Marielle Thompson of Canada races to a first place finish in the women's World Cup ski cross event in Nakiska, Alta., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol
December 07, 2013 - 3:55 PM
NAKISKA, Alta. - Canada's Marielle Thompson is kicking off the World Cup ski cross season in style.
Thompson, from Whistler, B.C., won the gold medal on Saturday at Nakiska Ski Area, finishing just ahead of Switzerland's Fanny Smith and Ophelie David of France.
Brady Leman of Calgary won bronze in the men's final.
Jonas Devouassoux of France took the gold and Armin Niederer of Switzerland won the silver medal.
Two World Cups were on the original schedule this week but one event had to be cancelled Friday when temperatures hovered near -30 C.
It was around -20 C when the final heats began on the Mighty Peace course.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013