At Alpine Guides, everything starts with the people who lead you into the mountains. Their judgement, experience, and calm decision-making shape every step of your time in the mountains. They’re not just instructors — they’re the backbone of every safe, unforgettable adventure we deliver.
Each guide brings years of professional training, deep local knowledge, and a genuine love for this landscape. From planning to execution, they handle the details you never see, making sure you can focus on the experience. Their expertise is our most valuable asset — and the reason generations of guests trust Alpine Guides.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2000
Our Chief Guide Jamie still thinks of himself as more of a ski bum than a climber, even after entering his 3rd decade as a mountain guide.
His organised, and decisive approach to mountaineering is balanced with many years of snow safety knowledge, gained from 10 winters working for (and eventually heading) the snow safety team at Mount Hutt (i.e. dropping bombs out of helicopters).
Jamie works as both summer and winter for Alpine Guides, and has been with us since 2000. He spends most of his winters lead guiding at Methven Heliskiing.
With family based in Methven, spare time is often spent day-tripping to Castle Hill with Kevin Boekholt for some local bouldering.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2001
Having the same last name as a very famous mountain has burdened Dave with a nickname (Gnarly) that his demeanor doesn't live up to. As far as guides go you'll be hard-pushed to find a more enthusiastic and charming chap. This is no doubt helped by Dave's service/hospitality training in his previous incarnation as a fully qualified (award-winning) chef.
Dave escaped the kitchen and began guiding in the late ’90s around the Queenstown area. He has climbed and/or worked all over; including NZ, Australia, Switzerland, France, Alaska, Tibet, and South America. He started working with AGL in 2001. These days he lives and plays out of Twizel with his lovely wife (formerly an AGL guide), and numerous canines.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 1983
Kevin is an owner/director of Alpine Guides, and first started guiding for us back in 1983. He became a full IFMGA guide in 1985. Kevin's international experience regularly takes him around the world. He is one of the most experinced heliski guides on earth. He works as a lead guide for CMH Heliskiing, and has been with them since 1989.
Kevin runs our Methven Heliski operation, and has led heliskiing operations in Greenland, Alaska, Canada, and Russia. He has been an examiner and instructor for the IFMGA in NZ, Japan (he speaks Japanese), Canada, and Russia.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 1994
Sam has been seen doing 'things' in the mountains since 1989. He comes from a family tradition in the outdoors. His Swiss father put in some notable first ascents in the Southern Alps long before Sam was but a twinkle... Sam was a late starter to skiing, only seriously beginning after starting his training as a mountain guide. Sam has been with Alpine Guides since 1994.
He enjoys getting on to quality rock, and long routes, especially in locations like the Darran Mountains (Fiordland). Any day ski touring in good snow is a good day in the mountains.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: Venezuelan
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2017
Our expedition specialist Pablo was born in Caracas, Venezuela. Since his childhood, he has been passionate about mountains.
Pablo holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Diploma in Adventure Guiding, from the Thompson Rivers University in Canada. He was a founding member of the Venezuelan Association of Instructors and Mountain Guides (AVIGM). He was a member of the first expedition of “Project Summit” from Venezuela, which successfully climbed Ama Dablam (6,856m) in 1993. Pablo has been with Alpine Guides since 2017.
Qualification: NZMGA Guide
Nationality: Australian
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2024
Originally from Melbourne, Jules learned how to climb in Australia’s Mt Arapiles and Grampian mountains. He holds a degree in Environmental Science and has done the hard yards as a glacier guide and ski patroller.
He had a stint of several years at Aoraki Mount Cook on the Search and Rescue team. Jules started guiding for us in 2024. His intimate knowledge of the local area makes him a valued asset.
In their spare time, Jules and his partner love heading out on alpine missions in New Zealand’s Southern Alps and overseas.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: Japan
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2015
Tai grew up skiing in Hokkaido, the island of ‘Japow’ in Japan.
He moved to NZ in 2001 hoping to become an outdoor instructor or guide. Soon after he discovered unique club fields in Canterbury and the Craigieburn/Arthur’s Pass area - which became his backcountry playground.
While working as a glacier guide on the South Island's West Coast, he explored the endless glaciers and peaks of the Southern Alps skiing and climbing as much as time would allow.
Tai began working with us in 2015, and achieved his full IFMGA status a few years ater this. Tai never has a dull moment, being a passionate skier, climber, whitewater kayaker, hunter, fisherman, and mountain biker… Balanced out with some "daddy day-care".
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2006
Roy was initially into rowing and rugby, but soon saw the light and became hooked on mountaineering. His first ascent of Mount Cook was a 13-hour Grand Traverse in his second climbing season.
