About Us
CERTIFIED JAPOW FANATICS
Whiteroom Tours was founded on the principle of creating tours & ski holidays that are fun, adventurous and allow you to experience each destination from a local’s perspective.
From these humble beginnings and with the help of our growing client base, we have grown into a fully licenced travel agency specialising in guided ski and snowboard tours, ski and snowboard holidays, mountain guiding, instructional tours, group travel, as well as personalised travel packages to Japan.
Whiteroom prides itself on providing the highest quality guiding and tour products. We have achieved this by building a professional team of hand-picked ski and snowboard guides from around the world with exceptional local knowledge.
Our team members originate from a variety of professional ski industry backgrounds but all have one very important thing in common, their love of the mountains and Japanese powder.
At Whiteroom, our number one priority is your safety, which is why all customers guided outside the resort boundaries must personally carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment.
All of our guides are certified in avalanche safety management and first aid, plus with mountain guiding accreditations or ski patrol background, you can be assured you are in safe hands.
Whiteroom guides receive ongoing training in first aid, backcountry travel and avalanche safety with their respective country’s mountain safety associations & through our in-house training programs.
Daily guide meetings are held in each area to analyse the day’s weather, snowpack and prevailing conditions. Combined with our season’s knowledge bank we make the best decisions to ensure you ski or ride the best lines & maximise your experience.
POWDER, CULTURE, ADVENTURE!
Meet the Team
Paul Ellis
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER & GUIDE
After seasons working in the US, Australia and Japan, as well as expeditions to the mountains of Central Asia, Paul started what was to become Whiteroom Tours in 2007 with an idea to create a website around helping those venturing into the backcountry around the world. Backcountry Logistics was created and soon born Backcountry Snow Tours, which had tours planned for Pakistan, Gulmarg and Furano, Japan. Seeing that the market wasn’t really there for backcountry tours to remote locations yet he moved to offering a resort based Japan tour and sold ESS Boardstore owner Mark Chandler on the idea. In 2007 the first tour was run to Furano. In 2010 he founded Whiteroom Tours with the aim showing more people the areas in Hokkaido he came to love. Today Whiteroom Tours has grown into a Travel Agency, Tour Operator and Guiding Company with more than 50+ tours and guiding throughout Japan. Paul holds his CAA Avalanche Level 1 Professional and Wilderness First Aid certificate.
Ross Mcswiney
JAPAN CEO & GUIDE
Having guided in Japan since 2009 and with Whiteroom Tours since 2012, he heads up our Whiteroom Japan operations and has seen more winter than most people see in two lifetimes. He is responsible for establishing Whiteroom Guides and ensuring Whiteroom runs to the highest of standards. Ross has over 28 years experience as a Ski Patroller, National Ski Patrol Trainer & Examiner, Australian Ski Patrol Advanced Emergency Care Course Trainer & Examiner plus has skied 23 years in Hokkaido & Northern Honshu, 16 as a professional ski guide.
He holds his NZ Avalanche Stage 1 Professional, Certificate IV Training & Assessment, Remote / Advanced / Advanced Resuscitation / Occupational First Aid and is also an Avalanche Awareness Course and First Aid Trainer.
RONAN MAGUIRE
JAPAN GENERAL MANAGER, AVALANCHE FORECASTER & GUIDE
An Irish man who happened to land on his feet in the high alpine of NZ. Ronan has since made the mountains his home and Guiding, Ski Patrolling, Avalanche Training & Avalanche Forecasting his profession. Ronan has been one of the NZMSC’s National Avalanche Forecaster, managed Snow Safety and the Avalanche Program for Mt Hutt NZ, been a member of the NZ Avalanche Education Advisory Committee, trainer of both recreational and professional avalanche courses plus an Avy Search and Rescue Dog handler. For the past 7 years, Ronan has been with Whiteroom becoming our Japan General Manager which includes overseeing all guide operations, avalanche assessment, and forecasting.
He looks forward to sharing his passion for the mountains with you and enjoying some good turns together.
EMILY CARROLL
JAPAN TRAVEL MANAGER
No one is more passionate about Japan and travel than Emily. She has spent years living and working in Japan as an English teacher and before that on exchange through High School and University.
