The North Face Australia & New Zealand Signs Kiwi Freeskier Ben Richards.

December 9th, 2022
Ben Richards, on his way to second place in The North Face Frontier in The Remarkables in September.

Mountainwatch | Press Release

SYDNEY, AUS-December 8, 2022 – The North Face, the world’s leading outdoor brand, welcomes 22-year-old New Zealand freeride skier, Ben Richards, to the Australia and New Zealand athlete team.

“Ben Richards is a force to be reckoned with. He demonstrates all the qualities we look for in an athlete – talent, humility, authenticity, curiosity, passion, drive, commitment, versatility, and creativity. Not only is he an exceptional and progressive skier, he’s a true explorer and will push the boundaries of freeski on a global level.” – Sarah Hunt, Head of Marketing, The North Face Australia & New Zealand

Ben was born in California and on skis from the age of 2, but it wasn’t until his family made the move to New Zealand’s skiing mecca, Wanaka, later in his childhood, that his passion for snow sports began to develop.

He spent his teenage years competing on the world circuit for ski racing, before discovering his passion for freeride. He launched into the Freeride World Qualifier Tour in 2019, shortly before the world went into lockdown, forcing his career into an unsolicited break.

Back and ready to take charge, he’ll continue to compete at the Freeride World Tour qualifier events this winter in the hope of scoring a spot on the tour. Ben is off to a strong start in 2022, winning the Verbier FWQ 4* event and placing second on home soil at The North Face Frontier FWQ 4* event at the Remarkables.

“I am super excited to be joining The North Face team. Locally and internationally, The North Face has so many inspiring people involved with the brand, so to be a part of that truly means a lot.”
– Ben Richards, The North Face Team Athlete

Alongside competing in the 2022/23 Freeride World Tour qualifying events, Ben recently starred in The North Face film LAKE ALTA, shot in the Remarkables in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The North Face Support Office and Athlete Team are thrilled to have Ben on board and is looking forward to supporting him on his bid to score a spot on the Freeride World Tour.