Riddle, competing in the freeski halfpipe world cup in the Winter Games tomorrow, is back in New Zealand for his seventh visit. Some trips have been solely for training, some for competing and others just for fun, but two elements don't change.
''Always to ski. Always Wanaka.''
Riddle has been competing on the professional halfpipe circuit for the past seven years, producing podium results at top events.
A regular at X Games, European X Games, the Winter Dew Tour, world cups and other major events, his achievements include winning the 2012 AFP (Association of Freeskiing Professionals) championship, and becoming the 2011 FIS world champion.
At 27, he is ''one of the older guys'' in his sport but feels that he is physically in his prime and has the experience to back up his fitness.
''I'm a little wiser for all the years I've put into it.''
Riddle began his competitive career 12 years ago and has spent about half that time pushing for his sport to be included in the Olympics.
He described the confirmation in May 2011 of halfpipe skiing as an official Olympic discipline as a ''long-awaited milestone and life-changing moment''.
''It was a cool day. We had a big party,'' he said, flashing a grin.
Fast forward two years and Riddle, a member of the Canadian halfpipe ski team, has a complex training schedule, multiple coaches and state-of-the-art resources - like a giant, gymnastic-style trampoline and air bags - all designed to maximise his ability to bring home a medal from the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
Asked to list his main competition for tomorrow's qualifiers at Cardrona Alpine Resort and finals the following day, he suggested the podium places would be filled by competitors from the United States, France and New Zealand.
As for identifying the main home chance, he picked Wanaka's Byron Wells, over brother Jossi, as his ''biggest threat in the pipe''.
