Talented young skier Ella Spittle has been announced as an exciting new addition to the 2008 Parklife Rider Team, a development team of young riders and skiers based at The Remarkables.

The 19 year old star, sponsored by Oakley, Salomon and Groovstar, has been winning major ski events since the age of 16 and is looking forward to being a role model for other up and coming skiers and riders.

Ms Spittle said she was rapt to be part of the Parklife Rider Team because the team inspired people to reach their potential on the snow and in other aspects of their lives.

“I’ve always wanted to be a good role model for other New Zealand girls and to do a job that I’m passionate about, so being part of this awesome team is like living the dream!” she said.

“I can’t wait to throw down at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak and be part of the fun vibe in the parks,” she said. “The new Burton feature, The Stash at The Remarkables, is going to be sick and a wicked challenge for skiers and riders.”

In 2003 Ella won the NZ Junior Nationals Slalom, the NZ Youth Cup Slalom and Giant Slalom, and the Glen Grice Super G Speed Races in Canada; and in 2006 she took out the NZ Junior Nationals Slopestyle, Big Mountain and Skier X.

Recent success includes second place at the Armadageddon Slopestyle and fourth place at the NZ Open Slopestyle last year.

“My short term goal is to podium at the NZ Open this season and over the next two years I want to podium at international events such as the US and European Opens,” she said.

Josh Clark, Youth Action Sports Co-ordinator (Coronet Peak and The Remarkables) said Ella’s inclusion rounded out the Parklife Rider Team which now represents males and females in both the boarding and skiing disciplines.

“Ella is an awesome inclusion as a skier and role model for younger freestylers which is a huge focus for us,” he said.

“We’re very keen to see kids take up freestyle skiing and riding and we’re committed to providing the facilities, events and programmes that encourage their progression.  They’ll learn fantastic skills which will serve them well in their lives as well as fostering a relationship with our alpine environment.”

The current 2008 Parklife Rider Team also includes Nick Hyne (male boarder), Jeremy Thorns (male boarder), Mark Anderson (male boarder), Heath Patterson (male boarder), Callie Conaghan (female Boarder), Ella Spittle (female skier), Matt Soundy (junior male skier), and Jamin Beattie (junior male boarder).

For more information about the team and Parklife events this season visit http://www.nzski.com/parklife/

New Recruit: Ella Spittle has become the new member of the Parklife Team