2025 QAST Coaching Team
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Celine Arnold - Program Director
We are proud to have Celine leading the QAST program as our Program Director since 2021. 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 ski racer for both Switzerland and New Zealand, she embodies the international perspective and passion that define our club.
Before joining QAST, Celine spent over a decade as Program Director and Head Coach at the Villars Ski Club and five years as Regional Head Coach for Ski Romand, one of Switzerland’s top 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. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, while empowering her coaching team to deliver world-class training, is what sets her apart. She is deeply committed to building a positive, high-performance environment and believes in the power of teamwork to achieve excellence.
“Seeing the 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 isn’t just about the athlete in the start gate; it’s about the entire support system working together behind the scenes.
Under her leadership, QAST continues to develop and grow the next generation of New Zealand ski racers. We are incredibly fortunate to have Celine at the heart of our program, driving excellence, unity, and joy in everything we do.
FIS Team
Angus Rose - FIS Senior Head Coach
We are proud to welcome Angus back to the QAST Coaching Team for another exciting season. Born in Australia to Scottish parents and raised in Queenstown, Angus is a true local with deep roots in our alpine community. A former QAST and New Zealand Ski Team athlete, he competed at the highest levels in both Alpine Skiing and Skicross, proudly representing New Zealand at the World Championships in Sierra Nevada (1996) and Sestriere (1997).
Angus has also made his mark as a coach on the international stage, attending the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne as a race coach. His coaching journey spans more than 25 years, and since 2005, he has led our FIS team with unmatched dedication and expertise.
Known for his calm and trustworthy nature, Angus is a coach who goes the extra mile—whether it’s supporting junior athletes as they take their first steps into FIS racing or guiding senior athletes toward their highest potential. He’s a hard worker, a team player, and someone you can always count on to be present, engaged, and ready to help.
Splitting his time between New Zealand and Switzerland, Angus brings a global perspective to QAST, combining international experience with a strong local connection. His passion for the sport, technical knowledge, and commitment to athlete development make him an invaluable leader and mentor.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Angus at the helm of our FIS program again this year. His leadership continues to shape the future of our athletes and the legacy of our club.
Lucy Brown - FIS Team Coach
Lucy Brown returns for her ninth year with QAST and is excited to be coaching the FIS Team in 2025. Passionate about athlete development, she is dedicated to helping each skier build confidence, refine their skills, and reach their personal best.
A Queenstown native and former QAST athlete herself, Lucy attended Queenstown Primary School and Wakatipu High School Academy. Her competitive spirit was shaped early through national-level competition in both alpine ski racing and equestrian. Coming from a family deeply rooted in ski racing—her father, uncles, and older sister all raced and coached internationally—Lucy brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Since joining the QAST coaching staff in 2017, Lucy has become an integral part of the team. Her coaching expertise extends across multiple European seasons, and she is currently coaching the Apex2100 World Cup Women’s team, bringing elite-level insight and professionalism to QAST.
Lucy is also a participant in Te Hāpaitanga, a prestigious coach development initiative that supports women in high-performance sport. As a dedicated mentor, she is committed to fostering a positive and empowering environment for the next generation of athletes.
U16 National Points Team
Joris Astrua - U16 Head Coach
Originally from the French Alps, Joris Astrua brings over a decade of coaching experience and a strong passion for skiing to the QAST team. With a background in competitive alpine racing and coaching in some of Europe’s top ski resorts, Joris offers a balance of technical knowledge and calm, athlete-centered coaching.
He has worked with athletes at all levels, including those competing on the Europa Cup circuit. His years of experience across Europe have sharpened his skills in course setting, race strategy, and adapting training to meet international standards.
Joris draws on his expertise in both Strength & Conditioning and the mental dimension of sport to develop a holistic understanding of performance. This comprehensive approach enables him to guide athletes in meeting the demands of high-level competition by developing the physical and mental strengths essential for performing under pressure.
