Nationality: New Zealand

Started working for The Rookie Academy in: 2006

Home Mountain: Treble Cone & Whistler

Qualifications: SBINZ Trainers, Kids, Freestyle, ISIA Ski Level 1

Countries where have you worked: Morgins, Switzerland; Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Treble Cone, NZ; Whistler & Big White Canada; Mammoth Mountain & Vail Resorts, USA

Favourite resort: Too many to list! Verbier, Treble Cone & Snow Park

Career Highlight: 3x Open Mens winner Boarder Cross B.C. Provincial Circuit Canada 2010-11 season

Other Interests: Biking, Videography, Lake Wanaka, Traveling ...

Richie grew up on a farm in the North Island, then studied at Canterbury University, earning him a BSc. Geography major in 2003.

After enjoying a season in Mammoth Mountain, CA he moved to Wanaka and funded his snowboarding by working for a local engineering firm and trained at Treble Cone on the weekends.

While being trained by the Rookies he was referred to work in Colorado for Keystone Mountain. The excellent snow conditions and living in a ski resort only fueled his passion to ride and teach. He soon discovered that riding park would complement his free riding focused style.

On returning to NZ he worked for Coronet Peak and the Remarkables in Queenstown furthering his experience in the industry. Richie quickly progressed through the SBINZ system to gain Trainer’s Accreditation within 3 years and by the age of 24. He started working for the Rookie Academy in 2006 and has worked SBINZ courses up to Level 3 Work Shops.

When not training Rookies in New Zealand he rides at Whistler Blackcomb and makes the most of the outdoors as much as possible.

Interests such as traveling, videography, biking, keep him stoked along with competing in the local banked slalom, free-ride and boarder cross competitions. Richie is looking forward to pushing the boundaries of his and others riding while keeping the days as fun as possible.