As posted to ACA

Calgary, Alta. (January 15, 2018) – The Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup tour descends on Nakiska Ski Area, Alta. this week, including Canada’s biggest stars. Nakiska Ski Area will host the final World Cup race before the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. The 2018 Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Nakiska supported by Mackenzie Investments is on Saturday, January 20, beginning at 11:30AM.

The Canada Ski Cross team has been a force on the World Cup tour this year, picking up seven podium finishes. Both the men’s and ladies’ teams have contributed to Canada’s success. Chris Del Bosco, Kevin Drury, Kelsey Serwa, Georgia Simmerling, Britt Phelan and India Sherret have all stood on the podium.

Veterans Del Bosco, Serwa and Simmerling have been long-standing members of the team with great success on the World Cup tour, proving that experience continues to pay off in this relatively new sport. Rookie athletes on the team have been demonstrating Canada’s deep pool of Next Gen athletes and the strength of the Canada Ski Cross program. Kevin Drury/Craigleith, Britt Phelan and India Sherret all achieved career-first podium finishes this season.

Notably missing from the weekend roster will be the reigning Olympic champion, Marielle Thompson, who suffered a knee injury in the fall. She has been diligently rehabbing.

Ski cross is one of the most exciting winter sports to watch live with massive air, big features, high speeds, lots of passing and high energy from the athletes. With this race being the last opportunity for athletes to qualify for Olympic team criteria, you can count on exciting action.

This will be the fifth-time Nakiska Ski Area has hosted the ski cross World Cup and Canadians have stood on the podium six times, including Marielle Thompson capturing three wins! Canada will be looking for some repeat performances on home snow this weekend.

Canadian Nakiska Podiums:

2013 – Brady Leman – 3rd

2013 – Marielle Thompson – 1st

2014 – Marielle Thompson – 1st

2014 – Georgia Simmerling – 2nd

2016 – Brady Leman – 3rd

2016 – Marielle Thompson – 1st

BE THERE

Come out on Saturday, January 20 for the race. The Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup is a FREE event to attend and watch! Bring your Canadian flags and cowbells and come cheer on the team.

Ticket packages are available for those who want the VIP experience, or a package including lift tickets or tubing. View and purchase packages here.

If you’re looking to make it a weekend event, come out on Friday, January 19 for the FREE public bib draw at the Delta Hotels Kananaskis Lodge from 7:30pm to 10:00pm.

HOW TO WATCH (all times in EST)

Saturday, January 20

2:30PM – Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup – Stream it LIVE on cbc.ca/sports/broadcast

Sunday, January 21

1:00PM – Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup – Watch it on CBC’s Road to the Olympic Games

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.