Calgary, AB. (Dec 8, 2023) — Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) raced to first place in today’s FIS Ski Cross World Cup race in Val Thorens (FRA). While on the women’s side Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) took second place on a day that saw three Canadian women finish in the top eight.

In the second race of the ski cross World Cup season, under low cloud and with light snow falling in Val Thorens, Schmidt battled his way through the heats and then raced to victory in an eventful final. This is Schmidt’s third time on a World Cup podium and the win comes in his 36th World Cup start.

“It’s a pretty special day,” said a smiling Schmidt. “It was crazy out there and the cards kinda played in my favour. But that’s ski cross and you still have to ski fast to win the race. I’m so excited for the season. The rest of the team is skiing really fast, so results are going to come for everyone.”

Coming off yesterday’s fourth place finish, Phelan continued her remarkable return from injury with a second-place finish today. Phelan has placed in the top four in three of the four races since returning to competition in March.

“Super stoked with how I skied today,” said Phelan. “I wasn’t nailing the start section so really had to ski well and make some passes out there. Made some good technical and tactical decisions and really pleased with the podium. A ton of people to thank for helping me get back out here and very appreciative of their support.”

Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) won today’s women’s small final to take fifth, while Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) finished eight to give Canada three women in the top eight.

On the men’s side, defending Crystal Globe winner Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) placed sixth, Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) 11th, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB), after placing fourth yesterday, was 15th today and Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) finished 25th.

The women’s speed season got underway today in St. Moritz (SUI) at the FIS Ski World Cup Women’s Super G and like ski cross, the race was also under heavy cloud cover. Valérie Grenier (St. Isidore, ON) starting 30th, was the top Canadian in 14th place. This is Grenier’s best result in the super-G since a fourth place in 2019.

Other Canadians racing in St Moritz today were Stefanie Fleckenstein (Calgary, AB) who finished 41st and Cassidy Gray (Panorama, BC) who did not finish her run.

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Women alpine speed continue racing in St. Moritz (SUI) Saturday and Sunday.

Men alpine tech is in Val d'Isère (FRA) racing Saturday and Sunday.

Canada’s para-alpine team get their season started Thursday December 14 in St. Moritz (SUI).

Ski cross returns to action in Arosa (SUI) Dec 12.

Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.

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.