As the countdown to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games begins, Canada is poised to showcase its alpine and ski cross prowess. Alpine Canada has officially unveiled a formidable squad of 20 athletes who will compete across various disciplines, including downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and ski cross. The Games are set to commence on February 6, with the men’s downhill event kicking off the action on Bormio’s renowned Stelvio slope.
Canadian Champions Lead the Charge
Among the athletes leading Canada’s charge are world champions James Crawford, Laurence St-Germain, and Marielle Thompson. Toronto’s Crawford made headlines last year by clinching the world championship title in super-G, while St-Germain, hailing from Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Quebec, secured the women’s slalom title in 2023. Both athletes are building on their impressive performances, with Crawford also having earned an Olympic bronze medal in the men’s alpine combined event during the Beijing Games in 2022.
In the realm of ski cross, Whistler’s Thompson and Mont-Tremblant’s Brittany Phelan are set to make their fourth Olympic appearance. Thompson, who captured gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, is returning to form after recovering from a knee injury that required surgery last season. Phelan, a silver medalist from the 2018 Olympics, adds significant experience to the team.
A Strong Team Across Disciplines
The men’s alpine ski team also boasts impressive talent, including Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver), Jeffrey Read (Canmore), and brothers Brodie and Riley Seger (North Vancouver). On the women’s side, St-Germain will be joined by a talented roster, including Kiara Alexander (Cochrane), Cassidy Gray, and Amelia Smart (both from Invermere), Valérie Grenier (St-Isidore), Justine Lamontagne (St-Ferréol-les-Neiges), Britt Richardson (Canmore), and Ali Nullmeyer (Toronto).
The ski cross team features Ottawa’s sibling duo Jared and Hannah Schmidt, alongside Reece Howden (Chilliwack), who topped the season World Cup rankings in 2021, 2023, and 2025. They are joined by Kevin Drury (Toronto) and Gavin Rowell (Prince George), forming a competitive lineup that will look to build on Canada’s rich legacy in the sport.
Canada’s Olympic Legacy in Alpine Skiing and Ski Cross
Historically, Canada has excelled in both alpine skiing and ski cross, amassing a total of 12 Olympic medals in alpine events and seven in ski cross. Since its Olympic debut in 2010 at the Vancouver and Whistler Games, Canadian women have consistently medalled in ski cross, highlighting the nation’s strength in this thrilling discipline.
The men’s alpine events are scheduled from February 7 to 16 in Bormio, while the women’s competitions will take place from February 8 to 18 in Cortina. The ski cross events are set for February 20 and 21 in Livigno, promising an exhilarating finish to the Olympic programme.
Why it Matters
The upcoming Winter Olympics represent a vital opportunity for Canada not only to showcase its sporting talent but also to inspire a new generation of athletes. With a rich history in winter sports, the performance of these athletes at Milan Cortina will not only contribute to Canada’s medal tally but also reinforce the nation’s status as a powerhouse in alpine skiing and ski cross on the international stage. As the competition heats up, the eyes of the world will be on these remarkable athletes as they strive for glory.
