Meet the Snowwater staff.
We all work closely at the lodge to create an environment you will warmly remember for a long time to come. Our clients continually tell us that the experience at Snowwater is beyond comparison. We sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay with us.
JOHN PREMIER
Red-Seal Executive Chef
Returning to Snowwater again for his third winter season in a row, John couldn't be happier. As an avid snowboarder, his ‘dream’ job allows him to chef creatively in our mountain-top kitchen, and to ride untracked powder on his days off. Raised on the west coast British Columbia, John believes in using foods that are grain-fed, free range, organic, non-GMO and locally grown whenever possible. We are very pleased to have John back for another season of delicious dining.
CHRIS ORR
Red Seal Chef
Chris was born and raised on a farm on the west coast of B.C. where he first came into contact with all of the amazing food ingredients found in and around his local community.
After completing VCC's culinary arts program, he began working in some of the finest restaurants in Vancouver. Chris was very fortunate to train under and with many of the brightest chefs in the industry. Taking this experience and knowledge, Chris decided set out to experience more of this beautiful province. Starting with fishing lodges and resorts eventually finding his way into the heli ski industry, where he has worked for a number of years up north.
Chris looks forward to combining a world-class skiing experience with great food, wine and lots of laughs.
ALEX REID
Bartender, Lodge manager.
Alex was a superb addition to our lodge scene last winter, and we are thrilled to have him back again this season. Born in New Zealand, he was raised in Kelowna, BC. As a professional cocktail barman, he introduced a new level of drinking sophistication to Snowwater. Having managed the bar at various cactus clubs around BC, as well as being trained in England, and working in Europe for the prestigious Descent Club, he brings much more than just bartending. His energy and humour are relentless and you can count on him to make sure your every need is met. He is also an avid skier and pro-golfer.
BECKY KOZNEKOF
Hostess
Becky is new to the team this year, having worked extensively in the service industry from fine dining to bartending, she is thrilled to bring her broad experience to Snowwater. Born and raised in the kootenays, she is excited to return home for this winter season. When not studying or working, she can be found exploring our beloved mountains or other continents in search of new people and places.
JAIME BEAUPRE
Hostess
Jamie is new to us this winter. An avid outdoors person, she has experience in ski patrol, first aid, sport aid – support tensor wrapping, swim coaching and even fork lift operation!
Originally from Victoria, BC, she has extensive serving experience. We are looking forward to having her with us, once she returns from her kayaking trip in the Baha just before winter!
TARA HEFFERERN
Hostess
An avid snowboarder and mountain bike enthusiast, Tara joins us for her first season this winter. She has a professional, friendly manner, and a desire to work in a place where she can help create lasting memories. Educated in Resort and Hotel. Management, she will be a perfect fit to our Snowwater family.
LISA VOIGT
Office Manager and dispatcher
Lisa returns to us again as an integral part of our team. For the last four years she has stood fast in the office, handling everything from dispatch, reservations, retail, rentals, and just about anything else that is ever thrown her way. She is also a great skier so you may see out in the powder form time to time. On top of that, she is a professional horse trainer and lives in Ymir with her husband Andrew, their dog Blackie, her horse and a cat.
TESSA FRANCIS
Guest Services and dispatcher
Tessa Francis, AKA Julia (as in Roberts) is returning for her third season in the office doing dispatch and guest services. Her pleasant, calm, demeanor makes her perfect for the job when things get hectic. You can’t ruffle this girl’s feathers. Far too educated for the position, she works here for skiing – like the rest of us. If you’re lucky, you’ll share the slopes with her one day. She lives with her new husband in Nelson.
TARA HUNTER
Guest Services
Tara grew up in Ontario but has lived out west since 1998. She learned to batik, do tile & glass mosaic and glaze pottery all in Nelson. She has 2 children and is absolutely in love with her surroundings and this snowy backyard we have in the winter. She enjoys working at our office meeting people from around the world who are so passionate about the 'pow' in our neck of the woods.
GALENA PAL
Massage Therapist
A true Kootenay girl, she has grown up in the mountains here in beautiful Nelson B.C.
With 7 years experience as a certified massage therapist and spa owner, she is well known in the community for her healing hands and killer deep tissue massage. Studying all around the world, she is a graduate of the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage, the Canadian Institute Of Palliative Care, as well as certified in Thai and Ayurvedic Yoga Massage. In addition to her extensive massage therapy background Galena, is an avid snowboarder/skier and loves the outdoors and big powder days at Snowwater!
EMILY FLEMMING
Massage Therapist
Emily is new to us this year at Snowwater, but not without many attributes that we are excited to have her share with us. She has worked as a massage therapist at both heli ski lodges and golf courses, as well as provided the morning stretching routine for eager, tight-muscled skiers and riders. In addition, she was raised in the Kootenays and holds a diploma in music, and ‘the word’ is, she can sing and play guitar with the best of them. Be sure to book your massages in advance to ensure you get the spot you want on your trip.
SIMON RAITS
Snowcat driver and mechanic/maintenance man
Simon has been driving and maintaining our snowcats for the last 9 years. As our main mechanic at both Snowwater and Valhalla, he is an indispensable commodity to our businesses. He can fix just about anything that breaks down and has recently started school to become an electrician. He’s also about as nice a guy as you could ever want to meet. We hope he never leaves!
Copyright © Snowwater 2009
