This Aussie snow season has kicked off in an incredible way. Snow falls that haven't been seen for almost a decade, and we couldn't be more pumped to head for the hills! We caught up with team rider Jess Rich to chat broken legs, early morning groomers and what's on her schedule for the rest of 2014.

At the moment you're resting up after breaking your femur for the second time. I read that most femur fractures are associated with serious car crashes because of the amount of force it takes - Must have been a pretty heavy slam, Is this the worst injury you have had?

Funny enough the first break was done by running into a pole, somebody cut me off so I avoided him and hit the pole. Second time I knuckled a jump onto my feet and the force cracked my bone where the screws from my femoral rod are. This is by far the worst injury I have had and it is ongoing.

How's the healing coming along and what have you been doing to kill the time?

As I said with injuries this big the rehab in ongoing, you can be doing really well for a few days then all of a sudden not be able to walk again. I feel like I couldn't be doing any more then I am and I do feel strong enough to ride but with these things you never know. I have been hanging out in Portland, Oregon with some friends to get some camping and hiking in. That is my favourite place in America - The whole North West is insanely beautiful. I also have been living with my parents in Mona Vale where I have been surfing, drinking coffee, hiking and enjoying the amazing beaches.

Will you be basing yourself out of Perisher again this season?

Yeah I will definitely be up at Perisher. They have the best terrain parks in Australia, perfect groomers for them early morning carves and I love the crew that ride there.

What are you most looking forward to when you get back on the snow this season?

I am obsessed with carving and free riding on the early morning groomers. We had this set routine of how we would start our days in Breckenridge this year, I can’t wait to do that again. Then being able to do Front Valley park laps - it’s just so freaking fun to snowboard!

What sort of music would we find on your current riding playlist?

Ohhhh I have so many different styles of music - I tend to need slower music to ride to because I get stressed out if too much is going on. Right now I have Alt-J, The Growlers, Glass Animals, Whitest Boy Alive, Angus & Julia Stone, The Dig, Chet Faker & Flume and some Wax Tailor to name a few.

You're coaching in the 3rd Annual Board Against Brain Cancer day (Board ABC Day) at Thredbo this year, how did you get involved with the event?

Good friends of mine put the day together and contacted me about being involved. Originally it was just Board against Breast Cancer, but now branches out to Brain Cancer. It is a fun day where girls have the chance to learn new tricks and feel more confident on their boards in a safe, supportive and non intimidating environment, while raising money for a great cause.

Any competitions on the radar for this year?

My main competition goal is X-Games, which means I have to compete well in all upcoming events including The Mile High, Stylewars, High Fives and the first few events in the Northern Winter. The events i’m most wanting to compete in are Nike Snakes & Hammers and the Thredbo Banked Slalom held by Transfer Magazine.

Follow Jess on instagram >