Hannah Schmidt, Reece Howden capture ski cross gold on home snow in Nakiska, Alta.

Hannah Schmidt of Ottawa won the women's big final in World Cup ski cross action on Saturday in Nakiska, Alta., near Calgary.

The 29-year-old entered the weekend third in the women's World Cup standings.

"Having everyone cheer when you cross the finish line, it's breathtaking and it feels so good," Schmidt told the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. "I skied as hard as I could out there and it feels amazing."

In December, Schmidt collected bronze in Innichen, Italy.

Nine days earlier, Hannah and her brother, Jared, captured the top spot in their respective races in Arosa, Switzerland.

Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., was second on Saturday followed by Fanny Smith of Switzerland.

WATCH | Hannah Schmidt beats fellow Canadian Marielle Thompson in Nakiska, Alta.:

Jared Schmidt, 26, failed to advance to the men's quarterfinals on Saturday.

Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., won the big final over Terence Tchiknavorian of France for his first victory of the seaons., with Switzerland's Alex Fiva picking up bronze.

Canada's India Sherret and Britt Phelan didn't finish the women's small final, won by Talina Gantenbein of Switzerland.

The World Cup ski cross season continues in Nakiska on Sunday. Men's and women's races begin at 2:15 p.m. ET and will stream live on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.

WATCH | Howden wins 1st World Cup ski cross race of season: