Global Skiing

In this episode, I chat with Olympian Erik Schlopy about all things skiing—from gear setup to what most people are missing in their carving. We also get into his coaching philosophy, how he's helping his own son progress, and some great drills you can try to build better balance and control on snow.It's a deeper, more refined conversation than our last one, and there's heaps of gold in here for anyone serious about improving their skiing.

In this episode, I sit down with four-time Olympian Emma Carrick-Anderson for a powerful conversation about skiing, parenting, and coaching at the elite level. Emma shares how her philosophy has shifted from the traditional, form-focused training she experienced as an athlete to a more exploratory, feel-based approach—one that she and her husband, Phil Smith, used to raise their children who are now knocking on the door of the World Cup circuit.We talk about: • Why developing feel and versatility on the mountain trumps chasing a perfect-looking turn • How Emma's Olympic background shapes her parenting and coaching • Equipment insights, including the flatter vs. supportive footbed debate • Practical takeaways for parents, coaches, and everyday skiersWhether you're raising young skiers, coaching others, or simply looking to improve your own skiing, Emma's experience and insight offer something valuable.Links Mentioned: • Previous episode with Phil Smith – https://youtu.be/-7xcCHbiEcA?si=UaAzgJhLtuFalmH7 • Follow the boys at Team Carrick-Smith on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teamcarricksmith?igsh=MTZqOTdlZ2ZrZ3Vzaw== • Learn more at Big Picture Skiing - https://bigpictureskiing.com/catalogAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I sit down with Phil Smith, founder of Snoworks and one of the most forward-thinking ski coaches in the game.Phil shares a powerful shift in perspective around speed control — moving away from rigid technical cues and instead focusing on the concept of snow displacement. This insight alone can change the way you think about skiing steeps, bumps, and variable snow.We also dive into what it really means to become a versatile all-mountain skier. Phil talks about skiing “open,” embracing the mountain, and moving beyond the narrow lens of measured technique. His philosophy is refreshing, especially for skiers who want to break out of the on-piste mindset and truly explore.Whether you're a coach, instructor, or passionate skier, you'll walk away from this episode with new ideas to experiment with next time you're on snow.Enjoyed this discussion? Check out www.bigpictureskiing.com and join the thousands of other skiers improving their skiing like never before.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Find out more about what's coming in next year's ski boot designs! Tom Gellie chats with boot fitter Brent Amsbury about the trends and innovations he's noticing. And it's more than just adding another BOA adjustment to ski boots.Stay tuned later in the episode for Brent's tips on boot cuffs. He and Tom both emphasize how crucial it is to get the cuff to fit your lower leg properly.If you enjoyed this episode, check out the extensive library of podcast episodes on the Big Picture Skiing Podcast. You can listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgVxParu1F2dJVGrE5Leg) or Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-picture-skiing-podcast/id969434674)Thanks,TomAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is for all the ski coaches and instructors out there, because let's be honest—we all get a huge thrill from seeing our students progress and improve. With that goal in mind, I invited two experts on the topic of task-based learning to help us refine our teaching techniques. John Shedden and Richard Barbour share some incredible wisdom, built on years of experience teaching skiers and coaching others to do the same.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll definitely want to check out the Locked in Shed Podcast with Richard Barbour interviewing John Shedden. It's packed with more insights for ski coaches.Find it on Spotify here:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/369NT9JdpmCcFIvju9J6mpAPPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/locked-in-shed-ski-coaching-podcast/id1518316563For ski coaches—and keen skiers—looking to solve their skiing challenges, check out my online learning platform, Big Picture Skiing.I've created a massive library of videos covering everything from improving your mogul skiing to follow-along body prep workouts, and even setting up your ski boots properly. I share everything I've learned over the years striving to become the best skier I can be, along with insights I've picked up from the industry's smartest minds.Special offer for podcast listeners: Get 25% off any membership using the code PODCAST. Plus, you can try out the platform free for 7 days to see if it's right for you.

In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, three Carv team members – Charlie, lead data scientist; Alex, head of marketing; and John, head of product – reveal how Carv is transforming skiing with real-time feedback technology. From its beginnings as a pressure-sensing insole, Carv has evolved into a powerful device that attaches to ski boots, now able to deliver precise, terrain-specific feedback across groomers, moguls, and powder. Join us as we uncover the technical breakthroughs that made this possible, from sensor fusion to machine learning, and hear each guest's unique perspective on how Carv's innovations bring skiers at all levels closer to mastering their craft. Whether you're a recreational skier or chasing high performance, Carv is reshaping the way we learn and improve on the slopes – making skiing a continuous journey of discovery.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and former Australian demo team member, Demelza Clay, to dive into the often-overlooked topic of inside leg mechanics during carve turns at high edge angles. Demelza shares her recovery journey from an ACL injury, explaining how it forced her to relearn movement patterns and ultimately ski better than ever.We explore how her skiing mechanics shifted post-rehab, particularly the "whipping" sensation she felt in high-edge turns. Video analysis revealed a stance wider than her hips, sparking adjustments in her balance and stability. This led to valuable insights into how the relationship between the inside knee and hip can impact performance.We challenge conventional skiing norms and discuss how experimenting with technique can lead to breakthroughs. The episode wraps with practical drills like crab walks and "in-rigger" exercises to help listeners refine their inside leg movements and improve their overall skiing performance.

