Freeskier Byron Wells has announced his retirement from the New Zealand National Freeski Team and competitive freeskiing.

While Byron called his freeskiing career “an amazing journey”, he said he was ready for a new chapter in his life, which would include finishing his studies to become a commercial pilot and getting married to his fiance.

“It has been an amazing journey this past 15 years as a professional skier, full of moments and friends I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Byron said. 

“It was a roller coaster of a career, plagued with injury for the better part, but looking back there were some amazing highs as well.”

Byron’s impressive career included competing in 15 World Cups, eight Winter X Games appearances, a prestigious Dew Tour podium, and he is a member of both the 2014 and 2018 New Zealand Olympic Winter Games teams. 

With the Wells surname, that is synonymous with snowsports success, it was no surprise to those who knew the Wanaka local when he burst onto the international freeski scene in 2008 at just 15 years old. With his brothers as his team mates and his father as his coach, Byron set out to make his mark on the freeski world. 

“I enjoyed the success I did achieve and got to travel the world doing what I love with my family. I wouldn’t change a thing as it has made me the man I am today,” he said.

Byron competing at the 2017 Aspen Winter X Games. PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt 

Snowsports NZ head coach park and pipe high performance programme Tom Willmott said during his career Byron had worn the silver fern with pride and represented himself and his family with distinction. 

“Byron’s grit and determination, commitment and courage, to return back to the top echelon of the sport following major injuries has been inspirational. Byron’s contribution to the sport outside of the athletic sphere has included work as a judge, coach and event commentator.”

Byron suffered a devastating injury, shattering his right knee in an accident as he trained ahead of the halfpipe final at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. As a result of this, and other injuries, his body is “pretty beat up,” he said.

“I feel like now is the time to close this chapter of my life and focus on things that are now more important to me - as I’ve grown older my priorities have certainly evolved,” he said.

“I want to be able to kick a ball around with my kids one day, go on hikes and explore this beautiful backyard of mine without pain - and of course still enjoy getting on snow...I'm also really looking forward to some summers after 17 years of back-to-back winters.”

Snowsports NZ high performance director Nic Cavanagh, said Byron would continue to provide inspiration to the next generation through his role as a Snow Sports NZ Ambassador.  

Byron thanked a long list of people who supported him during his freesking career.