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15cms is way above average

The fickle story of Kiwi pow days

By: Scott Naismith December 04, 2025

Ben Barcaly and Ben Richards battle the Fickle Business that is New Zealand powder hunting in this film from Hunter Paull.

Chasing fairytale storms, the Bens navigate sketchy access roads on last minute missions all in search of a good 15 centimeters. Being a freeride skier on the unpredictable, unreliably snowy islands at the arse end of the world is a challenge only the Kiwis seem strong enough to master—making the most of conditions that most Northern Hemisphere softies would describe as dire.

Certainly making conditions look better than they were, the Bens take these challenges head on, with trademark Kiwi positivity—and they reap the rewards.

For more from Ben Richards charging around resorts, check out his CORE SHOTS here.

From Youtube:

With its ever-changing snow and weather conditions, winter in New Zealand is often described as a roller coaster. Forecasts call for a snow dump that then turns to rain, ski fields are accessed by treacherous 4WD tracks, and plans change by the minute. Skiing in New Zealand is a real “Fickle Business”.
The film follows Ben Richards and Ben Barclay as they set out to make the most of their homeland’s snow season. The good old kiwi spirit thrives in challenging times and not taking it too seriously. ‘Fickle Business’ captures the hunt for a classic kiwi winter and the trials and tribulations of making a career in free-skiing at the bottom of the world.
Featuring: Ben Richards Ben Barclay
A film by Hunt Cinema
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