Her knowledge of Japan and fluency in the language means that you get the best possible advice and a fantastic holiday.
TRAVEL & ADMIN TEAM
Yuko Kan
Base Coordinator - Niseko, Japan
Atsushi Iwai
Japanese Liaison - Furano, Japan
Craig Sheppard
A long-time ski patroller at the Lake Louise Ski Area in Alberta Canada, Craig specialised in avalanche control and held the position as the Avalanche Forecaster for several years prior to moving Down Under. Aside from his day job at “The Lake”, Craig also juggled work as an avalanche educator with the Canadian Avalanche Association and ski guiding in many locations around Alberta and British Columbia. Although ‘Sheppy’ has experience heli-skiing and cat-skiing, his favourite guiding is self-propelled uphill and he’s looking forward to Japowing with you!
Natsuko Ito
Natsuko was born and raised in Alaska. She spent the long days and nights of her childhood riding snow machines, dog mushing, and swinging around on her homemade tire swing. She received her degree in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and then moved to Anchorage, Alaska where she worked as a Recruiter at a large environmental non-profit and a Operations Manager at a internationally known bikepacking company. As she parts ways with Alaska and moves to Japan, she’s excited to be a part of the Whiteroom team and can't wait to share the stoke of Japow with our guests!
Kate Stiegler
Guest Services - Furano, Japan
Beth Thursby
Originally from Perth, Australia — where snow is a rarity — Beth first experienced a true winter on a working holiday in Canada in 2014. After traveling extensively, Japan always felt like home. Having studied Japanese since high school and frequently visiting, she decided to relocate there in 2023. Previously a travel agent, Beth is excited to be part of the travel team. When not snowboarding in Hokkaido, she enjoys relaxing by the water, soaking up the sun. Despite the epic snow, she might even prefer the warmth of summer.
James Robbins
Sales Team - Niseko
Simon Clissold
Simon's first real backcountry turns were in Chile in 1996, and since that epic beginning he's taken his
splitboard all over the world in search of adventure, from Alaska to the Himalayas to Kyrgyzstan and of course Japan. After spending a winter working atop Tokachidake (central Hokkaido) all the way back
in 2005/06, he's super happy to be back in Japan, helping others on their own deep pow missions.
Guiding team
Mal Haskins
Mal is based in Wanaka New Zealand where his passion for the mountains, climbing, mountaineering and skiing can be quenched. He is an IFMGA / NZMGA Mountain and Ski Guide. During the winter months in New Zealand he lectures on the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Ski Patrol Program, works at Mt Cook Heliski as a lead guide and snow safety
officer, Forecasts for the Mt Cook Avalanche Advisory as well as running his own operation based from Wanaka, Mountaineering, Ski-touring, Ski Mountaineering teaching avalanche courses. He is a member of Wanaka SAR and Winter Mt Cook SAR teams. During Summer he spends time down on the Antarctic Peninsula taking people climbing - Mal loves to ski and enjoys sharing his love of being outside and seeking adventure with like minded people.
Paul Black
After cutting his teeth backcountry skiing multiple seasons in Austria & France, Blackie kept his love of winter going with 23 years Ski Patrolling, 14 as Thredbo Ski Patrol Captain & 14 years skiing in Hokkaido, 10 as a Ski Guide. Holds NZMSC Avalanche Pro 1 & is a Patrol Trainer/Examiner.
Timm Phillips
Timm grew up in Buffalo, New York. He honed an ability to hold a ski edge on icy race courses before moving on to snowier pastures.
Timm enjoys teaching and sharing with riders and the subtle joys of backcountry mountain travel, onsens, and procuring sundries at 7-11s. Folks remark on his lighthearted style, and patience. Timm guides on Denali, the Cascades, and the Sierra during the spring and summer months, and is with us in Japan in the winter. He completed the AMGA Advanced Ski Guide Course, Rock and Alpine guide courses, is American Avalanche Association Pro 2 certified, holds a Wilderness First Responder, LNT, and AIARE Instructor certifications. Away from the snow, Timm enjoys surfing and all day brunch.
