Calgary, AB. (December 19, 2019) – This January the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup tour descends on Nakiska Ski Area just outside of Calgary, AB. Featuring Canada’s biggest ski cross superstars including 2018 Olympic Champion Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) and 23-time World Cup winner Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC). This year’s event with HUSKI Chocolate as Premier Partner will feature head to head racing getting underway Saturday, January 18 beginning at noon.

The Canadian Ski Cross team has been a force on the World Cup tour this year, picking up eleven podium finishes. Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON), Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC), Brady Leman, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB), India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) and Marielle Thompson have all stood on the podium. Hoffos and Mahler, for the first time in their careers. 

Veterans Thompson, Drury and Leman have been long-standing members of the team with great success on the World Cup tour, proving that experience continues to pay off. Rookie athletes on the team have been demonstrating Canada’s deep pool of Next Gen talent and the strength of the Canadian Ski Cross program. 

Ski cross is one of the most exciting winter sports to watch live with massive air, big features, high speeds, lots of passing and high energy from the athletes. With this race being the only opportunity for the Canadian Ski Cross Team to ski in a World Cup on Canadian soil, you won’t want to miss the Nakiska Ski Cross World Cup. 

“Racing at home is always something I look forward to. The energy of the crowd, and the inspiration from the Canadian fans really pushes me to another level. I’m looking forward to getting back to Nakiska and racing in front of family and friends on a mountain that I grew up racing on” said Calgarian Brady Leman. 

This will be the seventh time that the Nakiska Ski Area has hosted the Audi FIS World Cup and Canadians have stood on the podium six times, including Marielle Thompson capturing three wins! Canada will be looking for some repeat performances on home snow come January!

Canadian Nakiska Podiums:
2013 – Brady Leman – 3rd
2013 – Marielle Thompson – 1st
2014 – Marielle Thompson – 1st
2014 – Georgia Simmerling – 2nd
2016 – Brady Leman – 3rd
2016 – Marielle Thompson – 1st

BE THERE

Come out on Saturday, January 18 for the race. The 2020 Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup supported by Mackenzie Investments is a free event to attend! Bring your Canadian flags and cowbells and come cheer on the team.

Ticket packages are available for those who want the VIP experience. VIP packages can be purchased here. They make a great Christmas gift! 

If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, come out on January 17 for the free public bib draw at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Media Accreditation: 

For media accreditation information click here. 

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, Alpine Canada will celebrate 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.