It’s the middle of summer… not a snowflake in sight but we can still look back and celebrate the Ski Cross North American Cup (Nor-Am Cup) circuit. The circuit is a significant development opportunity for athletes on their way to competing on the world cup circuit. 

The Canadian Ski Cross Team, who dominated the World Cup circuit in Europe, did much of the same this season in North America. They won 16 of the 20 Nor-Am races on the calendar.

The calendar started at the Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer, AB ahead of the Nakiska World Cup. Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) and Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) each took home gold medals and Marielle repeated as the winner the next day. After the Nakiska World Cup, the circuit stuck around the Nakiska Ski Area for another Nor-Am two-day series of races. Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, BC) won both races on the women’s side with Antoinette Tansley (Calgary, AB) finishing in second on both days as well.

“It was an amazing track at Nakiska. It was very similar to the World Cup track which made for great training and racing. I had some tight heats and an exciting big final. I was excited to race the rest of the NorAm circuit!” said Zoe, reflecting on her podium performances. 

On the men’s side of things, Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) and Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) traded one-two spots on the podium with Ned Ireland (Lake Country, BC) coming in third on both days of races. 

Gavin found the experience well worth the busy schedule, “it was an amazing opportunity to continue to use the track that was built for the World Cup.”

The tour then jetted out east to Calabogie Peaks in Ontario. Gavin and Carson came in second and third on the first day of racing while Zoe stood on top of the podium again.  Later in February, at Calabogie Peaks again, Carson and Gavin once again traded off spots on the podium coming in first and second on back-to-back days. On the women’s side, India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) came in first on the first day of racing while Zoe came in second. Zoe took the top spot on the podium the next day. 

For the last race of the shortened season the tour headed south of the border to Ski Cooper, CO. Carson took home first place on both days of racing, while Callum McEwen (Edmonton, AB) of the Alberta Ski Cross team came in second. Zoe, again, came in first on the women’s side on both days of racing, with Antoinette coming in second on the first day of racing. 

When all was said and done, Zoe took home the overall Nor-Am title on the women's side while Carson took home the title on the men's side of things. It was an incredible season for the Canadian Ski Cross Team on the Nor-Am circuit, with podium finishes and repeat wins from many athletes.  Athletes are already looking forward to next season and can’t wait to get back on snow later this summer.