Calgary, AB (January 13, 2020) – After a busy December the Canadian Ski Cross Team was back in North America getting ready for the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Nakiska. To prep for the only home race of the World Cup season the team headed up to Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer, AB. The weather was frigid, and skies clear for two NorAm Cup races one of which also served as the Canadian National Championships. The field was deep with the Swiss National Team making an appearance in preparation for the World Cup this coming weekend.

 On Saturday in the women’s big final Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) won her seventh national title and first NorAm of the season. Sami Kennedy-Sim (AUS) came 2nd and Britt Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) finished in 3rd spot in the NorAm race. Brittany Phelan was on the podium again to claim second in Nationals. Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) stood on the podium in third place for the Canadian National Championships, her first career National Championships podium. 

Thompson was feeling good after Saturday’s win despite the cold, “Today was good, I felt like I skied well in every heat. The course was fun, and I managed to keep my energy up despite the cold. I am excited to be National Champ again.”

On the men’s side Alex Fiva (SUI) won the NorAm big final while Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) finished with his first National Championship and a second in the NorAm race. Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) rounded out the podium with a 3rd place finish in the NorAm, as well as taking home 2nd in Nationals. Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON), who has dominated the World Cup this season, finished in 3rd for the National Championships. 

Howden, who recently rejoined the team after a semester studying in Calgary, knows the team worked their hardest in tough conditions, “It was tough racing. It was a really deep field and with the cold it was difficult, but we were able to hold it together. Canyon offered a super sweet race track. Feels great to add another title to my career.” 

Saturday also saw the U19 Canadian National Championships. Emeline Bennett came 1st, Samantha Carter in 2nd and Sage Stefani came in 3rd. Stefani will now head to Lausanne, SUI for the 2020 Youth Olympic Games. 

On the men’s side of things Austin Boehm came in 1st, Jack Morrow 2nd and Owen Green rounded out the podium. Morrow will join Stefani in Lausanne to compete against youth around the world. 

 On Sunday, the temps dropped even lower for the NorAm race. Thompson had a repeat win, with Phelan coming in 2nd. Talina Ganterbein (SUI) finished the big final in 3rd. On the men’s side Drury rebounded to finish in 1st while Tyler Wallasch (USA) and Ryan Regez (SUI) finished in 2nd and 3rd respectively. 

While chilly, the Canyon Ski Resort, which has become a hub of ski cross in the province put on an excellent event and set the Canadian team up for success at the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Nakiska this weekend. 

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

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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 will celebrate 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.