Calgary, AB. (March 22, 2025) — Canada continued its strong performance in the third giant slalom (GS) in as many days the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Veysonnaz (SUI). Leading the Canadians today was Kalle Ericsson (Kimberley, BC), and guide Sierra Smith (Ottawa, ON), who topped the podium in men vision impaired. Two other Canadians stood on the podium with Alexis Guimond (Gatineau, QC) and Mollie Jepsen (West Vancouver, BC) both in third.
Ericsson and Smith, in second by .36 of a second after the first run, delivered the fastest second run by almost a second for their second GS win this season and the fourth of their career. Today’s result pushes them up into third in the final season standings in GS.
“It feels great being on the top of the box today,” said Ericsson. “Going into the second run in a fighting position made us want it that much more. We stuck to our plan and gave it our all.”
“Our skiing has been there this season and so claiming another win in the final GS of the season is the cherry on top,” added Smith.
Guimond built on pair of third places finishes in the first two days in the men standing category with another third place today.
“I’m pretty satisfied to have three podiums in a row but honestly, I hoped to be more competitive with the top two skiers in my category,” said Guimond. “It’s definitely fuel for next season for sure. I know I’m capable of hunting for the top step and I’ll continue working towards that in the off-season. Thank you everyone, coaches, staff, teammates, for an amazing season.”
In her first competition in three years Jepsen secured her second podium in as many days in women’s standing.
“Today was a really great day for me,” said Jepsen. “I was able to put down skiing I can be proud of and walk away with another podium. I didn’t have expectations coming into these first races back, but I definitely knew I could stand on the box if I skied the way I had been in the training leading up. I am so happy to be 100% back and pushing. I am headed home now to recover and start prepping for next season!”
Other Canadians in action today in women’s standing were Michaela Gosselin (Collingwood, ON) in seventh, Florence Carrier in 11th and Tess Beasant who didn’t finish her first run.
In women sitting, Katie Combaluzier (Toronto, ON), was sixth while Andrea Nelson was ninth.
And in men’s sitting, Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB) was seventh, Brian Rowland (Merrickville, ON) was 16th, and Samuel Peters didn’t finish their first run.
Also today, in the ski cross team event at the FIS Freestyle World Championships in Engadin (SUI). Canada 1, Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) and Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON), and Canada 2, Jared Schimdt (Ottawa, ON) and Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) did not advance past the quarterfinals finishing ninth and 10th.
Next CANskiteam World Cup races: (link to FIS Calendar)
Para alpine continue World Cup Finals in Veysonnaz (SUI) through March 25
Alpine World Cup Finals are in Sun Valley (USA) through March 27
Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter here.
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