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, two young boys and a dog, every day is an adventure for sure!
HEIDI GODFREY, GUIDE
Kia Ora, Heidi considers herself to be an old fashioned local girl who has a strong passion for skiing and adventures on Mt Ruapehu. Her connection to the district is mainly through family and carrot farming and of course the 14 + seasons working on Mt Ruapehu! This has given her very strong mountain and instructional skills background that is now serving her well on a flourishing guiding career. She believes in working hard to earn turns whenever she can. Off season Heidi currently works in Antarctica and also teaches in the outdoors, she is extremely happy with that lifestyle! Come and join her for a sneak preview of what Mt Ruapehu REALLY has on offer!
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!
CHRIS EMMETT, GUIDE
Chris has been working on or around Mt Ruapehu ever since he left school, the people and the mountain keep him super motivated! He prides himself for keeping the masses safe and finding the best stashes of snow to ski no matter what time of the season we are in! He has spent several seasons working in North America and has had six of his top ten days skiing on Mt Ruapehu. Guiding is something that he enjoys immensely as it gives him the opportunity to share his knowledge of the mountain and get away from the masses for a little while! His regular job is Safety Services Manager at Turoa and he has a passion for Argentine wine!
