Calgary, Alberta, Dec 21, 2023 – Ski racing fans can kick off the new year with action packed World Cup ski cross racing. Returning to the site of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Canada will host two FIS Ski Cross World Cup races at the Nakiska Ski Area with qualifying January 18 and 19, and World Cup racing on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st.

The adrenaline-pumping action is free and open to the public giving fans the opportunity to see the best ski cross racers in the world, including last year's men’s season champion Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) and Olympic and World champion, and three-time winner at Nakiska, Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC).  Albertans are encouraged to come out to Nakiska and to cheer on Team Canada.

Hannah and Jared Schmidt local Calgarians and the first brother sister combo to podium at a ski cross World Cup will be sure to bring their A game to ignite the crowd.  

“Jared and I are really excited for the upcoming races in Nakiska in January!” said a smiling Hannah Schmidt. “We are both skiing with confidence right now and are looking forward to racing in front of the home crowd. It is the best feeling to cross the finish line in front of Canadian fans and we are both looking forward to that. Hopefully we see a bunch of friends, family and supporters out at Nakiska.”

Qualifications start at noon on Thursday and Friday, with live racing starting at 12:15pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

For general inquiries please contact: 

Sandra Haziza, shaziza@alpinecanada.org 

Senior Manager, ACA events 

Mobile; 604 338 3163 

For 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.