Gareth Bevan
Gareth has been skiing Japan since 1999, including over 30 resorts in Hokkaido & Honshu. He holds his NAMSG (US mechanised ski guide) cert L2 and L2 Avalanche cert. He has heli-guided in Valdez AK for 4 years for H2o heli guides & has Ski Patrolled at Thredbo for 10+ years. Whilst he’s well skied, he can’t beat Japan’s pow!
Greg Young
Greg grew up in snow deprived Western Australia until one taste of fresh pow kickstarted a new life in the mountains, and he now lives in Furano year-round. After 20+ winters snowboarding across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and guiding in Hokkaido with Whiteroom since 2013, he is convinced Japow is the meaning of life. Greg holds his NZMSC Avalanche Pro 1, NZSIA 2 and Remote First Aid - and loves nothing more than sharing the stoke of a powder day in the mountains with friends.
Alistair Martin
Alistair lives his life in search of good skiing, good food and warm water. Which is why he keeps returning to Hokkaido. The 2025/2026 winter will be his 6th winter in Hokkaido. Alistair has ski patrolled for 9 winters in New Zealand and the United States. When not found skiing he can be found thinking about skiing on tropical islands. Or sitting in an onsen thinking about where to ski tomorrow. He holds the NZ Avalanche Risk Management Lv 6 and the AUS Certificate IV in Emergency Medical Response.
Ta-yuan (Owen) Lee
Owen is passionate about skiing and enjoys his free time travelling the world to ski, climb and meet people. A native Taiwanese, he grew up in Aotearoa and the love for the outdoors saw him pursuing a career in New Zealand, Canada and Australia as a mountain guide and an outdoor education instructor for the past ten years. Owen has a science degree in ecology, New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management Level 5, and Wilderness First Responder. He is a qualified NZMGA Apprentice Ski Guide and currently working towards becoming an IFMGA mountain guide.
Sean Riley
Sean got his start as a patroller at Keystone, Colorado before heading to the South Island of
New Zealand where he worked as a Snow Safety Officer at both Coronet Peak and Roundhill.
With over a decade of ski patrol experience and another half decade of guiding, Sean spends
winters year-round backcountry ski guiding, teaching avalanche education, and forecasting. He
holds an AAI Avalanche Pro 2 Cert and is an AIARE Avalanche Course Instructor, as well as an
Emergency Medical Technician and NSP Certified Ski Patroller.
Scott Earnshaw
Scott’s love for backcountry skiing has taken him on some amazing adventures in the South Island of New Zealand, the vast mountains near Banff, Canada as well as the backcountry of Niseko, Otaru and Furano. Scott will be back at Whiteroom Tours for a third season and can’t wait to get back into skiing powder and showing what Hokkaido has to offer. In the “off” season Scott Patrols in the Southern Hemisphere at Mt Cheeseman. He holds his New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management Level 5, NZSIA Level 1, as well as his Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certificate.
Taylor Rogers
Tay is all about good vibes, immersing in culture and rippin’ pow! As well as a guide, Tay is a Nationally Accredited Ski Patroller, Patrol Supervisor at Thredbo Resort, Mountain Safety Collective Observer and Fire & Rescue Firefighter. Tay holds CAA Ops 1, ASPA Certification, Wilderness & Remote First Aid quals and is a big advocate for safe backcountry use through educating and upskilling the next gen of rippers. Time off is spent cooking, camping and skydiving.
Jesse Yelverton
Jesse found his passion for skiing in Colorado where he began his career as an avalanche professional. Jesse has worked as a ski patroller and avalanche forecaster in Colorado and New Zealand, as a skiing, rock and ice climbing guide, and as an ambulance emergency medical technician. He holds a degree in Snow, Weather and Avalanche Science from Colorado Mountain College, certified Avalanche Professional L2 by the American Avalanche Association, is a registered wilderness EMT-IV, qualified avalanche and wilderness medical instructor, and a professional member and aspirant guide of the American Mountain Guides Association.
