Calgary, Alta. (December 9, 2022) – Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) stood on the World Cup podium for the first time today with a 2nd place finish at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Val Thorens, France. That’s back-to-back days with a Canadian woman on the podium in Val Thorens coming off Marielle Thompson (Whistler BC) second place finish yesterday. India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) made todays big final and finished 4th.

“I’m a little speechless, a World Cup podium was a goal on the bucket list and I’m excited to cross it off,” said Schmidt. “It was a pretty wild day out there but we had a plan, and I skied the way that I know I can ski. We’re now off to a sprint race in Arosa on Monday night and looking forward to getting back at it.”

Today was Schmidt’s 24th World Cup start, and she came into this race with a streak of six straight top 6 finishes, that included three 4th place finishes. 

Snow conditions and overcast skies made for a challenging day with racers struggling to stay on the racing line. The fourth quarterfinal on the women’s side was an all-Canadian affair and was one of the most eventful races of the day. Won by Schmidt, the race saw Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) lose a ski and Sherret and Thompson come together, with Sherret scrambling to finish second and advance to the semifinals.

Also today, at the FIS Para-Alpine Ski World Cup race in St Moritz, Switzerland, Frédérique Turgeon (Candiac, QC) finished 4th in the slalom for women standing. Today was Turgeon’s first race since a training injury forced her to miss the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

“Feels really good to be back competing,” said Turgeon. “I’m happy to be in the top five in my first race back from injury. Being so close to the podium, I can’t help but to aim for a top three finish in the next two days. I need to attack the course and take some risks but it’s worth it for the possible outcome.”

On the men’s side in ski cross, Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) was Canada’s top finisher in 9th place, followed by Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) in 10th.

Next Race

The Para-Alpine team continues their season opening races in St Moritz, SUI, with slalom races December 10 and 11.

The Women Alpine tech racers are in Sestriere, ITA, for a giant slalom on Saturday December 10 and a slalom on Sunday, Dec 11.

The Men Alpine tech skiers are in Val d’Isère FRA, and like the women will race GS on Saturday, SL on Sunday.

The Ski Cross team next races on Monday December 12th in Arosa, SUI.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Mark Halliday 
mhalliday@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204

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. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrated 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.