In this episode, I sit down with veteran boot fitter and former ski shop owner Lou Rosenfeld to dive into the art of customizing ski boots for the perfect fit. With years of experience, Lou shares expert insights on how the right boot adjustments can significantly enhance your skiing experience.We debunk common misconceptions, like opting for larger boots to relieve pressure points, and explore why starting with a snug fit is key. Lou discusses essential modifications for bunions, toe length discrepancies, and heel spurs, showing how professional adjustments can boost both comfort and performance.From reshaping the forefoot to solving calf issues, Lou explains how custom fitting can transform high-performance boots for any skier. This episode is packed with tips on achieving the perfect ski boot setup for a comfortable day on the slopes.A big thanks to Ski West, Calgary for letting us use their Big Press for the video examples. https://www.skiwest.caWant to see the recording where Lou shows the modifications? Checkout the YouTube version of the podcast here https://youtu.be/VCz5NyVUqKg?si=xJbLnItXdQG7asMx⭐️ Links:-Contact Lou about buying a press or any questions: lou@lous.ca-IAESS https://iaess.org-Big Picture Skiing Merchandise https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com-Big Picture Skiing Boot Fit Guide https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/bps-boot-guide⛷️ 25% off coupon code! Want to Join the most comprehensive ski improvement platform for skiing? Big Picture Skiing? Tom curates all videos to make the learning experience as good as him coaching you in person, but at a fraction of the cost! Improve all types of ski turns making you a master of the whole mountain. And podcast listeners can claim 25% off ANY membership plan using code PODCAST making the annual deal great value and a fraction of the cost of a private lesson. Plus you can utilise the strength and mobility videos in the pre season period and off season to stay mobile and strong.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I speak with Christian Haas, Fischer's product manager, about the complexities of ski design and construction. We explore how material combinations, thickness, and profile shape define a ski's performance, with differences between racing and rental skis. Christian discusses the Fischer RC4 CT ski (a favorite of mine), highlighting its advanced construction for stability and edge grip. We also delve into bending lines and their impact on stiffness and ski responsiveness.Christian emphasizes the companies open mind attitude and passion for innovation. You will hear first hand about Fischer's noise technology, designed to reduce vibrations for smoother skiing at the end of the episode.About Big Picture Skiing and Tom Gellie:Big Picture Skiing is about sharing insights from experts in the ski industry. Helping skiers discover the missing pieces to what will help them realise their best skiing. I share these insights through a free Podcast, YouTube Channel and for those wanting to dive deeper, a video library membership containing hundreds of tutorials and lessons that solve your skiing problems. If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast please consider subscribing to help us continue to talk with other interesting guests. Or take a look at the continually growing Big Picture Skiing website https://bigpictureskiing.com/I can offer podcast listeners 25% off any subscription using the code PODCAST at checkout.“Big Picture Skiing offers a vast and varied video library that is on the one hand so comprehensive in its breadth and depth of information, but on the other surprisingly easy to learn from and retain given Tom and teams exceptional teaching style and well curated videos. I've been a member of the community for a couple of years, and have seen such drastic improvements not only in my own skiiing, but in my fundamental understanding of technique, equipment and tactics in any given terrain. For those who want to improve, have a thirst for knowledge, and quite simply for those who enjoy watching brilliant skiing demonstrations, I can't recommend Big Picture Skiing highly enough.” Andy, New ZealandAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I chat with Sasha Rearick, former World Cup coach of the US ski team and head coach at Apex 2100. We explore Sasha's innovative ecological approach to ski coaching, focusing on how athletes adapt their techniques based on environmental constraints. Sasha shares insights on regional skiing styles, the importance of separating movements like "counter" and "anticipation," and the value of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. This conversation is packed with valuable lessons for both skiers and coaches looking to refine their techniques.We discuss a drill Sasha likes to use called “Evers” Drill named after Andy Evers. This is a link to an Instagram video of that drill performed by AJ Ginnis https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8kpKbfoTIH/?igsh=MXczdTNnZDM3cXkweQ==CHAPTERS:00:00:00 introduction00:02:11 What is the ecological approach to learning?00:11:15 Degrees of freedom00:18:15 Constraints and tasks for learning00:28:11 The importance of mistakes in learning00:31:35 Overcoming embarrassment 00:37:39 Upper and lower body separation 00:43:24 “Evers” Drill Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, my good friend Demelza Clay takes over the hosting duties to dive into my background and experiences. We kick things off by talking about my shift from ski instructing to studying body movement, inspired by a session with Claudia. This led me to explore structural integration therapy, which I started sharing with ski instructors, and it was amazing to see their movements and performance improve.We also chat about how I started sharing content online through videos and how that has evolved over the years. Our conversation touches on the impact of timing and unique educational experiences, like my time at a Steiner school, on shaping our views in the ski industry. It's all about giving you a deeper understanding of how I blend skiing and bodywork.Reflecting on my journey of seeking out-of-the-box learning experiences, we talk about the importance of following your curiosity and exploring different teaching methods. I share how I draw inspiration from various sources and stress the value of collaboration and continuous learning to refine my coaching techniques. Plus, I talk about my plans to create more focused instructional videos and improve my mogul skiing skills, with conversations with industry experts and launching this podcast being key parts of that.We also discuss starting the podcast to share ideas, even though the audio quality was pretty rough at first. It's been a great way to broaden my understanding of the ski industry and appreciate diverse viewpoints. I emphasize the importance of goodwill when approaching others and how the podcast helps spread valuable information. Balancing free content with the need to generate income is a big topic, and I draw inspiration from industry leaders like Carve and those pushing technological boundaries in skiing. We even consider the idea of introducing beginner mogul runs and obstacle courses at resorts to enrich skiing experiences, encouraging skiers to embrace all aspects of skiing with intention and a focus on improvement.Further into the discussion, we explore the benefits of skiing in varied conditions and how it can boost your skills. Mastering diverse techniques like moguls and bumps can really elevate your overall skiing. We stress the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation in skiing, trusting your body, and exploring resources like books and studies on body movement. Topics like footbeds, boot setups, and pattern recognition in skiing highlight the value of a holistic approach to skiing and making informed decisions to optimize performance.00:00:00 Flipping the Chairs00:01:09 A Break from Skiing00:35:31 Shortening Video Content00:38:35 Mogul Skiing Motivation00:41:56 Starting the Podcast00:51:42 The Power of Podcasts and Sharing Ideas00:55:16 Enhancing Coaching with Technology01:01:40 The Evolution of Online Ski Classes01:02:37 The Importance of Mogul Skiing01:06:19 Maximizing Skiing Enjoyment on Any Day01:09:52 Using Legs as Shock Absorbers01:14:10 Uncovering Hidden Insights in Skiing01:16:06 Trusting Your Body in Skiing01:17:27 The Importance of Ski Boot Setup01:19:13 Recognizing Patterns in SkiingLike the Skiing Skeleton cap Tom is wearing? You can get your own here: https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com/Want access to the biggest library of ski technique videos designed to make you a better skier, click here: https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meet Joe Dunn a former ski racer and coach turned Ski Dad and Instructor at Deer Valley Ski resort. In this podcast we learn how Joe made more progress by “watching what the best skiers did” instead of just listening to what people “told him to do”. There are some great insights into high end carving that you may not hear elsewhere and Joe shares these through his own experiences on the slopes.For aspiring skiers and ski racers there are some great technical takeaways you can try when next on snow.For the ski instructors and coaches there are a few important lessons around language and the words we use when coaching.Joe and I hope you find this chat ignites a fire of curiosity around your skiing and the way you coach skiing.You can checkout Joe's YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@skidadtvLike the Skiing Skeleton cap Tom is wearing? You can get your own here: https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com/Want access to the biggest library of ski technique videos designed to make you a better skier, click here: https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

