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 with ease. A legend in the Freeride scene, Ian has spent over two decades pushing the limits of Big Mountain skiing. You’ve probably watched his jaw-dropping descents in countless Teton Gravity Research films or seen him take home multiple “Line of the Year” awards from Powder Magazine.

    Known for his powerful, fluid style and fearless approach, Ian has built a career on tackling some of the steepest, most technical faces in the world—from Alaska’s spines to the deep backcountry of his home in BC. Beyond the camera, he’s a respected mountain mentor, safety advocate, and voice for sustainable adventure. When he’s not charging huge lines, Ian’s sharing his deep knowledge of the mountains with other skiers, and mentoring younger athletes.

    He’s definitely the guy to follow around—just maybe not when he drops those 50-footers.

    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 Collinson is a powerhouse in both skiing and mountaineering. At just 17, he became the youngest person in the world to climb the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest, before turning his focus fully to Freeride skiing. Since then, he’s starred in multiple Teton Gravity Research films, podiumed at Red Bull competitions, and previously won the Junior Freeskiing Tour. He earned a reputation for his explosive style, big sends, and technical precision in the mountains.

    Born and raised in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon, Johnny grew up surrounded by steep terrain that shaped his fearless approach to the sport. Whether it’s charging massive lines, exploring new objectives, or sharing his stoke with others, Johnny brings relentless energy and genuine passion to everything he does in the mountains.

    Sponsors: The North Face, Volkl, Garmin, Smith Optics

    Check out some of his accomplishment 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, the Bec de Rosses, there’s even a cliff named after him—and yes, it’s the biggest one high up on that legendary face. That’s why they call him The Mayor of Stomp Town!

    A veteran of the Freeride World Tour, Reine has been one of its most consistent and respected competitors for over a decade, known for his powerful, calculated style and ability to make the steepest lines look smooth. Beyond competing, he’s a qualified ski instructor and passionate mentor who loves sharing his deep knowledge of technique and mountain travel.

    Reine’s enthusiasm for skiing is contagious—whether he’s coaching new riders, exploring remote peaks, or just lapping powder with friends, his goal is always the same: keep progressing, keep smiling, and keep sending it.

    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 captures her fearless approach to the mountains and her drive to push the limits of what’s possible in big mountain skiing. With 7 Freeride World Tour victories, an Xtreme Verbier Champion title, 12 podium finishes, and recognition as one of ESPN’s Top 50 Women in Action Sports, Jackie’s career speaks for itself.

    Coming from a background in competitive moguls, Jackie brings a deep technical understanding to Freeriding—precision, control, and a calm mindset under pressure. She’s not only known for her powerful skiing but also for her mental toughness and honesty about the challenges athletes face, both on and off the mountain.

    A true leader in the sport, Jackie continues to inspire the next generation through her coaching, filmmaking, and advocacy for resilience and confidence in the face of fear. Spend a day skiing with her and you’ll walk away thinking—and skiing—like a true athlete.

    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 FWT Champion, Drew Tabke has long been one of the most respected names in Big Mountain skiing. Known for his creative line choice and fluid style, Drew has left his mark on iconic venues around the world—from Alaska’s massive faces to the legendary Bec de Rosses in Verbier.

    A true global skier, Drew is constantly chasing winter—splitting his seasons between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, spending time in places like Chile and Argentina, where he guides, skis, and explores new terrain.

    Beyond competition, Drew is an exceptional ski guide and mentor, known for his calm confidence and deep mountain knowledge. He loves sharing the art of Freeriding with others, leading unforgettable trips and helping skiers find their flow in big terrain. With his passion for adventure and years of experience, every day in the mountains with Drew feels like a masterclass in style and stoke.

    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