Calgary, Alta. (December 22, 2022) – Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) was dominant today racing to first place at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Innichen, Italy. With the sun breaking through and the Dolomites peering down, Howden led from start to finish in each heat including the finals. Today’s win vaults Howden to the top of the FIS Ski Cross World Cup standings heading into the holiday break. 

“This feels great! I’ve had a slow start to the season and really happy to see some success,” said a smiling Howden. “This is a tough race. I had some consistent starts and was able to hold on from there. Really proud of the team and staff, we’ve all been working really hard for success and it’s starting to payoff. This is a great way to go into the holidays and I’m excited to get home to see my parents and brother and to celebrate a little.”

This is Howden’s first win and third podium this World Cup season and his first win ever at Innichen. This is his 12thcareer World Cup podium and his seventh first place finish in 35 World Cup starts.

Also today, at the FIS Alpine World Cup in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, the men raced a night slalom under the bright lights.  Erik Read (Canmore, AB) advanced to the second run and finished 22nd. Asher Jordan (North Vancouver, BC) placed 37th, while Liam Wallace (Calgary, AB) and Simon Fournier (Monreal, QC) didn’t finish their run.  

In women’s ski cross at Innichen today Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) and Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) battled into the small final with Hoffos finishing 7th and Schmidt 8th.  Marielle Thompson (Whistler BC) and India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) missed out on advancing to the semifinals.

On the men’s side Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) placed 13th, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) 14th and Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) rounded out the Canadians racing today in 26th.

Next Race

Women tech skiers are in action in Semmering, Austria December 27-29.

Men speed racers are Bormio, Italy December 28 and 29.

Para-alpine racers have a holiday break from competition returning to action at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Championships 2023 in Espot and La Molina, Spain, January 18th to 30th.

Ski cross has a break from World Cup racing until January 20th in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.

-30-

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.