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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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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


Languages: English, French, Italian, Swiss-German

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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

Ski Patrol level 2 (Argentina & France certifications)

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

First Aid Instructor (France)

Recco System Operator

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Languages: English, Spanigh, Italian, Catalan, French

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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
​
Canadian Avalanche Association Operations level 1
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
 

Languages: English, Japanese 

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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 5 

Industrial Rope Access Technician level 1 

New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance Ski Instructor level 1 

Snowsport Patrol Level 4​​​

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Languages: English, Swiss-German. 

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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)

AADIDESS Level 3 ski instructor 

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Languages: English, Spanish

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Reilly Kane

Ski Instructor

New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance 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

CSIA level2
Wilderness First Responder (80hours)
American Avalanche Institute Pro 1
Risk Management (Canadian Alpine Academy)
QNUK L3 Pre Hospital Care
​

Language: English​

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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​

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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 Zimmer

Ski Instructor

Alpine Canada Association Level 1

Languages: English​

Hannah Mech

Guest Services & Junior Guide
​
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​

Del castillo Julieta

Ski Instructor & Backcountry Guide


Languages: English, Japanese
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