März 9 2023Athletes
Arc’teryx Adds Eight Names to Global Athlete and Ambassador Roster
Arc’teryx Equipment, the design company specializing in technical high performance outerwear and equipment, welcomes eight talented snow athletes to the Global Athlete and Ambassador Team.
As part of Arc’teryx’s commitment to building a world class Global Athlete and Ambassador Team, the brand is excited to welcome this incredible group of athletes to our roster. Arc’teryx is investing in talent that will encourage and inspire others to pick up a pair of skis or a snowboard. These athletes provide inspiration through their skills, knowledge and advocacy to increase access to their sport, something the brand holds as a core value.
These athletes provide inspiration through their skills, knowledge and advocacy to increase access to their sport...
Arc’teryx’s Global Athlete and Ambassador Team supports up-and-coming and well-established professional athletes by offering opportunities for personal and professional development. The team includes serious multidisciplinary athletes and experts far beyond the mountain: artists, storytellers, not-for-profit founders and more. Arc’teryx is proud to support this team of talented athletes and ambassadors dedicated to a range of mountain activities including snowboarding, skiing, climbing, mountain running, and mountaineering.
CHRIS BENCHETLER
FREERIDE / FREESKI / ARTISTBISHOP, CALIFORNIA
Chris is equal parts artist and athlete. He brings his creative talents to both, translating his perspectives as a professional athlete to the design and creation of mixed mediums, from murals to digital NFTs. Raised in Bishop, CA, at Mammoth Mountain, Chris transitioned from racing to free skiing early on, making appearances at the sport’s biggest competitions. By 22, Chris helped launch the first line of Atomic Benchetler skis, which have since become among the most popular ski models of all time. Chris remains a key figure in the ski industry. Recently named Creative Director of Freeride and Freeski at Atomic, he will continue to lead the development and design of his namesake ski line.
SANDY WARD
SNOWBOARDLIL’WAT TERRITORY
Sandy is a competitive snowboarder and founding member of Indigenous Women Outdoors. Sandy is from the Lil’wat Nation. She is passionate about Indigenous access to the outdoors, and devotes much of her time to this cause, serving as a First Nations Snowboard Team coach, leading the Indigenous Women Outdoors Backcountry Membership Program, and running snowboard and mountain biking programs within and around Lil’wat territory.
COLINE BALLET-BAZ
FREERIDE / FREESKIVIENNE, FRANCE
Originally from Vienne, France, Coline moved to Grenoble at 17 to start a Political Science master’s degree. Former competitor in Slopestyle and Big Air, she retired from competitions four years ago to dedicate winters to producing movies, video content, and exploring mountains. By doing this, Coline continues to fuel her passion for creating beautiful snow content and tell ski-related stories.
RUSSELL WINFIELD
SNOWBOARDLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Hailing from upstate Rye NY, Russell picked up a snowboard for the first time in fifth grade, landing a backside 360 almost immediately. Making history as the first black professional snowboarder, Russell (or Uncle Russ to some) has been an influential presence in the industry since the late 80s as both a rider and designer, lending his talents to brands like K2, Ride Snowboarders, and even collaborating with the late designer Virgil Abloh.
SEAN MISKIMAN
FREERIDE / FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDREGINA, SASKATCHEWAN
Hailing from Saskatchewan, Canada, Sean competed for the Canadian Youth Slopestyle Snowboard Team before transitioning to backcountry riding and filming. Passionate and ever-so humble, he graced the cover of Kingsnow Magazine (Vol 13.2) and was featured in several films (e.g. PLANK by The Manboys and ‘Fixin’ with Craig McMorris) in his first year of filming. He has recently been nominated Rookie Snowboarder of the Year for the 2022 Winter Season and looks forward to progressing and sharing his knowledge of the backcountry with younger riders.
VICTOR DAVIET
FREERIDE / FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDANNECY, FRANCE
Hailing from upstate Rye NY, Russell picked up a snowboard for the first time in fifth grade, landing a backside 360 almost immediately. Making history as the first black professional snowboarder, Russell (or Uncle Russ to some) has been an influential presence in the industry since the late 80s as both a rider and designer, lending his talents to brands like K2, Ride Snowboarders, and even collaborating with the late designer Virgil Abloh.
JARED ELSTON
FREERIDE / FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDHELENA, MONTANA
Based in Bend, Oregon, Jared is one of few riders his age focusing on progressing freestyle backcountry snowboarding. He is a former contest rider who traded a traditionally structured career for one of creativity and freedom. Jared has been featured in several feature-length snowboard films and took home 2nd place at the 2022 Jackson Hole stop of the Natural Selection Tour, a competition showcasing the world’s most elite snowboarders. He has many years of trailblazing ahead and is kind, modest, and full of raw talent.
SEVERIN VAN DER MEER
FREERIDE / FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Growing up in Switzerland surrounded by giant mountains gave backcountry snowboarder Severin van der Meer the privilege to connect with nature from a very young age. So much so that he never left. You can now find him in Zurich seeking the perfect balance between nature, culture, and inspiration.
CRAIG MURRAY
FREERIDEŌTAUTAHI, NEW ZEALAND
Hailing from Ōtautahi, on the island of Aotearoa (Christchurch, New Zealand), skier Craig Murray comes from a comprehensive kiwi outdoor background. Sprinkle in a degree in Earth Science, and a couple first place finishes along the Freeride World Tour and you’ve got a strong recipe for someone ready to take their skills to the next level.