THOMPSON 2^ND AT FIS SKI CROSS WORLD
CUP OPENER

Guimond
3^rd at Para-Alpine Opener

Calgary, Alta. (December 8, 2022) – It’s a double podium day for Canadian alpine skiers. Marielle Thompson (Whistler BC), raced to a 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 5^th in men sitting, and Brian Rowland (Merrickville, ON), finished 11^th in men sitting.

Along with Thompson, 12 Canadian’s raced in ski cross today including four other women with Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) winning the small final to finish 5^th. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) and Tiana Gairns (Prince George, BC) picked up World Cup points, while Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) had a DNF. Eight men competed in ski cross today with Brady Leman (Calgary, AB), Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB), Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC), Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON), Kris Mahler
(Canmore, AB), Reece Howden (Cultis Lake, BC), and Zach Belczyk (Banff, AB) 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 9^th 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.

-30-

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.