Canada's Reece Howden celebrates his victory in the men's final of a World Cup ski cross event at Nakiska Ski Resort in Kananaskis, Alta., Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh
World Cup skiing

Cultus Lake’s Reece Howden wins ski cross gold at World Cup in Val di Fassa

Feb 10, 2025 | 8:31 AM

TRENTINO CHIESA (ITALY)— Cultus Lake native Reece Howden has won the men’s ski cross gold Sunday at the Val di Fassa World Cup.

Howden finished ahead of local favourite Simone Deromedis in the four-man big final. It was Howden’s third World Cup win of the season.

Italy’s Jole Galli won the women’s event ahead of Marielle Berger Sabbatel of France and Switzerland’s Fanny Smith.

In December 2024, Howden captured a second men’s World Cup ski cross race in last year’s season with a victory in Italy.

The 26-year-old ran the table by finishing first in his heat, quarterfinal and semifinal to reach the four-man final.

Howden’s win came after his first of the season in Arosa, Switzerland.

By winning in December, he moved into second in the men’s World Cup standings behind Florian Wilmsmann of Germany.

Howden was the lone Canadian man to reach a final.

Canada’s women were held off the podium. India Sherret of Cranbrook, reached the final to place fourth.

Canada’s Reece Howden celebrates his victory in the men’s final of a World Cup ski cross event at Nakiska Ski Resort in Kananaskis, Alta., Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh