Bryan Cleaver

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After 22 years and 34 seasons of teaching and guiding, Bryan’s energy and passion for the sport only gets stronger. As a NZSIA Trainer and Examiner, he spends his winters mostly training instructors and taking eager skiers and snowboarders into the Niseko Backcountry.

Filling his other days is getting people of all ages to love the sport and make the most of their time on the mountain.When spring hits, he can be found touring out in the mountains, always keen to explore somewhere new.

Highlighting the day, Bryan is always keen to take you to his favourite restaurants as he loves the culinary diversity that is Niseko.

Tomas Grega

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Originally from the Slovak High Tatra Mountains, Tom brings to our team over 40 seasons of experience in Snowsports management, guiding and teaching. Tom is a fully certified instructor and former trainer. With 10+ seasons in Niseko, he knows the backcountry just like a local.

Tom is ready to share his experience and passion for snowsports with everyone.

Shea Urlwin

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Shea brings 6 seasons of experience from the Southern Hemisphere to his teaching, holding full NZSIA certification and currently working toward Trainer’s Certification. With additional qualifications in Children’s, Race, and Freeski, he is well-equipped to support skiers of all ages and abilities.

His passion for skiing stems from weekends spent at Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand's active skiable volcano, where he quickly developed a love for freestyle and park skiing. Shea is excited to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport, helping you progress on your skiing journey.

Having grown up on the West Coast of Auckland, NZ Shea spent his childhood surfing the black sand beaches from the age of 6 and skiing since the age of 2. Now, he’s looking forward to embracing Japan’s legendary powder and sharing his love of skiing with students around the world.

Theo Steele

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Theo hails from New Zealand, having skied there since he was 3 years old. His passion for the snow led him to become an instructor in 2021 and he hasn’t stopped since.

Returning to Niseko for his 3rd season, he has a wealth of knowledge of the surrounding area in resort and in the backcountry. In his time off, he will usually be touring deep in to the bountiful backcountry of Hokkaido.

He is accredited with an NZ Avalanche Risk Management (ARM) Level 5, NZSIA Ski Level 2, Freeski Level 1 and Kids Cert Level 1.

Theo is dedicated to teaching skiers of all ages and abilities, from beginners taking their first steps on the snow to advanced skiers looking to refine their techniques or ski some of the worlds best powder snow.

Overall, fun is one of his top priorities (and coffee too)!

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Fraser Tait

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Fraser is a proud Kiwi heading into his 18th season of teaching and sharing the joy of skiing. Growing up in New Zealand’s mountains, his passion became a career where as Trainer and Examiner for NZSIA, he also holds Kids Level 2 and Freeski Level 1 certifications. This brings both a technical knowledge and a playful approach to the hill. Having taught in New Zealand, Canada, the US, and Japan, Fraser has gained a wealth of experience with different resorts, snow conditions, and cultures. From kids making their very first turns to instructors working toward qualifications, he’s worked with just about every level of skier. His teaching is all about creating confidence, having fun, and unlocking each skier’s potential. Whether it’s a powder hunting experience or refining technical performance, Fraser brings energy, patience, and a genuine love for the sport to every session.

Marcus Reid

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Originally from the UK but raised in France, Marcus discovered his love for skiing in the beautiful Southern French Alps. With 11 teaching seasons under his belt—including three in both Niseko and Rusutsu, he’s excited to be back for a fourth season and can’t wait to teach and guide you around the Niseko area.

Marcus teaches all ages and abilities, whether you're learning to make your first turns on the greens or searching for the best snow in the backcountry, he’s got you covered.

When he’s not working, you’ll find Marcus out ski touring or exploring the amazing restaurants that Niseko has to offer.

Rebecca Matthew

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I’m Becca, a born and bred Kiwi, fully certified through SBINZ, with over 15 seasons of experience across Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. I’m dual-certified as a CSIA ski instructor and certified in avalanche safety.

In 2023, I was honored to receive the NZSIA Instructor of the Year and currently dedicate my time to coaching competitive snowboard athletes with HPC at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

I’ve taught and guided across all Niseko United resorts and the wider local area. On days off, you’ll find me split-boarding with friends in waist-deep pow or lapping the Moiwa park in spring.