All ski boots have a flex rating but what exactly does this mean for you and your skiing. In this podcast chat with expert boot fitter Brent Amsbury, we find out some important facts about boot flex. - What changing the bolts in the back of the boot does and why it's possibly not the best place to make permanent changes to flex from.- How U cuts have a better impact on the ski boot flex range.- That you should always try and get within the right flex rating to begin with. ie dont buy a stiff boot and expect to soften it considerably. - How a skinny leg vs a thicker leg will alter a boots flex.- A look at an innovative ski boot design from UPZ that takes ideas from snowboarding!If you have enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe to the channel. It helps us bring on great guests whcih in turn helps us all learn more If I have peaked your interest in learning to ski better check out the Big Picture Skiing video library and app. You can get a free video to see what it's all about. Follow this link for your free video

Everyone loves new ski gear. But how do you know what type of ski gear is right for you? This podcast episode will help you be a little more savvy when you go through the process of testing and finding your next pair of skis. Gain insights from experienced gear reviewer Phil Pugliese, Co-founder of SkiTalk. There are some great pieces of advice in this podcast like ensuring you are considering varibales like ski tune and type of binding when you test a ski. If this discussion is helpful please leave a comment below on why.LINKSSkiTalk Website: https://www.skitalk.comSkiTalk Ski Selector: https://www.skitalk.com/forums/product-reviews.120/ski-selectorSkiTalk Binding reviews: https://www.skitalk.com/forums/gear-reviews-and-comparisons.11/

Learn some great tips and advice from Mogul and Free Ride Ski Coach, Ben Chapman. Ben shares some valuable advice on:- setting up your ski boots to be more mogul friendly- pursuing athleticism not only mogul technique- skiing different lines in the bumps- mogul specific training ideas and how to build your own mogul course. Links Ryuji Kywabara the mogul skier we mention https://www.instagram.com/ryujikuwabara?igsh=NGFlemJtdWdwY211Video of Ryuji showing different lines https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0biU3Evz3y/?igsh=aDV6ZDV4cTJrM2kzGuy Hetherington Mogul Tips video on YouTube https://youtu.be/DUlYznYkEyw?si=6dyeKFOl_gmzfG2UYou can learn to ski with me via the Big Picture Skiing app and website. Join the many others finding new skills and enjoyment from self driven learning. 7 day free trial means you can test it out risk free. “This was the season to get better. I joined tom's Big Picture Skiing. I made every turn with purpose and skied 99% of the time in my own. I got people to video me. Result. I had three different Instructors come up to me saying I'm skiing totally different or better. I feel totally different and I'm not done yet!”BPS member, April 2024https://bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Tom Gellie and Lou Rosenfeld in this enlightening episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, where they delve into the intricacies of ski boot selection. Discover why Lou recommends specific boot types, from beginners to seasoned experts, and the surprising benefits of opting for a "race boot." Explore the crucial role angles play in ski boot design, and how they can significantly impact your skiing technique and performance on the slopes. Plus, gain insights into the often-overlooked aspects of kids' ski boot design and the potential pitfalls of excessive ramp angle. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this episode promises valuable insights to elevate your skiing game.Ready to take your skiing skills to new heights? Unlock exclusive online learning resources by subscribing to our YouTube channel! Check out some of our top-notch content for free by clicking the link below:https://bigpictureskiing.com/yt/154-seethebigpictureAnd hey, why not show off your love for skiing with our trendy "Skellie" T-shirt? Grab yours today at:https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com/?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Discover practical methods for finding your ideal boot alignment using everyday items in this episode. Join the conversation between master boot fitter Brent Amsbury from Park City Ski Boot and Tom Gellie of Big Picture Skiing. Gain insights into the BOA system's effectiveness in tightening ski boots – is it a gimmick or here to stay?Explore the Big Picture Skiing Boot Fit Guide for more details: BPS Boot GuideBook a personalized appointment with Brent at Park City Ski Boot

There is a new instructor training and certifying body in Canada. The Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC). The organisation was founded with the goal of starting a fresh when it comes to how ski instructors are trained and certified in Canada. “Can we do things better given the modern world we live in today?”. Find out about what they do differently and how they approach training and certifying instructors.GuestsMark SedgwickJeff MarksGuy HetheringtonLinks:PSIC https://www.psic.pro/⛷️ Improve your skiing intermediate to expert from the comfort of your home https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Erik Schlopy was at one stage one of the best Giant Slalom Ski racers in the world. In this episode:Find out what sort of equipment modifications and tuning he would do to compete at this levelTop 3 drills Erik believes will help any competent skier up their gameHis thoughts on the Olympic Winter GamesHow his namesake drill has been misunderstood and what it really is meant forplus much moreThis episode was one I recorded a few years ago but the quality wasn't great as it was impromptu. I recently cleaned up the audio for a better listening experience. I think you'll come away inspired to tinker with your boots and bindings and want to get to work on some of the drills recommended.LINKS:

You may not know this but your ski poles are probably too long. Unless you are a beginner or race GS and Slalom, a long pole gets in the way of your skiing. In this discussion between Tom Gellie and Paul Lorenz discover insights into a topic that is not really talked about. We think you will ski away with a lot more knowledge on pole planting technique and how to choose the right length pole for you. ⭐️If you are interested in the Play Adjustable poles mentioned in this podcast you can visit:⛷️ https://www.playsnowsports.com/shop

Zipfit make custom ski boot liners using the most premium materials available. Skiers report that using these liners creates greater comfort, enhanced performance and a liner that often outlasts the ski boot shell! It is not unheard of for Ski patrollers to put over 1000 days in their Zipfit liners. The question is “Do I need a zipfit liner in my ski boots?”

There is a pattern amongst world champions where many of them have set goals early on in life. A statement to a teacher, a note written down in a special book or a video claiming they want to win a gold medal at the olympics. In this episode you will meet Ava Keenan, 13 year old mogul skier with some outstanding results already and a mindset that I believe will take her to her goal. You should listen to this podcast episode because it reminds us about setting goals and that it takes time and work to achieve them. You should also listen because we get into some really interesting mogul technique talk. You may even pick up some tips from this incredible you lady. If You want to help support Ava then follow her on Instagram @ava.keenan and check out her webpage https://www.avakeenan.com/If you are an intermediate to expert skier ooking for tutorials and resources to improve all aspects of your own skiing we invite you over to https://bigpictureskiing.com/ for a free 7 day trial and see what our technical lessons and Big Picture Community can do to help you elevate your skiing. Thanks for listening dont forget to subscribe for notifications of future podcast episodes. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the latest episode of the Big Picture Skiing podcast, we dive into the world of Carv, an app that combines cutting-edge technology with ski coaching. Carve measures various aspects of your skiing, analyzes the data, and provides feedback to help you improve your technique. We explore the intriguing topic of how skiers learn and improve by hearing from the data science team, one of the co-founders, and the head of marketing and product at Carv. This episode reveals exciting updates for the 2023-24 winter season, including changes to how Carve rewards skiing and a new algorithm that crowns Ted Ligety as the king of the Ski IQ leaderboard. We also delve into how this digital device works with your ski boot and phone. Tune in for a captivating discussion on all this and more in this episode.

