Calgary AB, (December 20, 2020) – Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) and Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) charged their way to the podium in Val Thorens, FRA. Reece finished in second, for the second podium of his young career. Marielle finished in third, the 43rd podium of her illustrious career, and an incredible eighth time on the podium in Val Thorens. 

The fast, large-turn course allowed for some big air which Reece took advantage of, helping to propel him to the top spots of every heat. In only his first year of full time, World Cup racing Reece is happy to have such a strong result this early in the season. 

“Hopefully I can keep getting into the top-eight. I plan on being here a lot more and just excited to get more opportunities to get on the box,” Reece said. “I had another Canadian in all my heats, except the Big Final. Getting to race with Kris (Mahler) and Del (Del Bosco) was fun, working together on some great passes.”

For Marielle Thompson, Val Thorens has always been a favourite and her results show why. With some tough starts on the day Marielle was able to maneuver her way through the heats and fight her way onto the podium with some incredible skiing. 

“I skied pretty well all day, I made a lot of passes,” Marielle said after the race. “I’d like to get out in front tomorrow so hoping to make a few improvements. But, really happy with being on the podium and being back on a full-length course like Val Thorens.”

The depth of the Canadian program was on display as three women finished in the top eight with Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) and Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, BC) finishing in sixth and seventh place. On the men’s side, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) finished in eighth. 

Reigning Crystal Globe winner Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) went down early in the day. He suffered a leg injury and will be unable to race tomorrow. 

After extreme wind canceled yesterday’s race the team will get another shot at the Val Thorens course tomorrow. 

Team Results

Men’s Ski Cross
2nd – Reece Howden
8th – Kris Mahler
17th – Zach Belczyk
25th – Chris Del Bosco
33rd – Gavin Rowell
33rd – Brady Leman
33rd – Kevin Drury 
49th – Jared Schmidt 

Women’s Ski Cross
3rd – Marielle Thompson 
6th – Courtney Hoffos
7th – Zoe Chore
17th – Hannah Schmidt 

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Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

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, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.