Canadian ski cross sensation Reece Howden is on an unstoppable streak, and the world is taking notice. But here's where it gets even more impressive: after clinching his third consecutive World Cup victory in Innichen, Italy, Howden not only extended his record to an astonishing 21 career wins but also solidified his status as the most successful men's ski cross racer in World Cup history. This weekend’s triumph saw him outpace Germany’s Florian Wilmsmann and France’s Evan Klufts, despite admitting his legs were heavier than usual. And this is the part most people miss: Howden’s ability to perform under pressure, even when fatigued, highlights his mental toughness—a trait that sets champions apart.
Earlier this week, the Cultus Lake, B.C., native made headlines by surpassing legends like Jean-Frédéric Chapuis and Thomas Kraus with his seventh win in a 10-race stretch. Reflecting on his victory, Howden shared with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, “It was a battle, but I stayed focused. This is a perfect way to kick off the Christmas break—I’m already dreaming of powder skiing at home.” His humility and drive are as remarkable as his speed, which he credits for holding off Wilmsmann’s late-race surge.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture: Howden’s dominance comes on the heels of his third Crystal Globe championship, though his 2025-26 season started modestly with finishes of 5th and 25th in France. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, leaving fans and critics alike wondering: Can he carry this momentum to the Milan-Cortina Olympics in eight weeks? After a quarterfinal exit at the 2022 Beijing Games and no individual world championship medals, the Olympics could be his chance to silence any lingering doubts.
Meanwhile, other Canadians are making waves. Kris Mahler of Canmore, Alta., secured a season-best 6th place, while Toronto’s Kevin Drury and Ottawa’s Jared Schmidt finished 11th and 13th, respectively. Schmidt, the last Canadian man to win three races in a row before Howden, continues to inspire. On the women’s side, Hannah Schmidt led the Canadian contingent with a 7th-place finish, her best of the season, while Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant, Que., secured her fourth top-10 finish.
However, Sweden’s Sandra Näeslund stole the show in Innichen, claiming her 43rd World Cup victory and extending her lead in the season standings. Her 8th win in the Italian village is a record for both men and women, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
But here’s the controversial question: With Howden’s unparalleled success, is he now the undisputed king of ski cross, or does his lack of Olympic and world championship medals leave room for debate? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
WATCH | Howden’s historic 21st World Cup win in Italy: [Insert link]
WATCH | Full replay of Sunday’s ski cross action from Innichen: [Insert link]
As the ski cross world holds its breath for the Olympics, one thing is clear: Reece Howden is rewriting the record books, one race at a time. Will 2026 be his year to conquer the sport’s biggest stage? Only time will tell.
