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Get in TouchCalgary, AB. (March 29, 2026)— Canada claimed four awards today at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup Finals at Gällivare (SWE). Led by Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) wrapping-up the 2026 season taking second place in today’s race and then picking-up his Crystal Globe for winning the season standings. Canada was then awarded the Nations Cup for the country with the most freestyle World Cup points and to complete the haul, Kaled Barnum (Fernie, BC) was named male rookie of the year.
Today’s result gives Howden 39 podiums in 91 career World Cup starts. This is his fourth Crystal Globe, and the first time he’s won back-to-back Globes having previously captured Globes in 2021, 2023 and 2025.
Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) won today’s small final to finish fifth, his fifth top five this season, while Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) was 21st.
In today’s women’s race, Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) was the top Canadian in sixth place and Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) was 14th.
Kaleb Barnum, the 2024 Junior World Champion, didn’t race in Gällivare this weekend, was awarded the male rookie of the year based on his strong season that included a second-place finish in just his eighth World Cup start last weekend in Craigleith (CAN).
As a team Canada claimed the Nations Cup, awarded to the country with the most World Cup points, for the fifth year in a row, the ninth time in the last 10 seasons and for the 13th time in the 19-year history of the trophy being presented.
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Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
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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.