Finny B grew up in Wānaka, and skis like it. By which we mean, he throws himself off cliffs and down enormous mountain faces with all the ease, style, and steeze of someone all but born on two planks in the middle of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It’s quite the playground for a little ripper. No surprise some of the world's top brands were quick to throw their hats in his ring - namely, Mons Royale, and the lesser-known, Red Bull.
With a healthy dose of Slopestyle and Big Air in his pockets, Finny B’s been dominating the freeride scene and giving the rest of the world a taste of the Kiwi way for years. From Olympic runs to backcountry skin tracks, Finn’s built a reputation on technical finesse and a willingness to send it where the window’s barely open. He reads the mountain like it’s his baby, bringing easy polish into natural terrain and making cliff faces look like groomers.
Coming into this year’s Natural Selection Tour as a Mons Royale athlete, we know he’ll show up and show off with that same slope style that’s come to define him. And we know he’ll find the line that makes everyone else rethink theirs.
We yarn with Bilous below.
What’s been the highlight of this current season for you?
Powder and the people! I’ve spent the start of my winter between Revelstoke, BC, and Hokkaido, Japan, which both have had solid amounts of snowfall in what’s been a pretty low tide season for most of the world. I’m feeling lucky to have been in the right places at the right time, and have been fortunate to spend my season with lots of good friends. No complaints on my end.
Where does NST sit in your world as an event?
To me, it’s the most elite level of freeride skiing competition. I was blown away watching the event go down last year - the level of riding was insane. It’s also no small feat to run the logistics of an event in Alaska. It’s heli-access, which means there’s only a small, handpicked group of riders that get to compete each year. I’d say it’s the only negative, as there’s a bunch of other incredibly talented riders that could equally be in the invited selection.
What makes you proud to represent NZ on the global stage?
He tāngata! I’m proud to represent Aotearoa because of the people who build up our country. There’s no way I’d be lucky enough to be grasping the current opportunities that are presenting themself in my life if it weren’t for the tight knit communities of people back in NZ, specifically those who have paved the way in the NZ Snow Sport Community.
What kind of skier do you think NST rewards?
I think NST rewards a rider who has depth in their abilities. Last year, with the conditions and terrain, the event seemed to reward lines that were fast, fluid and took a creative approach to the venue. This year, the event is going down in Valdez as opposed to the Tordrillos, so it’ll be interesting to see what style of riding is catered to.
How does competing at NST compare to other events you do?
To be invited sits up there with getting my first invitation to the X-Games or being selected for the Olympics. However, NST brings a different level of nerves and intensity for me, as the consequences of anything going wrong in terrain like Alaska can be really significant. So it’s an event I’m approaching with a hefty dose of humility.
What excites you most for NST Ski?
I’m most stoked to get to ride with the other invited riders, so many of who I’ve gained inspiration from throughout my career and have a lot of respect for. I’m honoured to have an invitation, and I just want to absorb the experience to the fullest and be proud of the way I ride.
How do you carry NZ with you when you compete on the world stage?
I often think of the phrase “sweep the sheds” when thinking about carrying Aotearoa overseas. It’s a mantra that the All Blacks carry, meaning no individual is too big to do the small, necessary jobs. Nobody is bigger than the team. Nobody is too big to sweep the sheds.
How do you measure progression for yourself?
When I was younger, progression generally meant learning new tricks. Now, I treat progression more holistically. As long as I’m learning, I’m moving forward. Tricks, yes, but also learning about snow science and safety, scouting new zones, first aid, driving snowmobiles, producing films, design work with brands, and so on. This shift in perspective has made skiing feel pretty limitless to me. There’s always something new to learn.
Why does Mons make sense for the way you ski and for you as a person?
A brand founded in and operating from Wānaka – the place I was born, grew up in, and still live today – has obvious synergy. I love being able to pop into the office when I’m home to check out new products, work with the team and figure out how we can continue to improve the garments. I truly believe in the product and have worn Merino every single day since I graduated from those awful, bright-striped Warehouse polyester thermals I had as a kid. Shit, those things were itchy… thank God for Merino.
How important is material choice when it comes to your gear?
Essential. Especially now that I’m spending more time in the backcountry in winter, you can find yourself in fairly remote locations. If you don’t have gear that performs, things can go from bad to worse really quickly. I trust Merino because it keeps me warm, while also being breathable. That’s crucial to me when I’m spending long days moving around the mountains in fluctuating temperatures.
Thanks Mons Team!
Finny B.
