Meet The Team
Nickie Mabey
Role: CEO and Founder
Nationality: British
With four generations of family skiers behind her it’s no surprise Nickie’s parents had skis on her feet as soon as she could walk. And with that kind of heritage she was destined to find her calling on the slopes.
Founding Mabey Ski was a dream 15 years in the making for Nickie ― time she spent acquiring the knowledge and experience she’d need, working ski seasons across the globe exploring new cultures, organising large-scale corporate events, and creating bespoke itineraries for ski and luxury travel agencies.
Nickie is ‘hands on’ when it comes to Mabey Ski adventures too, scouting out small backcountry lodges, dreaming up new ideas with guides and gathering insider tips from partners that make guests feel like locals.
When she isn’t in the backcountry in search of fresh tracks, you’ll find her swimming in the local lakes, hiking trails, or falling off her mountain bike.
Favourite ski experience: There are a few, but I’ll narrow it down to two. Skiing waist-deep powder with a local guide in Rusutsu, Japan, where we skied fresh lines all day long and finished with a dip in a mountainside onsen (hot spring). And more recently an overnight basecamp in BC’s backcountry where we built a snow table, cooked a gourmet BBQ and watched the sun set behind our campsite ― one of my favourite ski trips since living in Whistler.
Favourite piece of gear: My Osprey 30L pack ― it’s super comfy in the backcountry, and I always ride with it in resort too as it has a hydration reservoir with an insulated pocket to stop it from freezing. Lots of pockets for snacks and duct tape too.
Favourite après-ski drink and snack: You can’t beat a Caesar from Dusty’s in Whistler (Creekside). As far as snacks go, a plate of gyozas dipped in soy, vinegar and ginger.
What’s on your bucket list: To ski all 7 continents. So far I’ve skied in North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Next, I want to ski tour in Chile and Peru and experience the local culture ― donkeys can even take your skis up to the alpine whilst you hike up. Then I’m aiming to ski in Antarctica in November 2023.
Rosie Gosling
Role: Head of Adventures
Location: London, UK
Nationality: British
Joining Mabey Ski as Head of Adventures was the perfect way to combine Rosie’s passion for backcountry skiing with her experience in marketing and delivering the best experiences for guests. Her previous roles have been in sports marketing, focussing on partnerships, hospitality and sustainability. Rosie has always been a keen skier and loves planning an adventure that takes her off the beaten track, away from the crowds and pushes her physically. She lives in London with her cocker spaniel, Bramble, and escapes to the sea, countryside or mountains most weekends. She is always on the lookout for her next challenge.
Ski experience: Rosie’s passion for skiing stemmed from family ski holidays from an early age. She began to ski off piste when she did a season in Meribel in 2008 and since then, she has taken every opportunity to head to the snow in search of adventures on her skis and to explore untouched backcountry. She loves nothing more than clipping in to her touring skis to take on a summit or two, before floating down fresh powder and ending up in a remote mountain hut to recount tales of the day over a cold beer. Her recent adventures have included a heli bump, tour and glacier camping trip from Whistler, exploring the stunning fjords and summits of the Norwegian Lyngen Alps, and a hut-to-hut tour off the back of Crans Montana.
Favourite ski experience: This has to be when I combined my two favourite things: skiing and sailing, on a trip in the Lyngen Alps from Tromso, Norway. We sailed down the beautiful Norwegian fjords before skinning up to the summit of Vanntinden on Vannøya. I love the climbs, both for the challenge and the ever improving views, and this one did not disappoint. We made it to the summit in time for a spectacular sunset before skiing down in the fading light. When we got back to the boat, we soothed our muscles with a quick dip in the sea followed by a warming reindeer stew and a glass of red wine. And then the northern lights came out to play. Heaven.
Favourite piece of gear: My RAB down jacket. I bought it to go trekking in Nepal many years ago and I’ve never been so grateful for its warmth. It now squeezes into my backpack for every ski tour and keeps me warm for every summit transition.
Favourite après-ski drink and snack: An Aperol spritz in the sunshine listening to some good après tunes. And if I’m peckish, I go for some chips and mayo, or a freshly made crepe with chocolate and Grand Marnier.
What’s on your bucket list: Top of the list has to be experiencing JAPOW. I would love to do a tour into the crater of one of the Japanese volcanoes. I’ve also been wanting to do the Haute Route for a while.
