QAST Coaching Team

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Leadership

Damien 'Damo' O’Connell - Program Director | QAST

We are incredibly excited to welcome Damien “Damo” O’Connell as Program Director for the upcoming season. Damo is no stranger to QAST, having supported the club for many years in a variety of roles. His deep understanding of the program, the athletes, and the wider ski racing community makes him the perfect person to lead the club into its next chapter.

Like many in our community, Damo’s journey with the club started as a dedicated parent, driving his son to early morning trainings and race events. His passion and commitment quickly saw him become more involved, progressing from Board Member to Chairperson, and later contributing as Program Director. This pathway has given him a unique perspective and a strong connection to the athletes, families, and coaches who make up the QAST community.

Beyond skiing, Damo is deeply involved in the local sporting community. He has supported and contributed to numerous clubs across rugby, cricket, and school sports, and is a proud supporter of his wife Kay, who is heavily involved in the Wakatipu Netball Centre and Wakatipu High School coaching and administration.

Known for being honest, straightforward, and always approachable, Damo genuinely cares about the success of the club and the people within it. Whether stepping in to help wherever needed or sharing ideas over a beer and a good conversation about skiing, he brings a strong sense of community, leadership, and dedication to everything he does.

We couldn’t be more excited to have Damo back with the team in this role. His experience, commitment, and passion for the sport will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop opportunities for our athletes and coaches.

Welcome aboard, Damo, and thank you for coming back to lead the club forward.

Celine Arnold - Program Director Assistant | QAST

After leading the QAST program as Program Director since 2021, Celine is transitioning into the role of Program Director Assistant, allowing her to focus more closely on supporting coaches and athletes across the program. This transition follows a natural restructure of the club as it has grown significantly, expanding from 35 athletes when Celine joined to more than 140 athletes today. The new structure allows the leadership team to better support the growing program while ensuring coaches and athletes continue to receive the attention and guidance needed to thrive.

In her new role, Celine works closely alongside the coaching team to ensure they have the tools, structure, and support needed to deliver an outstanding training environment, helping athletes develop, progress, and enjoy their skiing throughout the winter season.

Born in Queenstown to Swiss parents and raised in the alpine village of Villars, Celine brings a unique blend of Kiwi spirit and Swiss precision to everything she does. A former alpine ski racer who competed for both Switzerland and New Zealand, she embodies the international perspective and passion that define QAST.

Before joining QAST, Celine spent over a decade as Program Director and Head Coach at Villars Ski Club, as well as five years as Regional Head Coach for Ski Romand, one of Switzerland’s leading regional ski organizations. She is a fully qualified Swiss Olympic Coach and a certified ski instructor and examiner in both Switzerland and New Zealand.

Celine thrives in the fast-paced world of ski racing, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Known for her calm leadership and strong organisational skills, she is passionate about empowering coaches to deliver high-quality training while building a positive and high-performance team environment.

“Seeing athletes smile at the end of a hard day’s training, knowing the whole team helped make that happen, is something truly magical,” she says. For Celine, success is not just about the athlete in the start gate, but about the entire support system working together behind the scenes.

Through her dedication to teamwork, development, and excellence, Celine continues to play a key role in helping QAST build and support the next generation of New Zealand ski racers.

FIS Team

Angus Rose - FIS Head Coach | QAST Performance Team

We are proud to welcome Angus Rose back to QAST as Head Coach of the Performance Team, working with athletes who are fully committed to their ski racing careers. The Performance Team is designed for athletes with several years of FIS racing experience, all of whom have completed school and are now dedicating themselves full-time to their sport year-round.

Born in Australia to Scottish parents and raised in Queenstown, Angus is a true local with deep roots in the alpine community. A former QAST and New Zealand Ski Team athlete, he competed at the highest level in both Alpine Skiing and Skicross, proudly representing New Zealand at the World Championships in Sierra Nevada (1996) and Sestriere (1997).

Angus has also built an impressive international coaching career, having been part of the coaching staff at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, bringing valuable experience from the world’s biggest stages to the QAST program.

With more than 25 years of coaching experience, Angus has been a cornerstone of our FIS program since 2005. Known for his calm, trustworthy nature and deep technical knowledge, he consistently goes the extra mile to help athletes reach their full potential.

Splitting his time between New Zealand and Switzerland, Angus brings a global perspective while maintaining a strong connection to the Queenstown ski community. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to athlete development make him an exceptional mentor for high-performance athletes.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Angus leading the QAST Performance Team, guiding our athletes as they pursue excellence at the highest levels of international ski racing.

Jérémie Lagier - FIS Development Coach | QAST Development Team

We are excited to welcome Jérémie Lagier back to QAST for the 2026 season, where he will be working alongside FIS Head Coach Angus Rose with our Development FIS Team. This team is designed for junior FIS athletes who are continuing to strengthen their technical foundations while building the skills, confidence, and physical strength required to take on more demanding race hills and progress to higher levels of competition.

Jérémie returns to QAST after working with our athletes during the 2025 season and has recently completed a winter as Head Coach at his club in France. He is looking forward to reconnecting with the Kiwi athletes he coached last year and continuing to support their development in the FIS environment.

A former French National Team athlete, Jérémie brings a wealth of high-level racing experience to the program. During his competitive career, he achieved multiple French Championship titles, represented France in World Cup competitions, and earned outstanding results at the World Junior Championships. After his time on the European circuit, he continued racing in the United States as an NCAA athlete at Westminster College, further expanding his international experience in the sport.

Jérémie’s coaching approach focuses on strong technical foundations, athlete confidence, and progressive development. His sessions are dynamic and hands-on, combining technical precision with a positive and motivating training environment. He works closely with athletes to help them understand their skiing, refine their technique, and build the tools needed to succeed at the next level.

Having also coached at international ski camps in Aspen and Chile, Jérémie brings valuable global experience and perspective to the QAST coaching team.

We are thrilled to have Jérémie continuing with QAST and look forward to seeing the Development FIS Team grow under the leadership of Angus and Jérémie this season.

U16 Team

Sacha Fivel - Head Coach | U16 Team | QAST

We are excited to welcome Sacha Fivel to QAST this season as Head Coach of the U16 Team. Sacha comes highly recommended by QAST FIS Coach Jérémie Lagier and brings a strong combination of international racing experience, coaching expertise, and passion for developing young athletes.

Originally from France, Sacha was a member of the French Alpine Ski Team from 2016 to 2021, competing at a high international level. During his racing career, he achieved impressive results including French Junior Champion in Downhill (2016) and French Junior Champion in Super-G (2019). Known for his speed and technical ability, Sacha also won the prestigious Challenge des Moniteurs in 2022, one of the most respected ski instructor races in France.

After transitioning from racing, Sacha built valuable coaching experience in France and Canada. He served as Head Ski Coach at Cypress Ski Club in Canada (2022–2024), where he led team programs including training camps, race travel logistics, on- and off-snow training, video analysis, and athlete development. He has also coached at Apex2100 Ski Academy, further expanding his international coaching experience.

Alongside his coaching career, Sacha is currently a trainer at ENSA (École Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme), the French National School of Skiing and Mountaineering, where he helps train the next generation of ski instructors and mountain professionals.

Sacha’s coaching style is built on technical precision, athlete confidence, and a deep passion for the sport. Drawing from his background as a high-level athlete, he is motivated by sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with young skiers while helping them progress both technically and mentally in their racing journey.

Fluent in French and English, with additional knowledge of Italian, Sacha brings strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to team environments. His experience in video analysis, ski equipment preparation, and athlete development makes him a valuable addition to the QAST coaching team.

We are thrilled to have Sacha joining QAST this winter and look forward to seeing the U16 athletes grow, challenge themselves, and develop their racing skills under his leadership.

Fraser Turner – U16 Coach | QAST

We are excited to welcome Fraser Turner to QAST for the 2026 season, where he will be working with our U16 athletes. This is an exciting stage in the athlete pathway, where skiers continue to refine their technical skills, build independence, and push their performance across all areas of the mountain and in competition.

Fraser joins QAST from the Toronto Ski Club in Canada, where he has spent the past eleven years coaching within competitive alpine ski racing programs. Over the last two seasons, he has been coaching within the High Performance Program, supporting athlete development, race preparation, and helping to build a strong and positive team culture. His work has been recognised with Coach of the Year awards in both 2019 and 2026.

With experience coaching athletes across all age groups, Fraser brings a strong understanding of long-term athlete development and progression. His background working with younger athletes provides a strong technical foundation that will be hugely valuable as our U16 athletes continue to develop their racing skills and performance mindset.

Fraser is an all-round skier who is just as comfortable in the gates as he is skiing big mountain terrain or spending time in the park, hitting rails and jumps. This versatility is a real asset for our U16 athletes, as developing into complete ski racers means being confident and adaptable across all terrain, snow conditions, and environments. Fraser brings this broad approach to skiing into his coaching, helping athletes become stronger, more versatile skiers both inside and outside the racecourse.

He is also really looking forward to working within QAST’s international coaching team and connecting with Kiwi athletes, bringing his experience from Canada while embracing New Zealand ski culture.

Fraser’s coaching style is energetic, supportive, and athlete-focused. He aims to create an environment where athletes feel challenged, motivated, and excited to improve, while building confidence, resilience, and a genuine love for skiing.

We are thrilled to have Fraser on board and look forward to the energy, experience, and all-round skiing expertise he will bring to the U16 group this season.

U14 Team

Matthew Pritchard - Head Coach | U14 National Points Team | QAST

We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Pritchard back to QAST for his second season, where he will step into the role of Head Coach of the U14 National Points Team. Matthew was part of the coaching team last winter, working with the Interfield Team, and we are excited to see him take on this new leadership role within the program.

The U14 National Points Team brings together motivated young athletes who are continuing to develop their racing skills while strengthening the technical foundations required to progress through the national pathway.

Originally from Canada, Matthew is a passionate skier, coach, and outdoor adventurer who has been on skis since the age of two. He grew up racing competitively through the U18 level and has spent the last eight years coaching athletes from U8 to U16, most recently leading the U14 High Performance Program at Devil’s Glen in Ontario.

Matthew brings a love for skiing in all its forms, whether it’s charging through gates, exploring terrain, skiing powder, or developing skills across the whole mountain. He is dedicated to helping young athletes build strong technical fundamentals while encouraging a creative, confident, and all-mountain approach to skiing.

An outdoor enthusiast through and through, Matthew thrives in the mountains and enjoys all sports and staying active. His coaching style reflects this energy, both on snow and during dryland training, where he aims to challenge athletes to push their limits, build resilience, and strive for their personal best.

Matthew is certified with both the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) and Alpine Canada and is known for creating a positive and supportive training environment where athletes feel motivated to grow not only as skiers, but also as confident and well-rounded individuals.

We are very excited to have Matthew continuing his journey with QAST and look forward to seeing the U14 National Points Team develop under his leadership this season.

Jesse Mutton - U14 Coach | QAST

We are incredibly proud to welcome Jesse Mutton to the QAST coaching team this season as our U14 Coach. Jesse begins an exciting new chapter with the club after recently retiring from a successful ski racing career, and we couldn’t be happier to see one of our own athletes steps into a coaching role to inspire the next generation.

A proud Kiwi from Rotorua, Jesse grew up immersed in alpine racing and spent 14 years competing at a high level, including five seasons on the FIS circuit. Throughout his career, he trained within several New Zealand high-performance programmes including QAST, TCRA, Team TC, and WAST, gaining exposure to a wide range of coaching environments and technical approaches.

Jesse also spent two seasons in Europe studying and training at Sportoberschule Mals in Italy, one of the world’s leading sports schools for alpine ski racers. These experiences helped him develop a deep technical understanding of the sport, strong discipline, and a global perspective on ski racing development.

During his racing career Jesse achieved outstanding results, including becoming the 2025 New Zealand Overall National Champion and the 2024 New Zealand U21 Overall National Champion, as well as representing New Zealand at the 2025 Junior World Championships.

Now transitioning into coaching, Jesse brings not only his high-performance racing knowledge, but also an authentic understanding of what young athletes experience as they progress through the sport. His coaching approach focuses on building strong technical fundamentals, structured training habits, and a positive team culture where athletes feel supported to push their limits.

Jesse holds his NZSIA Level 1 Instructor certification and is planning to complete his NZSIA Level 2 this season. His strengths include race preparation, activation routines, video analysis, ski tuning, and technical skill development. Having spent years tuning his own equipment and working closely with coaches and technicians, he also brings valuable knowledge in ski preparation and race-day performance.

Off the hill, Jesse recently completed a year of Engineering studies at the University of Auckland, where he further developed strong teamwork, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. He has also previously coached youth sport, sharing his passion for athletics with young players and building confidence through sport.

Jesse’s journey, from QAST athlete to national champion and now coach, makes him an incredibly inspiring role model for our younger athletes. His energy, humility, and passion for skiing will make a lasting impact on our U14 team this winter.

We are thrilled to have Jesse starting this new journey with QAST and look forward to seeing him pass on his experience, knowledge, and love for the mountains to the next generation of Kiwi ski racers.

Loris Fournillier – U14 Coach | QAST

We are excited to welcome Loris Fournillier to QAST this season, where he will be working with our U14 athletes. This is such an important stage in the athlete pathway, focused on developing strong technical fundamentals, building confidence, and creating well-rounded skiers in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment.

Originally from France, Loris has spent the past several seasons coaching at Serre Chevalier Ski Club, working with athletes across a wide range of age groups from U8 to U18. This past season, he coached the U14 group in his hometown, leading technical training sessions and supporting athletes in their development both in and out of the gates.

With over 11 years of competitive skiing experience, including racing on the FIS circuit with Serre Chevalier Ski Club and the Alpes-Provence Regional Committee, Loris developed a deep understanding of performance skiing before transitioning into coaching. Over the past four seasons as a coach, he has focused on building strong technical foundations, confidence, and mental preparation in young athletes.

Loris is a State Certified Alpine Ski Instructor and graduated Valedictorian of his Alpine Ski Instructor Diploma in 2025. His qualifications also include multiple first aid and lifeguard certifications, reflecting his strong focus on safety in alpine environments. Alongside ski instruction, he brings expertise in technical training design, course setting (SL, GS, SG, DH), equipment preparation, injury prevention, and physical conditioning.

His coaching philosophy combines technical precision, positive energy, and athlete-centred development. Loris believes that creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment allows athletes to progress naturally while building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for skiing.

Outside of coaching, Loris is passionate about all sliding and board sports, spending his winters skiing and snowboarding, and his summers surfing and wing foiling. He also enjoys endurance sports such as trail running, swimming, strength training, and exploring different cultures through travel and mountain life.

We are thrilled to have Loris joining the QAST coaching team and look forward to the energy, experience, and enthusiasm he will bring to the U14 group, helping our athletes continue to develop their skills, confidence, and love for the mountains this season.

Søren Eriksen - U14 Coach | QAST

We are excited to welcome Søren Eriksen to QAST this season as U14 Coach. Søren brings a strong combination of international experience, race coaching expertise, and a genuine passion for developing young athletes.

Originally from Denmark, Søren has spent the past 9 seasons working across Europe and Australia, including in Obergurgl, Kitzbühel, and Thredbo. He has coached a wide range of athletes, from young skiers entering the race pathway to FIS-level athletes, delivering both technical training and race-focused coaching.

During his time with Ski Schule Obergurgl, Søren played a key role in large children’s programs, helping organise and coach over 600 kids while also contributing to instructor training. More recently, he has been working as a Ski Mountain Guide in St. Christoph (Arlberg), leading groups in off-piste and backcountry terrain, strengthening his skills in decision-making, risk management, and group leadership.

Søren holds a Level 4 Ski Instructor qualification with Snowsports Austria and is a certified D-Trainer race coach, specialising in Slalom and Giant Slalom. He is also a qualified Ski Mountain Guide (Skiführer), with extensive experience in freeride and all-mountain environments.

His coaching style focuses on strong technical fundamentals, attention to detail, and developing versatile athletes who are confident across all terrain, from gates to free skiing and moguls. Søren is also highly skilled in video analysis, using professional filming and editing tools to support athlete progression.

A dedicated and positive team player, Søren brings great energy to the group and is committed to helping each athlete improve while enjoying their skiing.

We are thrilled to have Søren joining QAST this winter and look forward to seeing our U14 athletes grow in confidence, skill, and passion for the sport under his guidance.

Interfield Team

Nikos Tziovas - Interfield Head Coach | QAST

We are thrilled to welcome Nikos Tziovas back to QAST for his second season as Interfield Head Coach. After spending the winter coaching in Canada alongside Matthew, Nikos returns to continue his journey leading and developing our Interfield athletes, helping them build strong technical skills and confidence on the snow.

A former Greek National Ski Team athlete, Nikos has competed at the FIS World Ski Championships and Junior World Ski Championships, giving him first-hand experience at the highest levels of competition. His international racing career, combined with coaching experience across Europe and North America, provides our athletes with a unique perspective and a wealth of technical knowledge.

Nikos’s coaching style focuses on motivation, discipline, and skill development, creating an environment where athletes can thrive both technically and mentally. He is known for his ability to inspire young skiers, push their limits safely, and foster a team-oriented, positive culture. His multilingual skills, Greek, English, Spanish, and German, ensure athletes from all backgrounds feel supported and connected.

Over the years, Nikos has planned and led numerous ski camps across Europe and provided hands-on coaching during National Championships, earning recognition as Best Coach at Alpis Ski Team for two consecutive years. His dedication to building strong athlete relationships and fostering collaboration makes him a valued mentor and leader within the team.

We are excited for Nikos to lead the Interfield Team this season, helping our athletes develop their skills, embrace challenges, and grow in a fun, supportive environment. With his passion, experience, and dedication, Nikos will ensure our young athletes have an unforgettable season on and off the slopes.

Meghan Hood - Interfield Coach | QAST

We are thrilled to welcome Meghan Hood back to QAST for her second season, this year in a full-time role within the Interfield Team. After spending the last six months coaching overseas in China and Norway with Trysil Ski Academy, Meghan brings fresh insights and knowledge from working with athletes ranging from U10 up to FIS. She will be working alongside Interfield Head Coach Nikos Tziovas and the rest of the coaching team to continue developing our young athletes.

Originally from New Zealand, Meghan joins QAST from Wanaka Ski Team and has an impressive background in alpine racing and coaching internationally, from Niseko to Cardrona. A former New Zealand national team athlete, Meghan represented NZ at the Whistler Cup, held a national Super G title, and competed in FIS races for four years before turning her focus to coaching.

Meghan’s coaching style combines energy, positivity, and high-performance focus, making her an excellent mentor for young athletes. Her experience spans race, freestyle, and all-mountain skiing, allowing her to guide athletes both in gates and freeride terrain while building strong technical foundations, confidence, and love for the sport.

Raised on a farm in New Zealand, Meghan developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that she brings to every training session. Beyond skiing, she has competed at high levels in equestrian and hockey, highlighting her versatility and dedication as an athlete and coach.

Meghan is certified with Level 2 NZSIA, Race Coach certification, and holds additional qualifications in freestyle, avalanche awareness, and children’s instruction. Her combination of technical knowledge, international experience, and genuine passion for athlete development makes her a valuable asset to the QAST Interfield Team.

We are excited to have Meghan back with QAST for another season, and we look forward to seeing her help our Interfield athletes grow, progress, and have fun on the slopes.

Ash Johns - Interfield Coach | QAST

We’re excited to welcome Ash Johns back to QAST for his second season as an Interfield Coach. Last year, he made a great impact with our youngest athletes, helping them build confidence, improve their skiing, and develop a love for the sport.

Ash has been involved in ski racing from a young age, competing in New Zealand, Italy, and the United States. While completing a Bachelor of Management Studies at Waikato University, he raced for four years with the Waikato Ski Team.

He brings extensive international coaching experience from North America, Japan, and New Zealand, including Jackson Hole, Whistler, and now based Niseko Japan for the Northern Hemisphere winters.

Ash is committed to continually developing himself as both a coach and athlete, always looking for ways to refine his technical understanding, communication, and impact. Through ongoing learning, reflection, and time on snow, he aims to stay adaptable, relevant, and effective, bringing fresh ideas, greater clarity, and high-quality experiences to the athletes he works with.

Off the snow, Ash enjoys travelling to new places, mountain biking, scuba diving, and hiking. We’re thrilled to have him back with QAST for the 2026 season.

Anissa Cutivel- Interfield Coach | QAST

We are excited to welcome Anissa Cutivel to QAST for the 2026 winter season,
joining our Interfield Team. With a strong background in both ski instruction and
physical training, Anissa brings a well-rounded and holistic approach to athlete
development, combining technical skiing with strength, movement, and body
awareness.

Originally from France and raised in the mountains, Anissa developed a deep
passion for sport and teaching from a young age. She is a qualified ski instructor
through ENSA Chamonix and has worked across resorts such as Les Karellis and
Courchevel, coaching athletes of all levels in both skiing and snowboarding.
Alongside her on-snow experience, Anissa is also a certified Pilates instructor and
has a strong background in fitness and athlete conditioning. Her experience includes
developing training plans, leading group sessions, and supporting athletes in building
strength, mobility, and injury prevention habits, skills that transfer directly into
improved performance on snow.

Anissa’s coaching style is energetic, positive, and athlete focused. She is passionate
about creating an environment where young athletes can progress technically while
also building confidence, independence, and a love for the mountains. Her versatility
across ski instruction, fitness, and group coaching allows her to support athletes both
in gates and through their overall physical development.

She loves coaching kids and has a strong passion for teaching through fun,
engaging games that keep athletes motivated while learning. Her goal is to create
lifelong memories on snow, while building strong technical fundamentals that help
young skiers become confident, capable, and stronger athletes.

Anissa will be joining QAST alongside her partner, Sacha, who is the U16 Head
Coach. Together, they bring a great dynamic to the team and a shared passion for
developing young athletes.

In addition to her coaching work, Anissa has experience in communication and team
environments, having worked as a community manager in the ski industry. She is
fluent in French and speaks Spanish, allowing her to connect easily with a wide
range of athletes.

She is also very excited for this opportunity to discover a new culture in New Zealand
and to improve her English throughout the winter, both on and off the snow.
We are thrilled to have Anissa joining the QAST team this season and look forward
to the energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm she will bring to our Interfield athletes.

Eden Brown – Interfield Coach | QAST

We are excited to welcome Eden Brown to QAST for her first season coaching with the Interfield Team! Eden is a highly experienced ski instructor and technical coach who brings close to decade of international coaching experience from New Zealand and Japan. Her passion for skiing, combined with her positive and supportive coaching style, helps athletes build confidence, improve their technical skills, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.

Originally from the United Kingdom and now a New Zealand Permanent Resident, Eden has worked extensively with children, families, and performance-focused skiers across a wide range of abilities. She has spent multiple seasons coaching at Coronet Peak and in Niseko, where she became known for creating engaging, structured, and fun learning environments that help athletes progress while enjoying their time on snow.

Eden is passionate about technical skiing and believes in helping young athletes develop strong fundamentals through clear communication, creative drills, and individualized feedback. Whether working on carving skills, exploring varied terrain, or building confidence in new situations, she focuses on making every training session both challenging and rewarding.

Alongside her ski coaching qualifications, Eden holds a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology, giving her a strong understanding of learning, communication, and motivation. Her background allows her to connect with athletes of all ages and adapt her coaching approach to bring out the best in every individual.

Away from the slopes, Eden enjoys hiking, yoga, travelling, and exploring the outdoors. She has lived and worked across Europe, Asia, South America, and New Zealand, bringing a wealth of life experience, cultural understanding, and enthusiasm to the team.

With her extensive coaching experience, technical expertise, and genuine passion for helping young skiers grow, Eden is a fantastic addition to the QAST Interfield Team. We are looking forward to seeing her inspire our athletes, support their development, and create plenty of memorable experiences on and off the mountain this winter.

