The new issue of Chillfactor has landed, just as that familiar chill creeps back into the mornings. It’s our annual reminder that winter is on the way and whether it shapes up to be a big one or not, we’re ready.
Inside this year’s edition, we’ve packed stories that reach from local hill laps to far-flung backcountry dreams — a full celebration of skiing in all its messy, joyful, unpredictable glory. We kick things off at home with young Aussie freeride phenom Finn Jacobsen, whose rise through the junior freeride ranks is the kind of story that makes you stop and wonder what the next generation is really capable of.
From there, it’s a deep dive into some of the season’s standout moments: Billy Lloyd-Blainey’s double backie over the Charlotte Pass road gap; Kai Jones’ emotional comeback from a brutal injury; and a look at what it took for Charles Beckinsale and his crew to build Australia’s biggest jump and a world-class superpipe — right in the middle of one of the lowest-snow years in memory.
But it’s not all local. We went global too. To Hakuba, where the storms kept rolling in and the powder was as deep as it gets. To Chamonix, where big mountains meet bigger consequences. To BC’s Powder Highway, chasing cold smoke turns through Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, and Fernie — a reminder that the road trip remains the purest form of ski adventure.
And if you’re just here for the gear, we’ve got you covered. Our Chillfactor Picks section is back with some of the best new kit for the 2025 season — jackets, skis, boots, and tech from trusted brands, plus insights from those who’ve put it all through the wringer.
This is our 26th year telling the stories that matter to Aussie skiers. From seasoned tourers to stoked groms just finding their edges, Chillfactor 2025 is for anyone who knows that even an average snow season can hold some unforgettable days. All you’ve got to do is show up.Available now in newsagents across Australia and New Zealand — or head to subscribe.chillfactor.com to subscribe and have it delivered straight to your door.
