Calgary, AB. (Jan 28, 2024) — Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) topped the podium today at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup in St. Moritz (SUI) for her first win this season. The 26-time World Cup winner now has 62 podiums in 128 World Cup starts. Also today, at the FIS Ski World Cup men’s super-G in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER), James Crawford (Toronto, ON) raced to fifth for his third top five finish this season.

Racing at the site of next year’s World Championships, Thompson had a dominant day finishing first in all of her heats. Today’s result vaults Thompson into third place in the season standings 62 points behind World Cup points leader Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) who placed third today for her third consecutive podium after back-to-back wins in Nakiska last weekend.

“I’m super excited to be on top of the podium,” said Thompson. “It’s been a tough season as I just haven’t had the results that I’m looking for even though my skiing has been there all year. This brings me some confidence and I’m stoked to come back here for World Championships.”

Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) won today’s small final to finish fifth, teammates Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) placed seventh, India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) 12th and Emeline Bennett (North Vancouver, BC) 13th.

In his 50th World Cup start Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) led Canada’s men in ski cross today finishing fourth and he now sits in second place in the season standings behind points leader Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON). Nicholas Katrusiak (Whistler, BC), in just his third World Cup start, delivered a career best 15th place, while Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) was 30th and Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) 32nd.

With today’s fifth place, Crawford delivered a career best result on the Kandahar in Garmisch. This is his third top five finish this season and the 10th top 10 of his career.

“Really happy with today’s race,” said Crawford. “I’ve been struggling for the last little while and it’s been a road to get back to form. Over the last week of training, we figured out a few things and today I felt confident racing. And now I’m feeling good for the rest of the season.”

Led by Crawford, Canada had four men in the points with Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) finishing 15th, for back-to-back top 20’s in Garmisch, Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) 24th and Kyle Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) 30th. Riley Seger (North Vancouver, BC) was just outside the points in 34th and Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) did not finish his run.

At the FIS Ski World Cup women’s super-G at Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA), Cassidy Gray was the top Canadian with a career best 29th in the super-G, while Valérie Grenier (St. Isidore, ON) had a fall and was assisted off the mountain.

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Women’s alpine head to Kronplatz (ITA) for a GS on Jan 30.

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

Ski cross race in Alleghe (ITA) Feb 2 and 3.

Para-alpine heads to Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA) Jan 30 through Feb 2.

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