Hugo d’Arcy-Nesbit – Interfield Coach | QAST

We are thrilled to welcome Hugo to QAST this season as an Interfield Coach. Hugo brings strong experience in alpine ski coaching, athlete development, and technical instruction, along with a real passion for helping athletes progress while enjoying every part of the mountain.

Originally from the UK, Hugo has spent the past ten years coaching in a variety of environments, from indoor snow centres in the UK and Europe to on-snow training camps in the European Alps. His experience spans all ages and levels, from first-time skiers through to competitive racers performing in high-level training and race environments.

Hugo is a true all-round skier who loves everything the mountain has to offer. Alongside his strong racing background, he is just as comfortable skiing off-piste, exploring natural terrain, or spending time in the park hitting jumps. This broad approach to skiing is a big part of what he brings into his coaching, especially when helping younger athletes build confidence, creativity, and enjoyment on snow.

At 12, Hugo moved to Switzerland to pursue skiing, an experience that shaped his approach to the sport and gave him a deep connection to mountain culture, as well as strong French language skills. Living and training in the Alps also reinforced his belief in skiing as a lifestyle as much as a sport.

As a BASI Level 3 Alpine Race Coach and experienced ski instructor, Hugo brings strong technical expertise to the team. He has coached structured race programs both indoors and in the mountains, with experience in course setting, video analysis, equipment preparation, physical conditioning, and athlete development. He has also spent two seasons as an ESS ski instructor, teaching in both English and French, and is known for adapting his coaching to suit each athlete.

Hugo’s coaching style is energetic, supportive, and athlete-focused. He creates a positive environment where athletes are encouraged to challenge themselves, try new things, and build confidence—whether in the gates, off-piste terrain, or in the park.

We are excited to have Hugo joining the QAST coaching team this season and look forward to the energy, creativity, and all-round skiing enthusiasm he will bring to our Interfield athletes.

Jody Kwiatkowski - Interfield Coach | QAST

We are thrilled to welcome Jody Kwiatkowski to QAST for her first season coaching in the Interfield Team. Jody is a former alpine ski racer who also competed in ski cross, and she loves sharing her passion for skiing with young athletes. Her coaching style is energetic, encouraging, and fun, helping skiers build strong technical skills while enjoying every moment on the slopes.

Originally from Valloire, France, Jody has spent nearly a decade teaching skiing at the International Ski School Valloire, working with junior and adult performance groups. She knows how to make training exciting, whether it’s mastering gates, tackling off-piste terrain safely, or trying new freestyle skills.

Jody is all about making learning fun while developing confidence, discipline, and a love for skiing. She brings creativity to her sessions, adapting drills to the group, the snow, or the day’s mood, making sure athletes are always engaged and challenged.

Outside coaching, Jody enjoys snowboarding, surfing, hiking, scuba diving, and cooking, and loves exploring mountains and outdoor adventures. Her adventurous spirit and friendly personality make her a mentor kids can look up to both on and off the snow.

With her combination of racing experience, coaching expertise, and passion for helping young skiers grow, Jody is a fantastic addition to the QAST Interfield Team. We’re excited to see her inspire our athletes, help them progress, and most importantly, have fun on the slopes.

Jill Lynott - Interfield Coach | QAST

We are thrilled to welcome Jill Lynott to the QAST coaching team for her first season with the Interfield Team. Jill brings a dynamic blend of academic excellence, international coaching experience, and a deep passion for athlete development, making her a fantastic role model for our young athletes.

Originally from Canada, Jill holds a Master of Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa with a focus on Sport Management, alongside a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University. She is bilingual in English and French and combines her educational expertise with practical coaching experience, creating structured, engaging, and positive learning environments for athletes of all levels.

Jill has an impressive coaching résumé across multiple sports. Most recently, she served as U16 Lead Coach at Vorlage Alpine Ski Racing Club in Quebec, Canada, where she developed and implemented seasonal training plans, fostering both athletic skill and character development. She has also coached the alpine ski team and rugby team at Ashbury College as well as the University of Ottawa Women’s Rugby Team, sharing her passion for sport and athlete growth.

