Calgary, Alta. (January 4, 2023) – The FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup kicked off the new year with slalom races in Zagreb, Croatia for the women and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany for the men. Amelia Smart (Invermere, BC) was the day’s top Canadian delivering a career best result in slalom. Erik Read (Canmore, AB) paced the men with a 14th place finish.

With the sun setting, and the lights on in Zagreb, Smart raced to a career best eighth place finish in the slalom and her third top 16 result this World Cup season.

“Really happy with my race,” said a pleased Smart. “I skied the way I want to ski today, especially in my second run so feel good about that. Our team is skiing really fast right now, and I think tomorrow will be a great race for us.”

Laurence St-Germain (St. Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC) had the fastest second run of the day, putting her in the leader’s chair for a few racers, before settling for 14th. Ali Nullmeyer (Toronto, ON) had the fifth fastest first run but missed a gate on her second run.

On a challenging course under the lights in Garmisch, Read was the top Canadian with his second top 15 finish this World Cup season and his best result ever in Garmisch. Jordan Asher (North Vancouver, BC) and Liam Wallace (Calgary, AB) also competed today and missed advancing to the second run.

Next Race

Women tech skiers race another slalom tomorrow, January 5th, in Zagreb, Croatia.

Men tech skiers head to Adelboden, Switzerland for races January 7th and 8th.

Women speed are in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, January 7-8.

Men speed return to racing in Wengen, Switzerland, January 13-15

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

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

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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.