Name Fiona Duncan
Where to you usually spend your time? Born in Napier New Zealand, but now residing in Wanaka/Queenstown or Gisborne NZ in the summer.
You have ridden extensively overseas. Where has snowboarding taken you? Two winters in California, teaching snowboarding at North Star and Mammoth Mountain. Five winters in Europe, snowboarding in many resorts and a list of jobs that include, Chalet Chef through to Resort Representative, Tour guide, oh and six seasons in New Zealand…
What are some of your snowboarding achievements over the years? I started as a snowboard instructor and moved through the competitive scene to become Head Coach for the www.snowgirlsnz.com program at the awesome Snow Park NZ, I founded 'Freestyling For Funds' in NZ and now hold two events in the country raising money for Breast Cancer NZ.
Shout out to your sponsors? I have wicked sponsors; Groovstar (NZ clothing company), k2, Smith optics, and R & R sport.
When you're not on the Snow? Other Hobbies...........Surfing, traveling, NZ music, friends and family, mountain biking, horse riding, keeping fit and having a laugh.
Final words Fee? I love my country and look forward to sharing it with you!
Name Jarred Dowson
Where do you call home these days? Born and raised in Melbz!
When did you start snowboarding/ going to New Zealand? First time was in 96' just in time for Turoa to get covered in ash for us! Then came back in 99' doing seasons in Queenstown working at Coronet Peak & The Remarkables. Terrain Park, best gig ever! Fell in love with the place and have been coming back ever since.
Where has snowboarding taken you traveling? To some amazing destinations, like all over Europe and the States, Japan, Morocco and I'm currently doing this questionnaire at a ski resort in Korea!
Why Mint Tours? It was just the right time. I'd spent so many years working within the ski industry, meeting so many great people who have the same passion for snow as me. I love seeing friends get totally amped up on an early morning powder mission, or landing a new trick in the park. NZ has such a positive vibe on everyone who goes, and they always want to return!
Any last requests? Beware the Cobra Kai.
Name Anthony Leffelaar
Born and raised? Christchurch, New Zealand.
What do you love about snowboarding in NZ? Hanging out with sheep at snowpark haha.
Whats your best achievment in snowboarding? Transworld snowboard magazine shots 2007!
Secret spot? Metheven heli!
Final words? Have fun, shred hard and check out our camps - they are going to be sick!
Name Callie Conaghan
Born and raised? Gold Coast, Australia.
Where have you been snowboarding around the globe and how many seasons are you at? I am on my seventh season consecutively, and I have been hanging out in salt lake city, USA, lake louise, Canada, and have visited resorts in Colorado and Whistler, Canada. I'm also on my fourth season now in NZ.
Whats your best achievment in snowboarding? Having fun and still loving it! Cover page of Curl magazine, 1st place in NZ Nationals Slopestyle 06!
Shout out to sponsors? RPM, Parklife, Rome, Anon, Alta Snowboard Shop
Final words? You'll love the snow and the fun and the lifestyle that comes with it!
Name Trevor Dobson
Where are you from and where do you reside now? I was born in a small town called Oxford in Nova Scotia, Canada. I grew up there and moved overseas when I was 21 and am currently residing in Hokkaido, Japan. I have been in Japan for almost 5 years now, spending 6 monthes in Nagano, then 2.5 years in Fukuyama, Hiroshima and almost 2 years in Hirafu, Hokkaido.
Why Japan? I was on my way to visit Australia and decided I should stop into Japan for a winter in Nagano on the way, and well... 5 years later ...
Where else in the world have you riden? I have only ridden in Eastern Canada, Sugar Loaf, United States and Nagano and Hokkaido Japan.
Best thing about snowboarding in Japan? I am a skier, but the best thing about here is the ridiculous amount of powder snow we get and the amount of fresh tracks you can still find in the resort hours after a big dump. Also, the resort is not very strict and lets you ride just about anywhere within the resort. Outside of the resort there are heaps of back country options with good accessability.
Secret spot ? If I tell you it won't be secret anymore. Just a hint though, its takes about half and hour and requires 4 lifts to get there from the bottom of the Center 4 chair.
Tip for surviving a Japanese winter? Its not that cold here, but build a strong back for shoveling copious amount of snow.
