Calgary, Alta. (November 14, 2017) – They are the next generation of alpine superstars. They are next generation of athletes to stand on top of the World Cup, World Championship and Olympic podium. They strive to be the next Crazy Canucks or Canadian Cowboys, leaving a legacy of Canadian greatness on the iciest, steepest and gnarliest pitches around the world. Alpine Canada’s next gen athletes have big boots to fill, but with a deep pool of talent, it’s only a matter of time before the young guns start seeing their names on World cup start lists.

The development team training group is four deep on the ladies’ team and six deep on the men’s team. They closed out last season capturing seven overall titles, 12 World Cup discipline spots and two World Cup overall spots.

Peter Rybarik once again will lead the women’s Development Team into the season.

“We accomplished what we hoped to do during our on-snow camps,” said Rybarik. “This year we hope to see personal gains from each athlete after lots of volume on their skis. They have spent time in the gym working on fitness and on-snow working on technique. We are looking to be top contenders for the podium again this season.”

John Kucera, Alpine Canada alumni and World Downhill Champion, heads up the men’s Development Team.

”We had a productive off-snow training period,” said Kucera. “The guys put it in a lot of hard work in the gym and on-snow. We are chasing Nor-Am Cup titles this season and I look forward to seeing their hard work pay off. The guys showed good speed and were competitive on the Nor-Am tour last season. Canada showed well overall and we are looking for everyone to take the next steps this year.”

Athletes are just as optimistic about the season ahead after months of hard work put in at the gym and on-snow.

“After an awesome prep period with great training and weather, I’m really looking forward to getting back on the circuit,” said 20-year-old Jack Crawford (Whistler, B.C./ Toronto, Ont.). “We had really successful training in the gym and on snow this summer. The Nor-Am titles are the goal the season and I’ll also be looking to hit top 30 in a few World Cups this season.”

Sierra Smith (Lac Saint Marie, Que.), a new addition to the Alpine Canada team this season after an impressive performance on the FIS circuit in 2016-17, is excited to be part of the Team.

“This summer I pushed the limits on and off snow, training harder than ever,” said Smith. “I am confident with my fitness and speed heading into this season. I am looking forward to accomplishing some great results with the goal of cracking the top ten in a Nor-Am Cup race.”

The 2017-18 Nor-Am Cup circuit kicks off in Loveland Ski Area Valley, USA for ladies’ slalom races. You can catch the team on home snow at Lake Louise, following the World Cup events in December. For a full Nor-Am Cup schedule, visit the FIS site.

Development Training Group

Stefanie Fleckenstein*

Marina Vilanova

Sierra Smith*

Roni Remme

Development Training Group

Brodie Seger

Riley Seger

Jeffrey Read*

Simon Fournier

Sam Mulligan

Jack Crawford*

*Met C Team Criteria

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.