Sam Janssen
Sam was born in the north island of New Zealand, snowboarding and skiing at every possible opportunity on Mt Ruapehu. In his Mid-20s after moving to Revelstoke B.C for a winter season he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to being in the mountains. After completing his avalanche risk management Level 5, pre hospital emergency care and Patrol Level 4 he has since had 6 seasons experience in the Ski Patroller role between New Zealand and Canada. When he’s not patrolling or guiding, you’ll usually find him climbing, ski touring or mountain biking somewhere in natures playground.
Rob Featherstone
Rob is originally from the UK. He grew up walking and climbing throughout Wales, Northern England and Scotland. Since moving to New Zealand he has completed three seasons on a ski patrol team most recently at Mt Hutt. Rob holds his Avalanche Risk Management Level 5 and Pre Hospital Emergency Care qualification. In his free time when he’s not skiing, he loves climbing, mountain biking and whitewater paddling.
Ben Higgins
Ben is an avid splitboarder and skier who grew up near the slopes of Mt Lyford, New Zealand. Amped to back for my second season guiding in Japan. Finishing up the fourth ski patrol season with Whakapapa and previously Manning Park and Sun Peaks, Canada. Ben is certified in 110-hour Outdoor Emergency Care and holds an valanche Risk Management Level 5 qualification. Always on the lookout for adventure, biking, climbing, and chasing after the fukai Yuki.
John Nisbet
John’s a passionate skier with 40+ years’ experience, as well as a keen mountain biker. Following his passion, John re-trained as a Ski Patroller, after moving from Sydney to Wanaka, New Zealand in 2016. John’s qualifications include Certificate in Ski Patrol (Tai Poutini Polytech), including Pre-Hospital Emergency Care1, First Aid-First Responder, Controlled Substances Licence and Avalanche Risk Management Stage 5. John has a wife and two teenage children who are also keen skiers, sharing his passion for backcountry skiing in Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
Scott Peterson
Originally from the Scottish Highlands, Scott has been guiding with Whiteroom since 2018.
With a background in expedition guiding and outdoor education, he has led expeditions in
Alaska, Patagonia, the Himalayas, and beyond. His approach to guiding blends technical
proficiency with a focus on shared experience, community, and connection in the mountains.
He holds his Professional Level 1 Avalanche Certification, is a NOLS Mountaineering Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Steve Parker
Steve is a splitboard guide, avalanche educator and university lecturer from NZ. He has
numerous first snowboard descents in NZ, the Indian Himalaya and Afghanistan. This will be
his fifth season guiding in Japan, drawn back by deep pow, therapeutic Onsen’s, matcha tea
and the deep contentment that comes after a day guiding. Steve has a PhD, Avalanche
management Level 6, NZOIA Alpine 1 and is a CAA Avalanche Educator. He loves to surf mountains.
Justin Goldberg
Growing up in Cape Town, South Africa Justin is permanently stoked and can’t wait to share his passion for everything outdoors. Having found his passion for skiing in Canada, he has not looked back and has been doing back to back winters from Japan to New Zealand. Working as an instructor, ski patroller and now a guide, Justin has an in-depth understanding of the customer experience and how to pair that with the safety and risk management of going out into the mountains. Permanently with a smile on his face and hopefully always covered in snow, Justin is eager for eerie adventure and will help wherever possible.
Hanne Mäkinen
Despite growing up in Finland, Hanne has lived most of her adult life in the Alps, where free skiing became a big part of her life. During summers she guides hiking groups in the mountains. After ski instructor training in Austria Hanne chased winter to New Zealand for several years, eventually finding her favorite snow and the hot springs on Hokkaido in 2018. Since then she divides her winters between Japan, Austria and Lapland. Hanne is a wilderness guide, ski patroller, level 3 instructor, wilderness first responder and has CAA level 1.
Luke Marshal
Luke grew up in the rugged mountains of Telluride, Colorado, where he developed his love for skiing and the outdoors at an early age. He graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism and a dual minor in Geology and Theater Arts. Luke has worked as a Professional Ski Patroller in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah and as an Expedition Guide in the San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Peninsula. He is a certified Avalanche Professional Level 1 by the American Avalanche Association and is a registered Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician.
