The Ski Podcast

We find out about a new overnight train service to Switzerland and Italy, as well as a new campaign to promote the repair of snowsports clothing, rather than replacement.We also hear about a new initiative to bring newcomers into the sport, plus we have the latest updates from Australia and NZ and news of award recognition for The Ski Podcast.Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Heather Davies from the Re-Action Collective and Mark Smith (‘The Man in Seat 61'), the UK's leading train travel expert.------------ Les 2 Alpes sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we will be finding out more about the resort's long seven-month ski season, the great activities on offer there in summer, and some of the people who live and work there and make Les 2 Alpes such a fantastic destination.------------SHOW NOTESHeather was last on the show in Episode 255 (1:15) Mark Smith was previously on the show in Episode 231 (2:00) Guy Beatson reported from Whakapapa in NZ (4:15) Miss Snowitall, Rachael Oakes-Ash, was at the Shaun White Snow League in Cardrona, NZ (5:45) The Ski Podcast is a finalist in the ‘Best Broadcast Programme' category for the 2026 Travel Media Awards and also a finalist in the ‘Best Travel & Adventure' category at the Independent Podcast Awards (10:15) Tord Nilson from Snowsport Industries of GB discusses the ‘Grassroots Growth Grant' (11:00) Listen to Iain's interview with the ‘Man in Seat 61' in Episode 231 (17:15) What does seat61.com cover? (17:45) Mark recently travelled on the inaugural service by European Sleeper, linking Brussels and Milan (19:00) Route and timings (19:30) Taking the classic Gotthard Tunnel (21:45) Overnight sleeping options & costs (23:00) What is a couchette? (25:00) Why the train doesn't stop in Zurich (29:45) All of the details of the new service are available at seat61.com Andermatt is the best connection - just 15 minutes from Göschenen (30:30) The value of an Interrail pass (31:00) Will we see direct trains from the UK to Switzerland or competitors to Eurostar? (33:30) Find out more about the Re-Action Collective in Episode 255 (38:15) Heather's White Paper calls for outdoor brands to embrace decentralised repair (39:45) Measures could include subsidised incentive schemes, VAT and business rates reductions (45:30) Many of these ideas already exist in France (45:45) Re-Action Collective is full of specialists in repair (47:15) Listen to Iain's interview with ‘Repair Claire' at Montane (48:00) We featured Arcteryx in Episode 218 (48:15) How to extend the life of your ski kit (48:30) Watch Iain and Al discuss ‘The Best Skis for 2027' (53:00)FeedbackI love getting feedback from listeners. You can let us know what you thought by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or you can drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.Fiona: “The award nomination is Well deserved. I always love listening to your episodes!”HenrySkier: “This podcast is ALWAYS a good listen. Looking to indulging and listening later today.”You can catch up with all 328 episodes of The Ski Podcast at theskipodcast.com - have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do: Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify Save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST27' when you book at intersportrent.com. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

We review the Best Skis for the new 2027 winter season, covering the best piste skis, best all mountain skis and freeride skis. Host Iain Martin was joined by The Ski Podcast's equipment expert Al Morgan and Frazer Shand from Profeet Ski Boot Lab.Les 2 Alpes sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we will be finding out more about the resort's long seven-month ski season, the great activities on offer there in summer, and some of the people who live and work there and make Les 2 Alpes such a fantastic destination.This special equipment episode has been made possible by the Profeet Ski Boot Lab.Go to www.theskipodcast.com or our YouTube channel to see graphics of all of these skis. SHOW NOTESIain and Al will be at the London Snow Show in October (2:15)Listen to Iain's interview with Tim Wall (4:00)Best Skis of 2027 means the best skis of winter 2026/27 (4:30)What are the different types of skis (6:00)What is a ‘rocker? (8:15)Listen to Iain's Zag Skis special episode (10:45)What is meant by ‘side cut'? (12:00)How long should your skis be? (15:15)Is sustainability still important in ski production? (19:45)Listen to Iain's interview with Jono from Ronin Skis (21:45)When and where did testing take place? (24:00)SIGB is the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (24:30)Testing women's skis (29:15)How much do bindings cost? (31:45)The Best Piste Skis – reviews (33:30)Profeet will be stocking the Atomic Volant 7000 this winter (38:00)The Best All Mountain Skis – reviews (42:00)Zag Mata (44:00)The Best Freeride Skis – reviews (54:45)Listen to Iain's interview with Bode Miller (49:45)Free tickets to the London Snow Show (1:03:30)Snowblades – good or bad? (1:05:00)REVIEWS: THE BEST PISTE SKIS OF WINTER 2027Salomon S/Max No 12 (35:00)£690 including bindingsLengths: 150, 155, 160, 165, 170cmRadius: 14.0m @ 160cmDimensions: 120-72-105mm“A smooth ski, and a lot of fun and will be great choice for intermediates as well as advanced-level skiers.”Rossignol Hero MT TI C.A.M. (37:00)£700 including the NX bindingsLengths: 154, 162, 170, 178, 184cmRadius: 14.0m @ 170cmDimensions: 128-73-111mm“I was gobsmacked as to how good it is. Great in shorts and longs, with a sublimely smooth and damped ride. Easy to initiate turns, yet you can go full guns blazing.”REVIEWS: THE BEST ALL MOUNTAIN SKIS OF WINTER 2027Faction Dancer 89 Ti (45:15)£629 without bindingsLengths: 153, 159, 166, 173, 179, 185cmRadius: 18.0m @ 179cmDimensions: 126-89-115mm“For an advanced skier, this is phenomenal. It provides confident purchase through the edge, with plenty of stability when skiing hard and the terrain is skied out.”Armada AntiMatter 92 W (47:00)£600 without bindingsLengths: 156, 164, 172cmRadius: 16.5m @ 164cmDimensions: 130-92-116mm“A ski that can comfortably handle pretty much any conditions thrown at it.”K2 Mindbender 88 (50:150)£595 without bindingsLengths: 164, 170, 176, 182cmRadius: 17.0m @ 182cmmDimensions: 129-88-113mm“Ridiculously smooth and doesn't chatter or try to lay flat. Truly fabulous, although the graphic won't be to everyone's taste.”REVIEWS: THE BEST FREERIDE SKIS OF WINTER 2027Dynastar M-Pro 98 W (55:15)£625 without bindingsLengths: 154, 162, 170, 178cmRadius: 16.0m @ 170cmDimensions: 133-99-123mm“Just one of those skis that felt addictive to ski and constantly made you want another run. Who wouldn't want that ski?”Blizzard Canvas 100 (58:00)£560 without bindingsLengths: 162, 168, 174, 180, 186cmRadius: 17.5m @ 180cmDimensions: 132-100-120mm   “I love this ski. Despite the lack of metal, it is damp, provides a smooth flex and ride, and has enough power for giving it some beans. It's also easy to use at lower speeds and surprisingly nimble in tighter terrain.”FEEDBACK (1:04:00)You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or you can drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.Louise Cotter: “Episode 325 was a story of pure determination and fabulous listen!”Yousef: “Top ski podcast that gives you a smell of the mountains. I've been enjoying listening to it this summer and looking forward to the winter.”Max Martin: "Great snow sports news. Just the best ski and snow sports podcast going. Always listen to these and learn something new. Interviews and reports from all over the world."anon: “I've listened to every podcast now and enjoyed them all. Looking forward to the driving to the Alps which you mentioned, as it will be my first time driving there with an EV.”There are 327 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do: Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify Save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST27' when you book at com. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

Today we discuss the BBC's cancellation of ‘Ski Sunday', find out SnowWorld's network of European indoor snow centres and discover more about one of the important institutions of UK skiing: the Ski Club of Great Britain.Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Katy Ellis, General Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain and Wim Hubrechtson, CEO of SnowWorld, and down the line by Chemmy Alcott and Freddy, Zak and Luca Carrick-Smith.——— Les 2 Alpes sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we will be finding out more about the resort's long seven-month ski season, the great activities on offer there in summer, and some of the people who live and work there and make Les 2 Alpes such a fantastic destination. ———SHOW NOTESLes 2 Alpes is going to be title sponsor of The Ski Podcast this winter (0:30)Iain and Katy were at the industry event ‘Ski Launch' (1:30) The BBC announced  that they are not renewing ‘Ski Sunday' (6:15) Chemmy Alcott spoke with Iain about how she found out and her plans are now (7:45) The Ski Podcast sponsors Zak, Freddy and Luca Carrick Smith (13:30) They recently scored a unique family clean sweep at the NZ National Champs (13:45) Zak Carrick Smith will be at the London Snow Show this year (15:45) Secure your free tickets for the London Snow Show here (16:00) Use this link ‘SSLSATPOD100OFF‘ for free Saturday entry to the London Snow Show Use this link ‘SSLSUNPOD100OFF‘ for free Sunday entry to the London Snow Show Iain founded Natives in 1999 (18:30) Katy's first job after ski seasons was with the Ski Club (19:30) She then moved on to Ski Solutions (21:00) Katy became ‘Head of Holidays' at the Ski Club in 2022 (22:00) This year in 2026, she became General Manager (23:00) The Ski Club's Freshtracks programme covers over 60 resorts (23:30) Ski Club reps (25:00) In Episode 212, Lou Cameron Hall shared her experience of doing the reps course (28:30) SnowWorld operates in 11 sites across 5 countries (33:00) There are 2.2m Dutch and Belgian skiers (36:00) Laadgraaf is 650m long (39:30) The Snow Centre merged with SnowWorld (39:00)        The SnowWorld slopes are very popular with race teams in summer (40:30) SnowWorld's sustainability goals (42:15) EV slope groomers (45:00)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or you can drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.Olek Pitsul “Episode 324 was great! As an apprentice at Snow Camp, it was fantastic to hear about our work and impact highlighted here. Thanks for a brilliant feature, Iain!”Louise Cotter liked Episode 323: “Very insightful. For anyone even slightly interested in skiing, I highly recommend The Ski Podcast. It is highly addictive and super informative.” isaben enjoyed Episode 314 about Zag Skis: “I love ZAG - I have a pair of Slap 92's and Harfangs and can't get enough of either of them!”Ben Wharfe:” I've been a long-time listener to The Ski Podcast and often listen to episodes with my son James, he is 15 and just starting year 11 to complete his GCSEs.” There are now 326 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with: just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest. 

In today's special episode we meet Andrzej Bargiel, the first person to ski Everest without oxygen.In September 2025, Andrzej went viral, after Red Bull released footage of him summitting and then skiing down Everest – the world's highest peak – without any extra oxygen. To put his achievement into context, around 7500 people have summited Everest, but fewer than 200 have managed to do it without supplementary oxygen – and absolutely none of them have skied back down as well. We discuss Andrzej's journey from a tough childhood in Poland, via first skimo racing, and then high mountain adventures, to how he became the only person to ski K2 from the summit and then the only person to summit and ski Everest without supplementary oxygen. Andrzej spoke in his natives language of Polish, so in this conversation, you'll hear his words translated by an actor.SHOW NOTESWatch the full 30-minute version of Andrzej's historic descent (0:30) If you are really pushed for time, you could watch the one minute version   Andrzej is the ninth of 11 children (2:45) Swapping table tennis bats for skis (2:45) Getting into ski touring (4:15) The ‘Hic Sunt Leones' (‘Here are lions') project (6:00) Learning to function with little oxygen (7:30) Attitudes to risk (8:30) Previous attempts on Everest in 2019 and 2021 Why September? (11:00) Reaching the summit (14:00) Negotiating the Khumbu icefall (16:45) Equipment for Everest (18:30) Everest, K2 and Nanga Parbat - which was the hardest to climb and the hardest to ski? (19:45)FEEDBACKYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or you can drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp, where I release exclusive material ahead of each episode there. Look in the Show Notes for those links.Matt Hayes: “Thank you for the content over the summer, some truly inspiring interviews. Also, for the free ticket for the snow show. We got so much out of it last year and booked our hotel as soon as the dates came out, so the free ticket certainly helps.” Colin Tierney: “Episode 323 was very interesting: disabled skiers impress me so much.” Jake Roskoe: “I really enjoyed Episode 235, when you spoke with Nancy Shiel from Big Sky Resort in Montana”There are now 325 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to.If you enjoyed this episode of The Ski Podcast (which took around 10 hours to produce!), you are welcome to buy me a coffee too at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

