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) 24th and Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) 29th rounding out the men.

Marielle Thompson (Whistler BC) won the women’s ski cross small final to take fifth. Rounding out the top eight, Tiana Gairns (Prince George, BC) was seventh and Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) eighth. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) finished in ninth, India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) 14th and Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) was 22nd.

Back in Kitzbühel, coming off yesterday’s top 10 result, Broderick Thompson (Whistler, BC) finished 21st. Other Canadians in the points today were Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) in 23rd and James (Jack) Crawford (Toronto, ON) in 28th. Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) finished 33rd and Kyle Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) didn’t finish his race.

For the second day in a row the women raced the downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo Italy at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup. Starting 47th, Stefanie Fleckenstein (Whistler, BC) was the only Canadian to race today, finishing 35th.

Next Race

FIS Para Alpine Ski World Championships 2023 at Espot and La Molina, Spain, are on now through January 30th.

Ski cross races again tomorrow in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.

Men’s alpine wrap-up racing in Kitzbühel, Austria, with a slalom on Sunday.

Women cap the weekend with a super-G in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Sunday.

FIS Junior World Ski Championships continue in St. Anton, Austria, through January 25th.  

-30-

For more information or media inquiries please contact
Mark Halliday
mhalliday@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204

About Alpine Canada
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrated 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.