@rookieacademy

Dean is the Owner and Director of Rookie Academy, founded in 1992 at Treble Cone, New Zealand. With over 35 years of experience in ski instruction, Dean oversees all aspects of the academy’s day-to-day delivery, ensuring high standards are maintained. Dean’s career includes more than 70 winter seasons of skiing across the U.S, Japan, Canada, Asia and Europe. Under his leadership, Rookie Academy has evolved from a local weekend instructor training programme initiative into a world-renowned leader in ski and snowboard camps and courses.

@harrymcfadden

Harry’s career has taken him around the world, including roles in New Zealand, Japan, China, Austria, Switzerland, the USA, and Canada. His expertise has been especially impactful in China, where he was a technical advisor for the Chinese National Halfpipe Team and a training consultant for various snowsports schools. He is a member of the NZSIA National Demo Team. With certifications from the NZSIA, BASI, IASI, PSIE, and PSIC, Harry has an extensive background in ski instruction and education. He serves as a NZSIA Trainer/Examiner and IASI Educator, holding a prestigious Level 4 ISIA card.

@jonboylou

Jonathan is a renowned ski instructor with over 34 years of global experience, currently serving as Vice President of Mountain Sales and Schools for the Aspen Skiing company where he oversees over 1700 staff, including more than 1300 snow-sports professionals. Jonathan is a three-term member of the PSIA-AASI National Alpine Team and works internationally, training instructors and setting standards in places like New Zealand and Austria. His long-standing role with Rookie Academy has helped shaped the region’s ski instruction standards. Jonathan’s philosophy emphasises guest experience, continuous improvement, and skiing as a way to foster freedom and adventure.

@its.lena.may

Lena-May is a seasoned ski professional, born and raised in the Italian Alps. With nearly 20 years of experience in the ski industry, she has worked as both an instructor and a coach, covering everything from beginner lessons to coaching at high-level Ski World Cup events. Her professional journey has taken her around the world, working in countries like Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Argentina. Lena has held various roles, including being a private coach for national teams and serving as a trainer at the Rookie Academy. In addition to her vast experience in ski coaching, she holds certifications, such as AMSAO (Italy), NZSIA Trainer/Examiner and is part of the New Zealand Technical Team. As any good Italian would, she loves drinking Prosecco, eating good food and not taking life (or herself) too seriously. 

@joshduncansmith

Josh is a highly accomplished ski instructor, coach, and examiner. He holds top certifications from several prestigious organisations, including the NZSIA, CSIA, BASI, and the IASI. Josh is also a member of the NZSIA National Demo Team, contributing his skills to training and certifying instructors globally. His work extends from teaching private lessons to helping skiers maximise their potential, all while serving as an examiner for NZSIA and IASI. Josh’s impressive career also includes numerous technical skiing competition achievements and a role as a head trainer at Rookie Academy.

@downtoskii

Ben Potts is a seasoned ski instructor and a member of the PSIA-AASI National Alpine Team since 2021. Based in Breckenridge, Colorado, he holds multiple certifications, including Alpine Level III, Adaptive Level I, Freestyle Specialist 3, and Children’s Specialist 2. Ben’s passion for skiing has led him to teach year-round, spending winters in Colorado and summers in New Zealand with Rookie Academy. His expertise spans freestyle skiing and children’s instruction, and he is dedicated to fostering enthusiasm and skill development among his students.

@geritumbasz

Geri is an elite ski coach with over 25 years of experience in the snowsports industry. He is an Austrian Level 4 (Staatlicher) Ski Instructor, Austrian Ski Guide, and holds several other prestigious certifications such as Italian Level 3 (Maestro di Sci) and PSIA Level 3 (USA). Geri’s expertise spans across various countries, including Austria, Italy, Japan, and China, where he has not only coached but also contributed to ski resort development and training systems.

@beastephenson

Bea Stephenson is a seasoned ski instructor with over a decade of experience across Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada. Currently based in Verbier, Switzerland, she is a core team member at SnoElite Snowsports, specialising in alpine skiing. Bea is passionate about sharing her love for skiing and the mountains, aiming to create lasting memories for her clients. She offers tailored lessons that build confidence and technical skills, providing a local perspective of the mountain. Bea is dedicated to delivering personalised and enriching experiences on the slopes.

@anninadebiasi

Annina is an accomplished ski instructor with over 15 seasons of experience across renowned resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Thredbo, and Niseko. A former FIS ski racer, she holds full Italian ski instructor certification. Annina is currently affiliated with Rookie Academy, where she brings her extensive expertise to training aspiring instructors. She is also a key member of the Hokkaido Collective team. Her passion for skiing is driven by the thrill of speed and a deep appreciation for nature. Annina’s favourite ski destinations include the Dolomites, Treble Cone, and Niseko.

@takao.1121

Takao Maruyama is known for his achievements and contributions as both a competitive skier and a trainer. Born in Hakuba, Nagano, Japan, Takao has been involved in skiing from a young age, participating in alpine skiing races through his college years. His coaching style and techniques are highly valued within the skiing community. His company, The Court, along with Rookie Academy (TCRA) have partnered to run specialised camps, where he contributes to developing high-level skiing skills.

@wuttee

Sarah, also known as Sem, is a highly accomplished ski professional with over 20 years of experience training and examining ski enthusiasts and instructors in New Zealand and abroad. As a senior examiner and two-term National Demo Team member with the NZSIA, Sem’s love for the mountains and passion for skiing began early in life. Her enthusiasm is infectious, leaving a lasting impact on her trainees. Currently, Sem sits on the NZSIA board and serves as a coach for the NZSIA Technical Team. She spends her northern hemisphere winters in Telluride, Colorado, and enjoys kite surfing in her downtime.