• Outlet

Ben Richards

Published

Article info

Our athletes

Born in the West, Raised in the South

Ben was born in California and started skiing at the age of two, but he didn’t grow a passion for the sport until his family moved to Wānaka later in his childhood. There, he spent years racing before making the switch to freeride and later moved to Canada to hunt deep powder and big lines. In 2019, he started his journey as a competitive freeride skier.



The 2024 season, he made his debut at the Freeride World Tour and finished with an impressive 3rd place overall, earning his title as the best-performing rookie of the season. We couldn’t be more stoked to support Ben at the tour and in all his future skiing adventures!

Q&A with Ben

Why freeride?
I love freeride as there is so much freedom in what you can do. There’s no right or wrong, meaning there is endless room for creativity. 

What’s your motivation?
Skiing has brought so much to my life so I guess what motivates me is to inspire others to ski and experience that joy. 

Why do you work with Sweet?
I believe we share similar values, keeping the dome protected in a stylish way. Head injuries are no joke so influencing others to wear a lid is important to me. 

Your most loved products? Why?
Trooper 2Vi Helmet with Durden RIG Reflect Googles, fit is so nice. Plus the RIG lenses are so damn good. 

Freeride Skiing

Discover Sweet

Stronger. Lighter. Better.

Our athletes

25.05.27

Athletes

On our "Meet Our Athletes" page, you can explore the incredible stories and achievements of the athletes who trust and rely on Sweet Protection gear. From daring mountain bikers conquering rugged trails to fearless skiers and snowboarders carving through powdery slopes, our athletes embody the spirit of adventure and resilience.

Read more

Our athletes
Newsroom

25.06.17

Uno-X Mobility & Sweet Protection

Sweet Protection is one of the main partners of Uno-X Mobility, the first pro cycling team from Scandinavia.

Read more

Our athletes

25.05.27

Eirik Hansen

Meet Eirik Hansen, an icon from the whitewater kayaking and expedition kayaking-world.

Read more

Our athletes

25.04.23

Vali Höll

Meet Valentina Höll, a gifted Austrian rider who has revolutionized downhill mountain biking. Learn more about this extraordinary athlete here.

Read more