Wānaka freerider Ben Richards (25) has been named to represent New Zealand at the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships in Andorra in February 2026.

Ben is a current Freeride World Tour athlete with multiple elite titles, and will compete in the men’s ski category alongside Queenstown’s Fynn Powell. 

The event marks the first time freeride skiing and snowboarding will be officially recognised under the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Also named in the team are 2022 Women’s Freeride World Champion Jess Hotter of Ohakune and snowboarder Conrad Niven, who splits his time between Auckland and Aspen.

Snow Sports NZ has appointed Blake Marshall as freeride coach and team manager. 

Blake said it was an exciting milestone for freeride and he was looking forward to supporting New Zealand’s top athletes at the inaugural championships.

The 2026 FIS Freeride World Championships take place from February 1 to 6 in Ordino Arcalís, Andorra.

PHOTO: Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour