Blake Marshall's road to freeride success

My name is Blake Marshall. I moved to Queenstown when I was 3 years old. This is also when I first learnt to ski, and I have never turned back!

I started off my skiing career racing in the Queenstown race team (QAST). After that, I started my adventure into freeskiing when I was 12. This was when I truly found my love for skiing.

I first started competing in freeride at The Remarkables in what was called the NZ Freeski Open back in 2015. After a few years competing, I was stoked to take the win in 2018. This catapulted me up the rankings from 850th to 1st! It was after this win that I realised I had the chance to make the Freeride World Tour, the pinnacle event of big mountain competitions. In 2019, I qualified 2nd on the qualifying circuit which gave me the ticket to compete on the Tour.

2020 was my first year competing on the Freeride World Tour, where I finished in the top 10 in 3 events. Coming 4th in Austria was my best result.

I call The Remarkables home. I believe it has shaped my skiing to where it is today. I am very grateful to have such an amazing mountain to call home!

Blake's tip for freeride

Cliff drop (the Take Off): As you drop a cliff, it is important that when you leave the snow, you are balanced over the centre of the ski. If you are too far back on take off, you will land back seat. Too far forward and you risk falling forwards on landing. It's all about finding that sweet centre spot!

Cliff drop (the Take Off):
As you drop a cliff, it is important that when you leave the snow, you are balanced over the centre of the ski. If you are too far back on take off, you will land back seat. Too far forward and you risk falling forwards on landing. It's all about finding that sweet centre spot!