Our Athletes

We have a pretty bad ass team at Uthrive.  Our athletes are World Champions, Gold Medalists, stars in the biggest ski movies, World Record Breakers and all round awesome people.  Read more about our athletes, their accomplishments and adventures, and then get super stoked to shred with them.

  • Ian McIntosh

    Pro Big Mountain Skier
    Films with TGR , Winner Powder Magazine “Line of the Year” – Twice!

    Raised in British Columbia, Canada, where the mountains are BIG it’s no wonder Ian McIntosh can stomp 50 foot cliffs. You’ve probably watched Ians impressive Big Mountain Skiing in the TGR movies or from his “line of the year” Awards from Powder Magazine. Yes, he’s won it more than once! Ian is definitely the guy to follow around (except when he jumps off those 50 footers) his mountain knowledge is extensive and he loves sharing it with other skiers.

    Sponsors: The North Face, Volkl, Marker, Dalbello

    Watch Ians “Line of the Year 2018” here

  • Johnny Collinson

    Pro Big Mountain Skier
    Red Bull Athlete, Films with TGR, Youngest person ever to climb the Seven Summits.

    Johnny is not only a bad ass skier but a great mountaineer too. At age 17 Johnny became the youngest person in the world to climb the Seven Summits (the highest peak on all 7 continents) – including Everest, and his adventures seem to go get more impressive each year. Johnny hucks in the TGR films, podiums in Red Bull competitions and previously won the Junior Freeskiing Tour.

    Johnny has a relaxed but stoked personality that is infectious. He’ll have you so excited about getting up to go ski that you can’t sleep.

    Sponsors: The North Face, Volkl, Gnarly Nutrition, Smith Optics

    Watch Johnnys segment from Faction ‘This is Home’ movie here

  • Reine Barkered

    Freeride World Tour Champion
    Endless medals in his collection. Mayor of Stomp Town.

    There isn’t room to list all of Reine’s successes. Let’s just say that Reine’s Freeride results look like this – Podium, podium, and more podiums (32 to be exact, we counted them!). On the FWT Finals venue, Bec de Rosses, there is a cliff named after Reine. You guessed it, it is the biggest one high up on the steep mountain. That is why they call him The Mayor of Stomp Town!!

    As well as being a Pro Freerider Reine is a qualified ski instructor. He has an amazing ability to break down the technicality of skiing and will have you skiing terrain you never thought possible. He has a stoked attitude and always wants to encourage all levels of skiers to ski with him and learn more about Freeriding.

    Sponsors: Dynastar, Thule, Elevenate, Hestra Gloves

    Watch Reine’s winning FWT in Verbier here
    Follow Reine on the FWT this winter
    here

  • Juliette Willmann

    Pro Big Mountain Skier
    FWT Athlete and Mountain Biker

    Juliette followed her heart into Freeride skiing at 19 and began competing on the Freeride World Qualifier circuit. Her dedication and skill quickly paid off when she earned her spot on the FWT for the 2018–2019 season. From 2019 through 2022, Juliette competed on the FWT, where she showcased her strong technique, creativity, and resilience. Despite facing a few injuries along the way, she continued to push her limits and achieve success, including back-to-back 2nd-place podiums in Andorra in 2021.

    When she’s not chasing powder, Juliette’s love for the mountains continues on two wheels — she’s an avid mountain biker, finding the same freedom, flow, and joy on dirt trails as she does on snow.

    Sponsors: Thermic, Blizzard Tecnia, Sweet Protection, Picture Organic Clothing

    Watch Juliette’s movie ‘RISE’ trailer here
    Check out her other adventures
    here

  • Jackie Paaso

    Xtreme Verbier Champion
    Fim Maker & Producer

    Jackie is one bad ass Freerider. Her film ‘Evolution of Dreams’ shows her pushing the boundaries for Freeriders. Her competition results are 7 Freeride World Tour Victories, Xtreme Verbier Champion, 12 podium finishes & being in ESPN’s “Top 50 women in Action Sports”. Coming from a background of moguls Jackie breaks down the technique of skiing and knows how to use it as an advantage in Freeriding. If anyone knows how to handle fear & pressure, it’s Jackie. You’ll be thinking like a true athlete after skiing with her.

    Sponsors: Scott Freeski, Picture Organic Clothing, Thule

    Watch Jackies movie Evolution of Dreams here
    Watch Jackies Artic 12 Trailer
    here
    Follow Jackie on the Freeride World Tour
    here

  • Kyle Smaine

    In Memory of Kyle Smaine

    Half Pipe World Champion & Big Mountain Skier

    Kyle Smaine was a World Halfpipe Champion and 2018 World Cup gold medalist whose incredible body awareness, control, and creativity set him apart as one of skiing’s most dynamic talents. After making his mark in the halfpipe, Kyle brought his playful and inventive style to the Big Mountain world, inspiring everyone who shared the slopes with him.

    Kyle believed deeply in the importance of personal style and self-expression. His success was grounded in his mindset — a calm confidence and ability to handle pressure with grace.

    Kyle’s passion, positivity, and love for the sport continue to inspire the Freeride community and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy lives on in every turn, every send, and every skier who brings creativity to the mountains.

    Watch Kyle’s winning Half Pipe run here
    Watch our interview with Kyle
    here

  • Drew Tabke

    2 x Freeride World Tour Champion
    Competing in the FWT 2020 tour going for a 3rd title

    Two time wining FWT Champion, Drew Tabke, is competing in the FWT 2020 tour going for a 3rd title. Drew is known for his impressive big mountain lines which you can watch in his FWT lines in Alaska. Drew is always chasing winter, if he’s not in the Northern Hemisphere he is down south in Chile or Argentina. Drew is an excellent ski guide and loves taking guests on incredible trips, one they’ll never forget.

    Watch Drew’s incredible line from FWT Alaska here

  • Léo Slemett

    Pro Big Mountain Skier
    2017 FWT Champ

    Léo Slemett is a professional Freeride skier from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. After competing on the Freeride World Qualifier circuit, he quickly made his mark on the Freeride World Tour, becoming World Champion in 2017 and earning another podium finish in 2019. His strong technique, smooth style, and ability to blend power with creativity have made him one of the most respected riders on the circuit.

    Beyond competition, Léo continues to push his skiing in the high mountains, combining freeride with ski mountaineering on big, technical lines around Chamonix and beyond. His passion for exploration and deep respect for the mountains define his approach to the sport and inspire those who follow his tracks.

    Sponsors: The North Face, Blizzard Tecnia, Thermic

    Check out some of his accomplishments here

  • Rachel Findler

    Founder

    Rachel Findler moved to Whistler in 2004 in pursuit of the ski dream — and she found it. While competing in freeride events and skiing for Faction, Surefoot, Giro, and Flylow Gear, Rachel discovered an incredible community of passionate skiers who shared her love for the mountains and the joy of pushing limits together.Alongside her skiing career, Rachel developed a deep interest in alternative medicine and meditation practices, eventually founding her own wellbeing practice where she worked with some of the top winter athletes in the world.

    Driven by a desire to give back, Rachel now shares the pro skier lifestyle with others combining her knowledge of athletic performance, mindfulness, and mountain life to help people experience the techniques and mindset that fuel podium success.

    As a result, Uthrive was born

  • Hank

    Chief Fireside Cuddle Officer

    Hank is currently in training to be the best adventure buddy and fireside cuddle officer. He loves to sniff and is constantly training his nose to become an essential part of any rescue. He enjoys cheese, steak tartare, saucisson and more cheese. He looks forward to meeting you when you join us in Europe.

    Sponsors: Cheese, Cuddles, Dog Toys