Finny B grew up in Wānaka, and skis like it. By which we mean, he throws himself off cliffs and down enormous mountain faces with all the ease, style, and steeze of someone all but born on two planks in the middle of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It’s quite the playground for a little ripper. No surprise some of the world's top brands were quick to throw their hats in his ring - namely, Mons Royale, and the lesser-known, Red Bull.
With a healthy dose of Slopestyle and Big Air in his pockets, Finny B’s been dominating the freeride scene and giving the rest of the world a taste of the Kiwi way for years. From Olympic runs to backcountry skin tracks, Finn’s built a reputation on technical finesse and a willingness to send it where the window’s barely open. He reads the mountain like it’s his baby, bringing easy polish into natural terrain and making cliff faces look like groomers.
Coming into this year’s Natural Selection Tour as a Mons Royale athlete, we know he’ll show up and show off with that same slope style that’s come to define him. And we know he’ll find the line that makes everyone else rethink theirs.
We yarn with Bilous below.
You’ve been on the mountain since you could walk. After all these years, what keeps you excited about skiing?
After chasing the Slopestyle and Big Air circus around for years, these days I simply love exploring new zones in the backcountry and connecting with people in their local communities around the world.
How would you describe your approach to skiing?
Hmm. I’d say educational. Skiing has been such an incredible teacher to me in life, both on and off the mountain.
What do you think defines your style on the slopes?
Probably a fusion of elements from a lifetime on skis. I spent a lot of time in my younger years in the terrain park and ripping around Treble Cone, and now in recent years, that’s given me a platform to merge those disciplines. I love the challenge of doing tricks off untamed natural terrain.
How do you measure progression for yourself?
When I was younger, progression generally meant learning new tricks. Now that I’m older and skiing has been such a constant throughout my life, I try to treat progression more holistically. I’m far more open with how I measure growth – as long as I’m learning, I’m moving forward. And that isn’t confined to just tricks. It’s also learning about snow science and safety, scouting new zones, first aid, driving snowmobiles, producing films, design work with brands, and so on. This shift in perspective has made skiing feel pretty limitless to me. It seems like there’s always something new to learn.
What’s getting you fired up at the moment?
Living in Canada! We’ve just had an insane month of skiing in Interior, BC, to start the 2026 northern hemi winter. It seems like there’s skitz terrain everywhere I look. I’m stoked to explore more!
What’s something people would never guess about you?
Oh, I just learnt to drive a digger before leaving New Zealand. Only a small fella, but shit I’m hooked! Keen as to get better at shifting dirt around, haha. Respect to digger drivers. True artists.
What’s the most popular item in your fridge, and what’s your go-to snack for missions?
Choccy Milk in the fridge, Clif Bar and Red Bullllllll for missions.
What makes a brand partnership feel genuine to you?
Using gear that you believe in, sharing core values and having trust in the people that you work with.
Why does Mons make sense for the way you ski and for you as a person?
Firstly, a brand that was founded in and operates from Wānaka – the same place I was born, grew up in, and still live in today – has obvious synergy. I love being able to pop into the office when I’m home to check out new products, work with the team and figure out how we can continue to improve the garments. I truly believe in the product and have worn Merino every single day since I graduated from those awful, bright, stripey Warehouse polyester thermals I had as a kid. Shit, those things were itchy… thank God for Merino.
How important is material choice when it comes to your gear?
Essential. I think especially now that I’m spending more time in the backcountry in winter, you can find yourself in fairly remote locations. If you don’t have gear that performs, things can go from bad to worse really quickly. I trust Merino because it keeps me warm, while also being breathable. That’s crucial to me when I’m spending long days moving around the mountains in fluctuating temperatures.
What excites you most for the season ahead?
Every season, I’m just stoked to see what unfolds. There’s so much unknown going into winter for me these days, and I love the spontaneity that comes along with that. I’m excited to see who I get to meet, to connect with old friends and new, and to see where my skis take me around this wonderful wee world.
Thanks Mons Team!
Finny B.
