Calgary, Alta. (February 3, 2021) – Alpine Canada is proud to announce the team of athletes who will be representing Canada at the 2021 FIS Ski Cross World Championships in Idre Fjäll, SWE. The announcement comes after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the originally scheduled FIS Freestyle, Freeski, and Snowboard World Championship in Zhangjiakou, CHN. 

The team, who are the reigning Nations Cup winners look to continue the success they have had already this season with 10 podium finishes and three victories for Reece Howden. 

Made up of a mix of up-and-coming athletes and team veterans, Canada is poised for success, after multiple podium performances on this track at a World Cup stop in the same location last month.

Olympic Champion Brady Leman looks to win the one thing that has always eluded him, a World Championship gold medal while Chris Del Bosco, who has appeared at every World Championship since 2009 looks to prove that through injury and time he is still in the mix. Reece Howden, who came in 17th at his first World Championship in 2019 is looking to bring his World Cup momentum to the big show. 

The race in Idre Fjäll will be an opportunity for Marielle Thompson to defend her 2019 World Championship title, as well as repeat performances had on this track last month by both Marielle and Reece. 

While the veterans know what to expect Tiana Gairns, Zoe Chore, Courtney Hoffos, Kris Mahler, and Hannah Schmidt will be looking to gain experience and make their presence known amongst the best in the world. 

“The team is looking well poised for the upcoming World Championships in Idre Fjäll – we have had some great results in this challenging season from our younger athletes and the veterans will be hungry to have another shot in Idre Fjäll in the hopes of capturing some coveted World Champs hardware.  We are thankful to the Swedish Ski Association for hosting the World Champs after the competition was cancelled at the Olympic venue in China.”  Dave Ellis – High Performance Direction, Ski Cross 

The full list of competing athletes for Canada includes:

Brady Leman (Calgary, AB/Calgary Alpine Racing Club) 
Chris Del Bosco (Montreal, QC/Ski & Snowboard Club Vail) 
Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, B.C./Windermere Valley Ski Club) 
Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON/Club de Ski Mont-Tremblant)
Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB/Craigleith Ski Club) 
Marielle Thompson (Whistler, B.C./Whistler Mountain Ski Club) 
Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, B.C./Apex Ski Club) 
Tiana Gairns (Prince George, B.C./Prince George Ski Club) 
Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, B.C./Kimberley Alpine Ski Team)
Dave Ellis (High-Performance Director, Ski Cross) 
Stanley Hayer (World Cup Head Coach, Ski Cross) 

Noticeably absent will be first time World Championship qualifier Zach Belczyk, reigning Crystal Globe winner Kevin Drury and Olympic silver medalist Britt Phelan, all of whom are working through return-to-snow protocols after leg injuries. 

The athletes qualified for the team by meeting selection criteria, qualification criteria can be found here.  

The 2021 FIS Ski Cross World Championships in Idre Fjäll, SWE will be streamed live on CBCSports.ca on Saturday, February 13 2021 beginning at 12:30 PM CET/ 6:30 AM ET/4:30 AM MT.  

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

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 celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.