His coaching philosophy is based on long-term athlete development, building strong fundamentals, and nurturing mental toughness. Whether fine-tuning a racing line or building confidence in difficult conditions, Joris is focused on helping athletes grow into complete, resilient ski racers.
Fluent in both French and English, Joris brings an international outlook and a calm, professional presence to the mountain. Known for his ability to connect with athletes and support their progress, he looks forward to contributing to QAST’s coaching team and helping foster a culture of excellence—on every slope, in all conditions.
Jeremie Lagier - U16 Coach
We are excited to announce that Jérémie Lagier, a highly accomplished former French National Team athlete and passionate ski coach, will be joining our team to work with our U16 athletes.
Jérémie’s journey in the world of alpine skiing is nothing short of inspiring. From his time as a professional athlete on the French National Team, where he achieved multiple French Championship titles and represented France in prestigious World Cup events, to his recent success as an NCAA athlete at Westminster College, Jérémie has always strived for excellence. His impressive list of achievements includes a World Junior Championship title, 7 French Championship titles, and even a Vice High School World Champion title.
Beyond his personal success, Jérémie is a coach who is deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and helping young athletes unlock their full potential. He has honed his coaching skills at renowned ski camps like Aspen and Chile, working with athletes at various levels to improve their technique and performance.
Jérémie’s coaching philosophy revolves around creating personalized training plans that cater to the unique strengths and areas of development of each athlete. His approach is dynamic and hands-on, making sure that every session is engaging and impactful. Jérémie believes in pushing athletes to their limits while fostering an environment of determination and growth.
As he joins our club, Jérémie is eager to pass on the skills and strategies that helped him succeed at the highest levels of competitive skiing. Our U16 athletes will have the incredible opportunity to train under his guidance, gaining insight from someone who has lived the path they aspire to take.
We are confident that Jérémie’s expertise and enthusiasm will inspire our young athletes to elevate their training and pursue their goals with renewed passion and focus.
Stay tuned for upcoming training sessions and camps with Jérémie – we can’t wait for our athletes to benefit from his experience and knowledge!
U14 National Points Team
Paul Elie Vandoorne - U14 Head Coach
We are excited to welcome Paul Elie Vandoorne back for his second season as the U14 Head Coach at QAST. Originally from Val Thorens, France, Paul brings over 15 years of competitive alpine skiing experience, including three seasons on the European Cup circuit and a Junior World Championship appearance in ski cross.
A true mountain lover, Paul is dedicated to making sure his athletes work hard in gates, but he also believes in developing their all-around skiing abilities. He places a strong emphasis on taking athletes off-piste and into the terrain park, helping them grow not only as gate skiers but also as versatile, well-rounded athletes.
Paul’s coaching philosophy is built on his relentless work ethic and commitment to going the extra mile for his athletes. As a certified high-performance coach and ski instructor, Paul excels at creating personalized training plans, setting goals, and ensuring both technical and physical development.
In addition to his coaching, Paul has experience organizing ski events, including serving as the start chief for the Ski Cross World Cup in Val Thorens. His background as a white water guide adds another layer of leadership to his coaching approach, helping athletes build teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.
We are thrilled to have Paul back for another season and look forward to the continued growth and success of our U14 athletes under his guidance.
Finn Carmichael - U14 Race & Freestyle Coach
We’re stoked to welcome Finn to our QAST coaching team this season as our U14 Race and Freestyle Coach! Finn brings a unique blend of technical expertise, creative flair, and international experience to our program. With a strong background in both alpine racing and freestyle skiing, he’s passionate about developing young skiers into well-rounded athletes—whether they’re charging gates or sending tricks in the park.
Originally from a multicultural background with dual British and New Zealand passports, Finn is also fluent in English and French, and has worked and coached across the globe—from the French Alps to the beaches of Greece and the dunes of Morocco. His work as a ski instructor with ESF, windsurf coach at Club Vass, and even ski tester and model for major brands like SCOTT and Dare2B, shows just how versatile and enthusiastic he is.
Finn was personally recommended by Max Vaughton—and if Max says he’s a great coach, we already know we’re in for something special. He’s got that same infectious energy, technical insight, and commitment to going the extra mile that defines the QAST spirit.
