I grew up in Kyoto and discovered rock climbing and the Scottish winters when I left home to study in the UK. Since then my passion expanded to alpine climbing and ski mountaineering, spending a few years based between France, U.S. Canada and Japan. I learned to ski in Nagano through my sister. Once I decided to become a Mountain Guide, I built a few skis for myself from wood palates where I worked in Chamonix to afford it. Ski guiding in Hokkaido and expeditions on Denali were my first steps in guide life. Since then I've guided in the North Cascades and Antarctica. Other passions include volunteering for local Adaptive Riding Centers and environmental groups such as the Sugar Pine Foundation where I can continue to apply my background in equestrian, as well as conservation and environment.