Calgary, AB. (Jan 22, 2024) — Canada’s para-alpine group returned to racing today following an extended break with a pair of third place finishes at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup at Veysonnaz (SUI). Racing giant slalom in the men’s standing category, Alexis Guimond (Gatineau, QC) finished third, and in his first ever World Cup race Kalle Ericsson (Kimberley, BC), with guide Sierra Smith (Ottawa, ON) raced to third in the men visually impaired race.   

In their first World Cup race together, Ericsson and Smith delivered two solid runs, placing second in the first run and third in the second run to capture third place by almost three seconds. 

“It’s a very cool experience to be on the podium in our first world cup race,” said Ericsson. “We didn’t really know what to expect coming into this race series but it feels good starting off with a solid result. Today we both feel that we worked very well together as a team and had great communication. Looking forward to another race tomorrow.” 

With today’s third place finish, Guimond extended his remarkable streak to six consecutive podiums in World Races this season, and 11 consecutive podiums going back to last season. 

“The course condition and the snow made it challenging today,” said Guimond. “It was a battle for sure, but happy to stand on the podium and it’s nice to keep the streak going. The long break was nice, I was able to spend time with family and friends, to relax a little, and I was also able to stay focused on the goal at hand to always push to be on the top step of the podium.” 

Other Canadians in action today were Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB) who placed eight in men’s sitting and in women’s sitting, Katie Combaluzier (Toronto, ON), in her first World Cup race this season, stood in third place after her first run, but did not finish the second run.   

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar) 

Para-alpine continue racing in Veysonnaz (SUI) Jan 23 through 25 

Men alpine race SL and GS in Schladming (AUT) Jan 23 and 24 

Women alpine race in Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA) Jan 26 through 28 

Ski cross move to St. Moritz (SUI) Jan 27 and 28 

Men alpine race two SG’s in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER) Jan 27 and 29 

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

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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.