In the latest episode of the Big Picture Skiing podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sasha Rearick, former head coach of the U.S. ski team. This episode stands out as one of my favorites this year because Sasha's coaching principles are simple, effective and just make sense. Sasha is very focused on constraints-based learning which you will discover more about in the interview. He makes some great points about how to use this model in your own coaching giving examples from his experience using it. After listening to this episode, I believe you'll feel inspired and gain a clearer sense of purpose when practicing and training to improve your skiing. It's important to note that while skiing should be enjoyable and carefree, if you have a desire to enhance your skills and become a master of the slopes, you won't want to miss our discussion on constraints-based learning and its powerful impact on your improvement.To learn more about Sasha and his International Academy, visit apex2100.org or follow him on Instagram @sasharearick If you're interested in learning from Tom Gellie and his Team at Big Picture Skiing we invite you to visit https://bigpictureskiing.com/ and give it a go FREE for 7 days. Thank you for tuning in to the show, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of ski instruction. Join us as we explore why being a ski instructor is often considered one of the best jobs in the world. Imagine waking up in the mountains, turning your favorite pastime into your profession, and experiencing the joy of helping others while traveling to stunning destinations.In today's episode, we introduce you to Chris, the visionary behind a company dedicated to transforming your dreams of a ski instructor lifestyle into a reality. Chris and his team at Snowminds specialize in securing ski instructor jobs, providing top-notch training, comfortable housing, and a sense of security for those who aspire to make skiing their livelihood.Whether you've always harbored a secret desire to become a ski instructor or you're already part of the industry, this podcast is a must-listen. Discover the essential elements Chris believes you need to succeed when embarking on your ski instructor journey.As your host, I can personally attest to the life-changing benefits of a skiing-centric existence – from building a loving family to forging friendships worldwide and continuously honing my skills in my favorite activity year after year.We hope you enjoy this episode and find inspiration in Chris's insights. For more information about Snowminds and how to connect with Chris and his team, visit https://snowminds.com.Thank you for tuning in!Tom Gelliehttps://bigpictureskiing.comWant a free ski lesson video?https://bigpictureskiing.com/zen/upandoverdrillAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this latest episode of the Big Picture Skiing podcast, we're on a mission to demystify ski edge tuning, proving just how simple and achievable it is for all skiers. Many shy away from DIY tuning, but we're here to change that. Join us as we break down the process into easy steps, applicable to both new and seasoned skis. Our guest, Chris Hillier, world-class ski tuner and owner of Sidecut Tuning, will expertly guide us. These steps are so user-friendly that the required tools fit in a toiletry case, ready for any ski trip. Tune in for actionable insights, pro tips, and a better, safer, and more enjoyable mountain experience!SHOW NOTESThe Big Picture Skiing Travellers Kit (Polishing Kit) Suggested in this podcasthttps://www.sidecut.com/product/KIT_BSC_POL.htmlVideos:How to tune the base edgehttps://youtu.be/wIm95CwvDw0?si=zV-d7mqukKq1fGyRHow to polish the side edgehttps://youtu.be/rtOcbMDlWFo?si=h5Utf1bEgxsq1tjRUsing Diamond Stoneshttps://youtu.be/xuK2zC5DsL4?si=jYeQkerym3KN23EZAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the podcast, fellow ski enthusiasts! Have you ever thought about the folks responsible for those perfectly groomed slopes that make your mornings on the mountain so enjoyable? Today, we're taking a closer look at the world of slope grooming.Imagine this: while you're still waking up, dedicated individuals up on the mountain are working hard to ensure your skiing experience is top-notch. These behind-the-scenes efforts often go unnoticed, but they're essential for creating the canvas we ski on. Let's give credit where it's due!Meet Alina Jackman, a true snow expert. She's not just a groomer driver—she's also a ski coach at Fernie Alpine Resort in Canada. Alina brings a unique perspective from her experience in various resort departments, making her a well-rounded professional. You'll also discover that Alina is living her childhood dream of becoming a mountain groomer! It is always inspiring to hear from people that are living their and fulfilling their dreams.Alina's precision and passion for grooming create an experience that benefits skiers of all levels. Whether you're new to skiing or a seasoned pro, her attention to detail sets the stage for great moments on the mountain. We'll dive into her world and explore how grooming becomes an art that adds joy to your skiing adventure.In this episode, we'll cover:- How to start your journey as a groomer driver- The process of turning snow into smooth slopes- Dealing with challenging snow conditions- Exciting and nerve-wracking moments behind the wheel- How Alina's background as a ski instructor influences her grooming- The ups and downs of being a groomer- The rewards of this unique craftIf you're a fan of the Big Picture Podcast and want to enhance your skiing skills, consider joining the Big Picture Skiing community. Access a wide range of ski improvement videos on the website: https://bigpictureskiing.com.Listeners to the show can use coupon code PODCAST and get 25% off any subscription. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jason Simpson has been involved in the Canadian Ski Industry for over 30 years in many different roles. Ski Instructor, Instructor trainer, ski school director and training manager. What you will find interesting in this chat with Jason is hearing about some of his mentors along the way and how these mentors helped provide pivotal moments in Jason's career. A great listen for any ski instructors out there wanting to take their profession to the top.If you are interested in joining the Big Picture Skiing Online Academy and have Tom Gellie and Jason Simpson Coach you this winter please click the link to find out more and apply https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/bpsacademyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There is a spectrum of performance within ski boots, from beginner all the way to the elite. In this podcast episode Tom Gellie chats with Brent Amsbury about when is a good time to look at moving up in performance. More aimed at the advanced skier out there who is wondering if a stiffer boot is really going to give them that next edge this episode aims to inform you on plug boots. The topic of supportive vs minimal footbeds is also discussed and pros and cons of both are presented as well as who might benefit from either type of footbed.Tom Gellie runs an online ski school called Big Picture Skiing. He creates content on every aspect of skiing imaginable designed to help you improve your skiing. If some of the topics Tom brings up intrigue you I believe you would find much of the content on www.bigpictureskiing.com helpful in your pursuits of improvement. Whether thats learning to ski or teaching people to ski. Check it out if you are looking for more answers to your ski problems and feel stuck in your progress.Listeners to the show can use coupon code PODCAST and get 25% off any subscription.