Off the slopes, Finn has a solid connection with Altitude Brewery, so don’t hesitate to swing by and grab a beer—you just might bump into him there!
What sets Finn apart is his positive energy, tireless work ethic, and natural connection with kids. He’s all about making sure athletes feel supported, motivated, and most of all—have fun. Whether it’s perfecting technique in gates, boosting confidence in the terrain park, or sharing a good laugh on the lift, Finn brings his all.
With a deep love for the mountains, a sharp coaching eye, and a passion for helping athletes achieve their goals, Finn is a fantastic addition to the QAST family.
Let’s go, U14s—big things ahead!
Meghan Hood - U14 Coach
We’re beyond excited to welcome Meghan to the QAST coaching team for her first season with us!
Originally from New Zealand, Meghan joins us from Wanaka Ski Team, bringing with her a strong background in alpine racing and an impressive coaching résumé across the globe—from Niseko to Cardrona. She’s a former New Zealand national team athlete with a fierce competitive edge and a deep love for the sport. 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 and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of skiers.
What makes Meghan truly special is her infectious enthusiasm, incredible work ethic, and genuine connection with young athletes. Her coaching experience spans race, freestyle, and all-mountain skiing—and her versatility on snow makes her a perfect fit for our U14 team. Whether she’s leading a training session in gates or encouraging kids to push their boundaries in freeride terrain, Meghan brings positivity, purpose, and high performance energy to every session.
Meghan grew up on a farm in New Zealand, which shaped her as a tough, hard-working and adaptable coach, always ready for the next challenge. Her passion for outdoor life and sports has extended beyond skiing—she also competed at high levels in equestrian and hockey, showing her drive and well-rounded athleticism.
With Level 2 NZSIA certification, Race Coach certification, and extra qualifications in freestyle, avalanche awareness, and children’s instruction, Meghan has both the technical knowledge and the heart to make a big impact at QAST.
We can’t wait for you to meet Meghan—her energy is contagious, and her experience speaks for itself. Welcome to the team, Meghan! Let’s make it an epic season ahead. 🏔️🎿
Max Vaughton - U14 Coach
We're proud to welcome Max Vaughton back for his third season at QAST. With dual French and British nationality, Max grew up ski racing and was selected to the British national team, competing at a high level in both alpine and ski cross disciplines. He’s now aiming to rejoin the GBR national ski cross team, a goal that reflects his relentless drive and love for the sport.
Max previously coached the Interfield team in 2022 and 2023, but was sidelined in 2024 after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery following a ski crash while forerunning at the ANC races in Coronet Peak. Now fully recovered, he’s back on snow and more fired up than ever.
Over the past two seasons, Max has also coached a wide range of international athletes at Apex2100 in Tignes, working alongside some of the best international coaches in the game. This global experience gives him a deep and diverse toolbox of knowledge and insights that he brings to the entire QAST team.
An exceptional and passionate coach, Max is packed with technical expertise—not only in gates, but also in freestyle and big mountain powder skiing. It’s this versatility, combined with his contagious energy and love for the mountains, that makes Max such a hit with both athletes and parents.
Max is known for his hard work, commitment, and ability to go the extra mile, all while keeping a calm, joyful approach to life. He’s a true role model for young athletes and an incredible asset to the QAST family.
We’re stoked to have Max back with us—this season is going to be epic!
INTERFIELD Team
Interfield Team Head Coach -Nikos Tziovas
We are incredibly excited to welcome Nikos Tziovas to the QAST team as our
Interfield Head Coach this season! Nikos is a highly skilled and motivated coach with
extensive experience as a former ski racer and a proven track record of success in
developing athletes to reach their full potential. With a background that spans from
coaching at the Alpis Ski Team in Greece to working with athletes at the highest
international levels, Nikos brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our club.
