
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
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


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
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Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 1
Avalanche Skills Training 1
Resort Powder Specialist
Languages: English, Japanese


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


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 ​​​
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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


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​


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​