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did you know not all ski bindings have the same height between heel and toe piece. Some have a higher heel piece than toe and some are flat. This angle is referred to as binding delta and has an impact on your balance and feel of your skis. Find out what this means for your skiing as it could be limiting your ski performance. Not inhibiting you from skiing but possibly leaving something on the table in terms of carving your turns. Lou Rosenfeld helps inform us of the simple method of measuring your binding delta and also how your ski boot length is a factor to this angle. Don't ski blindly on your equipment, find out what angle works best for you. Please leave a comment below if you discover binding delta was a factor in why you liked or disliked a ski. -How to simply measure your binding delta angle. -Difference between brands of binding -Ramp angle vs delta angle-Effect on how the ski tip engages -Effect of ski boot size on delta angle-Stories from Tom and Lou on binding delta.If you are seriously into your skiing then you will find the Big Picture Skiing App and website a great resource for your learning. Designed for skiers from intermediate to full time professional instructors, BPS is a method you can be taught and coached by Tom Gellie. Find out more and try a 7 day free trial at https://bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deb Armstrong and Tom Gellie answer questions from subscribers about skiing and ski improvement.- How to improve if you only ski 1-2 weeks a year?- Ski selection. What skis are best?- If you could only teach 3 things what would they be?- Beliefs you held but no longer do?- The inside knee and foot how important is it?- What informs you?- What do you think of the white pass turn?And more…..Thanks for listening. If you're interested in learning more from Tom you can checkout his page https://www.bigpictureskiing.comUse coupon code PODCAST to take 25% off any subscription. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This podcast chat with the smoothest Carving snowboarder on the plant Ryan Knapton, is a must for all skiers. Why? Because skiing and snowboarding have more similarities than differences IMO and sometimes the best lessons come from a source outside of your usual circle of information. Tune in and hear about Ryan's journey to carving mastery, his discoveries about equipment, seeking knowledge outside of your circle, never letting boundaries get in your way and lots more. Intrigued by what Big Picture Skiing is about? Checkout a FREE in depth video lesson on ankle, knee and hip alignment in skiing. https://bigpictureskiing.com/zen/anklekneehipalignmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tomass Marnics is back again on the podcast to catchup and discuss hip position in skiing. This is his most recent area of focus with his students. The goal being to help them discover the most powerful position to align the pelvis with the foot and the ski. This is interesting as many high level coaches around the world are focused on this very topic but coming at it from slightly different angles. Tomass also introduces us to Nick Abromov from Yeti Ski Coach. An app using Artifical Intelligence to assess a video of your skiing and tell you what to focus on to improve. Tomass is working with Yeti Ski Coach to help develop the prescriptions for the problems identified. This is a fascinating topic as we all know AI is working its way into every industry around the world. It's only a matter of time before it was in the ski world with video. Tune in to find out more.Yeti Coach website https://yeti.coach/Big Picture Skiing website https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the latest Big Picture Skiing Podcast episode Brent Amsbury joins us again to give some ski boot recommendations to those people with narrow or low volume feet. Brent explains that narrow feet are some of the trickiest types of feet to fit well in a pair of ski boots so we wanted to share some advice on what models of boots currently do a good job at solving this issue. Brent also shares his experience of binding ramp angle/delta and how he fixed his ski touring setup from being difficult to make a good turn to super easy. The takeaway from this discussion is to measure your binding ramp angle and find out what angles work best for you! Thanks for listening and apologies for some of the audio I had to do this podcast in my car as the local network was down and I had no internet in my office. Chers Tom Gellie Big Picture SkiingBig Picture Skiing Academy https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/immersion-programsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us in this captivating podcast episode as we sit down with the world-renowned Ted Ligety. Get an exclusive peek into the strategies and refinements he harnessed to dominate the Giant Slalom discipline for several illustrious years. This era coincided with significant changes in FIS regulations, altering ski radius and length to a larger format. Discover the precise adaptations Ted employed to master the new equipment, culminating in his triumphant crowning as the overall champion in the 2012/13 World Cup Ski Racing season.But that's not all – we delve into the post-ski racing chapter of Ted's life. From parenthood to his thriving company, Shred, Ted shares his journey beyond the slopes. Plus, gain insights into his perspective on drills for enhancing your skiing technique. With numerous pearls of wisdom from one of the greatest Giant Slalom skiers in history, you're in for an enlightening experience. Tune in and relish the insights!TimestampsThe switch from Rossignol to Head [00:05:50]The 2012-2013 ski switch and equipment rules [00:07:27]Manipulating ski design to adapt to the new rules [00:10:34]The reverse camber tip [00:10:48]Manipulating the boot flex [00:12:53]Training for ski racing [00:17:20]Timestamp 1 [00:21:44]Timestamp 2 [00:23:20]Timestamp 3 [00:27:43]The Calve Camp and Using Carve as a Tool [00:34:34]Starting Shred, the Goggle and Protection Company [00:35:55]Creating Innovative Lens Technology with MIT [00:38:44]Drills and Technique [00:43:47]Javelin Turns [00:44:58]Flat Terrain Drills [00:46:00]If you're a fan of the Big Picture Podcast and want to enhance your skiing skills, consider joining the Big Picture Skiing community. Access a wide range of ski improvement videos on the website: https://bigpictureskiing.com.Listeners to the show can use coupon code PODCAST and get 25% off any subscription.