We learn how a new retreat in Chamonix is creating opportunities for inner city young people, find out what's going on at this year's Northern Snow Show and we have the latest snow news from Australia and New Zealand. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Laura Marriot-Clarke, founder of the Chamonix company, Girl Powder Mountain Retreats and Morv Bett, Head of Snowsports and Futures at Snow Camp, and down the line by Matt Robinson, Head of Events at Snow Centre Manchester, Rachael Oakes-Ash from snowsbest.com and Guy Beatson in Whakapapa, NZ. SHOW NOTESFind out more about the AJ Bell Three Valley Rally (3:30)Rachael Oakes-Ash from snowsbest.com is the ski expert on Australia & New Zealand (3:45) Guy Beatson is based at Whakapapa in New Zealand (6:00) Episode 312 is a special interview with Rachael (7:30) Iain spoke with Matt Robinson about the Northern Snow Show (7:45) Book a Premium Ticket for the show (10:00) The London Snow Show takes place at Olympia on 17 and 18 October (12:45)Take this link for your FREE Saturday tickets to the London Snow Show Take this link for your FREE Sunday tickets to the London Snow Show Snow Camp featured on the podcast most recently in Episode 249 (14:00) Iain fundraised for Snow Camp in 2025, visiting all five of the UK's indoor snow centres in a single day (14:15) Amirra Blackwood discussed her journey in Episode 249, working for Ellis Brigham and SCGB (18:00) Girl Powder Mountain Retreats are based in Chamonix (20:00) The Snow Camp ‘Impact Retreat' in Chamonix (24:45) Dates and Costs of the ‘Impact Retreat' and how to book (30:00) Snowcamp was included in the list of Top SME Apprenticeship Employers in the country (31:30) Snowheads is a great online snowsports community (33:00)FeedbackYou can let us know your feedback by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or send an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp, where we release exclusive material ahead of each episode there. Layne: “Just listened to Episode 322 - interesting as always”russ e: “Really enjoyed the interview with Stu Brass. I went on a few of trips with the chaps from the Snowboarding forum from which SCUK was born.”  ster: “I must take exception with Rob in Episode 318 who stated that the ‘main resort' in the Aosta valley is Courmayeur” There are now 324 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest. 

We find out about the increasing options available for disabled skiers and snowboarders, plus we look at the results of a new survey full of revelations, including the increasing role of AI in choosing holidays and some controversial views on fondue!We also have a special update from New Zealand from Team Carrick Smith and news on summer in La Plagne. Iain was joined in the studio by Virginia Anderson, CEO at Disability Snowsport UK and Simon McIntyre, Managing Director at Iglu Ski.SHOW NOTESSimon was last on the show in Episode 217 (1:00) Iain skied the last day of the season in Chamonix in May (3:00) The Ski Podcast sponsors Zak, Freddy and Luca Carrick Smith (3:30) They are currently based in Roundhill in New Zealand The summer ski areas in both Zermatt and Saas Fee have closed (5:50) The ice tunnel that leads from the Aiguille du Midi out to the arete closed last week  Iain reported from Les Arcs in summer in Episode 254 (7:00) Jen runs the website ‘That's La Plagne' (7:15) Barriers to skiing for disabled people (12:30) The new DSUK Hub at The Snow Centre Manchester (14:00) Recruiting and training adaptive instructors (15:00) Listen to Iain's interview with paraplegic snow groomer Antoine Motillon in Episode 15 (18:30) What does a genuinely accessible ski resort look like? (20:00) What can resorts do to make a difference (21:30) Standout resorts doing a good job (22:45) In Episode 303, Alice Sainsbury from ‘un/para/ld' on improving outdoor clothing for disabled people (25:00) Iglu helps raise funds for DSUK (27:00) Read the Iglu Ski Survey (30:30) 5% go long-haul (so USA, Canada, Japan) with most in Europe (31:30) There's been a big jump in people using AI to research ski holidays (32:30) 20% of people book ‘at the last minute' (35:00) 7% see their carbon footprint as being the most important factor in choosing how they travel (36:00) Find out more about train travel at skiflightfree.orgois (37:00) Apres-ski - clubbing at altitude v a hot tub and a sunny terrace (38:30) Toffee vodka v. Aperol spritz v. vin chaud v. beer v. wine (39:30) Tartiflette beats fondue (41:00)FeedbackYou can let us know what you've enjoyed this week or ideas for future features by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or you  can drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.Ed Hopkins: “Such a good idea” [Soberski in Episode 322] Colin Tierney: “Maybe it's due to the age I started skiing but I never drink on a skiing holiday. I'd rather be safe on my skis as I would be with driving, so no alcohol the night before.”Louise Cotter: "The knowledge I am gaining for listening to your podcast is phenomenal. I absolutely love Benjamin Coombes concept of soberski - this holiday sounds incredible. Well done on sharing his journey.”If you do enjoy the podcast, you are welcome to buy me a coffee too at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastThere are now 323 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest. 

We find out about Villards de Lans in the Vercors area of France and discuss alcohol-free ski holidays in Méribel. We also have ski show news and snow reports from Australia, New Zealand and Chile.Host Iain Martin was joined by freelance journalist Katja Gaskell and Soberski founder Ben Coombes. SHOW NOTESKatja was last on the podcast in Episode 308 discussing Sundance Resort (0:45) Rachael Oakes-Ash from snowsbest.com is the ski expert on Australia & New Zealand (4:00) Guy Beatson is based at Whakapapa in New Zealand (9:00) Episode 312 is a special interview with Rachael (10:30) Portillo has had epic snowfall (10:45) Bartek Tyrpa from the pro-team at Carv reported from Valle Nevado in Chile (11:00) The Northern Snow Show takes place 03-04 October at The Snow Centre Manchester (12:30) Where is the Vercors? (13:30) The main ski area is Villards de Lans / Correncon en Vercors (14:45) Tony Parker is VERY famous in France It's excellent for cross country skiing (20:00) Le Clarient is a self-sufficient restaurant (22:00) Soberski offers alcohol free ski holidays (24:00) Ben on why he quit alcohol (25:45) Why are skiing and drinking are so closely linked? (27:30) Starting Soberski (29:15) Soberski's 2027 trip details (24:00) Katja reported on ice swimming in Samoens in Episode 166 (34:30)  The increase in alcohol-free options in bars (39:30)FeedbackIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.  Louise Cotter: “The night train ride [Episode 320] sounds like a lot of fun: my travel wish list is getting out of control thanks to The Ski Podcast.”Fiona Harvey-Jordan: “Fantastic episode as always!” There are now 322 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with at www.theskipodcast.com – have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to. If you do enjoy the podcast and you want to help out you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

