24 October 2023

The North Face Athlete Development Program

We’re creating a pathway for young athletes in Australia & New Zealand to access mentorship, new experiences and opportunities for connection and upskilling – starting with the snowsports community.

Athlete & Development Team Camps

To launch the Athlete Development Program, this winter we hosted two backcountry camps for our athlete and development teams.

Lead by Janina Kuzma, the Development Team Camp in the Pisa Range of New Zealand hosted Luke Harrold, Fin Melville-Ives, Theo Lansbury, Arkie Elliss, Ruby Hewitt, Lucia Georgalli, and Cam Melville-Ives.

The crew delved into backcountry awareness, pre-trip planning, backcountry etiquette, avalanche safety and navigation in the backcountry.

About the Athlete Development Program

The Athlete Development Program will provide young athletes with access to mentorship, and upskilling opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. It will allow for a more diverse and balanced team, one that fosters collaboration and mentorship.

Team skier Janina Kuzma was appointed Athlete Development Manager for snowsports, with her diverse career and passion for nurturing the next generation of athletes. She has experience with multiple Olympic cycles, freeride competition, filming and media, and is a certified guide with the New Zealand Mountain Guide Association.

The North Face will expand the program from snowsports to include trail running and climbing, to continue to aid young athletes in reaching their potential.

To see more from our athlete and development teams follow along on Instagram.

Photos by Camilla Rutherford.