Meet our passionate instructors

Hello, I'm Billy, and I've been teaching since 2008. Originally from the UK, I began my career in Manchester and have since taught snowboarding in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. I now spend my time between Niseko in the winter and Methven, New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. This upcoming season, I’m back with Elevate for my 9th season in Japan, and 20th overall. I can't get enough of the snow, food, and the people I meet. At Elevate, I'll be teaching snowboarding and leading training for our instructors. Additionally, I serve as an Examiner for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand (SBINZ) and am a member of the Snowboard Tech Team, dedicating my time to training the next generation of instructors. Catch you on the hill soon!

Hello! My name is Caity and I'm originally from the US, hailing from the sunny state of California. Yes! It does snow in California, I'm glad you asked. I began teaching snowboarding in 2014 and have traded the sun for year round winter for many years since, with seasons spent working between the US, New Zealand and Japan. This season at Elevate you will find me teaching snowboarding and also leading training for some of our other instructors. I'm really looking forward to being back in Japan for my fourth season and sharing the magic that is Hokkaido snow. Let's go slash some pow!

Hi! My name is Charlie, and I've been passionate about winter sports since I was four years old. Originally from Boston, England, I've worked winter seasons since 2015 at resorts like Sohoro in Japan and Zermatt in Switzerland. Along with skiing, I've also worked as an outdoor instructor, teaching sailing and windsurfing. Now, I'm excited to be spending the next six months in Niseko, one of the world's top ski destinations. As a Level 3 ski instructor, I love helping people improve their skiing while making sure they have a great time on the mountain. I can't wait to show you all that Niseko has to offer and make your stay truly unforgettable!

Hi, I’m Ella. I’m a final year medical student from Melbourne Australia on a gap year to travel the world. I love spending time outside exploring nature and connecting with new people. I can’t wait to meet you in the snow this season!

Hey there! I’m Ella, a Kiwi from Te Waipounamu, New Zealand. I’ve been fortunate to ski in some incredible places, and this season, I’m lucky enough to be back in Niseko, Japan. With a background in Water Infrastructure Engineering and plenty of time spent on the slopes, I’m here to help you enjoy your skiing experience, whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. See you on the slopes.

Hi. I’m Emily and I’m from the UK. This is my first year in Japan. I have been skiing for over 10 years now and am excited to be experiencing the powder and natural beauty of Niseko. Looking forward to sharing it with you all.

Hey, my name is George, and I am returning for another season with MnK in Niseko. I am dual certified and teach both here in Japan and in New Zealand. I'm 24 and this will be my 5th season whilst being originally from England but try to spend as much time travelling the world as I can. I look forward to enjoying the Japow with you!

Hi! I'm India, from Denmark. My skiing adventure started 15 years ago in the Norwegian mountains. I still remember how exciting it was to experience the slopes for the first time. Since then, I have sought out new challenges in resorts across the Austrian and Italian Alps. This year the adventure goes to Niseko where I look forward to sharing my passion for skiing with you and help you along your own skiing journey.

Hi, I’m Leonor from the UK. I am a new ski instructor with a passion for outdoor sports and adventure. With experience as a surf and coasteering instructor and lifeguard, I bring a wealth of knowledge in safety and teaching techniques to my new role on the slopes. I have been skiing since I was 3 years old, so naturally adore it and enjoy traveling to explore new mountains and cultures, hence why I chose to go to Japan! I am dedicated to sharing my love for skiing with others and helping students gain confidence and skills on the snow.

I’m Lucas, and I come from a little town in Denmark. I am a newly licensed ski instructor and have had an interest in skiing since I was 6 years old. I have ski experience in Norway, Sweden, Austria and Italy, and each experience has only further developed my passion for winter sports. I have come to Japan to reach new horizons, and immerse myself in the traditional Japanese culture. I look forward to experiencing the magical winter wonderland here in Niseko with you all!

Hi, I’m Mike, and I am from the UK. I have spent the last 3 years instructing and travelling in New Zealand. I started my training in Switzerland before moving over to NZ. I combined my background in physical education and sports coaching and my love for skiing into the perfect job. I enjoy helping people maximize their time away from their regular life, finding a life-long love for skiing and snowboarding.

Hi! My name is Mollie, and I'm excited to be back for my second winter season in Niseko! I'm from the UK, but have spent most of 2024 in Japan. I love skiing, hiking and exploring the mountains and spent my childhood skiing in the beautiful French Alps with my family. My love for the outdoors led to me completing my degree in Geography, then gaining my ski Instructor qualification in Austria and snowboarding qualification in Niseko! I look forward to exploring the Niseko area with you!

Hello there! I'm Ollie, I have been snowboarding ever since my parents got sick of me straight lining down the mountain on skis. I'm from Manchester in the UK and my background is in education for a variety of sports. I love teaching as I get to help people improve their riding, and watch their love for the sport grow. I'm excited to share the famous Japow with you, and can’t wait to show you what Niseko has to offer.

Hi, I'm Oliver, and I'm from the UK. I've been skiing since the age of 3, so I've been able to ski for nearly as long as I've been able to walk. I’m a passionate athlete in many sports with vast experience and qualifications in the likes of swimming, sailing, archery, and football. However, my true passion lies with skiing, and I can’t wait to share that with you all to help you improve and enjoy the mountain

Hello, I’m Oskar. I am very excited to be teaching you the joy of skiing. I'm from Denmark, and have travelled to Japan as a ski instructor, giving you a great experience while teaching you how to ski. I am always ready to hear a good joke, and ready to tell you about the best places to get Japanese food, and the joy of skiing! See you on the slope.

Hi, my name is Sam, this is my first ski season. My background is in adult learning disability and mental health nursing. I have been skiing since I was 4 years old, mainly in France. Japan has always culturally been an amazing place to explore and experience. I ended up here as I decided I needed a career break. What better way than to combine my love for skiing with my love for Japan. Looking forward to meeting you! Stay safe on the slopes!

Hi, my name is Thomas, from Denmark/France and I have been a ski instructor for now 5 seasons, where I've been in Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan. I am absolutely passionate about skiing and teaching it, and have loved every single day on the snow I've had. What I love most about this job is seeing the progression my client/s are making however small it may be! I could talk for hours about skiing, so I'll just make it short and say that I am beyond excited to come back to Niseko and Japan for a second season, and share my passion with all of you.

Hi my name is Toby, and I'm 19 years old from Australia! I have been skiing for nearly 10 years and love it. I qualified as a ski instructor in Niseko in January 2024 and then as a snowboard instructor when l was doing my first season in The Remarkables, New Zealand later that year. I love teaching skiing and snowboarding and am looking forward to spending a winter-season in Japan.

Hi, my name is Will, and I am a ski instructor from the UK. I have been skiing in European resorts from a young age and, after working in London for a number of years, I decided to gain my ski instructor qualifications in Austria. I am thrilled to be able to bring my passion for skiing to Niseko this season, and I look forward to helping others enjoy this incredible sport.

Hello! My name is Yuka. I grew up in Nagoya and then moved to Kamakura which is close to the ocean. I started skiing at 3 years old and then became an instructor at 19. I’ve taught skiing and snowboarding for two seasons in Canada and New Zealand. I know many great restaurants around Japan and I’d like to share them with you after you’ve had an amazing time in the Niseko snow!