Having competed on the Greek National Ski Team and participated in prestigious
events like the FIS World Ski Championships and Junior World Ski Championships,
Nikos has not only excelled as a skier but also knows how to inspire and push
athletes to achieve their best. His passion for skiing is matched by his commitment to
safety, sportsmanship, and building a positive, team-oriented environment.
Nikos’s coaching style is all about motivation and discipline, creating a space where
athletes can thrive both technically and mentally.
His multilingual skills—speaking Greek, English, Spanish, and German—add a unique dynamic, ensuring that athletes from all backgrounds feel connected and supported. Nikos’s experience in planning and organizing ski camps across Europe, as well as his ability to provide hands-on coaching during National Championships, will be a massive asset to our team this winter.
Not only is Nikos a coach, but he’s also a dedicated team-builder. He understands
the importance of creating strong bonds between athletes and fostering an
environment of collaboration and growth. His recognition as the Best Coach at Alpis
Ski Team for two consecutive years is a testament to his exceptional leadership and
ability to bring out the best in his athletes.
We’re looking forward to the amazing season ahead, where Nikos will be Head Coach of the Interfield team in building skills, pushing limits, and embracing the New Zealand
culture. With his drive and dedication, we’re confident that our athletes will have an
unforgettable experience under his guidance!
Get ready for an exciting season with Nikos, where hard work, passion, and fun will
come together to make magic on the slopes!
Matthew Pritchard - Interfield Coach
We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Pritchard to the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team as our new Interfield Coach for the upcoming season.
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, hitting features in the terrain park, or finding fresh lines in the powder. He’s dedicated to helping young athletes build strong technical fundamentals while fostering a creative, fun, and all-mountain approach to skiing.
An outdoor lover through and through, Matthew thrives in the mountains and is passionate about all sports and staying active. His coaching style reflects this energy — both on snow and during dryland training — where he’s excited to push athletes to challenge themselves, develop resilience, and strive for their personal best.
Matthew is certified both with the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Association and Alpine Canada, and is known for creating a positive, supportive environment where athletes feel motivated to grow not only as skiers but as confident, well-rounded individuals.
We are very excited to have Matthew joining the QAST team and can’t wait for you all to meet him. It’s shaping up to be another great season — on and off the slopes!
Michele Franzoso - Interfield Coach
We are thrilled to welcome Michele Franzoso to the QAST coaching team for the 2025 season—his very first in New Zealand! Originally from Italy, Michele brings with him a fresh perspective, incredible passion, and a deep-rooted love for skiing that began at just two and a half years old. His lifelong dedication to the sport has shaped him into a highly skilled coach and instructor, with an impressive background both on the racecourse and in professional coaching.
Michele grew up immersed in alpine skiing, not only as a competitive racer himself on the national and international stage, but also with skiing in his blood—his brother currently races for the Italian National Alpine Ski Team. Over the past several seasons, Michele has been coaching the U14 category at the renowned Sci Club Sestriere, one of Italy’s most respected programs. He also teaches private lessons with Preskige Ski and Snowboard School, where he is known for his calm, focused approach and his ability to bring out the best in every athlete.
In addition to his work on snow, Michele is completing his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Turin—showcasing not only his commitment to sport, but also his intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic.
Michele is known for his thoughtful, technical eye, and his ability to connect with athletes by meeting them where they’re at. Whether in gates, on the powder runs, or simply out exploring terrain, Michele believes in making every moment in the mountains meaningful and fun. His strong communication skills, bilingual background, and European coaching experience will bring valuable depth and perspective to our team here at QAST.
We’re beyond excited for Michele to experience New Zealand’s incredible mountains and culture—and for our athletes to learn from his extensive racing background, coaching expertise, and warm, enthusiastic approach. He’s a fantastic addition to our team and we can’t wait to see all he’ll bring to the slopes this winter!
Ash Johns - Interfield Coach
We are excited to welcome Ash to the QAST coaching team as his first season with our Interfield program for 2025!
Ash, a proud Kiwi, has been deeply connected to ski racing from an early age, competing in NZ and overseas in Italy and the US.