In the sixth of our ‘Chamonix Stories', we find out what it's like to fall into a crevasse on the Vallée Blanche (don't worry, this story has a happy ending!)Host Iain Martin speaks with freelance journalist Sam Haddad, about her first descent of the famous off-piste route – the Vallée Blanche. SHOW NOTESListen to our special episode about Chamonix (0:30)Sam Haddad runs the Substack ‘Climate and Board Sports' Sam was last on the podcast in Episode 251 (1:00) She spent a season in Chamonix in 2000 (2:00) She was on the Envers du Plan route (2:15) Jamie and the Magic Torch (3:15) Falling in to the crevasse (4:45) Being found in the crevasse (6:00) Being lifted out (6:30) Having to keep snowboarding (7:30) Getting a helicopter back to resort (9:00) Doing the Vallée Blanche again (9:45)FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode you can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp. Simon Burgess: “Really enjoyed Episode 319 about Ronin Skis. It's nice to know there are manufacturers aiming for longevity not just another sale.”Colin Tierney: “I'm off to Landgraaf in November to enjoy the longer slope indoors and Pila in March…have you got access to my ski calendar?" There are now 321 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find an episode of interest to listen to.If you did enjoy this episode and you'd like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast 

We find out how a Brit got elected onto the Méribel town council, what summer skiing in Les 2 Alpes is like, and look at the Travelski night train to the Alps. We also have snow reports from Australia and New Zealand and the latest news. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching and Richard Lett from Apres Ski Bands. SHOW NOTESRich spoke about apres-ski bands in the Alps in Episode 86 In Episode 180 he shared his insights into how to find a ski job post-Brexit Rachael Oakes-Ash from snowsbest.com is the ski expert on Australia & New Zealand (3:30) Episode 312 is a special interview with Rachael Guy Beatson is based at Whakapapa in New Zealand (5:30) Freeride Skiing will be included in the 2030 Olympics (6:30) Check out the Freeride World Tour channel on YouTube Cody Bramwell switched to the UK in 2021: "To be an Olympian would be the craziest dream ever" (7:30) British Olympians at Milan-Cortina are eligible for a €10000 grant from the IOC (8:30) Qualifying as an instructor (9:30) Summer skiing in Les 2 Alpes (13:00) Cycling around Mont Ventoux with Tip Top Bike Tours (17:00) Skiing on Mont Ventoux (17:30) Daniel Elkan runs the Snowcarbon website (19:00) Find out more about the Travelski Express night train Rich was one of the two first Brits to be elected to the Meribel council (28:00) Rich previously worked for Bladon Lines and the Brown Rock group (29:30) Rich runs Apres Ski Bands (30:45) Rich's ‘commune' is Méribel Les Allues (32:30) Responsibilities of the ‘commune' (32:45) The new mayor of Méribel is Bernard Front (34:00) Getting on the mayoral ticket (34:30) ‘Agissons ensemble, transformons demain': ‘Act together, transform tomorrow' (35:00) In Episode 190 we covered the history of Méribel with David Lindsey (40:45)FeedbackIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.  Colin Tierney: “Great to hear from David Webster in Episode 317. I've used his videos before for Chamonix research.”Robbie Milne: “I went to Aosta and skied in Pila at Christmas and New Year. It's underrated - a great little resort, lovely runs and it's great to see more investment going in there.”If you do enjoy the podcast and you want to help out you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastLouise Cotter: “Binge listening to past episodes of The Ski Podcast has been my favourite way to cool down during the UK heatwave. Jonno from Ronin Skis' commitment to sustainability is exceptionally impressive!”There are now 320 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with at www.theskipodcast.com – have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to. 

In the fifth in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories', we Jonno Jacobs, founder of Ronin Skis – ‘exceptional lightweight touring and freeride skis for those who chart their own path'.Ronin is a passion project for Jonno: every ski is handmade and custom built for its owner, with a lot of thought put into making the skis as sustainable as possible. SHOW NOTESUsing a fridge to make a pair of skis (3:00)Listen to Iain's interview with Tom Greenall on how he became a pisteur (4:00) Where does the Ronin name come from? (4:15) The first order of Ronin Skis (6:00) Jono makes about 75 pairs per year (7:00) Approach to sustainability (7:30) Construction of Ronin Skis (9:45) Flax, not fibreglass (11:30) Learning the art of making skis (13:15) Range and costs (15:00)FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp - I release exclusive material ahead of each episode there. Erik Jan Schutte: “I looked up OAK [Episode 316] and it looks cool. Keep up the good work.”Louise Cotter: “Episode 318 was fabulous. Chemmy Alcott is an inspiration for anybody to listen to.”There are now 319 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find an episode of interest to listen to.If you did enjoy this episode and you'd like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast 

