Meet the Team

Get to know the instructors behind this project — highly trained professionals with more than 20 winters each, working across Niseko United–affiliated schools and dedicated to delivering authentic, high‑level coaching and backcountry experience.

Our team is intentionally small and focused: just the two of us, each with more than 20 winters of experience and a deep commitment to both teaching and backcountry travel. One of us is specialised in snowboard instruction, while the other is specialised in ski instruction. We come from different teaching systems and backgrounds, but share the same obsession with technique, safety and the unique snowpack that defines Niseko freeride and Niseko backcountry.

Instead of building a large operation, we chose to collaborate while each working within respected, Niseko United–affiliated schools. This allows us to focus on quality and authenticity while still having access to the resources, networks and safety structures of established schools. Alongside our own work, we also collaborate with a close circle of trusted friends and instructors whose standards, professionalism and knowledge match our own. When we recommend someone, it’s because we know — personally — that they deliver the same level of care and expertise.

Every instructor involved here contributes something different: technical coaching, freeride mentorship, guiding experience, instructor training or a strong connection to local backcountry culture. By sharing our profiles openly, we want you to know exactly who you’re riding with — their strengths, philosophy and what they can genuinely bring to your progression.

The Team

Andy Garcia

Hi, I’m Andy García.
I was born in Barcelona and I discovered snowboarding at 18 and it instantly became an obsession that shaped my life. I was certified as a snowboard instructor at 22 and later as a ski instructor, and from that moment on I began spending every winter travelling, riding and teaching across Spain, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Japan — always following the snow and learning from different mountains, conditions and cultures.

Over the years I’ve taught riders of every level, from first-timers taking their very first turns to club athletes refining advanced skills. In 2019 I completed my snowboard coach training, a process that deepened my interest in technical precision, long-term development and helping people understand how their movements interact with the terrain.

These days I divide my seasons between Niseko and Bariloche, two places that feel like home after so many years of returning. This winter marks my sixth season teaching in a Niseko United–affiliated school. The consistency of Niseko’s snowpack, the quality of its powder and the variety of its terrain make it one of the world’s most inspiring environments for progression. Helping riders build confidence here, read the mountain and enjoy each day with clarity is what motivates me the most.

Peter Etxart

Hi! I’m Peter, a ski, snowboard and telemark instructor based between Niseko and Bariloche. I first stepped on skis at the age of two, and snow has been part of my life ever since. Over the years, I’ve taught ski lessons and snowboard lessons in Bariloche, across Europe, the United States and Asia — always chasing winter, learning from new mountains and exploring different snowpacks.

With many seasons of professional experience, continuous training and a solid sports background, I bring a mix of technical knowledge, mountain awareness and calm, solution‑focused decision‑making to every lesson. For me, skiing isn’t just a sport — it’s a mindset, a way of reading the mountain and adapting to whatever the terrain gives you.

I began working in Niseko in 2018, one of the world’s most iconic destinations for powder snow, and I continue to divide my seasons between Japan and Argentina. This winter, I’m working with Top Experience Niseko, delivering premium ski and snowboard lessons for guests who want to progress with clarity and confidence. I also help train and mentor the instructor team, refining technique, teaching methodology and mountain‑safety awareness.

Whether you’re taking your first steps on snow or refining advanced skills, my goal is the same: help you grow your confidence, understand your movements and make the most of every powder day in Niseko.

The Team

Andy Garcia

Hi, I’m Andy García.
Born in Barcelona, I discovered snowboarding at 18 and it instantly became an obsession. I certified as a snowboard instructor at 22 and later as a ski instructor, and since then I’ve spent more than 20 winters teaching across Spain, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Japan.

I’ve taught riders of all levels — from first-timers to club athletes — and in 2019 I completed my snowboard coach training, which shaped my passion for technique and long-term progression.

I now split my time between Niseko and Bariloche, and this season marks my sixth winter teaching in a Niseko United–affiliated school. Niseko’s snowpack and powder make it one of the best places in the world to learn and improve, and helping riders feel confident here is what I enjoy most.

Peter Etxart

Grew up on skis from the age of two and have spent over 20 winters teaching ski and snowboard lessons in Bariloche, Europe, the United States and Asia. Chasing winters around the world has shaped the way I understand snow, technique and how riders learn best.

I started working in Niseko in 2018, drawn by its unique powder and backcountry culture. This season I’m part of Top Experience Niseko, where I teach and also help train new instructors in teaching methods and mountain awareness.

Whether you’re starting out or refining advanced skills, my goal is to help you build confidence, improve your technique and enjoy Niseko’s terrain to the fullest.

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