Reiteralm, AUT (March 13, 2022) -- In the team’s return to World Cup action following the Olympic break, the Canadians were absolutely dominant on the slopes of Reiteralm. Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, B.C.) claimed his first victory of the 2021-2022 season with the women and men stacking the small and big finals. Olympic silver medalist Marielle Thompson (Whistler, B.C.) repeated the feat with another silver and Britt Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) took home the bronze. 

“It feels amazing,” says Howden. “The way Alpine Canada has been going with Cam (Alexander) and Jack (Crawford) getting those great results on the alpine circuit, I was happy to bring it on the men’s ski cross side.” 

After winning the Crystal Globe in 2020-2021, Howden struggled with finding the consistency in results that he had last season but is using this win to build towards the World Cup Finals with confidence. 

“It’s been a long pull for me this year and a tough road, but I figured something out today and I want to remember this and keep on trucking and build the confidence back up,” he says. 

On the women’s side, Canadians were three of the four racers starting in the big finals with Thompson, Phelan and teammate Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) all skiing for a podium.  

“Today I skied really well, and in the finals I was in a dangerous position with Sandra right behind me,” says Thompson after earning her 51st world cup medal, and fifth of the season. “I’m happy to be skiing fast and feeling good on my skis in this comeback season.” 

“It was awesome,” agrees Phelan. “I didn’t have the quickest start but made some really good passes throughout the day to end up in the big finals with a couple of my teammates which was fantastic. A good day on a fun track!” 

Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, B.C.) and Tiana Gairns (Prince George, B.C.) rounded out the small finals finishing 7th and 8th, with Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) and Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) in the men’s small finals finding 6th and 8th respectively. 

For more information or media inquiries please contact 
Kylie Robertson I Manager of Communications  
krobertson@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.