There is no way we can leave out the great Ophélie David, often regarded as the worlds’ best female talent in Ski Cross. Leader in her field for some years now, Ophélie finished last season with a new crystal globe – synonymous with a final victory on the World Cup circuit – to put on her mantelpiece. Victory is almost customary now, for this female alpine skier, aged 31, has already got two World Cup titles from 2004 and 2005. A lover of adrenaline sports, (she also enjoys downhill mountain biking) Ophélie David is now, more than ever, the woman to beat, as her sporting rivals are all too aware. With a track record of three Ski Cross World Cup titles, this year Ophélie has set herself new personal goals: the World Cup, the World Championships and even the X-Games, the much sought after North-American title in alternative sports. It is only normal then that her presence is somewhat anxiously awaited on the race course, as she prepares to battle her way to the victory line. But her competitiveness is only on the race course... Ophélie is a great champion of fair play, who knows how to maintain and respect the great ambiance which exists between the girls on the circuit. She is a true champion.

Meryl Boulangeat
Amongst the French female Ski Cross competitors, Méryl Boulangeat is without doubt the most obvious heir apparent to the reigning Queen in this discipline, much acclaimed medal winner, Ophélie David. At twenty years of age, Méryl shows all the necessary qualities needed to seal her a future place at the top of the winners’ podium. French Vice-Champion, she is more often than not, ranked in the top ten at international race level. In fact she finished the World Cup season last year ranked fourth. Méryl, another adrenaline enthusiast, always sets out to leave her mark and despite her young age compared to the other female skiers on the circuit, she is very much a match for them. A very quick downhill skier, rapidly on her way to the top!

Tomas Kraus
Tomas Kraus is a well known face in Czech skiing… and indeed at world level. Initially successful as an alpine skier, Tomas’ skiing strength has been a major attribute to his success on the Ski Cross circuit. He became national champion and achieved some good results on the international ski circuit. It was in 2002 that he discovered Ski Cross, almost by chance. In this particular year, at the top of his skiing career, he decided to try his talents in a qualifying round of the Ski Cross World Cup and he won! Today, aged 32, Tomas holds the 2005 World Championship Skiercross title, and two World Cup victories. He has also won seven W.C. skiercross races... At this rate Ski Cross will soon become known as Ski Kraus... that’s if there are no spanners put in the works for this Decin born skier, who will be closely watched.

Xavier Kuhn
Although adopted by the Savoy region, Xavier Kuhn is originally from Alsace, which is where he feels most at home. His notoriety on the Ski Cross circuit dates back to 2001 when he won the World Tour trophy. Since then, he has continued to be successful in competitions, taking the bronze medal in the 2004, Aspen X-Games. Despite this great achievement, he is still disappointed that he didn’t manage to get the gold medal in this much acclaimed tournament. Since then he has seen some difficult times, particularly the 2005 season when he took a serious fall during the Gravity Games. Xavier is an all round skier who believes that giant slalom practise is the best, most comprehensive training for the Ski Cross discipline. He sometimes competes in freeride tournaments where he does well. A great skier.

Simon Bastelica
According to Enak Gavaggio, the Ski Cross legend, Simon Bastelica is one of the skiers to watch closely. He is already successful and is clearly on his way up the world class ranks of Ski Cross. He is a real fighter, having suffered numerous injuries (particularly in 2004 with a vertebrae injury in January and his shoulder in April…) often serious. But he always makes a come back, persevering until he’s back on form, sometimes unexpectedly. This Corsican is tough. Thirteenth in the 2006 World Cup, fifth in the 2005 World Cup, Simon is very ambitious… A Giant Slalom skier and originally a down hill skier he came on to the Ski Cross circuit in 2002. At thirty, with the experience of his age, Simon Bastelica will prove to be a strong contestant. A true, solid skier who thrives on competition and big jumps, he’ll feel right at home on the slopes of Flaine.