Collingwood, ON (March 17, 2022) -- The temperatures are heating up and so is the racing as the National Championships continued at Osler Bluff Ski Club. In today’s men’s slalom event, Canadian Simon Fournier (Montreal, QC) took home the title of National Champion with a combined time of 1:19.73. Norwegian Joachim Lindstoel was hot on his heels only two tenths off the pace, and fellow Canuck Jeff Read (Canmore, AB) rounded out the podium in third just days after his third-place finish in the giant slalom at Georgian Peaks. 

“I am super happy to finally become the national champion,” says Fournier. “After many seasons of feeling like I could achieve this title, I finally got it and I’m very pleased.”  

“Today I didn’t have any huge expectations, but I knew the slalom skills were there” adds Read. “My first run felt a little safe and like I wasn’t risking it enough so on the second run I went out there to lay it all on the line.”  

The volunteers and course crew have been working hard against the elements, with temperatures in the region soaring to +17 Celsius. However, the course remained in good condition for both runs to be completed, and their dedication was noticed by all. “They’ve done a tremendous job with the hill preparation considering the elements. We’re all very thankful for the work they’ve put in so we could have a great race today,” says Fournier. 

Fournier will continue his education at Denver University, where he has been part of their ski team since joining as a freshman in 2019. He was crowned the NCAA All-American in Slalom in 2021. 

“I’ve been mostly travelling with the DU ski team over this winter and just got back to Canada for these races and I am very happy to leave with some good results,” he says. “My goal is to make it back to the white circus [World Cup] next year and build on this result for the remainder of this season.” 

The Canadian National Championships conclude with the women’s slalom event on March 18, 2022. 

For more information or media inquiries please contact:   
Kylie Robertson 
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.