Kiwi team for first FIS Freeride World Champs

Jess Hotter is set to represent New Zealand in free sky at the inugural World Championships PHOTO: NEILKERR/SNOW SPORTS NZ

Snow Sports NZ has confirmed the team at the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships in Ordino Arcalís, Andorra in February 2026.

The Team will feature four competitors all accomplished freeriders, including multiple Freeride World Tour podiums and previous World Championship titles.

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Jess Hotter, 32 the 2022 Women’s Ski Freeride World Champion from Ohakune will represent New Zealand in Andorra, competing in the women’s ski category.

Wanaka's Ben Richards a current Freeride World Tour athlete with multiple elite freeride podiums under his belt, and 2026 Freeride World Tour Rookie Fynn Powell a 23-year-old from Queenstown will compete in the men’s ski competition.

Conrad Niven a 2025 Freeride World Tour athlete from Auckland but based in Aspen will be holding down the snowboard category for NZ.

The FIS Freeride World Championships, launching in 2026 under the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), represent the pinnacle of freeride skiing and snowboarding competition.

This landmark event is a further step forward in the integration of freeride into FIS as the newest of its winter sports disciplines.