Phoebe Barnes
Role: Adventure Designer
Location: London, UK
Nationality: British
Phoebe is an Adventure Designer at Mabey Ski and really enjoys providing our clients with unique and unforgettable experiences. Following from school and university Phoebe has constantly been chasing her passion of travel and sport and is excited to be working in the ski industry. She previously working for a company who chartered a cruise ship for the Rugby World Cup 2023, delivering excellent customer experience and getting to know what is needed to plan and operate a major sporting event. At weekends if she is not out on a run or bike ride, she will be indulging in London’s culinary scene as she is always looking to seek out new and exciting dining experiences.
Ski experience: Phoebe’s love of skiing and snowboarding started whilst on family holidays as a child. In 2019, she headed out to Meribel for the typical chalet girl season, work hard, play hard and ski hard! Since then, her skiing has been a mix of university ski trips and family holidays to the Alps. She hasn’t missed a season for several years!
Favourite ski experience: There are just so many, however, one that sticks out for me is attempting pond skimming while in Les Arcs, France. Pond skimming involves racing down the mountain and attempting to cross a pool of water on either your skis or snowboard. Located just above the après bar, it is definitely one of the best spectator sports, watching all levels of skiers giving it a go. There are always loud cheers when someone made it over the other side and even louder laughs when they fell in the cold water. It is a fine line, if you are too fast you might lose control. Too slow and you might not make it to the other side. The only tip is to lean back!
Favourite piece of gear: I just love my boots! My fitted ski boots fit like a glove, allowing me to have better control, make better turns and drastically improving my skiing.
Favourite après-ski drink and snack: For me nothing beats finishing a long day with a cold beer
What’s on your bucket list: I am desperate to ski Norway’s mountains and coastal fjords, and seeing the Northern lights would be a bucket list moment.
Mateo Abascal
Role: Ski Instructor/Guide and Concierge
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Nationality: Argentine / Canadian
Born and raised in the Argentine Patagonia, Mateo grew up skiing and hiking in the Andes Mountains. After moving to Canada and completing his studies at the University of Toronto, Mateo became obsessed with outdoor travel and exploration, visiting over 50 countries, hiking and skiing anywhere a slope presented itself. His unique world perspective, upbeat demeanour, and can-do attitude along with his profound ski talent made him the ideal winter hospitality host.
Favourite ski experience: How do I narrow this down to one!? Skiing with friends is always memorable. Ripping through chest deep pow for 2 months straight in Hokkaido’s 2018 winter. Being up at Temple Basin (hike in resort) when a storm hit and they decide to run the rope tows at night. Helping a client beat their fear and fall in love with the sport. The list goes on!
Favourite piece of gear: My thirst-aid flask.
Favourite après-ski drink and snack: Can’t beat a beer and a bowl of ramen after a big day of touring.
What’s on your bucket list: I’ve started exploring the Andes of Argentina and I’d like to do some skiing at altitude there. Heli-skiing in Canada is the obvious answer though.
Laurie Almond
Role: Ski Instructor/Guide and Concierge
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Nationality: British
Qualifications: BASI Level 2 Instructor, Level 3 Teach, Level 3 Mountain Safety, Race Coach and Mogul Coach. Junior GB Skier Cross Coach and Slalom Race Coach.
From a young age Laurie has always been in pursuit of a new experience, in search for a moment that could be etched in his mind. Brought up in Manchester, but with Europe at his doorstep, he quickly became a highly trained instructor, race coach and host. His dedication to the snowsports service industry has brought Laurie around the world, giving him a chance to experience a variety of different cultures and personalities. Laurie is an expert in curating unforgettable experiences and building meaningful connections.
Favourite ski experience: In January 2017 I was standing on top of the infamous super ridge of Niseko, Japan. It was a pristinely cold night with a constant blanket of snow falling, gifting us with unlimited refills. To my left ‘Rocky’, a Shiba Husky, buried to his neck beaming with joy. To my right a group of winter enthusiasts carefully planning how they’ll make their mark on the white canvas of super ridge. Head torches on, we all in one beautiful moment set off into the floodlit night. A choir of ‘woo hoos’ and ‘send its’ spill down the mountain, as champagne powder bellows silently over our heads.
Favourite piece of gear: Duct tape. This may seem like a bit of a boring answer, however duct tape has been a life saver through the years. Fixing, strapping, patching ― you name it ― duct tape can fix it.
Favourite après-ski drink and snack: A hip flask of Ron Zacapa, a 23yr old Guatemalan rum. It warms the spirit and keeps the fear at bay. My favourite mountain snack is a Nigiri, a sweet tofu wrapped block of rice. Sugar, protein and carbohydrates all in one bite.
What’s on your bucket list: Next on the bucket list is to visit Patagonia. Endless wild landscapes, paths untrodden by the masses, towering snow-capped mountains and turquoise glacial lakes. Let’s goooooo!