Today we go behind the scenes of the BBC's Olympics coverage with Chemmy Alcott, hearing what it was like to be on location for Lindsey Vonn's awful accident, as well as Dave Ryding's final race, plus we find out about the ski resort of Pila in Italy. We also have the latest from the start of the season Down Under in Australia and New Zealand and updates from GB Snowsport's new generation of alpine racers, Luca, Zak and Freddy Carrick Smith. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by four-time Winter Olympian and BBC Ski Sunday presenter, Chemmy Alcott, as well as freelance journalist, Rob Rees.SHOW NOTESRob was last on the show in in Episode 262 discussing the Skiwelt in Austria (2:00) Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the website snowsbest.com and the expert on Australia and New Zealand skiing (5:00) There has been fresh snow in Australia on Friday 03 July (5:30) Episode 312 is a special interview with Rachael (7:30) Guy Beatson is based in Whakapapa, NZ (8:00) Alex Irwin from the YouTube channel 150 Days of Winter skied last week in Tignes (10:00) Kendra Scurfield reports from Sunshine Village in Canada (12:00) “Too many of us life in our comfort zones” (13:45) Chemmy on Mia Brookes (14:15) Chemmy on Lindsey Vonn and her awful accident (16:30) Will Vonn ever ski again, or even race again? (23:15) Watching GB Snowsport win their first Gold medal (24:30)Dave Ryding's last race…with champagne on ice (25:45)Dave gatecrashing Chemmy's piece to camera? (26:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Dave Ryding in Episode 199 (27:00) Recent FIS elections: Johan Eliasch beaten by Alexander Ospelt (27:15) GB Snowsports' Vicky Gosling election to the FIS council (28:45) Luca Carrick-Smith (29:45) Freddy Carrick-Smith (31:45) Chemmy on what Luca, Zak and Freddy need to do to take it to the next level (32:45) In Episode 311, Katie Bamber discussed Champoluc in the Aosta Valley (35:15) Where is Pila and Aosta? (35:30) Staying in Aosta (36:30) Aosta's Roman history (37:30) Staying in Pila (39:00) Pila's new lift (40:15) Who is Pila suitable for? (42:15) Other resorts in the Aosta Valley (43:00) Which were the first rocker skis? (48:15)Feedback (47:00)You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.Alastair Yule: "Loved listening to Victoria in Episode 309. Gotta have her back with her daughter Mila who has qualified for the Freeride World Tour" Colin Tierney: "Episode 314 about Zag Skis was really interesting.” Neil Landon: "Thoroughly enjoying your podcasts, especially Episode 313 on Chamonix. It's nearly 40 years since I skied there and it brings back fond memories." There are now 318 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. If you'd like to keep your snow fix going over the summer, then just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around and you're bound to find something you'll find something you'll enjoy listening to. If you do enjoy the podcast and you want to help out you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast 

Love snowsports? Then The Ski Podcast is just for you...In almost ten years and over 300 episodes, we have covered skiing on all seven continents, thanks to guests joining host, Iain Martin, to discuss everything from easily accessible family resorts to one-off bucket list treats.So, if you'd like to know more about world of snowsports, going behind the scenes with experts from across the world, why not join us and subscribe now. And even better, you don't even have to wait until our next episode, just go to theskipodcast.com where you can catch up with over 300 episodes today.

In the third in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories', we meet David Webster, better known on YouTube as “ChamonixSkiBum”. David has almost 10,000 subscribers and 1.7 million views on his channel, where he publishes snow reports, reports on his high mountain skiing and more Chamonix valley adventures.

In the third in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories', we meet Emil Wittrup Præstbrogaard, founder of the Oak App. Oak was launched in 2024 to bring together the mountain community, including skiers, climbers, trail runners, mountaineers and more. SHOW NOTESWhat is Oak? (2:00) Like ‘Tinder for the Mountains' (3:15) Emil's background (4:00) Why Emil started the Oak app (7:00) Going live in December 2023 (9:00) Features within the app (10:30) Making booking guides easier (11:00) The LinkedIn for mountain people (12:30) Why ‘Oak'? (13:30)FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.  Nicky Webber: "I really enjoyed listening to Episode 313. Your love of Chamonix is evident."Erin Flynn: "Episode 314 was a great listen! Loved testing Zag skis at the ski test!"  Judy Swens:“I'm spending part of my time off this July in Chamonix and loved your podcast episode about it.”There are now 316 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with at www.theskipodcast.com – have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to.If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast 

In the second in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories', we meet Katy McInnes from the ‘Silent Sessions' project in Chamonix. ‘Silent Sessions' is a unique experience that blends stunning natural locations in Chamonix with mindfulness and dancing.SHOW NOTESKaty is a ‘musician, dancer, restaurant owner and events planner turned yoga teacher' (2:30)She previously ran restaurants in Chamonix (4:00)Mountains and Valleys Retreats (5:00) What is Silent Sessions? (6:00) Sourcing locations for Silent Sessions (7:15) “A cross between a mindfulness session and a rave” (8:30) Dance like no one's watching (11:00) Connecting with nature (11:45)FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp. Louise Cotter: “Episode 312 was a fabulous listen."Susie Burt: “Episode 312 was excellent. Rachael was so interesting and funny to listen to. Keep up the good work."Jeremy Gibbon: “I absolutely LOVED your most recent episode on Chamonix. Thanks for all the time and effort that goes into putting together such an informative podcast. Can't wait for the special interviews with different people from the valley.”Jay: “Great podcast, all year long! Please keep it up”There are now 315 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with at www.theskipodcast.com. If you'd like to keep winter in your mind through the northern summer, then just have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest.If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast 

Episode 314 is the first in our series of Chamonix Stories, today featuring Zag Skis. Iain spoke with head of marketing Alan Lemasson and head of R&D Bastien Saillard from the Chamonix-based freeride ski brand at their Argentiere 'Zag Lab' - where they make and test prototypes. We discuss the origins of Zag, the process of creating and testing new lines, sustainability and plans for the future. Zag has always been one of the most innovative ski brands, full of ideas and enthusiasm and I think that comes across in this interview.SHOW NOTESAlan Lemasson and Bastien Saillard from Zag Skis joined Iain for this interview (1:30)Why Zag test at the 'Zag Lab' in Chamonix (2:00)“Every ZAG model is smashed, thrashed, and put through the wringer” (3:00)The lead time for new models (6:00)Origins of the brand (7:00)Were Zag the first skis with rockers? (8:00)Winning the ISPO award (8:15)Julien Lopez won the Freeride World Tour on Zag Skis in 2009 (8:45)Topsheet designs (9:30)              Planned growth markets (10:30)‘ZAGreen' sustainable construction (11:00)AROC is a the ‘brother of the Mata' (13:00)FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp. Mandy Gourley: "Really interesting and packed with information! I definitely need to return to Chamonix as I've never seen the mural!"David Spendlove: "Great episode. Very informative."Millsy1976: “Loved the interviews with Tony McWilliam and Victoria Jamieson in Episode 309”EmmaintheGlens: “I just spent 6.5 hours binging old episodes of the podcast on my way from Perthshire down to the Manchester Snow Centre. The Erna Low and Bladon Lines episodes were fascinating.”There are over 300 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find something of interest.If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast 

