Calgary, AB. (Dec 2, 2023) — World Cup ski racing returned to Tremblant for the first time in 40 years today with the FIS Ski World Cup Women's Giant Slalom. Canada’s Valérie Grenier (St. Isidore, ON) led a strong performance by Canadians racing to eighth, with Britt Richardson (Canmore, AB) 15th and Cassidy Gray (Panorama, BC) 24th both delivering career bests. The women race a second GS at Tremblant tomorrow.  

In front of the largest ski racing crowd in memory, over 10,000 fans cheered every moment of the race and created a wave of support for the six Canadians racing today.  

“To see all the people here, my family, my friends, and all the fans here for the Canadian team, it was incredible,” said Grenier. “I felt pretty calm all week and then the moment before I started, when I could see the village and hear the crowd, its kind hit me that it was real.”

“It’s a good result, but I wanted more from today so I’m a little disappointed. I’m excited for tomorrow and another opportunity to race in front of these amazing fans.”

“I could hear the crowd from the gate,” said a smiling Richardson. “Their energy helped, and I really felt like I was going for it. Some turns were a little rusty, but I gave it everything I had and I got a personal best. To get it in Canada, in front of that crowd, and to have it with Cassidy makes it really special.”

“The crowd was amazing!” said a laughing Gray. “I could hear the crowd at the start and when I got to the last pitch, I made a little mistake, and I heard the crowd scream. They almost pulled me across the finish line. It’s kind funny because I didn’t ski my best today and I got a personal best. I think it means that I can do even better.”

Justine Clément (Stoneham, QC) finished 51st in the first run and Justine Lamontagne (St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC) was 54th both missed advancing to the second run. Sarah Bennett (Stoneham, QC) didn’t finish the first run.

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Men speed race super-G in Beaver Creek, CO, USA, on Sunday

Women race giant slalom at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada, on Sunday

Ski cross being their season in Val Thorens Thursday Dec 7

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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.