While gaining a Bachelor of Management Studies at Waikato University, he was an active member of the Waikato Ski Team, and raced for them for 4 years, before moving into coaching in the very mountains where his passion began.
With a deep technical understanding and decades of hands-on experience, Ash brings a wealth of experience with a world-class racing background to QAST, along with a natural ability to inspire young athletes and help them to grow as a team.
Ash has developed an impressive international coaching career, leading training programs and holding key leadership roles across North America, Japan, and New Zealand. From Jackson Hole to Whistler, and multiple seasons in Niseko, he has worked with diverse athletes and coaching teams, fostering technical excellence in the gates while also building confidence and versatility across all types of terrain.
Ash brings a wealth of experience and a well-earned reputation for technical precision and unwavering support. His coaching style is athlete-focused, combining structure and clarity with an infectious love for the sport. Whether honing race skills or free-skiing varied terrain, Ash consistently draws out each athlete’s potential while keeping the experience engaging and fun.
Off the snow, Ash is a true adventurer. Whether ski touring, mountain biking, scuba diving, or hiking, he approaches every pursuit with passion and curiosity. His positive energy is contagious and makes him an inspiring role model for our Interfield athletes both on and off the hill.
Shayna Little - Interfield Coach
We are stoked to welcome Shayna Little to the QAST coaching team for the 2025
season!
Coming to us from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Shayna brings an incredible mix of
high-performance experience, coaching energy, and a deep love for ski racing. She
spent over a decade on snow as an athlete, including three seasons competing as a
FIS athlete across North America, with experience racing at the NorAm Cup level. Her transition into coaching has been just as impressive—most recently working with U12 athletes at Big White Ski Club, where she’s known for her thoughtful feedback, strong technical eye, and positive presence on and off the hill.
Shayna blends elite-level racing knowledge with an athlete-centered approach that emphasizes growth, confidence, and long-term development. She thrives in building
strong relationships with athletes, tailoring her coaching to individual needs, and
fostering a space where athletes feel seen, challenged, and supported. Whether it’s gate training, course setting, or free skiing, Shayna is intentional, energetic, and fully
committed to helping young skiers push their limits in a healthy, positive way.
Outside of coaching, Shayna is a true outdoor enthusiast—she loves hiking, camping,and staying active year-round. She’s excited to bring her passion, professionalism, and
perspective to Queenstown this winter, and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have
on our athletes, both as a coach and a role model.
Michel Marchand - Interfield Coach
We are incredibly proud to welcome back Michel for his second season with QAST! After a remarkable career spanning over 30 years leading the NZSKI Snowsports School, Michel has become an invaluable asset to our coaching team, bringing a lifetime of experience, wisdom, and passion for the sport.
Originally from Switzerland, Michel’s love for skiing was sparked among the Alps before his coaching journey took him around the world—from working with racers and developing young athletes to training ski instructors across multiple continents. His international experience and technical expertise are unmatched, and now, we're lucky to have him sharing that depth of knowledge right here in Queenstown.
Michel’s journey brought him to Aotearoa, where he met his wonderful wife Hine, settled in Queenstown, and proud father of two beautiful grown-up daughters. His presence on our team perfectly embodies the Kiwi spirit—generous, humble, and always willing to go the extra mile to help others grow and succeed.
He is not only a world-class coach but also a thoughtful listener and mentor. Whether it’s tactical feedback in the gates, movement analysis on the hill, or life advice over a coffee—Michel offers wise, grounded insight that our athletes, coaches, and parents deeply value.
And when Michel isn’t on the slopes? You’ll find him out in nature tending to his bees—yes, he’s also a passionate beekeeper, and he makes absolutely amazing honey! Just another way he brings warmth, care, and a love for the outdoors into everything he does.
Our athletes are incredibly fortunate to be learning from someone with Michel’s depth of knowledge, global experience, and genuine passion for skiing. We’re so grateful to have him back for another inspiring season!
Piet Van Ash - Interfield Coach
We are stoked to welcome back Piet for his second season as an Interfield Coach with QAST in 2025!
