
This is Who We Are
At Niseko Zen, we believe our team is our greatest asset. With a strong and happy team, we know our guests can make the most of their time, whether being guided or instructed in Niseko or exploring Hokkaido.
To create a memorable experience, it all starts with great people. Of course, professionalism is key, but it takes more than just skill - it takes personality and passion.
Our team is made up of incredible individuals from all over the world, each bringing something unique to the table.
Niseko Zen is a small, tight-knit group of mountain lovers committed to sharing their passion and knowledge.
We're here because it’s one of the most epic places to live and work. With a passionate crew, we strive to welcome all groups and craft the perfect winter holiday experience tailored to each group.
Whether you're looking for a guide to help you navigate the backcountry, a ski or snowboard instructor to show you the ropes
or a fully custom trip across Hokkaido, we’ve got you covered.
Saki Hayashi
CEO
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations level 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
Languages: English, Japanese


Sakie Numata
HR & Accounting
Hokkaido Born and Raised
Office Legend
Languages: English, Japanese
Torin Barnes
Head of Operations
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management
Level 6
Languages: English


James Oertli
Marketing Manager/ Photographer
Year round Hokkaido local
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
Languages: English, French, Italian, Swiss-German
Jon Runchke
Backcountry Guide & Ski/Snowboard/Telemark Instructor
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
AADIDESS Snowboard Instructor Level 1
AADIDESS Ski Instructor Level 3
AADIDESS Telemark Instructor Level 3
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese


Charlie Yates
Local Guide & Snowboard/Ski Instructor
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
Languages: English, Japanese
Juan Berthold
Backcountry Guide & Snowboard/Ski Instructor
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
AADIDESS Snowboard Instructor level 3 ISIA
Languages: English, Spanish


Lars Meier Blattner
Backcountry Guide
NZMGA Assistant Ski Guide
New Zealand Avalanche Risk Management Level 6
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Industrial Rope Access Technician Level 1
NZSIA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Level 1
NZ Snowsport Patrol Leader Level 5
5 years on Alpine SAR team. No certs/ in house competency
Languages: English, Swiss-German.
Florencia Carrasco
Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B)
Ski Patroller 1st Degree, Argentina and France
AADIDESS Level 3 ski instructor
Languages: English, Spanish


Reilly Kane
Ski Instructor & Junior Guide
New Zealand Avalanche Risk Management Level 5
NZSIA Ski Instructor Level 1
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Language: English
Alexander Hadi
Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 2
Risk Management (Canadian Alpine Academy)
QNUK L3 Pre Hospital Care
Language: English


Ellie Ziemer
Ski Instructor
ACA Level 1 Ski Coach
Red Cross Intermediate & 20hr First Aid
AST 1
Language: English
Hannah Mech
Ski Instructor & Junior Guide
AAIRE 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
AAI Companion Rescue Course
Language: English, Japanese


Olivia Murphy
Ski Instructor & Junior Guide
New Zealand Avalanche Risk Management Level 5
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Language: English
Jesse Kilpatrick
Backcountry Guide & Ski Instructor
Mechanized Ski Guide level 1, (CSGI)
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
CSIA Level 2
AvSAR, CAA
Language: English


Timothy Herbert
Backcountry Guide
New Zealand Avalanche Risk Management Level 5
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
SBINZ 1
Language: English
Kate Boddington
Ski Instructor & Junior Guide & Photographer
Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST 2)
CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor
CASI Level 2 Snowboard Instructor
Emergency Medical Responder (Licensed),
100+ hours Outdoor Emergency Care
Language: English


Vasiliki Tsapala
Operations Manager
EHL Hospitality Business school
Ice Field Safety, Rescue 3 International
Language: English, Greek
Enric Alacambra
Backcountry Guide
UIMLA International Mountain Leader
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
Certified Ski Instructor Pyrenees & Alps
AAI, ASG2 (Avalanche Science)
Language: English, Spanish


Tilde Torkildsen
Backcountry Guide
Instructor course Level 1 alpine skiing
Basic first aid instructor course
Advanced avalanche course (alpine)
Language: English Norwegian
Molly Pattinson
Ski Instructor & Junior Guide
AST 2
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
CSIA Ski L2
CADS L1 (cognitive and
disability skiing)
Language: English


Aris Shearer
Backcountry Guide & Forecaster
New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport
Patrol (Level 4)
Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5)
PHEC (Pre Hospital Emergency Care)
Language: English
Thomas Almeyda
Guest Services
Language: English, Spanish


Dan Mead
Junior Guide
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
Advanced search and rescue
Certified emergency medical responder
Language: English
Bruno Gerardi
Backcountry Guide & Dual Instructor
UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide Course
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
Language: English, Spanish


