Local skiers to represent on world stage

Two Central Otago skiers are set to represent New Zealand on the world stage in Andorra next year.

Wānaka's Ben Richards, 25, and Queenstown's Fynn Powell, 23, are two of the four Kiwi athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships in Ordino Arcalís, Andorra from February 1 to 6 next year.

Richards is a current Freeride World Tour athlete with multiple elite freeride podiums under his belt. Both Richards and Powell will compete in the men's ski competition.

The other two Kiwi athletes are Jess Hotter, 32, of Ohakune competing in women's ski, and Conrad Niven, 32, from Auckland competing in the snowboard category.

The FIS Freeride World Championships represent the pinnacle of freeride skiing and snowboarding competition.

The team will be led by the newly-established Snow Sports NZ Freeride Coach / Team Manager Blake Marshall who said he was honoured to be selected for the role and to support the athletes at the inaugural World Championships.

"This is an exciting milestone for the sport of Freeride, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of its ongoing evolution and growth. I’ve got a lot of love for the Freeride community here in NZ, which makes this opportunity even more special.” 

One of the first tasks Marshall has been leading is the Freeride Peak Performance Camp, with support from Mons Royale, Aspiring Helicopters, Aspiring Guides and B.Social Wānaka. The primary aim of the camp is to foster a team environment and create connections for the newly named team and coach, prepare for the specifics of the event in Andorra learning from previous experience at the venue and spend time in the mountains.

Main image: Ben Richards competing at the 2025 Xtreme Verbier Freeride World Tour stop. Credit Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour