Canada’s Reece Howden wins ski cross gold for 20th career World Cup title

INNICHEN — Canada’s Reece Howden won his second straight race in dominant fashion by taking gold at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup on Saturday.

Howden, from Chilliwack, B.C., had no trouble in the heats and never trailed in the final en route to his 20th career World Cup title and 32nd career podium.

“Grateful for the flow state that I seem to find here in Innichen,” said Howden. “The speed is there and I felt good today and I was able to focus on my own skiing. You have to be smart on a long course like this.

“If you’re tired, know that the other racers are tired as well and conserve energy where you can.”

Alex Fiva and Tobias Baur, both from Switzerland, joined him on the podium. Ottawa’s Jared Schmidt was fourth.

Howden won gold last Tuesday in Arosa, Switzerland, to become the all-time leader in men’s ski cross World Cup wins, moving ahead of Jean-Frederic Chapuis of France.

Marielle Berger Sabbatel of France won the women’s final Saturday. Switzerland’s Fanny Smith took silver and Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund picked up bronze.

Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant, Que., was 10th.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2025.