Tom Whelan-Henderson
Growing up in Queenstown, New Zealand, Tom was surrounded by some of the best ski terrain the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Tomas loves back to back winters, just coming off a season working as a ski patroller at Coronet Peak in New Zealand. This is his third season ski guiding in Hokkaido. He has completed the New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management Level 5 and holds a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) qualification.
Sebastien Charest
Sebastien lives and breathes snowboarding, from his home in Northwestern British Columbia. He began turning this passion into reality by becoming a snowboarding instructor at age 15, and entering a guides training program at 17. Sebastien has been working toward a fulltime guiding career ever since with no regrets. Nothing brings him as much joy as empowering those around him to enjoy the freedom of snowy mountains. He lives in Terrace, BC with his wife, co-guide and always adventure partner. They have two beautiful dogs named Smokey and Mara. They shred.
Shea Hickman
Shea hails from New Zealand and has spent a number of seasons working in both Canada in Japan. She passionate backcountry pow slayer and ski mountaineer, and is stoked to be joining the White Room crew in Furano this season. Shea holds her ARM6 (NZ Stage 2) avalanche qualification and is a NZMGA certified Ski Guide.
Devin Wittig
Devin is a skier with a deep background in avalanche ops, backcountry travel, and northern fieldwork. He’s worked as an Avalanche Technician with industrial operations in Canada and as a Parks Canada Visitor Safety Officer on the historic Chilkoot Trail, managing all visitor safety calls, training staff, and writing the avalanche safety plan. Additionally, Devin is heavily involved with teaching avalanche safety courses in the Yukon, has worked in ski touring lodges across western Canada and works as a Canoe guide and fisheries researcher in the Yukon summer.
Alessandro Lanius-Pascuzzi
Growing up in the Coast Mountains in Canada, Sandro started skiing when he was 4 years old. 25 years later, no matter if it’s deep powder, or scraping down an icy volcano he still can’t get enough. This will be his 5th season in the avalanche industry having worked as a ski patroller, avalanche technician, and avalanche course instructor. Sandro holds a CAA Operations Level 2, Non-Urban Emergency Care 3, and a CSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor.
Thomas Gregson
Thomas grew up in the coastal mountains of British Columbia, eventually moving to Golden, BC and falling in love with the backcountry and it’s endless possibilities. In the summers, he manages a crew of 19 tree planters, where safety is number one priority, right above hard work and good times. Thomas is certified with CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1, Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1, and Occupational First Aid Level 3. Along with 7 plus years of backcountry experience, Thomas is excited to share Japan with you!
Josh Barrett
Josh is originally from a dairy farm in New Plymouth and has now spent 10 years living in Wanaka and working in the snow industry there. He has spent 8 years Ski patrolling at Cardrona where he is now in his second year working as an Avy Tech. Josh holds his ARM 6 qual as well as PHEC. In the summer you can find him dangling from cliffs as a rope access technician with his IRATA level 2. During the off season he will be out mountain biking, hunting and making the most of the outdoors.
Jeanie Puro
Jeanie has guided on a splitboard throughout Western Canada, often spending more time in the alpine than in town. Originally from the high mountain desert of northern New Mexico, she moved solo to coastal BC at 18 to explore the mountains. With a background in nursing and certification in Wilderness First Aid, Jeanie also holds her CAA Level 1 Professional designation. She loves sharing her passion for the outdoors with others and enjoys climbing, mountain biking, surfing, and hiking. In summer, she guides hiking and Via Ferrata and has
even cared for a captive adult grizzly bear in Canada.
Nick Thompson
Nick Thompson grew up in Montana and was on skis as soon as he could walk. He settled in Bozeman, MT to earn a degree in Snow Science from Montana State University and to hone his mountain skills. He spent four years as a professional ski patroller at the Yellowstone Mountain Club; he’s an EMT and holds a Pro-1 avalanche certification. Off the clock Nick guides whitewater rafting trips, enjoys mountain biking, and loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with family and friends.
