Top New Zealand freeskier Beau-James Wells is making the transition from competitive skiing into the world of freeski filming. 

The third of the four Wells brothers, a surname synonymous with success in the freeski world, Beau-James grew up living and breathing skiing in Wanaka, a place he still calls home. 

After 11 years of skiing halfpipe competitively Beau-James is “really pumped to be moving into filming”.  

The 25-year-old two-time Winter Olympian said the move was an exciting opportunity to follow his passion and continue to inspire outside of the competition environment.  

“I have a lot more fun when I’m skiing for a video or film, and I can be more creative,” he said.

“The plan for the rest of the winter is to film as much as possible while we still have snow. I’m also getting married in November which is really exciting, then I’ll head over to the States with my brother to film for the winter season over there.” 

The 2015 Dew Tour medallist with his award. PHOTO: Shay Williams

Beau-James has represented New Zealand at the most prestigious global freeski events since he was just 15 years old.

He is a Dew Tour medallist, two-time Junior World Champion, two-time Olympian across two disciplines placing fourth in Freeski Halfpipe in PyeongChang (2018), sixth in Freeski Halfpipe and 21st in Freeski Slopestyle in Sochi (2014), has had numerous Winter X-Games appearances and competed in 27 Freeski World Cups.  

“The mark of a true champion is their ability to ‘call time’ on their own terms and to do so when they are at the top of their game. As our most successful winter freeski Olympian (over multiple Olympic Winter Games) Beau-James has done just that,” Snowsports NZ CEO and high performance director Nic Cavanagh said. 

Alongside his success in freeskiing Beau-James has led and inspired the freeski community, Nic said, including roles as an athlete representative on the NZOC Athletes commission advocating for athlete voice for New Zealand athletes; an NZOC Olympic ambassador; and the inaugural chair of the Senior Athlete Leadership Team (SALT).