Today we focus on one of the most famous resorts in the world – Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Host Iain Martin talks with Chamonix locals to get behind what makes this resort so special, from history to high mountain, glaciers to guides. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this episode, including Bernadette Tsuda, Brad Carlson, David Webster, Sam Haddad, Sasha Rayazantsev, Benoit Borrell, Sam Morton and Iona Halley, as well as Nathalie Tortora.SHOW NOTESBernadette Tsuda is a heritage guide in Chamonix William Windham and Richard Pococke ‘discover' the Mer de Glace in 1741 (2:00)The statue of de Saussure and Jaques Balmat (5:00)The statue of Michel Paccard (7:40)The mural at Place des Alpes (12:00)Marie Paradis was the first woman to summit Mt Blanc in 1808 (12:30)How to qualify as a mountain guide, with Brad Carlsson (17:30)ENSA is the École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme (19:00) How to become a member of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix (21:30) The ski areas (24:00) The Aiguille du Midi (27:00) Changes to the Vallee Blanche over the years, with David Webster (29:30) Dangers of crevasses, with Sam Haddad (31:00) The kit you need for glacier skiing, with Brad Carlsson (34:00) The Haute Route is a hut-to-hut ski touring route from Chamonix-Zermatt (37:00) The effects of climate change on the Vallee Blanche route (41:00) Visit the Glacorium (41:15) The impact of global warming on guides (41:45) The new Grands Montets lift, with Benoit Borrell (46:00) The Tour de Mont Blanc, with Sam Morton (49:30) Sam runs the Adventure Running Company (50:00) Changes in Chamonix from season workers to ‘daytrippers (51:00) Iona Hally runs Mountain Massage (53:00) Chambre Neuf and Elevation are both popular with locals (54:00FEEDBACKThere are over 300 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find something of interest.If you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastAs well as this special episode, The Ski Podcast is going to run a series of ‘Chamonix Stories', which will feature extended versions of some of the conversations featured here, plus others that I wasn't able to include here. Look out for the first of those – a chat with Chamonix-based brand Zag Skis - coming up next week. 

Today's special episode is an interview with Rachael Oakes-Ash – founder of the Southern Hemisphere's leading snowsports website, Snowsbest.com. Rachael – aka Miss Snow It All – is also a best-selling author, publicist, documentary producer, social media guru and podcaster. In this interview, we speak about her experiences reporting from the Winter Olympics in Italy, raising $200,000 for Snow Aid Australia, her work to promote women in the snow industry and her journey from novice to ski expert.  This episode is the latest in an ongoing series of interviews with high-achieving women in the world of snowsports. Previous episodes in this series have included conversations with Vicky Gosling, CEO of GB Snowsport, BBC Ski Sunday's Chemmy Alcott, the first person to ski the seven summits, Kit DesLauriers, founder of YSE Ski, Fiona Easdale, as well as the Team GB freestyle skiers Zoe Atkin and Kirsty Muir. SHOW NOTESWinter Olympics mention-itis (2:30)Comparing Livigno with Pyeongchang in 2018 (4:30)Empty slopes in Livigno (7:30)Working alongside Team Australia (10:00)Why were Australia so successful at the Winter Olympics? (14:00) Working with Dame Edna Everage (17:00)In 2000 Rachael wrote the book ‘Good Girls Do Swallow' (19:00) Rachael's second book was ‘Anything she can do, I can do better (19:00) Skiing with the prime minister of New Zealand (24:00) Becoming Miss Snow It All (26:00) Starting Snowsbest.com (26:45) Running consumer webinars (30:00) ‘Women of Winter Snow Australia' working group (30:30) Advice for anyone wanting to get into ski journalism (32:30) ‘Snow Aid Australia' (34:00)            Selwyn Snowfield burnt down during the 2020 bushfires (34:30) Snow Travel Expo (37:00) The threat of climate change (38:30) Thredbo and Coronet Peak have added ‘Snowfactory' facilities (39:00) Will ‘Snowtunnel' open at some point? (41:30)  Will Australia see a post-Olympics bump attendance (44:00)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsApp.Mike Greenland: “Listened for years. Always excellent.”You are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastWe have over 300 episodes in our back catalog – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find something of interest.

We find out what it's like heliskiing in Albania, learn about the ski resort of Champoluc in Italy, and hear about the last ski day of the season in Chamonix.We also have snow reports from Cervinia in Italy and Les 2 Alpes and Tignes in France.Host Iain Martin was joined by freelance journalist Katie Bamber and Editor of Snow Magazine, Tris Kennedy. SHOW NOTESKatie previously shared her experience of touring the Alps in a camper van (in Episode 167), the Haute Route (in Episode 172) and Geilo in Norway in Episode 204 (1:30) She recently skied on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in Austria (2:45) Tris skied at Passo Tonale, which stays open until 03 May (4:15) Iain was at the Grands Montets for the closing day party (6:00) Check out the Pond Skim event video (7:00) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (7:45) Floss Cockle from the YouTube channel FreeFloFloss is in Tignes (8:30) Dave Burrows from SnoPros Ski School was in Cervinia (10:30) Samuel Equy & Mathéo Jacquemoud set a new ski FKT for Chamonix to the top of Mont Blanc and back (13:30) You can watch their video here Jaquemoud set a time of of 13h27m49s for the Haute Route earlier in April (14:00) Where is Champoluc? (16:45) What's the ski area like? (19:00) Ski 2 went out of business in 2021 (23:00) Al Morgan reported from the SIGB ski test in Champoluc in Episode 303 (23:30) Tris travelled with Heliski Albania (26:00) Where is Albania? (26:30) Who is Norman Wisdom? (28:00) How to get there? (29:00) Pristina has statues of Tony Blair and Bill Clinton (29:00) Valbona is in the ‘Accursed Mountains' (31:00) You don't (normally) need to jump out of the helicopter (32:00) What's the terrain like? (33:30) Best time to go (35:30) Check Tris's article in National Geographic (37:00)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We're also on WhatsAppAnon (Spotify): "309 was another fabulous episode bringing the mountains ever closer to all of us. Despite living in a ski resort myself [Morgins] I never fail to learn something new about life in my own backyard." Lucy Kings: "I've been an avid listener for some time. I'm particularly interested in your commitment to sustainable travel, championing the female voice and above all I love that The Ski Podcast has highlighted the issues of disability and improving access to skiing for young people by fundraising for Snow Camp." Antonia Simpson: "I was delighted to see Vars and Risoul featured in Episode 310. We've been going to the area for years. It's a massively underrated region and it's brilliant.”There are now 311 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with in our back catalog – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find something of interest to get you through until next winter.You can buy Iain a coffee at BuyMeACoffee.com