Lou Sander
Lou is an outdoors frother from Aotearoa, New Zealand. He has worked as the lead guide at a Japanese based cat skiing operation, and has patrolled in New Zealand and Australia since 2019. He currently holds his Avalanche Risk Management Level 5, 80 hour Pre Hospital Emergency Care certificate, and APSI Level 1. Lou is real keen on ski touring, canyoning, and isn’t shy to some type 2. Lou’s definitely looking forward to exploring the Japanese backcountry and getting shacked alongside you.
Katherine Guay
From the cold, icy winters of Quebec to the wet, powdery slopes of British Columbia, Katherine has dedicated her life to chasing snow and adventure. With over 10 years of experience as a ski instructor, her journey took a bold turn when she lived out of her van for multiple winters, exploring untouched terrain and soaking in every ounce of powder and wilderness, which ultimately led her into guiding. Katherine now works as an avalanche educator, a tail guide in heli-skiing, and a radio operator for a cat-ski operation.
Jaime Kruijer
Jaime grew up in Queenstown, New Zealand, where she learned to ski and snowboard through school. She has spent six seasons working as a ski patroller in NZ and Canada and has recently finished up a season at Cardrona. Jaime's qualifications include Avalanche Risk Management Level 5, prehospital emergency care, and a bachelor’s in paramedicine, which she completed while serving in the military. She’s excited to return to another Hokkaido winter of deep pow and soaking in onsens
Sven Gorham
Sven has done back to back winters for 27 seasons, splitting his time between New Zealand, USA, and Japan with the past decade ski guiding in Hokkaido. Originally a school teacher, Sven moved into outdoor education, guiding climbing, canyoning and ski touring. Sven now spends his southern winters in New Zealand ski patrolling at Treble Cone, and instructing on the Polytechnic Ski Patrol Program. He has a NZ Avalanche Level 6 and a variety of Australian guiding and teaching certifications.
Lucy Hamilton
Lucy grew up in New Zealand, spending her weekends skiing and exploring the outdoors. She is a recent graduate of Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy and holds her Avalanche Operations Level 1 and Wilderness First Responder qualifications. Lucy spends her winters backcountry skiing and developing her guiding skills, and her summers working as a raft guide and kayaking on rivers throughout New Zealand and Canada.
Samuel Harrop
Originally from the French Alps and a fully certified French ski instructor, Sam (also English) has built his career teaching and exploring the mountains. Growing up chasing powder off-piste, he has lots of experience with big mountain backcountry, that he brings to Japan. Passionate about sharing unforgettable days on snow, Sam loves helping guests discover new terrain and experience the magic of deep powder.
Brad Saville
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Brad has since been living the good life in New Zealand since the start of 2009. Based in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, he is committed to looking after the Ski Patrol program at The Remarkables Ski Area. He and his avalanche dog, Bomber, have even travelled internationally to Colorado to keep current with their industrial skills on point.
Howie McFadyen
Skiing and adventuring from a young age, Howie's experience in the mountains is in depth. In the southern
hemisphere winters you can find him ski patrolling at Kawarau/The Remarkables. In summer Howie chases more winters with back country skiing experience in Austria and France. Howie currently holds ARM5 and is working towards ARM6, he also has a passion for first
aid. Pre hospital emergency care ignited the spark for Howie, who has since gone on to obtain a Medical Certificate of Proficiency at Auckland University.
Dii Cadosch
Dieter aka Dii is a Swiss surgeon, “ski lover” and outdoor enthusiast. He grew up in St. Moritz in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Since he was a medical student he worked as a mountain guide for the Swiss Alpine Association and as a ski instructor for the Suvretta Skischool in the Engadine, Switzerland. As Swiss J&S board-certified ski touring and mountain bike guide, he led numerous expeditions in Europe, South America and Asia.
Tom Brookman
Tom's originally from the UK but moved to New Zealand in his early 20's. Spending time in the mountains backcountry skiing, climbing and biking quickly led to him wanting to make a life of living and working in the mountains and on the snow. Tom's been ski patrolling across NZ, Canada, and Japan for 11 winters, gaining ARML6 and PHEC. In winter he spends most of his spare time backcountry skiing, away from the crowds finding the best turns I can.