He began training as a guide when the NZMGA was formed in 1979. However, with few guiding opportunities in those days, it led him to spend a decade working in all sorts of roles.
Roy returned to full-time guiding in the late 80's. He claims to know The Haute Route Ski Tour so well that he could guide it blindfolded. He began guiding with AGL in 2006.
Mountain biking, rollerblading, and surfing are what he enjoys in his spare time - he’s just as happy hanging out on multi-pitch limestone routes in the sunny Mediterranean (or is it the espresso and pastries?). Roy still reckons a good day in the NZ mountains takes some beating.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 1983
Mark has had a lifetime of living and working in the mountains. His heliski guiding seasons rack up over 30 years here in NZ, and in Kashmir, India. He first worked for us in 1983. He has 10 years of experience in high-altitude climbing/guiding with Himex on Everest and the surrounding peaks.
As “Woody” has been professionally ski guiding for more than a quarter century, we allow his knees to dictate the work he does. You are likely to see him skiing more “mellow” lines these days.
Not one to boast, he also holds the record number of Everest ascents for a New Zealander. Ten times!
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: Australian
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2004
Mal lives in Wanaka and has a diverse background, with a degree in electrical engineering, and time in the Australian Army. He taught outdoor education and rock climbing for 10 years in Australia and New Zealand. This led to his eventual qualification as a mountain guide in 2004, and work with Alpine Guides from 2007.
Mal also works as a safety auditor, and runs his own international expeditions, mainly in the Nepalese Himalaya.
One of his passions is jumping off mountains - under a canopy, but never during a guiding mission!
Qualification: NZMGA Guide
Nationality: Australian
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2017
Our resident exotic snack expert, John (find him on YouTube), earned turns in New Zealand, Japan, Canada, France, Austria, and the US.
John has spent most of his NZ winters since 2017 with us working on Ski The Tasman, Mount Cook Heliski, and guiding ski touring groups.
He alternates his guiding seasons between here and Japan. He freely admits that his Japanese is pretty terrible for the amount of time he’s spent there. For a man with no children, his "dad jokes" are unsurpassed.
Qualification: NZMGA Ski Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2009
Ben started his professional ski guiding career with us in 2009, but lived previously at Mount Cook, working amongst other things as a trekking guide, and a Glacier Explorers boat captain.
Ben and his family now live in Queenstown, but each season, the southern ski scene can’t compete with the draw of our big mountains. Ben guides Mt Cook Heliski and Ski The Tasman, and ski touring missions from July to September.
He knows the region in winter intimately, having earned his “stripes” as apprentice to our much missed, legendary guide, Trevor Street.
Qualification: IFMGA Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 1991
Gary Dickson (Gaz) is a man of acerbic wit and considerable talent. His Father Elgar was a ski plane pilot during the 1960s, so Gary had a familial introduction to the Southern Alps at a very young age.
Like many guides back in the day, Gaz earned a Diploma in Parks and Recreation Management from (then) Lincoln College. His first foray into mountain guiding began as a glacier guide at Fox Glacier. Gaz has worked for Alpine Guides on and off since 1991, in between running his own guiding company, Alpinism and Ski, based at Lake Wanaka.
Gaz was President of the NZ Mountain Guides Association for 6 years. During that time he developed and refined many of the NZMGA qualifications and standards, and went on to assist the Icelandic Mountain Guides to establish their association and standards.
Qualification: LANDSAR Dogs Team
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2024
Kea is a 4th generation avalanche rescue dog, owned by guide Dave McKinley. He's super intelligent, inquisitive, and cheeky.
Dogs are normally not allowed in National Parks, so cheeky Kea always attracts lots of pats when he visits. Hope you never need to meet him action!
Qualification: Trainee Glacier Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2026
Hailing from Wānaka, Olly is a freestyle-skier-turned-glacier-guide who holds a Bachelor’s in Sustainability and Outdoor Education and previously taught on the slopes of Aspen. He possesses a unique talent for reading and navigating glacier ice with precision—just don't ask him to count past 12. A true mountain enthusiast, Olly lives for sunrise wake-ups and good food in the hills. He has a deep appreciation for the little things in the wild, especially moss, and has earned a reputation for being quite the "fungi" on the ice. When he's off the clock, you’ll likely find him chasing chains at the local disc golf course or warming up with a mug of mulled wine, which is the undeniable key to his heart.
Qualification: NZMGA Hard Ice Guide
Nationality: Canadian
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2025
Originally from Quebec, Andrea joined us in winter 2025 after achieving her Hard Ice Guide qualification with Fox Guides.
She has a wealth of outdoor experience and spent enough time living and working in Iceland to learn the language.
Her enthusiasm and passion for the mountains are truly infectious. Also, if you need a guide for a lava tunnel, someone to drive a 60-seater bus, or someone to bake an amazing vegan cake - she’s our go-to expert.
