Backcountry Guide Bios
All guided backcountry trips are lead by our team of highly experienced guides, all of whom have large mountain resumes including ski patrolling, mountain guiding, alpine cliff rescue and personal recreation.
Andy Hoyle, Guide
Andy Hoyle has been based on Mt Ruapehu for over 10 years and is an Assistant NZMGA Ski Guide. With Experience in the South Island of NZ, Canadian Rockies and in Europe, Andy has a breadth of experience in guiding and mountain safety. Andy is the Safety Services Manager here at Whakapapa and organised the Ski Patrol and Trail Safety teams for the Ski Area. In the Summer months Andy works on Ruapehu as a hiking guide taking guests to the Crater Lake. With a wife, three young boys and a dog, every day is an adventure for sure!
CRAIG MARTELLA, GUIDE
Craig is originally from the Marlborough Sounds, and although he'll always call the South Island home, it's the people and the Mountain that bring him back to Ruapehu year after year. Introducing clients to the Ruapehu back-country and sharing the outdoors is the highlight of Craig's winter season. Among Craig's other winter roles are Ski Patroller, Avalanche Awareness Instructor and Avalanche Rescue dog handler. During the winter months Craig lives in Ohakune with his partner Steph and rescue dog Jack.
RYAN LEONG, GUIDE
Ryan began working at Mt Ruapehu back in 2005, and has been fascinated by avalanches ever since. This led to lots of studying and learning, which in turn has led to lots of amazing days out skiing in the backcountry. He currently works as the Snow Safety Supervisor at Whakapapa, which provides an awesome challenge in an amazing setting. When the winter at Ruapehu finishes up I usually either head down south for a few months of climbing/relaxing in the sun, or head to the northern hemisphere for more winter work/fun. Cheers!