Domingo Valdivieso
Born and raised in Santiago, Chile. Home of the best skiing and terrain in the Central Andes mountain range. Domingo started his career as a mountain guide in 2010, and from there he has been exploring and working through the mountains. He studied in Canada for several seasons reaching the degree of Avalanche Operations Level 2 and nowadays, he is the leader forecaster of the first public avalanche bulletin in Chile, an Avalanche Canada official course provider, backcountry ski-guide and a true lover of powder days.
Mike Irwin
I'm from Tennessee USA, not much skiing there! I really found my passion after my first winter in Aspen, Colorado. Since then I've worked in Tahoe California, Queenstown New Zealand, and Japan. Skiing is my passion, it's taken me all over the world and I'm stoked to share it with others. I have 20 winters experience ski patrolling and forecasting, AAA Pro 2, AMGA apprentice ski guide, NZSIA level 2 instructor, Outdoor emergency care, pre hospital emergency care.
Izzy Holmes
Izzy was raised in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire, where she began skiing at the age of 2 and alpine ski racing shortly after. Izzy ski patrolled at Heavenly Mountain Resort for 5 seasons and now returns to California each Spring to work as a Snowcat guide in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. In summers she also works as a glacier mountain guide on Mount Rainier. Izzy maintains a Leave No Trace Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate, Wilderness First Responder Certificate, and has a Professional Avalanche Training Level 1 Certificate. She is currently pursuing her American Mountain Guides Association Ski and Alpine Track.
Our INSTRUCTORS
Beth Allsworth
Beth has previously worked in Japan and Canada and is currently based back home in the UK teaching students with additional needs and disabilities to ski and snowboard. She is super stoked to return to Japan and help others to find their love for snowsports. Beth has her BASI Level 3 Snowboard qualification and is also an experienced ski, snowboard and adaptive instructor.
Theo Nivou
Théo grew up in the French Alps, where a strong background in ski racing laid the foundation for his technique and love of the mountains. His passion for skiing later took him abroad to Whistler, Canada, where he worked as a ski instructor before returning to Europe to spend four seasons teaching and guiding in Verbier, Switzerland. Alongside his professional instructing experience, he is an avid freeride and freestyle skier, always seeking new challenges and creative lines in the mountains.
Nicholas Sexton
Nick is a Kiwi who grew up skiing at Whakapapa and is now in his fourth consecutive season instructing, including time in Japan. If he’s not on skis, you’ll probably find him chasing trails on his bike or exploring the outdoors. He holds a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care qualification, is studying Avalanche Risk Management Level 5, and is working towards becoming a fully certified instructor to continue teaching internationally.
Will Forster
I first learned to ski in Finland and later developed my skills in the Alps as I grew up. I've worked as a ski instructor in Canada for several seasons, as well as in Andorra and Italy, exploring new resorts along the way and continually building on my experience. In the off-season, I stay active through surfing, hiking, and running. I summited Mont Blanc as my first major climb, and completed the Paris Marathon last year, both milestones that reflect my love for the outdoors and pushing my limits.
Luca Fascio
Luca grew up in south-east Victoria, Australia, in amongst the Australian Alps. From a young age he explored them with family and friends; enjoying camping, hiking, offroading, fishing and of course - skiing. He began skiing at age eight, and at eighteen achieved his Level 1 Ski APSI. Since then he has been chasing winters, doing three Australian and two Canadian Winters. He is excited for his first Japanese winter season, and hopes to continue training to finish Level 3 and start Level 4.
Lian Baas
Born in a small village in the Netherlands, Lian started skiing as a kid in the European Alps. But after seven years of skiing, she made the switch to snowboarding and never looked back. She’s WSSV Snowboard level 2 certified and most recently been working at her local indoor slope helping people get out into the mountains. She’s super stoked for her first season in Japan and cannot wait to bring her passion for snowboarding overseas.
Matt Leuverink
Matthew is a passionate skier with 12 seasons of Instructing experience. He's a fully certified ski instructor with the New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance. Matthew skis and teaches at a high level in all settings including race, park and freeride. If you want to take your skiing to the next level and have fun doing so, join Matthew for a lesson.
