Francesca ‘Chess’ Smee | Mountain Guide

Backcountry Ski Guide | Women's Program Lead

Francesca "Chess" Smee began her career at Thredbo Ski School before expanding her experience to Japan, where she discovered the backcountry of Niseko and Central Hokkaido. This is where she developed her passion for the mountains and for empowering people to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Chess balances her Australian winters between instructing at Thredbo and guiding for K7 Adventures. During the northern winters, she works in Canada as a practicum heli-ski guide and race and freeride coach in Revelstoke.

She is dedicated to professional development and holds Level 3 Ski Instructing, Level 1 Avalanche Operations, Wilderness First Aid, and Cert IV Alpine Guide certifications. Chess leads all of K7 Adventures' BPS Women's editions and was featured in the starring role of MAVEN Film, Australia's first all-female backcountry ski film.

Whether working with beginners or guiding experienced skiers through advanced terrain, Chess brings technical skill, safety expertise, and an encouraging approach to every tour.

Based: Thredbo, NSW (Australian Winter) | Revelstoke, Canada (Northern Winter)
 Experience: 10+ years ski instructing & backcountry guiding
 Specialties: Backcountry Skiing, Women's Ski Programs, Ski Instruction, Heli-Ski Guiding
 Certifications: Level 3 Ski Instructing, Level 1 Avalanche Operations, Wilderness First Aid, Cert IV Alpine Guide
 Notable: Star of MAVEN Film (Australia's first all-female backcountry ski film)
 Role: Women's Program Lead, K7 Adventures
 Languages: English

chess@k7adventures.com | +61 400 148 303 | Instagram | Website