Whether you’re chasing powder, learning your first turns, or progressing in the park my local knowledge and creative approach connects with riders of all levels. I’m all about creating experiences that are fun and confidence-building to help you feel capable and stoked while exploring Japan’s incredible mountains.

Max King

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Max has skied since he could walk and has been snowboarding for over 25 years, giving him a deep connection to the mountains. He splits his winters between coaching competitive snowboarders in New Zealand and teaching and guiding in Niseko. Holding an SBINZ Level 3 with Freestyle and Children’s certifications, he blends solid technical knowledge with an easy going, rider first approach. Whether it’s helping someone dial in a new trick in the park or guiding them through deep powder, Max keeps the focus on fun and progression. On days off, he enjoys exploring Hokkaido’s backcountry on his splitboard.

Callum Grant

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Originally from the UK, Callum started skiing at 3 years old on dry ski slopes and in Europe. Callum brings 7 seasons of Experience to the team, working in Japan and New Zealand. As well as his level 2 he has: a free ski level 1, a kids cert 1 and AST level 1.

Returning for his third season In Japan and his second in Niseko, he looks forward to sharing his passion and knowledge for skiing and can't wait to explore the mountains with you.

Tomas Doll

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Hi, I am Tomas, ski instructor and mountain guide from Patagonia, for more than 20 winters I’ve been coaching, teaching, and guiding around the world. My goal has always been to share my passion for the mountains and help others discover the fun of sliding on snow.

Whether it’s on skis or a snowboard, climbing to find a fresh line, lapping through the park, or chasing powder in the resort, I see the mountain as the ultimate playground, a place to explore, express yourself, and have fun.

I am a patient and supportive instructor with extensive experience teaching both children and adults, especially those who are new to skiing.

One of my biggest passions is introducing skiers and snowboarders to touring and backcountry riding. I love guiding people away from the crowds, into the quiet of nature, and towards that feeling of freedom that comes with untouched powder.

Bee Grove

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Barbora (aka Bee), originally from Slovakia, turned a childhood passion for the mountains into a lifelong career.

Over the past 15+ years, she has worked as a ski and snowboard instructor, examiner, and guide across New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. Now proud to call New Zealand home, Bee has led groups through out Hokkaido and the northern regions of Honshu, sharing some of the world's best snow and mountain experiences.

Her goal is simple: to create memorable mountain experience where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Whether you're taking your first turns, chasing powder, or refining your technique, Bee believes that with positive energy, a strong focus on safety, and just the right amount of adventure, anything can be achieved.

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Aidan McDougall

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Originally from the UK, I've been teaching skiing since 2018, and this winter will be my 12th season on snow. I've been lucky enough to teach in Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Georgia, Australia, and New Zealand, and I'm stoked to be back in Niseko for my third season.

When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me chasing fresh powder in the backcountry or enjoying the best ramen in town. I hold a Level 3 ski instructor qualification, Avalanche Skills Training, and a freestyle qualification, so whether you're taking your first turns, looking to improve all over the mountain, get into the park, or make the most of Niseko's legendary powder, I'd love to help you have an awesome time on the slopes.

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Rachael Ratletge

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Originally from the UK, I've spent the past 10 years teaching skiing across Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This winter marks my 11th season as an instructor and my fourth in Niseko.

I hold a Level 3 Ski Instructor certification, completed in Switzerland, as well as my avalanche qualification, earned here in Niseko. When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me chasing powder or exploring the backcountry on touring skis.

Whether it's helping first-timers build confidence or guiding experienced skiers to the best snow on the mountain, I love sharing my passion for skiing and the incredible mountain environment with every guest.

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Where skills meet connections

Bryan Cleaver

Tomas Grega

Shea Urlwin

Theo Steele

Fraser Tait

Marcus Reid

Rebecca Matthew

Max King

Callum Grant

Tomas Doll

Bee Grove

Aidan McDougall

Rachael Ratletge

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