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What does it take to be one of the best gliders in the world? You will find out on the latest episode with 4x Olympian and former WC athlete Manny Osbourne-Paradis. I got to sit down with him in Quebec recently and chat about his amazing signed WC athlete helmet collection with the likes of Marcel Hirscher and Michaela Shiffrin, as well as recently completing his Level 4 Canadian Ski Instructor Certificate. Manny is an entertaining guy, has a lot of wisdom to share and I think you will enjoy tuning in to this conversation. Toms online learning site: www.bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most skiers don't take care of their own equipment. But learning how to, and why it will make a big difference to your enjoyment of skiing, is what this podcast is aimed at helping you discover. Tune in to find out that most brand new skis don't come setup ideally for your specific sort of skiing goals. In fact Chris Hiller from Sidecut tuning says they probably ski 5/10 in their potential. So why not learn how to make them 10/10 skis and transform your skiing into being safer and more enjoyable. Sidecut are very focused on education first and foremost. I believe it is the best content out there for tuning your skis. You can find out more free ski tuning content on the sidecut tuning YouTube channel and lots more on their resource rich website.SIDECUT: https://www.sidecut.comYouTube page: https://youtube.com/@sidecuttuningTom's website: https://bigpictureskiing.com/catalogAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meet Demelza Clay. Heli ski guide, level 4 examiner, former demo team member, race coach, training manager and surf coach. This lady has lived and continues to live a fulfilled and high achieving life in the outdoor industry. You will hear some great advice, tips and ways in which you can also carve a path for yourself in the ski industry. A motivating and inspiring discussion we hope this one gives you some good ideas before we hit the new year 2023!If you're interested in joining the Big Picture Skiing Online academy and be coached by Tom, Sam and Demelza the link to apply and find out more is: https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/immersion-programsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Packed full of useful takeaways for skiers wanting to get into mogul skiing, improve mogul skiing or coach mogul skiing. This is one episode you don't want to miss. Tom chats with elite level mogul coach Stephen Fearing and draws out some very useful tips, techniques and tactics for people wanting to be better mogul skiers.Thanks for listening to the show if you like it please subscribe and leave a review.BIG PICTURE SKIINGAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this chat with design and brand manager Jeff Colt we get into the interesting topic of ski boot liners and how that component of your boot fit can truely make a difference to your comfort and performance on snow. Jeff gives us some history on the company and the man Sven Coomer who designed not only the zipfit liner range but was an integral part of the development of ski boots as a whole. Right from the transition from leather boots to the first plastic ones. Sven is about to be inducted in the Ski and Snowboard hall of fame for good reason. If you are serious about your skiing discover more about how the fit and function of your liners could lead to your next best day on skis.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jimmy Krupka is a US Ski team athlete with his sights set on being North American Champion this season. In this interview you will discover some interesting insights from this top level skiing athlete.- Favourite drills as a junior ski racer- Growing up at a school where skiing is a big focus- Getting forward all the time in skiing- What he's learnt from starting his own podcast interviewing other elite ski racers.- Experimenting with ski boot setup.and MORE!!!Follow Jimmy on Instagram he's a funny guy and a talented skier @jimmy_who_Check out www.bigpictureskiing.com or look up the app in the app stores for all your ski technique needs.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why would a surf coach be on a skiing podcast? Tune in and find out why understanding the mechanics of how other sports work and tips and tricks to fine tuning the learning process will make your skiing better. Meet Clayton Nienaber a surfboard shaper, surf coach and former professional surfer. Clayton is a master of teaching through analogy and of helping students understand the many aspects of the sport that are key to making progress. I love how he breaks down learning into distinct subjects of focus:The oceanThe mindThe bodyThe equipmentI think all skiers will appreciate the messages and takeaways from this chat as seeing things in a new way is often how we uncover breakthroughs.EnjoyTom GellieBig Picture SkiingBig Picture SkiingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Tom and Brent Amsbury catchup and discuss:A recent trend Brent is noticing of ski boot plastics returning to PU. It is a sign that skiers dont want to sacrifice the downhill performance and feel just for lighter weight.Brents new set of wooden lasts Handcrafted in Europe that allow him to get a much more organic fit with a narrow ski boot from the get go. Meeting Hubert who fits many World Cup skiers and hearing about the interesting modifications he can do for elite athletes. Ski boot liners and modifying them to get comfort and performance.Thanks for listening https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dave Dodge is the founder of Dodge Ski Boots and builds custom ski boots out of Carbon Fiber. Carbon fiber is a fascinating material with many great properties. Dave helps cast some light on what exactly a carbon fiber ski boot feels and skis like compared to a typical plastic boot.Look out for:the story of how it all beganhow a WC athlete reduced their ranking significantly using Daves bootswhat a dodge ski boot feels like when skiing mogulswhat a dodge ski boot feels like when carvingthe process of fitting a custom dodge ski bootEnjoy and stay tuned for the next episode.Thanks Tom GellieBig Picture SkiiingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast you will meet Sandi Murovec. Sandi is a world class ski coach with accolades such as coaching WC champion Tina Maze. Sandi has a straight forward approach to teaching skiing and believes very strongly in several fundamental elements that all skiers should have in order to ski well. We discuss these elements as well as how he would use them to coach a hypothetical demo team from scratch. Some of the really interesting things to listen out for in this episode are:Being clear on what a certain coaching cues mean when you are coaching a team. He has a great story about the Slovenian WC team to back this up. Using the ankles and developing the ankles in skiing.Accuracy and intention with ski drills.Coaching WC champion Tina Maze.Sandi's fundamentals of skiing.I hope you enjoy this episode and as always get something useful to takeaway and use in your own skiing or coaching. This is why I do these podcasts. To continue developing my skills as a skier and a coach. If you have any feedback its always welcome and can be sent to info@bigpictrueskiing.comThanks Tom Gelliehttps://bigpictureskiing.com/A new philosophy on delivering ski education. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing podcast Tom and Sam chat with Johnny Davidson. Johnny just retired from coaching the Norwegian Alpine Ski team for a number of years. Not every day do you get the chance to hear from a coach working at the highest level in skiing. So sit back and relax and soak it up.Johnny is very humble and keeps coaching very simple. That's far easier said than done and often not what occurs when coaching any sport. Whether you are a coach or instructor, and athlete or just an avid skier there is something in here for you to think about and ponder.If you're interested in joining one of the online coaching programs from Big Picture Skiing click the link to find out more. https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/immersion-programs

