Calgary, AB. (Feb 3, 2024) — Canada won the men’s and the women’s race at today’s FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Alleghe (ITA) with Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) winning the women’s race and Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) taking the men’s race. This is the third time this season Canada has won both the men’s and women’s races on the same day. Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) joined Thompson on the podium in second place today for her 15th career podium.

In her 130th World Cup start, Thompson secured her second win this season and the 27th World Cup win of her career. In 10 races this season, Thompson has eight top five’s and now sits just three points behind teammate Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) in second place in the season standings. Schmidt finished fourth today for her seventh top five this season.

“It’s a great day when two Canadians are on top of the box, and happy to be there with Reece,” said a smiling Thompson. “I wanted to ski smooth today and to improve the starts. I learned some things from India’s strong starts yesterday and it was enough to pull it off today when there was some fast skiing from my teammates and the rest of the field. The team is firing right not and we’re ready to keep it going.”

India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC), coming off her first World Cup win yesterday, won today’s small final to take fifth place. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) did not finish her run today.

Today’s win is Howden’s second this season and gives him 11 wins in his 52 career World Cup starts. Today’s result vaults him ahead of teammate Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) into the lead in the season standings. Schmidt finished 12th today. 

“It was a battle out there today,” said Howden. “I tried to focus on my skiing and to having a strong start. The start here is a long one and it’s important to get it right. The team is battling hard right now, people are stepping up and everyone is on a high. They put on an amazing event here and now we’re excited to get to the next race and to keep it going.”

Other Canadian men in action today were Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) who finished 15th and Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) who was 18th.

Also today, the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Haute-Savoie (FRA) wrapped up with the women’s slalom and the men’s giant slalom.

Canada placed four women in the top 30 today led by Arianne Forget (Prévost, QC) in 20th, followed by Kendra Giesbrecht (St. Albert, AB) in 25th, Anne-Catherine Théberge (Lac-Beauport, QC) 26th and Andreea Nicolici (Ottawa, ON) 29th.  Amélie Bourgeois (St-Bruno, QC) did not finish her first run.

In today’s men’s giant slalom at the Junior Worlds, Canada was led by Pierick Charest (Blainville, QC) in 13th place, followed by Jesse Kertesz-Knight (Jasper, AB) in 26th and Gered Thompson (Calgary, AB) 43rd. Kyle Blandford (Oakville, ON) was 46th after the first run and didn’t finish his second run while Sasha Gilbert (Whistler, BC) and Thomas McKinlay (Ottawa, ON) did not finish their first run.

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Men’s alpine race SL in Chamonix (FRA) on Feb 4.

Ski cross race head to Bakuriani (GEO) for races on Feb 10 and 11.

Women’s alpine will be in Soldeau (AND) for races Feb 10 and 11.

Para-alpine head to Sapporo (JPN) Feb 10-15.

Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.

For more information or 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.