Today we find out about the ski resorts of Risoul and Vars in France, report from the Dynastar X3 Triathlon in Courchevel and look at how you can improve your ski mindset. Host Iain Martin was joined by ski mindset coach, Lou Pode, and COO of The Ski Club of Great Britain and organiser of the London Snow Show, James Gambrill.  SHOW NOTESIain recently skied in Verbier (5:30)Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (6:30) Floss Cockle from the YouTube channel FreeFloFloss has been skiing in Val Thorens (7:00) Jen Tsang runs the website ThatsLaPlagne.com (9:30) Iain took part in the Dynastar X3 Triathlon in Courchevel (11:30) Lou learned to ski using the ski évolutif system in Les Arcs (15:00) Listen to Episode 229 for further discussion about female participation in skiing (18:00) Find out about Lou's Ski Mindset Coaching (19:30) Lou can prepare you before their holiday (20:00) How to get there (26:00) Iain skied in Roccaraso, flying out to Naples (26:45) Size of the ski area (28:45) Who is it suitable for (33:00) James has been skiing twice this winter in Risoul and Vars (33:30)The Fashion Show is back at the London Snow Show for 2026 (35:00)There are also plans for to make Sunday a ‘Legends' day (37:30)Find out more about the London Snow Show on their website (40:00) FeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode you can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also join our WhatsApp channel for exclusive material released ahead of the podcastHelen Keast: "I just wanted to say how much I've been enjoying the podcast — I've listened to every episode and look forward to each new one. I especially love the features on different resorts, and I really enjoyed the equipment reviews at the start of the season and the Olympic coverage!" Emily Ruth Givens: "Love the podcast" Colin Tierney: "Gausta is another area in Norway I am looking at didn't realise that was the area heavy water was made."Anna: "Thank you for the podcast! Just discovered and binged it driving across Newfoundland for a ski at Marble Mountain. I love the ski safari idea in Episode 307." Jan Claeren: "Thank you for the podcast - it's great to listen to and to travel with you and your guests"There are now 310 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find something of interest to get you through until next winter.Please do subscribe – it helps other people find us and you'll never miss an episode. If you enjoy the podcast, you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

We visit La Clusaz and find out about local freeride skier Candide Thovex's new range of skis. We also go to Verbier to learn what it was like to become the first woman to work on their ski patrol.We have snow reports from Flaine in France, Via Lattea in Italy and St Anton in Austria, news on the class action lawsuit going on in the States and there's a Team GB update as well. Host Iain Martin was joined by Victoria Jamieson, the first woman to join the Verbier ski patrol, and Tony McWilliam, the founder of Faction Skis and designer of Candide Thovex's new line of skis. ---------Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTESTony McWilliam is the founder of Faction Skis (2:00)Listen to Iain's interview with Tony about his story Simon Burgess reports from Flaine (5:00) James and Sinead from Sauze Online are in the Via Lattea (7:00) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Travel is in St Anton (8:30) A class action lawsuit has been filed against Vail Resorts and Alterra (11:00) Read the excellent analysis by Stuart Winchester from the Storm Skiing Podcast (11:15) Kirsty Muir, Charlotte Bankes & Zoe Atkin won Crystal Globes in Ski Slopestyle, Snowboard Cross and Ski Halfpipe (12:00) Jim Duncombe lives in La Clusaz and was co-founder of The Ski Podcast (12:30) The new black run is named after home town hero Candide Thovex (16:20)Check out Candide on YouTube… (16:30) Candide has said that La Balme taught him everything and shaped his skiing (16:45) Philippine Bories works for the La Clusaz tourist office (18:00) Listen to Iain's previous interview with Tony (22:30) Tony first met Candide when he was 16 and signed him to Faction Skis later (23:30) Faction supplied him with 27 sets of skis for his epic ‘Ski The World'  video (25:00)Tony worked with Candide on his own range of skis (27:00) The design of the top sheets are very minimalist (29:00) Only 100 of the limited edition La Clusaz 101 were made (29:30) The construction of the skis (30:00) Tony now runs Forward Outdoor (32:30) Angelika Kaufmann spoke about her job blasting avalanches in Lech in Episode 270 (33:00) Victoria was the first woman to join the Verbier ski patrol in 2008 (34:00) The exams or qualifications required (37:00) Why blasting avalanches is so important (38:30)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop Iain an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on our WhatsApp channel.andrewdickson: "Great interview with Tim Wall (Episode 299). I love the Ski Lodge and all the bands that have played there over the years. We will be back for our 21st visit next year.” James Rice: "Just downloaded Episode 308 (about Chamonix). Really looking forward to it."Sean Burton: “I just wanted to reiterate how much I enjoy the podcast.I discovered it after my first ski trip in January 2024 and have been listening avidly ever since.”There are now 309 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find something of interest.If you enjoy the podcast, you can always buy Iain a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