Born and raised right here in Queenstown, Piet is one of our own—a former QAST athlete who knows these mountains like the back of his hand. His journey from athlete to coach is one that inspires the next generation, and we couldn’t be happier to have him back sharing his passion, energy, and skill with our Interfield athletes again this season.
Piet is more than just an excellent skier (and trust us—he skis like a god)—he’s a true role model. Kids look up to him, not only for his incredible talent on snow, but for the way he brings joy and fun into every session. Whether it’s breaking down technical drills with his signature relaxed style, or leading the team into steep, rolly terrain for a few cheeky send jumps, Piet knows how to make learning exciting and memorable.
He has a gift for turning even the most challenging training days into adventures. Athletes love the way he makes hard work feel like fun, and his ability to challenge them in creative ways helps build both confidence and skill. More than that, Piet has a natural way of connecting with young skiers—supporting them, pushing them, and making every day on snow something to look forward to.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Piet back on the Interfield coaching team. He brings local knowledge, technical expertise, and a whole lot of stoke to the program—and we can’t wait to see him continue to help our athletes thrive this season.
Stan Vaughton - Interfield Coach
We are very excited to welcome Stan to the QAST team for the 2025 season!
Originally from Annecy, France, and with dual French-British nationality, Stan brings a unique blend of high-level alpine ski racing, coaching expertise, and creative storytelling to our team. A true product of the mountains, Stan grew up in the heart of the French Alps and competed extensively across Europe at FIS level, before stepping into coaching with the Ecole du Ski Française (ESF) over the last three seasons.
You might recognize the last name—Stan is Max’s younger brother, and just like Max, he brings a contagious passion for the outdoors, a love for ripping turns in gates, shredding fresh powder, and embracing all the fun and adventure life has to offer. The two share the same positive energy, love for skiing, and a genuine desire to inspire and support young athletes.
Stan has a deep understanding of mountain environments and a true love for teaching. His calm, kind, and friendly nature allows him to build strong connections with athletes of all backgrounds. He’s known for his ability to create a fun, supportive training environment, while also being precise and thoughtful in developing athletes' technical skills and race confidence. He’s experienced in course setting, ski tuning, and supporting athletes both on and off the hill.
Outside of coaching, Stan is an incredibly talented bilingual filmmaker with a degree in Adventure Filmmaking from the University of Wales. He runs his own production company, Stax Production, creating short films for athletes and outdoor brands. He’s worked around the world—from filming at Club Vass in Greece to supporting NBC Sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
With his awesome knowledge in filmmaking, we can’t wait to see him share some amazing footage from the slopes on our QAST social media pages this winter, capturing all the fun, progress, and stoke of the season.
Stan is not only an excellent coach but also a creative, adaptable, and energetic presence—the kind of person who brings a fresh perspective and makes a real impact wherever he goes. With his strong communication skills, coaching background, and adventurous spirit, Stan is a fantastic role model and a great fit for the QAST community.
Chloe Wild - Interfield Coach
Chloe brings a strong foundation in competitive alpine skiing, having raced at the FIS level and previously trained as a member of the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team (QAST). Her firsthand experience in high-performance environments shapes her coaching style and helps her guide athletes through the demands of competitive ski racing.
She spends her year between hemispheres, coaching ski racing in New Zealand during the southern winter and instructing on the world-renowned powder slopes of Japan during the northern season. This international experience allows Chloe to stay sharp technically, expand her coaching toolkit, and bring fresh, global insights to her athletes.
In addition to coaching with QAST, Chloe has worked extensively with the Interfield team, where she is especially valued for her ability to connect with younger athletes. Her calm, upbeat presence on the mountain helps athletes feel confident and supported, no matter the weather or conditions. Parents and kids alike praise her for creating a fun, motivating learning environment that balances skill development with a genuine love for the sport.
Now entering her third season with QAST, Chloe is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the hill. She prioritizes technical progression, mental resilience, and fostering a strong team culture. Chloe is excited to continue guiding the next generation of ski racers as they push their limits and discover their potential.