The accomplished ski mountaineer will join the region’s reputable athlete team.
The North Face, the world’s leading outdoor brand, welcomes New Zealand ski mountaineer, Will Rowntree, to the Australia and New Zealand athlete team.
Will Rowntree is an Aotearoa New Zealand-based ski mountaineer and IFMGA-certified mountain guide with a passion for steep skiing and backcountry exploration.
His journey in the industry began in 2013 as a ski patroller at Mt Hutt, before moving to Kawarau/The Remarkables. Over the last decade, he has honed his skills in backcountry skiing, climbing, and mountaineering, balancing his professional development as a mountain guide with personal skiing pursuits. In 2023, he achieved one of his biggest career milestones by qualifying as an IFMGA guide.
Will’s skiing career has been defined by bold descents and creative mountain adventures. Among his standout achievements is skiing the Caroline Face of Aoraki/Mount Cook alongside Joe Collinson and Sam Smoothy—a defining moment that solidified his commitment to steep skiing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Other highlights include the East Face of Malte Brun—which was awarded the Bill Denz Award for boldness in New Zealand mountains—and crossing the Main Divide via the West Face of Mt Dampier. Internationally, skiing the Sentinelle Rouge on the Brenva Face of Mont Blanc stands out as a memorable achievement.
“I am so excited to be joining The North Face athlete team. For years the brand has represented the cutting edge in the niche world of ski mountaineering and to be part of that is an absolute honour.” – The North Face Athlete, Will Rowntree
Beyond the mountains, Will finds inspiration in those who approach the outdoors with creativity and ambition. His philosophy is rooted in curiosity—always asking, “What else is possible?”—and continuously developing his skills to make once-impossible lines attainable. He thrives on the
challenge of navigating unpredictable conditions, enjoying the high-stakes, limit-pushing days, but will always hold space for the low-worry, high-fun days with friends.
“We are excited to welcome Will to The North Face athlete team. As an IFMGA-certified mountain guide and ski mountaineer, Will’s expertise and passion for steep skiing are unparalleled. His remarkable accomplishments, including numerous first ski descents, exemplify his commitment to redefining the edge of alpine exploration. We look forward to supporting Will as he continues to inspire and lead in the world of ski mountaineering.” – Athlete & Community Marketing Manager, Alex West
Accomplishments
· Aoraki Mt Cook, 2nd descent Caroline Face (2021),
· Mt Dampier, 1st ski descent via W face, 2024
· Mt La Perouse, East face direct 1st descent, 2024
· Douglas Pk 1st ski descent via the E face, 2024
· Mont Blanc, 3rd descent of the Sentinelle Rouge, 2024
· Malte Brun East Face 1st descent, Winner of the Bill Denz Award, 2023
