PUY-SAINT-VINCENT, France – All Britt Richardson wanted for Christmas was to get out of her funk and it looks like the World Cup alpine ski racer’s wishes came true.

The fast 21-year-old from Canmore took a silver medal and fourth place in back-to-back giant slalom races at the European Cup in Puy-Saint-Vincent, France, last Friday and Saturday (Jan. 10-11), regaining some much needed confidence that she had been lacking since last season.

Just standing on a podium again was enough to put the 2024 junior world champion’s mind at ease.

“I haven’t had that feeling in the World Cup for a while,” said Richardson. 

“I felt a freedom and I was really able to push the limits.

“And knowing that I can perform against top girls, it felt really good and I’m happy to have that result behind me.”

A step down from the World Cup, the European Cup still boasts an impressive start list, with top circuit athletes mixed in with Europe’s best racers trying to reach the next level.

Although young, the Canuck is a staple on the World Cup, especially after last season when Richardson won a junior world championship in giant slalom in style. 

But a quick break to test new mental strategies was beneficial, she said.

“On World Cup, it’s hard sometimes because there is so much pressure to perform well and score points and trying to make finals and all that in the back of my head while I’m racing,” said Richardson. “I think that’s kind of been the barrier for me in World Cup races this year rather than my actual skiing.

“Going to the European Cup, I felt like I broke through that barrier and I want to bring that to the World Cup.”

Richardson returns to the World Cup on Jan. 21 in Kronplatz, Italy.

Frustrations boil over for Canmore skier

Things aren’t going right for Erik Read.

On Sunday (Jan. 12) in Adelboden, Switzerland, following the eighth time Read did not qualify for a second run in slalom or giant slalom this season, the two-time Olympian from Canmore wasn’t visibly annoyed.

“Pardon my language. Getting real tired of this [….],” he posted on social media.

Read, a bronze medallist at the 2023 world championship, has been a dog in the fight for top-30s, but so far he’s only finished in the points once, a 20th place in GS in late December.

With goals of making the 2026 Olympics next year, something will have to change soon for the exasperated 33-year-old or the season – and points needed – might slide too far out of reach.

Read’s next slalom race is Sunday (Jan. 19) in Wengen, Switzerland.