Jess Hotter is a force of nature and a rider of nature’s biggest playgrounds. Freeride phenom from Ohakune, New Zealand, Jess looks most at home flying down a mountain and in the starry, starry eyes of fans, riders and little rippers all over the world. Us included, obviously. Known for her fluid lines, fearless style and big air creativity through some of the world’s steepest faces, Jess rides the mountain with a flow state that reminds you why we chase the line in the first place.
From local slopes to making history as the first Kiwi to claim the Freeride World Tour overall Women’s Ski Championship in 2022, Jess does nothing by halves. She pushes limits, seeks adventure, and lives life as big as she can. She’s gritty, she’s resilient, and she’s a master of finding creative powder lines.
Jess was all set to take the Natural Selection Ski event by storm this 2026 – but unfortunately, a gnarly knee injury at the FIS Freeride World Champs has taken her out for this year. But, as a Mons Royale athlete and all-round legend, we’re hugely backing her for a speedy, strong recovery and an even better next season.
We sat down to have a yarn to Hotter about life, the living, the dreaming, and why she’s so wrapped on NST.
Hey, Hotter. Want to introduce yourself?
Hey, I’m Jess. I’m a freeride skier hailing from the North Island of New Zealand. I grew up in a small town at the foot of the mighty maunga, Ruapehu, and learned to ski at Turoa Ski Field. I have always been super passionate about skiing and love to be in the mountains with good people and good vibes. Growing up, I did a little bit of racing before finding my love for freeriding and, as a naturally competitive person does, I found my way to competitive freeride. I've competed since I was 22 and continue to do so.
First memory of skiing?
My first strong memories of skiing are ripping around the hill with the TASCI (Turoa Alpine Ski Club Inc) when I was young. I also have some vague memories of my birthday at Manganui Ski Field on Taranaki and skiing at Tukino.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done lately? Any fun missions?
Oof, coolest thing I've done lately... probably getting to compete in the first ever Freeride World Championships in Andorra this last couple of weeks.
What’s one thing you’re learning or working at right now?
I am currently learning cork 7s and trying to get better at 3s. Also have a few small hobbies I've got my sights set on.
What’s one dream you’d love to see come to life?
I think a big dream of mine is to one day ski in the fjords of Norway off a sailboat. I’m also interested in checking out some obscure places, but logistically, they may be a bit tough to figure out. Ooh – and Alaska. I want to ski spines in Alaska.
What’s the next mission you’re getting fired up about?
Currently, my scheming is on hold for a wee bit, but I really want to create an artistic or storytelling piece about where I am from and the power of the volcanoes of the North Island.
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
I think a lot of people wouldn't know that I’m a bit of a grandma and really enjoy preserving fruit, knitting and learning to do pottery.
Favourite Mons item in your wardrobe?
My favourite Mons item is the one I wear the most, and that's my Icon long sleeves. I wear them at home, when I'm out, and they're my go-to item on the mountain. Honourable mentions are the Santa Rosa Balaclava and my Hannah Hot Pants (only thing I wear in winter).
What draws you to NST specifically?
What draws me to NST is the diversity of creativity. I think it brings a lot of people from different backgrounds together to compete for the same goal. FWT is far more specific in the way that it's very points-based, and the people there have had to go through the same qualification process. With NST, all the riders have come from different worlds and don't have to ski to the confines of a very specific line choice and scoring system. They can do what inspires them.
What kind of skier/rider do you think NST rewards?
I think NST rewards a fast and flowy approach. This really showed in Kuch and Weazy’s riding last year. They flow down the mountain like water.
How does competing at NST compare to other events you do or have done?
NST is such a different beast. I think because it is a standalone event, it means there is no game playing and trying to ski "safe" lines to make sure you stay above a cut. It really excited me to just look at the face and go... yep, that looks really fun. I want to go and ski that for the soul.
What’s in your adventure sandwich?
My adventure sandwich is either a bagel with two eggs, bacon, brie, relish or jelly and mayonnaise... or chicken, brie and cranberry panini/sandwich/whatever bread item.
Name of your favourite playlist?
The names of my favourite playlists are currently: "Howdy let's get rowdy" "Emo Bitch" and "Comp 3.0".