Tommy Cotterell
Tommy found his passion for the mountains in St Anton of the Austrian Alps where he learnt to ski as a toddler. Hailing from London (UK), he enjoyed a 5 year stint of corporate life in the ‘Big Smoke’... Utilising all annual leave for skiing trips; a return to the mountains was inevitable! Prior to arriving in Japan he has ski instructed in Canada, New Zealand & Australia, but has returned to Japan as it's simply the best. He holds CSIA ski certifications as well as Avalanche Skills Training level 2 and First Aid. He is in his element skiing deep powder, trees and moguls.
Callum Innes
Born in the Netherlands and raised in Scotland, I started skiing in Europe at the age of 8 and was instantly hooked. I began racing for my secondary school and later competed in France and Canada. While living in Whistler, I earned my instructor qualifications and spent three seasons primarily teaching private lessons, adult group sessions, and season-long coaching programs for kids. During that time, I also completed off-piste and avalanche safety training. I'm now excited to bring my skills and passion for skiing to Japan.
Edward Fagerstrom
I grew up in Sweden and skied for the first time at 2 years old. At 6, I picked up ski racing which I quickly fell in love with and pursued up until I graduated high school. These years taught me a lot about ski technique and the dynamics of the sport. I spent my later years of ski racing coaching some of the younger teams in my race club. After graduating high school, I travelled to Austria to get my instructors certificate before heading off to spend the
season teaching skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland. I hold a Level 2 ski instructor qualification.
Martino Marchese
Growing up in the heart of the Italian Alps, Martino spent every winter on skis. After working in Val Gardena, this season marks his fifth year in the ski industry. Certified as a Maestro di Sci in Italy, Martino is passionate about freeriding, backcountry, and powder skiing. He speaks Italian, German, and English, and is excited to begin his first season with Whiteroom, where he looks forward to sharing the same experiences that made him fall in love with skiing.
Elsa Jónasdóttir
Elsa started her guiding career on the Icelandic glaciers, after finishing her Adventure Guiding
Diploma from Thompson River University. After having lived, worked and played in Icelandic nature for years she made her way to Austria. Since then she has worked as a ski instructor in Austria, Switzerland and Japan. Now she holds the BASI Ski 2 qualification. In between winter seasons she makes her way home to Iceland to work as a ranger. She can't wait to come back to Japan to share her passion about skiing and being out in nature.
Chris Whittaker
Leaving his home nation of England in search of an adventure, Chris' over-a-decade-long 'Gap Year' is showing no signs of slowing down. Instead, a path has been weaved from East Asia, Africa, Europe, North and Central America, down to New Zealand and back again. Chris is a migratory species that spends the summers working as a Sea Kayak Guide and the winter months as a Snowboard Instructor.
Lucie van der Schalk
Hi I’m Lucie. I grew up in Australia and have been obsessed with skiing and the mountains ever since I could remember. I got my CSIA Level 3 and Race Coach Qualifications when I was 19 and have been teaching ever since! Outside of skiing I am a pro triathlete and love nothing more than training in the mountains, meeting people and getting outdoors.
Gonzalo Rivera
Born in Argentina, Gonzalo has been travelling around the world for the last 7 years, looking to learn what every place he visits has to offer in terms of terrain and ski instruction systems. He is currenly working towards his Alpine Level 3 from APSI, while also holding certifications from USA (Level 2 and Children Specialist) and Argentina's AADIDESS (Nivel Uno). He is fluent in English and Spanish, and has been teaching skiers of all ages and levels for over 4 years.
GUEST SERVICES TEAM
Riley Aspinwall
Riley began skiing on the East Coast of the US in Maine and Vermont where she fell in love with the outdoors. Inspired by the mountains, she moved West and began working in the outdoor industry as a mountain bike and hiking guide based in Utah. She has spent her winters living in various ski towns in Utah, Colorado, Queenstown, and now Japan! Riley is an EMT with a bachelors in Biology and has a passion for wilderness medicine. She is happiest when her spare time is filled with adventures in the mountains- tramping, skiing, or biking! Riley is looking forward to helping you enjoy every aspect of your winter holiday, as part of the Guest Services team.
" Julian and Taneli were AWESOME! They went above and beyond to make sure we found fresh powder every day "
Lisa Wilson