Qualification: Hard Ice Guide
Nationality: USA
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2020
Scott, our Chief Glacier Guide joined the team in 2020. Ever a romantic, he loves long walks in the mountains, alpine sunrises, sunsets, and candlelight dinners in mountain huts. And maybe sharing a dram of whiskey too.
His life’s professional focus is to increase accessibility in the outdoors for people of all abilities. So it is easy for him to be genuinely enthusiastic when flying in a helicopter and then stepping out with guests from around the world to explore NZ’s largest glacier.
NZ’s mountains are truly a beautiful office. Guiding on Haupapa Tasman Glacier is a perfect way for him to introduce people to a disappearing marvel of the world—glacier ice!
Qualification: Hard Ice Guide
Nationality: UK
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2023
Matt grew up hiking around the local hills of South West England. As soon as he bought his first car, he spent his weekends in National Parks throughout the UK. He quickly expanded his adventures to the high peaks of the European Alps.
Matt moved to the Mount Cook region in 2018. After 5 years working in the area, and growing his mountaineering resume, he joined the Alpine Guides team as a glacier guide in 2023 and became a HIG in 2024. Matt has a previous career in sound engineering, and is training towards his commercial helicopter pilots' license. He composes, and is an accomplished guitarist, with a seemingly unmatched knowledge of the “hair metal” genre.
Qualification: Glacier Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2023
Maddie’s love affair with the mountains began when she learned how to ski at just 4 years old. She started her career as a ski patroller in Australia, which allowed her to travel to Canada and the US to further develop her skills.
Maddie decided to expand her personal skill set in 2023 when she joined our glacier guiding team.
Being a naturally busy person, she is a clinical naturopath with a background in nursing and paramedicine. You are always in safe hands when she guides you on the ice!
Qualification: Trainee Glacier Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2025
Jasper traded the sun and sea of Nelson for the ice of Aoraki Mount Cook in 2025. Our resident junior aspirant guide—affectionately known as "the child"—is well on his way toward mountain guide certification. Don't let his adorably naive charm fool you; Jasper has clocked up impressive experience tramping, climbing, and mountaineering.
A true outdoor enthusiast and a self-proclaimed candy connoisseur with boundless energy, Jasper might even play you a tune on his tin whistle if you're lucky.
Qualification: Glacier Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2024
Kerry is one of an elite group that spent his primary school years at Mount Cook, while his father, Ray, was Chief Ranger with the Department of Conservation.
He has gone on to become a qualified builder, an elected local counsellor, ski instructor, and astronomy guide, to name but a few of his hats.
Kerry joined the AGL team in 2024, and is working towards completing his NZMGA Hard Ice Guide qualification, while, of course, taking full advantage of the mountains during his free time.
Qualification: Hard Ice Guide, NZMGA Alpine Trekking Guide
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2016
Chris’ passion for the mountains started when his father and grandfather took him tramping as a kid. At 15 he discovered rock climbing and Auckland’s Mt Eden Quarry quickly became a favourite climbing hang-out spot. A love of mountaineering soon followed.
Chris joined Alpine Guides in 2016 and has since become an Assistant Alpine Trekking Guide and a qualified Hard Ice Guide.
He is known around the office as Alpine Guide’s “Handy Man” being fluent in IT, vehicle maintenance, audiovisual, and radio technology. If something is broken, he can usually fix it. He may also be a wizard.
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 1995
Arthur originally visited Mt Cook in 1989 after completing a bachelor degree in Zoology. Initial hopes to work for the Department of Conservation were sidetracked into hotel management and immunohaematology. Some years in the wilderness of corporate hospitality around NZ followed before he escaped back to Mt Cook and gainful employment with Alpine Guides in the late '90s. Being lucky enough to live and work in one of the world's best alpine playgrounds means he's been able to enjoy much of what Alpine Guides' guests experience. Arthur loves getting into the outdoors on family missions, especially exploring new locations. Sarcasm, skepticism, and an impeccable taste in music are his superpowers (and weaknesses).
Nationality: New Zealand
First worked with Alpine Guides: 2025
Every office needs a Simon, but you can’t have ours. Joining us in June 2025, Simon quickly established himself as our resident organiser, food warden, and unlicensed office therapist. As a former baker, he has zero tolerance for an unorganised pantry or a messy desk—his dedication to cleanliness borders on obsessive.
Simon is beautifully quirky, entirely hairless, and armed with a dark, wicked sense of humor that keeps us all on our toes. If he isn't sarcastically solving your administrative crises, he’s probably out hiking or rock climbing. Just don't leave an empty coffee mug in the sink if you value your life.