Meet Henrik Bjursten a cardiac surgeon. Henrik has come up with a new design for the ski boot liner that appreciates the functional anatomy of the midfoot whilst inside a ski boot. The idea came after his daughter asked him one day “Dad why do my toes get cold when they are inside such a thick boot?” Learn more about Henrik's process and design theory that looks promising in terms of allowing the major artery and nerve supplying blood to our toes to function un-inhibited. Every human foot is a little different and keeping feet warm in a cold environment has many factors. But as you will find out having arterial blood flow to the forefoot is a very big factor in this common problem.

Jacob Perkins is a 28-year-old speed skier who recently placed in the 2022 FIS World Cup. Did you know that speed skiing was eliminated from the Olympics after 1992? However it has a high likelihood of returning in the 2026 games and Jacob is on a mission to see that happen. He relies heavily on his background in manufacturing and engineering for innovation in the sport of Speed Skiing where not only the athlete, but equipment can be a deciding factor of winning and losing. This episode is an interesting dive into what speed skiers do in order to reach such high speeds but also stay safe when you are sliding at over 150km/h!Thanks for listening and be sure to check out Big Picture Skiing for video tutorials, lessons, webinars and other “how to's” for your skiing

Most of us don't take the time to consider what goes into designing, testing and manufacturing the ski boots we put on our feet. There are so many factors to consider so I thought it would be interesting to chat with Christoph Lenz from Fischer about this topic. What you may find interesting in this podcast:- How a change in brand made a huge difference to Christoph's ski racing results. - That some of the best WC skiers using Fischer are not in super stiff boots but rather prefer to be more dynamic and get that from some of Fischer's proprietary plastics. - Properties of the Vacuum plastic Fischer uses. - Costs involved to create a new boot.- How the rail or lug of the ski boot changes the feel of your skiing. I found our talk really enlightening and enjoyed learning some of the finer details behind designing a ski boot. Let us know what you thought and if there was anything that stood out for you from this discussion. Thanks Tom GellieDon't forget to check out www.bigpictureskiing.com for lessons, tutorials, tech talks, equipment know how and more.

Sam and Tom chat with Ski Racer Jack Adams about his life growing up skiing at Thredbo and now competing in Europe aiming to make it into the top 250 in the world. This is a very challenging task so we hope you find it interesting to learn what a skier at this level is focused on in terms of technique and tactics. It ties in really well with the previous podcast with Paul Epstein for some context. In this episode:Tuning skis by hand or machine?Being coached by Paul Lorenz at an early age.The breakthrough of going deeper with his racing line.Jack's top technical focuses. Favourite drills.What he would coach young races about knowing what he knows now. Enjoy and thanks for listening.

Ski boots are not comfortable pieces of equipment. They can be made to be more comfortable but for the majority of people this takes time and ideally the best pair of boots to begin with. This podcast looks at some of the history of ski boot fitting and how the search to reduce pain in the everyday skier lead to dynamic performance potentially being compromised. There was a point in history where one solution to the pain skiers would experience going from leather into plastic boots was to build a motion inhibiting, foot stabilising footbed or orthotic device. This podcast is a discussion between master boot fitter Brent Amsbury and skier Tom Gellie on the topic of ideal boot setup processes and concepts. One side of the conversation centres on a static model of how the foot and ski interacts (hold it stable and dont let it move) vs a dynamic model of foot/boot/ski interface where the foot has a little more motion available to allow the joints to move and the body's structure to be loaded through the muscles tendons and ligaments. Almost akin to how minimalist shoes have seen people rebuild foot strength and arch support through their own musculoskeletal system. The goal of the podcast conversation was to bring light to two sides of the coin so people can make their own decisions as to what road they would like to go down with their ski boot setup. No right or wrong way just different outcomes.