Big mountains and big talent.
JANINA KUZMA, A 24-YEAR-OLD big mountain skier from New Zealand, has some impressive rankings under her belt: number five on the Freewide World Tour, five-time Volkl NZ Open Freeski champion, twice Canadian Ledcor freeski champion and 2009 World Heli Champion. She is also a talented park skier with wins on the pipe and slopestyle.
TNF has a long history of successful partnerships with many of the world’s finest mountaineers, alpinists, climbers, skiers, snowboarders and adventurers. And it’s no wonder when the brand works closely with masters in design, research and development to create innovative and state of the art gear and apparel for its team.
Born in Australia but now living in Wanaka, NZ, the latest TNF wunderkind made her first competitive appearance five years ago and for the past three years has skied as a member of the New Zealand Freeski team. On her blog Janina says she has always had a special love for the mountains and as a child she was inspired by the big time skiers tearing shreds off the slopes in Fernie BC.
Now, Janina is super excited to be recognised as part of the TNF family. She says, “Joining The North Face athlete team will provide me with new opportunities to push my big mountain skiing career to the next level. Being equipped with The North Face gear gives me a head start over my competitors as well as the confidence to step up and push my boundaries, whether in competition or in the backcountry.”
And, it seems the feeling is mutual with TNF marketing manager, Stephen Winnacott, describing the athlete as, “the best female big mountain skier in the southern hemisphere, and without a doubt, one of the best in the world.” Stephen also believes she is only going to get better, “Janina has the passion, the experience and the professionalism to achieve big things!”
Sounds like the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.
