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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

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Sakie Numata

HR & Accounting
 
Hokkaido Born and Raised
Office Legend



Languages: English, Japanese

Torin Barnes

Operations Manager
 

Pre Hospital Emergency Care 

​New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management

Level 6​​

Canadian Avalanche Association Level 2 equivalent​​​

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Languages: English

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James Oertli

Marketing Manager/ Photographer
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Year round Hokkaido local
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)


Languages: English, French, Italian, Swiss-German

Ayu Setogawa

Local Guide & Snowboard Instructor
​
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 1
Avalanche Skills Training 1
Resort Powder Specialist



Languages: English, Japanese

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Facundo Galleano

Backcountry Guide & Ski Instructor

 

AADIDESS Ski Instructor Level 1

American Avalanche Institute Pro 1

Meteorological Observer  Meteo-France

Ski Patrol level 2 (Argentina & France certifications)

Ski Patrol Instructor EASP (Argentina School of on slope safety)

Mountain Safety.info AVASAR AVALIFE Trainer

AAGM guide

First Aid Instructor (France)

Recco System Operator

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Languages: English, Spanigh, Italian, Catalan, French

Jon Runchke

Backcountry Guide & Ski/Snowboard/Telemark Instructor

 

AADIDESS Snowboard Instructor Level 1

AADIDESS Ski Instructor Level 3

AADIDESS Telemark Instructor Level 3

Wilderness First Responder (80hours)

American Avalanche Institute Pro 1

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Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
 

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Charlie Yates

Local Guide & Snowboard/Ski Instructor
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Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
 

Languages: English, Japanese 

Juan Berthold

Backcountry Guide & Snowboard/Ski Instructor
 

AADIDESS Snowboard Instructor level 3 ISIA

Wilderness First Responder (80hours)

American Avalanche Institute Pro 1

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Languages: English, Spanish

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Lars Meier Blattner

Backcountry Guide & Ski Instructor

 

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care 

Avalanche Risk Management Level 6 

Industrial Rope Access Technician Level 1 

NZSIA Ski&Snowboard Instructor Level 1

NZ Snow Sport Patrol Leader Level 5 

5 years on Alpine SAR team. No certs/ in house competency â€‹â€‹â€‹

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Languages: English, Swiss-German. 

Jonathan Skinnider

Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide
 

Canadian Avalanche Association Operations level 1

Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Search and Rescue Advance Skills

Canadian Avalanche Association Introduction to Weather

Wilderness First Responder (80hours)​​

 

Language: English

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Florencia Carrasco

Ski Instructor
 

Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B)

Ski Patroller 1st Degree, Argentina and France

AADIDESS Level 3 ski instructor 

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Languages: English, Spanish

Reilly Kane

Ski Instructor

NZSIA Ski Instructor Level 1
Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid Course
Basic Emergency Care Course
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Language: English
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Alexander Hadi

Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 2
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Risk Management (Canadian Alpine Academy)
QNUK L3 Pre Hospital Care
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Language: English​

Tamaki Yamasawa

Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide

New-Zealand Snowsports​ Instructors Alliance level 1
Japan Mountain Guide Association Ski Guide stage 1
Japan Mountain Guide Association Mountain stage2

Janapanese Avalanche Network Operations 1

Languages: English, Japanese
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Tanner Dobbins

Photographer & Backcountry Guide

AST1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)

Languages: English​

Olivia Murphy

Guest Services & Junior Guide

Pre Hospital Emergency Care Certificate
New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management
Level 5
Outdoor Exposure & Risk Assessement Ability


Languages: English​

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Ellie Ziemer

Ski Instructor

ACA Canadian Ski Coach Level 1

Languages: English​

Hannah Mech

Guest Services & Junior Guide
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Wilderness First Responder (80hours)


Languages: English, Japanese
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Liam Fuchs

Snowboard Instructor & Backcountry Guide

German Ski Association, Examiner and Instructor Trainer
German Ski Association, BC Skitouring Guide
German Ski Association, Mountain & Freeride Guide
Level 4 Snowboard Instructor 


Languages: English, German​

Robert Martin 

Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide

Avalanche Risk Management Level 5
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
NZSIA Ski Level Two
NZSIA Free-ski One
NZSIA Children’s Teaching


Languages: English​

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Del castillo Julieta

Guest Services & Backcountry Guide

American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Paramedic / NAEMT Instructor
CSIA Level 1

AAGM guide

Mountain Safety.info AVASAR AVALIFE Trainer


Languages: English, Spanish​

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