Calgary, Alta. (December 10, 2020) - As we get further into the season, we get the gift we’ve been waiting for, more ski racing! This week we will get the chance to watch the first men’s speed race of the season as well as the first ski cross races. 

After training camps in Europe and Canada and an off-season no one will soon forget, the men’s speed team is eager to get into the start gate in Val d’Isère, FRA. This weekend, the 65th annual Criterium of the First Snow is home to the first men’s downhill and super G of the season. Cam Alexander, who finished in a career-best 10th place in downhill at Kvitfjell, NOR before the season was shut down is looking to keep the momentum going. He will lead a group of eager Canadians who are looking to making their mark on the World Cup tour. Cam will be joined in Val d’Isère by brother Kyle Alexander, Jack Crawford, Jeff Read, Brodie Seger, Riley Seger, Broderick Thompson and Ben Thomsen. 

The men will have two opportunities to conquer the Val d’Isère race course. First the super G on Saturday, December 12, followed by the downhill on Sunday, December 13. 

On the women’s side, Valérie Grenier looks to lead the Canadian women into Emile-Allais Stadium in Courchevel, FRA, the winter wonderland found in Les Trois Vallées. Valérie, who finished 20th on this course in 2018 is ready to build on the momentum her teammates have started with this season. Valérie will be joined by in Courchevel by Ali Nullmeyer, Candace Crawford and Mikayla Tommy, who finished in 19th at this venue in 2018. 

The women will take on the Courchevel giant slalom twice this weekend, first on Saturday December 12, and then again on Sunday, December 13. 

After nine months away from the excitement of a World Cup Ski Cross event, the Nations Cup winning Canadian Ski Cross Team is back at it! The team led by reigning Crystal Globe winner Kevin Drury will stampede into Arosa, SUI where for the fifth time, two ski cross night races will happen on the “Kulmwiese”. Last year both Marielle Thompson and Kevin stood on the top step and look to repeat this year. 

Marielle will lead a group of women who are eager to get back to the World Cup tour. Last years FIS Freestyle Women’s Rookie of the Year Courtney Hoffos is eager to get back on the podium along with Antoinette Tansley,  Zoe Chore, Hannah Schmidt and Tiana Gairns who are both returning from injury. 

Kevin will lead a full team of men who are ready to race. 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist Brady Leman will be joined by Kris Mahler, Carson Cook, Gavin Rowell, Reece Howden and Zach Belczyk. Jared Schmidt is returning from injury as well as team veteran Chris Del Bosco who looks to get back in the start gate after an off-season injury. 

Qualification will take place on Monday, December 14 before two days of racing on mid-week December 15 and 16. Get ready to cheer for Team Canada! 

How to watch: 

Saturday, December 12 
Women's Giant Slalom - Run 1 – Courchevel 
3:30 AM ET / 1:30 AM MT 

Men's Downhill – Val d’Isere 
4:30 AM ET / 2:30 AM MT 

Women’s Giant Slalom – Run 2 – Courchevel
6:30 AM / 4:30 AM MT 

Men’s Downhill – Val d’Isere  
2:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM MT 

Women’s Giant Slalom – Courchevel
3:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM MT 

Tuesday, December 15 
Ski Cross – Arosa
2:15 PM ET / 12:15 PM MT 

Wednesday, December 16 
Ski Cross – Arosa 
12:45 PM ET / 10:45 AM MT 

Full TV Schedule here.