Our Instructors
Brendan Reeves
Brendan is an internationally experienced ski instructor and guide with over 35 winters in the ski industry. Originally from New Zealand, he has worked extensively across New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and China, bringing a broad international perspective to his teaching.
He is a trainer and examiner with the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) and holds Alpine Level 4 certification with the Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan (SIA).
Alongside his work as an instructor, Brendan is a professional photographer, spending the summer months focused on landscape and wildlife photography. This background brings a strong emphasis on observation, terrain reading, and thoughtful decision-making to his work in the mountains.
Brendan holds professional avalanche safety training and first aid certification, with a focus on terrain choice, risk management, and calm, considered skiing.
Akiko Irie
Akiko, a native of Hiroshima, Japan, divides her time between the ski resorts of New Zealand and Japan. Akiko is qualified with the Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan (SIA) with Alpine Level 4 and with the New Zealand Snowsports Instuctors Alliance (NZSIA) Level 3.
With numerous seasons under her belt, Akiko's experience shines through in in her lesson. One of her greatest joys is teaching the intricacies of on-piste technical skiing to her diverse clientele. Not only is Akiko acclaimed among adults, but she is also exceptionally adored by children. Her bubbly personality and genuine care for her young learners create a fun and engaging environment on the snow. Through creative teaching methods and playful activities, Akiko establishes a solid foundation in skiing for her young pupils, fostering a lifelong love for the mountains.
Minoru is from Hakodate, Hokkaido and spends his days living and breathing skiing.
He has ISIA CARD (International Ski Instructors Association) as a ski pro, as well as Stage 4 instructor and chief examiner of alpine ski division of SIA (Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan).
He has been leading SIA in there instructor’s development and has been chosen to be demonstrator of SIA for 15 consecutive seasons.
He has attended ISIA Ski Instructor World Championship in 2013 and 2017 as a part of Japan National Team.
He is happy to share his skiing skills and experiences to you in his lessons.
Minoru Takamoto
Azusa Uehara
Azusa is an excellent and highly experienced ski instructor that is great with all ages and abilities. She also loves to get out on her Telemark skis and runs telemark ski camps through the winter.
＊PSIA (The Professional Ski Instructors of America) Telemark Level 3 instructor
＊SAJ (Ski Association of Japan Ski) Ski Instructor
＊TAJ (Telemark ski Association of Japan) Ski Instructor
＊AMWEC (Association of Medical Welfare Educational Communication)
Developmental Disorder Communication Leader
＊FIS World Cup Telemark ski race 10th in 2000
＊TAJ Telemark ski race Series champion in 2000
Pierre Monnier
He is the newest and one of the most talented members of SnowPro Japan.
Pierre has grown up in the Alps in France and competed in mogul skiing.
He is fully certified French National Instructor, his passion for snow and teaching led him to spend his seasons between France and South America before settling for good in Japan 10 years ago. He also has Snowboard, Avalanche and Wilderness First Responder Certifications and loves to share the magic of riding snow with guests.
Mari Kuramochi
Mari is an APSI Alpine Level 4 Ski Instructor with JAN Avalanche Operations Level 1 certification. Her skiing journey has taken her around the globe, from Canada and Austria to Argentina and Australia. Since the 2015/16 season, she’s been based in Niseko as her home, and since 2022, she’s been spending her summers working at The Remarkables in Queenstown, New Zealand.
With over 20 seasons of ski teaching experience and more than 30 years on skis, she is deeply passionate about technical skiing and exploring backcountry terrain. She’s committed to helping skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, whether you're looking to master technique on groomed slopes or explore the legendary powder of Niseko. Mari is here to guide you and share the excitement of skiing together!
Ikuha Yamagami
・Stage 4 instructor of SIA (Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan)
・ISIA CARD (International Ski Instructors Association) as a ski pro
Hailing from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, Ikuha brings over 25 years of dedicated teaching experience to every lesson. As a certified Stage 4 instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan (SIA) and an ISIA Card holder, she combines technical expertise with a passion for creating unforgettable snow experiences. Whether you’re a first-time skier or an advanced enthusiast, she’s here to ensure you feel confident, challenged, and completely at home on the slopes. And just for you, she’s ordered the finest snow Japan has to offer!
Miyuki Sakurai
Born and raised in Hokkaido, Miyuki is a local instructor from Chitose who has been skiing and working in Niseko since her high-school years. With over a decade of back-to-back seasons teaching in both Japan and Australia, she brings deep experience and a calm, professional approach to every lesson.
An APSI Level 4 instructor, Miyuki teaches skiers from first-time beginners through to advanced and expert levels. She is especially experienced with children, known for her clear communication, patience, and ability to build confidence in young skiers while maintaining strong technical foundations.