The Team

Jase - Founder & Lead Guide

Born and raised in Queenstown, New Zealand (the adventure capital of the world) Jase was practically destined for a life in the outdoors. His passion for skiing took root early, and over the years, he built a strong foundation in sports event management and high-end outdoor guiding across various disciplines. This has set him up with the skills to run a successful ski travel tour business, bringing people together from around the world to experience the Japanese culture.

After more than a decade guiding, instructing, and running ski tours in Japan, Jase saw a growing need for something different-an experience beyond the increasingly Westernized resorts. His answer? Create tours that offer deeper cultural immersion and true Japanese ski adventures. Jase brings serious credentials to the slopes. He’s a fully certified NZSIA Ski, Snowboard, and Telemark instructor, holds NZ Avalanche Stage 1 certification, and has extensive experience in mountain safety and guest care.

Off the mountain, Jase’s adventurous spirit continues. He sails, teaches scuba diving, paraglides, wing foils, spear fishes, mountain bikes, hikes, and explores new corners of the globe. He claims a good morning meditation session will set any day off on the right foot.

Naru, Gus, Oscar, Harry and Dan

Whether you are first timers to the snow or experienced skiers and riders who just want as much of the JAPOW as humanly possible then our team of Naru, Gus, Oscar, Harry and Dan will provide an experience that is nothing short of game changing. Naru is our resident Japanese and English speaking guides with a wealth of resort and back country experience. Gus, Oscar and Dan hail from New Zealand and Harry is affectionally know as our token Australian. These guys know the areas we ski and ride like the back of their hands and they are super focused on delivering the three pillars of Japan Powder Culture Tours. Safety first, fun second and improvement third. Each of these guys are multitalented and can teach skiing, snowboarding and telemark. More than just on the snow guide and instructors they provide excellent advice on all things skiing and boarding such as fully fitting of rental equipment in a professional manner plus they have a great understanding of the cultural aspects of Japan and they are always up for a beer or sake after a hard day on the mountain to discuss and teach how to better improve your technique and style for the coming days on the snow.

Mike

Mike first started snow skiing in 1975 when he was sent to a junior high school ‘ski camp’ in the Victorian Alps at Falls Creek and has been at it since. Over the subsequent years he has skied in Europe, North America, USA, Central Asia, and Japan. He first skied Japan in 2007 at Nesiko - before it became a popular destination – and immediately fell in love with the people, culture, and excellent snow conditions, especially the unforgettable Japanese powder. Although Mike started as an Alpine skier, he moved to Telemark over 9 years ago due to the endless challenges this discipline provides and now spends most of his time making turns and climbing and guiding in the back country while working on improving his skills. No serious fun seeker or snow skier is without injury and Mike has had his fair share over the years but his unquenchable thirst for being in the mountains keeps bringing him back. He is happiest making turns in fresh Japanese powder snow with family and friends, especially off the beaten track. Mike is a fully qualified NZSIA ski instructor who has years of experience and snow knowledge. He enjoys sharing his passion and experience. Mike resides in Central Queensland, Australia at present but plans to move to Japan in the future.

George

George hails from Christchurch in the South Island with some of New Zealand’s best off-piste skiing on his doorstep. Being taught how to ski in the Craigieburn Range Clubbies and Lake Wanaka’s Treble Cone has taught George how ski with discipline and versatility in some seriously gnarly snow conditions. Having spent a large percentage of his childhood doing trips up to the field with family and friends, George now brings a lot of fizz to the ski field and really indulges in what the snow gods have to offer. The local kiwi fields will always have a place in George’s heart but his love for the Japanese powder is incomparable. Along side being a practicing legal guy, George also loves shredding the Japow up and down the country. George is a fully qualified NZSIA Ski Instructor and loves seeing his guest advance. When George isn’t on the ski field you may find him gaining knowledgeable cultural insight from locals or perhaps treating himself to evening Chu-hi. Whatever it is, he’s always keen to share the moment with others and ensure his customers have a hell of a time.

Dan and Liam

Each year we bring some new people on the ride with us at JPC Tours. Both Dan and Liam have been taken from zeros to heros in a very short period of time. Hand selected because of their amazing attitude and willingness to change, grow and evolve. They have now become our specialist beginner program padawans moving on in their Jedi Knight training. Dan doubles as a sports masseuse and Jase’s morning smoothie maker and Liam is in training to become a Judo legend. Both are pretty handy at producing your favourite drink at the bar. Both hail from Christchurch as is does big tick horn so there must be something in the water there as it is producing some top notch blokes.