A former high-level athlete herself, Jill excelled in rugby, serving as co-captain of Queen’s University Women’s Rugby Team, winning the 2021 U Sports National Championship, among other provincial and national accolades. Her experience as a competitive athlete gives her unique insight into athlete motivation, mental preparation, and teamwork.

Certified as a Development Level Canadian Alpine Ski Coach, Alpine Canada Level 2 Official, and World Rugby Community Coach, she combines technical expertise, effective communication, and an approachable, athlete-centered coaching style. Her focus is on building confidence, technical skills, and a love for skiing while ensuring a safe, structured, and fun learning environment.

We are excited to have Jill guiding our Interfield athletes in her first season with QAST, bringing her expertise, energy, and global perspective to help young skiers reach their full potential and enjoy every moment on the mountain.

Jos Belio Pickford - Interfield Coach | QAST

We are excited to welcome Jos Belio Pickford to the QAST coaching team for his first season, where he will be joining our Interfield Team. Jos brings a strong background in alpine skiing, athlete development, and technical coaching, along with a deep passion for helping young athletes progress both on and off the slopes.

Originally from Panticosa in the Spanish Pyrenees, Jos holds the Highest National Qualification in Spain as an Alpine Ski Instructor and Coach. He has spent over a decade working in the ski industry, combining high-level coaching with extensive experience teaching skiers of all levels in one of Spain’s most well-known mountain regions.

Since 2017, Jos has been coaching with the Panticosa Ski Club, where he has been responsible for planning and delivering training programs focused on athlete performance and progression. His role includes technical development, race preparation, video analysis, and post-competition review, as well as guiding athletes in areas such as physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental preparation. He has also played an active role in coordinating competitions and ensuring safety protocols in mountain environments.

Alongside his coaching work, Jos is also a shareholder and instructor at the Panticosa Ski School, where he has been teaching since 2013. There he has worked with skiers of all ages and abilities, delivering structured lessons, adapting technical instruction to different skill levels, and helping students build confidence across varied terrain and snow conditions.

Jos himself comes from a strong racing background, having trained as an athlete with CETDI Aragón and Panticosa Ski Club, giving him valuable insight into the full pathway of athlete development.

His coaching philosophy focuses on technical progression, strong teamwork, safety, and creating a positive training environment where athletes feel motivated to push their limits while enjoying the sport. Known for his discipline, reliability, and ability to connect with athletes, Jos brings both structure and enthusiasm to every training session.

Fluent in Spanish and English, with additional basic French, Jos enjoys working in international environments and sharing his passion for skiing with athletes from different backgrounds.

We are thrilled to have Jos joining the QAST coaching team and look forward to seeing him support our Interfield athletes in developing their skills, confidence, and love for ski racing this winter.

Michel Marchand - Interfield Coach | QAST

We are incredibly proud to welcome Michel Marchand back to QAST for his third season as an Interfield Coach. After spending the summer coaching in Norway, Michel is fit, ready, and excited to take our athletes to the slopes, on piste and off, sharing his extensive knowledge and all the tricks he’s mastered over a lifetime in skiing.

Originally from Switzerland, Michel’s love for skiing was sparked in the Alps before a coaching career spanning over 30 years led him around the world. From working with racers and developing young athletes to training ski instructors across multiple continents, Michel brings a wealth of technical expertise and international experience to QAST.

Since settling in Queenstown, Michel has become a valued member of our coaching team, embodying the Kiwi spirit, generous, humble, and always willing to go the extra mile to help athletes and coaches grow. He is also a proud father and, off the slopes, a passionate beekeeper, sharing the same care and attention in his hobby as he does in coaching.

Michel is a world-class coach, thoughtful mentor, and insightful guide. Whether providing tactical feedback in the gates, movement analysis on the hill, or advice off the snow, he offers wisdom that athletes, coaches, and parents deeply value. His approach fosters confidence, skill, and a genuine love for skiing.

We are fortunate to have Michel continuing his journey with QAST for another season. His global experience, technical mastery, and passion for the sport make him an inspiring role model for our Interfield athletes, helping them develop into confident, capable, and adventurous skiers.