For Media And Other Inquiries:
Get in TouchCalgary, AB. (March 22, 2026)—The good times continued at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Craigleith (CAN) with Canada having two athletes on the podium for the second day in a row. Following yesterday's double podium by Hannah and Jared Schmidt, today Canada had Kaleb Barnum (Fernie, BC) in second place and Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) in third.
Barnum, the 2024 Junior World Champion, in just his eighth World Cup start, won his first heat today and then placed second in the next three heats, including the big final to stand on his first World Cup podium.
“My friends and family are here and having the time of their lives and that really helped me to just go out there and have a good time,” said Barnum. “I played to my strengths today, I don’t have the greatest starts, but I was able to carry speed and to make some passes at the bottom.”
“This team is full of mentors, Reece (Howden), Kris (Mahler), Jared (Schmidt), Kevin (Drury), it’s great be able to watch and to learn from them. I’m honoured to represent Canada and to have my first podium in Canada in front of family and friends is awesome.”
While this was a home race for the entire Canadian team, it was a true homecoming for Kris Mahler having grown-up skiing at Craigleith until he was 15. Mahler’s last podium was also on home soil when he won at Nakiska in 2022.
“This is the most special feeling in the world. This is where I grew up skiing and with family and friends at the finish today, it is such a special moment,” said Mahler. ‘I’ve always raced well at home, including a World Cup win at my other home in Nakiska.”
“It feels amazing to be back on the podium. I’ve been searching for this for a while. My skiing has been there, but little things make big differences in this sport and I’ve had some ups and downs. I was able to put it together today and we found the box with another Canadian so it’s super special.”
The other Canadian men in action today were Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), who, in his 80th World Cup start, won the small final to finish fifth on the day, while Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC), was ninth and Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) was 22nd.
In today’s women’s race Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), coming off yesterday’s podium, was eighth today, and Tiana Gairns (Prince George, BC) was 14th and Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) was 15th.
Next races: (link)
Alpine World Cup Finals run through March 25th in Lillehammer (NOR)
Ski cross head to Gällivare (SWE) March 28 and 29 for World Cup Finals
Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website , across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter here.
-30-
For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org
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.