SCOTT MITCHELL - DIRECTOR / INSTRUCTOR

Southern Snowriders is owned and operated by Scott Mitchell, who has been working in the snow industry for over 15 years. He has an intense passion for snowboarding with a wealth of knowledge from teaching snowsports in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, France, Switzerland and Japan.

Scott's experience and qualifications are extensive. For more than a decade he has worked within various aspects of the snow industry including : snowboard instruction, backcountry guiding, snowcat operations, oversnow transport, hospitality and management. He holds instructor certification with the NZSIA, APSI and ISIA, avalanche certifications through NZMSC and AAI, and first aid training with the Red Cross, St. John's and Medic First Aid.

With years of local knowledge in the New Zealand mountains, Scott knows the area well. He can choose the perfect terrain to take your snowboarding to the next level, guide you safely through the backcountry, help you stomp that trick or show you that powder stash that nobody has found yet!

"After travelling the world in the search for powder, we know what is important in creating a memorable snowriding experience and we would like to share it with you. We look forward to riding our favourite locations in the Southern Alps with you this winter."

"Whether the snow is awesome or average, Greg and Scott know where the goods are and get you there fast – it’s amazing! Not a minute wasted just up into the mountains for the best tracks in the Southern Alps on any given day. Thanks for the best run of my entire life today – Motatapu Chute #2 with 30cms of fresh – sublime! Thanks for another great year – we will be back next year with even more crew – your friendship, hospitality and advice are priceless.”
David, Adelaide, South Australia.

GREG MICHAT - STAFF TRAINER / INSTRUCTOR

Greg is a valued member of the SSR team who has been teaching snowboarding for the last 15 seasons in New Zealand, Canada and the United States. "It all started back in 75 when I was a wee lad, just out of home, with my first face plant. As soon as that cold air hit my face, I knew it was true love. Yep, ma had locked me out in the cold. I figured I might as well enjoy it and follow my calling to hit the mountains."

The impressive range of qualifications he has earned includes: NZSIA Snowboard Examiner & Trainer, AASI Freestyle Accreditation, SFRITO Assessor, ISIA member and NZSIA Level 1 Telemark. He also holds a National Cetificate in Snow Sports and Back Country Awareness. Previous positions he has held includes: Whistler Blackcomb - staff trainer, Steamboat Springs - staff trainer, Cardrona - snowboard instructor program, Rainbow Ski Area - head snowboard instructor, as well as an extensive amount of alpine transport experience.

Over the years Greg has discovered his true joy lies in sharing his love for the snow industry through different disciplines. Whether he's chasing perfect pow on the board or tele's, spending a day hiking the pipe, or showing someone that he has just met how to turn, he is always rewarded with a special feeling of accomplishment. The love will never die for this truly hooked snowrider!

"I thought the snow couldn’t get much better, I was wrong! These guys are awesome. Friendship, hospitality, and a welcome feeling made our trip even better. The advice Greg and Scott give is priceless, which I shall continue into my snowboarding future. Couldn’t have been any better.
Love your work. ”
Brenton, Adelaide, South Australia.