Calgary, Alta. (December 8, 2022) – It’s a double podium day for Canadian alpine skiers. Marielle Thompson (Whistler BC), raced to a 2nd place finish at the season opening FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Val Thorens, France. 

“Stoked to start the season on such a good note,” said Thompson. “I made a little mistake in the final that cost me but looking forward to racing again tomorrow where I’m looking to carry my speed a bit better through the turns and to be a bit more aggression at the top.”

And just an hour later, Alexis Guimond (Gatineau, QC) took 3rd in the men standing giant slalom at the first FIS Para-Alpine Ski World Cup race this season in St Moritz, Switzerland. Guimond was originally listed as finishing 4th but there was an error in the live timing, and he was rightfully moved up and on to the podium.

“Great to be back racing on the World Cup circuit,” said Will Marshall, head coach for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team. “We’ve struggled here, so to find our stride on day one is exciting. Seeing Alexis sneak onto the podium by a hundredth of a second is a great momentum builder for the team.”

Two other Canadians skied in the in para-alpine GS. In his first race back from injury Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB) finished 5th in men sitting, and Brian Rowland (Merrickville, ON), finished 11th in men sitting.

Along with Thompson, seven Canadian’s raced in ski cross today. On the women’s side Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) won the small final to finish 5th, and Tiana Gairns (Prince George, BC) picked up World Cup points. Five men competed in ski cross today with Brady Leman (Calgary, AB), Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON), Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB), and Reece Howden (Cultis Lake, BC), all picking up World Cup points.

Next Race

The Para-Alpine team continues their season opening races in St Moritz, SUI, with three slalom races Dec 9 to 11.

The Ski Cross team races again tomorrow, Friday Dec 9th in Val Thorens, FRA.

The Women Alpine tech racers are in Sestriere, ITA, for a giant slalom on Saturday Dec 10 and a slalom on Sunday, December 11.

The Men Alpine tech skiers are in Val d’Isère FRA, and like the women will race GS on Saturday, SL on Sunday.

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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.