A global connection

Josh is a highly accomplished ski instructor, coach, and examiner. As Head Trainer at Rookie Academy, he brings extensive experience from various facets of the ski industry. He holds multiple qualifications from prestigious organisations, including AMSI, NZSIA, PSIE, CSIA, and IASI, and is a member of the NZSIA Demo Team. Each season, Josh delivers private lessons, instructor certification courses, and Rookies Elite camps while also producing instructional online content. His goal in every setting is to help skiers maximise their potential. He is currently a contracted examiner for both PSIE and NZSIA. Josh’s impressive career also includes reaching the finals in multiple technical skiing competitions across Asia.

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.

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 brings her extensive expertise to training aspiring instructors at Rookie Academy. She is also a key member of the Hokkaido Collective team, serving as both an instructor and reservation manager. Her passion for skiing is driven by the thrill of speed and a deep appreciation for nature. Annina’s favorite ski destinations include the Dolomites, Treble Cone, and Niseko. 

Lena-May is a seasoned ski professional, born and raised in the Italian Alps. With nearly 20 years of experience, 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 New Zealand, Japan, and Argentina. Lena has held various roles, including being a private coach for national teams and as a trainer at the Rookie Academy. Lena holds several certifications, such as AMSAO (Italy), and NZSIA Level 3.

Sam is a fully certified ski instructor and a member of the NZSIA National Demo Team. His qualifications include top certifications from the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) and the Professional Ski Instructors of Europe (PSIE). With extensive teaching experience across New Zealand, Japan, and North America, Sam trains skiers of all levels, helping them achieve their full potential. He also plays a key role in developing educational resources and participating in training programs for ski instructors, reflecting his commitment to excellence in the industry.

Bea is a fully qualified Ski Instructor/Trainer from NZSIA and is also a PSIE Level 2 Examiner. She has 16 seasons of experience working in Japan, Switzerland, Canada and New Zealand. Bea is dedicated to delivering fun and memorable experiences, whilst focusing on developing the core technical skills and confidence of her trainees. She is passionate about sharing her love for the sport and the outdoors with others. In her spare time she likes to explore backcountry terrain, surf and paint, whilst always making the most of the delicious food and wine the world has to offer.

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.

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.

Guy Dale is a highly experienced ski instructor with over 18 years in the field, having completed 22 consecutive winters teaching across Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and New Zealand. He holds top-level certifications, including CSIA Level 4 and CSCF Level 3, and was a member of the 2023 CSIA Interski Team. Guy’s passion is focused on balance in skiing and continuous improvement, with favorite locations including Silver Star, Whistler Blackcomb, and Chamonix. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work at Rookie Academy.

Sophie Chen is a highly experienced ski instructor and a member of the NZSIA National Demo Team. She holds certifications from the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) and is also involved in training ski instructors. As a trainer with the Rookie Academy, she spends the New Zealand winters at Treble Cone and, during the Northern Hemisphere winter, she teaches in Japan, conducting private lessons and running Rookie Academy camps.

Jonathan is a renowned ski instructor with over 30 years of experience, currently Managing Director of the Ski & Snowboard Schools at Aspen Snowmass, overseeing 1,200+ instructors. A three-term PSIA National Alpine Team member, he trains instructors and sets standards internationally in places like New Zealand and Austria. His long-standing role with Rookie Academy has shaped the region’s ski instruction standards. Jonathan’s philosophy emphasizes guest experience, continuous improvement, and skiing as a way to foster freedom and adventure worldwide.

Shun is a skilled ski instructor and accomplished skier. Born in Kyoto, he developed a passion for skiing early, competing in alpine skiing at national team events. In 2022, he transitioned to technical skiing competitions, earning second place in the 2023 and 2024 All Japan Ski Technical Championships. In 2024, Shun joined New Zealand’s Rookie Academy as a ski instructor, expanding his international experience. His coaching focuses on technique, safety, and personalised training for all skill levels. With a strong competitive background and global teaching experience, Shun continues to inspire and mentor skiers, furthering the sport in Japan and beyond.

Barry “Baz” is a veteran snowsports instructor with over two decades of experience. He began skiing in 1986 and took up snowboarding in 1996, leading to 20 winters of teaching students at all levels. His career has taken him to Canada, the USA, Japan, China, and New Zealand. In the Southern Hemisphere winters, Barry serves as an SBINZ Trainer and Snowboard Course Manager at Rookie Academy. During Northern Hemisphere winters, he teaches skiing and snowboarding in Niseko, Japan. Barry tailors lessons to individual goals, leveraging his extensive experience to design effective training sessions.

Lynn is a seasoned ski instructor with over two decades of experience in the European Alps, working as an athlete, coach, and instructor. She is affiliated with the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) and is a trainer at Rookie Academy. Lynn’s ski coaching journey was shaped by personal experience, leading her to a dedicated role at Rookie Academy. She emphasises technique, safety, and personalised coaching, catering to skiers of all levels. Her expertise and commitment to the sport have solidified her reputation in the ski instruction community. Through her work, Lynn inspires and mentors the next generation of skiers, advancing the sport in Europe and beyond.

Douglas “Dougie” Mill is a highly respected Scottish ski instructor with over two decades of teaching experience. He began skiing at 12, later racing for his school team. His passion led him to earn the Scout Advanced Instructors Award in 1999 and qualify as a ski instructor in 2005. By 2010, he had completed the International Ski Instructor Diploma (ISTD) and became a BASI Trainer in 2015. Dougie is a trainer at Rookie Academy and has worked with the British Children’s Team, The Telegraph Ski and Board Magazine, and the British Disabled Snowsports Team. Based in Val d’Isère, he teaches all levels, from beginners to off-piste experts. In summer, he enjoys mountain biking and the outdoors.