Mountain Mates

Blizzard Academy's diverse squad, known as our Mountain Mates”, are our friends and trusted allies. They possess unique knowledge and skills, embodying Blizzard Academy's attitude towards life and the mountains. We hope you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to ride and learn from them as we are.

  • KYLE BOYS Lead Guide / Director  CAA Ops 2 / CAA  Professional Member / CSGA 2 / Anwarter Snowboard Instructor (Austria) / WFA 80 hrs.     Kyle, a carpenter turned snow Frother and professional guide, has an extensive international background in snow

    Kyle Boys

    Lead Guide / Director

    CAA Ops 2 / CAA Professional Member / CSGA 2 with Touring Mod 1 / WFA 80 hrs.

    Kyle, a carpenter turned snow Frother and professional guide, has an extensive international background in snow-related activities. He worked as a snowboard instructor in Austria for two seasons and served as a Heli, Cat, touring guide and AST1 instructor for Hokkaido Backcountry Club in Japan for four winters. In Australia, he gained experience as a backcountry guide for Thredbo Guides and Alpine Access Australia, where he also worked as an AST1 instructor for five seasons.

    Kyle has shared his knowledge with Mountain Safety Collective since 2019 and has been a forecaster since 2022. He is working towards the CSGA 3 in Canada to become a supervising guide. He recently worked for Skeena Cat Skiing and Backcountry Snowcats and is a lead guide at Big Red Cats. Kyle's diverse experience and ongoing commitment showcase his passion for snow and dedication to professional growth in backcountry guiding and snow safety.

    For more info: Linktree

  • CRAIG SHEPPARD CAA Ops 3 / CAA Professional Member / WFA 80hrs / CSIA 2   Meet Australia's most highly qualified snow safety professional, a true mountain legend who exudes happiness in the alpine environment. His depth of knowledge and expertise is

    Dylan Robinson

    CAA Ops 1 / Filmmaker/Photojournalist / WFA (80 hrs)

    Dylan comes from a mainstream media background with a passion for storytelling that he now combines with his love for the mountains and skiing. Having been media/marketing guru for the past few seasons at Hotham Alpine Resort and Whitewater Ski Resort in BC, Dylan understands the importance of backcountry awareness and enjoys documenting what happens inbounds and out of bounds.

    As an ambassador for Arc’teryx and Mountain Safety Collective he is constantly searching for ways to grow and share backcountry knowledge and explore the amazing terrain within Australia and across the globe.

    He is currently working towards the CSGA 1. With his charm and camera in hand he is sure to capture your happiness in the mountains.

  • CRAIG SHEPPARD CAA Ops 3 / CAA Professional Member / WFA 80hrs / CSIA 2   Meet Australia's most highly qualified snow safety professional, a true mountain legend who exudes happiness in the alpine environment. His depth of knowledge and expertise is

    Craig Sheppard

    CAA Ops 3 / CAA Professional Member / WFA 80hrs / CSIA 2

    Meet Australia's most highly qualified snow safety professional, a true mountain legend who exudes happiness in the alpine environment. His depth of knowledge and expertise is truly exceptional.

    As the President and lead forecaster of MSC, Craig's significant contribution during his time at Lake Louise speaks volumes about his skills: risk assessment, risk management, and adept management of a team of six avalanche technicians. With the responsibility for the safety of over 300,000 skiers each winter, his outstanding leadership showcases unwavering dedication and competence.

    This is off the back of Heli-ski guiding, and 14 years as a course instructor for the CAA. It’s always a pleasure to be with Craig in the mountains.

  • KYLE BOYS Lead Guide / Director  CAA Ops 2 / CAA  Professional Member / CSGA 2 / Anwarter Snowboard Instructor (Austria) / WFA 80 hrs.     Kyle, a carpenter turned snow Frother and professional guide, has an extensive international background in snow

    Drew Jolowicz

    CAA Ops 1

    Hailing from Bright in Victoria’s North-East, Drew has spent his entire life based in the region where he and his family call Hotham home in the winter months.

    A passionate free skier with a particular interest in the backcountry this passion has taken him all over the world in pursuit of skin tracks less travelled.

    He is an ambassador for Arc’teryx, Hotham Alpine Resort and Mountain Safety Collective/field observer. He loves exploring the Victorian Backcountry and venturing up onto the NSW Main Range whenever the opportunity arises. Drew is a strong advocate for the promotion of safe backcountry travel. In recent years he has expanded his skillset and is always looking to increase his knowledge in this field.

    A life in the mountains is where he feels the most at home and he looks forward to sharing the stoke for the backcountry with everyone!

  • KYLE BOYS Lead Guide / Director  CAA Ops 2 / CAA  Professional Member / CSGA 2 / Anwarter Snowboard Instructor (Austria) / WFA 80 hrs.     Kyle, a carpenter turned snow Frother and professional guide, has an extensive international background in snow

    Bailey Kupferschmid

    CAA Ops 2 / CAA Avalanche Practitioner / Non-urban emergency medical care (80hrs)

    Bailey is from Quesnel BC, Canada and has been an avid skier since the age of 7.

    When not skiing she enjoys exploring the mountains rock-climbing and hiking. Bailey has been a member of the Panorama Pro Patrol for six years and is currently working as an avalanche forecaster.

    Bailey has also worked in Australia for mount Hotham pro patrol, and for the back country travel and avalanche bulletin provided by Mountain Safety Collective. She is also a new member of Columbia Valley Search and Rescue.

    Her love and knowledge of the mountains are contagious, and spending time with her is sure to ignite a similar passion in you.