We go on a ski touring adventure in Chamonix, staying an unmanned refuge at 3000m, and also take a closer look at some of the most spectacular Alpine refuges in the world. Plus we find out about the ski resort synonymous with Robert Redford – Sundance in Utah.We also learn of a post-Olympic spike in visitors to the UK's snow centres, plus we have snow reports from Madesimo, Gausta and Les 2 Alpes, plus your feedback.--------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTESKatja Gaskell was last on the show in Episode 242 when she reported on Saint Gervais (1:30) Aaron Rolph is founder of the British Adventure Collective (1:45) Aaron skied on the Dome de Miage (4:00) Claire Harrison reported from Madesimo in Italy (5:30)Mike Richards was in Gausta in Norway (6:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (9:00) The new Entry/Exit System EES with the EU will scale up to 100% on 10 April (09:15)Freddy Carrick Smith picked up the silver in the slalom at the Junior World Championships (9:30) Ian Brown, MD of The Snow Centre, reports on a bump in traffic in both Hemel Hempstead & Manchester (10:00)Iain was guided by Brad Carlson on a ski mountaineering 101 trip (14:30)Iain stayed in the Bivouac de l'Envers des Dorées (17:30) Brad was on the podcast in Episode 240 discussing the impact of global warming on the Mer de Glace (18:30) The kit you need for ski mountaineering adventure (20:45) Aaron's bookis ‘Alpine Refuges: The Architecture and Culture of Mountain Shelters' (25:45) What is a bothy in Scotland? (26:45) What is an Alpine refuge? (28:30) Choosing the 30 refuges featured in the book (29:20) The Bivacco Gervasutti is one of Aaron's favourites (31:00) The Hannibal Bivouac (32:00) Aaron has visited around 60 refuges (34:00) Aaron is the founder of the British Adventure Collective (34:30) European refuges v. North America (35:30)Sundance is famous for the film festival (38:00) Films that launched at Sundance include Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project, Get Out and Memento (39:00) Robert Redford bought it in 1968 (39:40) There is a focus on conservation (41:00) Redford felt it should be ‘“developed a little, preserved a lot” (41:30) The skiing (42:00) His ownership meant it developed as a hub for the arts (44:00) Who is Sundance suitable for? (47:00) FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Martyn Crawshaw: “I'm currently skiing in Champery, Switzerland which can be reached by rail direct via a funicular from the mainline station at Aigle”  seanski: "It's such a great podcast and look forward to it every week, I've been particularly inspired by your series on the Tirol, and as I write I'm en route by train to Landeck" Linley Lewis: "Just wanted to drop you a line let you know I greatly enjoyed your Ste Foy episode. Ste Foy has become an annual pilgrimage for my family. It's an absolute gem and I think you summed up its joy perfectly." Claire: "We have just returned from a week in Fugen in the Zillertal after listening to your feature in Episode 272. We were very impressed with the ski area: the efficiency of the transport, range of slopes, wonderful mountain "hutte" and friendly hospitality everywhere. We will be back for sure!"Colin Tierney: “I love skiing in Austria: you could do a different resort every winter without ever having to repeat.”There are now 308 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 187 of those have been listened to in the last week, including interviews with Winter Olympians such as Andrew Musgrave, Eddie The Eagle, Dave Ryding, Graham Bell, both Izzy and Zoe Atkin, Chemmy Alcott, Bode Miller and Kirsty Muir. If you'd like to listen to an interview with an athlete, get some insight on a particular destination, or find out about the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to. If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:    -          follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          save yourself some money by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book using this link

Today we cover three countries: in France, we find out about Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise; we hear about a ski safari across the Dolomites in Italy; and about a ‘ski touring for softies' adventure in Austria.Iain was joined in the studio by Ireland's leading ski specialist, Catherine Murphy and freelance journalist, Simon Miller. ---------Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTESSimon spoke about Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Episode 291 We featured Deer Valley in the podcast in Episode 272 (2:20) Iain reported on his stay in Brides-les-Bains in Episode 306 (3:30) Betony Garner reported from St Gervais (5:45) Jen Tsang runs the website ThatsLaPlagne.com (7:00) Dave Burrows from SnoPros Ski School was in Lélex Crozet, France (8:50) Floss Cockle from the YouTube channel FreeFloFloss reported from Tignes (11:10) Neil Simpson has picked up Silver in the Men's VI combined at the Paralympics (13:00) Zak Carrick-Smith made his World Cup debut in the slalom in Kranjska Gora (13:15) Iain visited Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise by train (14:00) Iain is writing an article about backcountry skiing for Fall Line Magazine (14:15) The British chalet company, Premiere Neige is a Sainte Foy specialist (14:40) Fiona Harvey-Jordan is the founder of Premiere Neige (15:00) Iain's guide in Sainte-Foy was Nicholas Barel (24:00) Rachel Pilkington is the owner of Llama Llama in Sainte Foy (24:20) The backcountry in Sainte-Foy is amazing (27:15) Catherine went on the Specialismo Ski Safari with Inspired Italy (27:45) The route was Ortisei-Val Gardena-Passo San Pellegrino-Civetta-Lagazuoi-Alta Badia-Marmolada-Colfosco-Ortisei (29:00) Italian Rifugio are very different from what some people might think of when they think of refuges (29:45) The Dolomiti Superski pass is included in the Ikon Pass (31:30) Who's it suitable for? (34:15) Simon was ski touring on the ‘Nockberge Trail' in Carinthia, Austria (37:15) Travel was in and out of Graz (37:45) ‘Ski touring as if it was designed by people who dream up aromatherapy marketing material' (38:15) Simon's trip was organised by Trail Angels (38:45) It could be described as ‘ski touring for softies' (41:45)Feedback (46:00) You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.Paul Bond: "Winter Olympics pods were great. Games were fantastic. Great stuff from Team GB with much future promise." Poppy Porteus: "I really want to be an Olympic champ and love listening to your podcast"Nicolas: “Loved your recent episode about cat skiing in Georgia. It brought back great memories of previous cat skiing adventures.”There are now 307 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination, listen to an interview with an athlete or find out about the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to. And don't forget you can save yourself some money on ski hire if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you when you book at intersportrent.com. 

We find out about one of Austria's most famous ski resorts, Kitzbühel, plus go cat skiing in Georgia and consider if Brides-Les-Bains is the way to ski in Les 3 Vallées without breaking the bank.We also have snow reports from Courchevel, Les 2 Alpes and the Via Lattea and an Olympic catch up with Chemmy Alcott.Iain was joined in the studio by Anna Nirkow from Kitzbühel Tourism and freelance journalist Mike ‘The Snow' Richards. SHOW NOTESMike was last on the show in Episode 294, discussing skiing in Pra Loup (1:45) Skiing on Hay Bluff in Wales (4:00) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (5:00) Alex Irwin from YouTube's ‘150 Days of Winter' is in Courchevel (5:45) James and Sinead from Sauze Online are in the Via Lattea (7:15) This year was the 86th edition of the Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel (9:30) Around 80,000 spectators attend across the three days of racing (10:30) Every year there's a slalom race as well (12:30) Dave Ryding won in 2022 (13:30) There's a gondola in Kitzbühel with Ryding's name on it (14:00) You can visit the ‘starthaus' at the top of the Streif (15:45) The ski area has 233km across 90 pistes (16:45) Bergbahn Kitzbühel is a regular winner of ‘World's Best Ski Resort Company' (17:00) The KitzSkiWelt Tour offers 88km of skiing in the world's longest ski safari (18:00) Travel by train to Kitzbühel (20:00) Cross country and ski touring options (20:45) Anna's favourite mountain huts include the Bärenbadalm, Melkalm, Rasmushof, Panorama Alm, Sonnenrast and BichlAlm (22:45) And for apres ski try the Legendencafe and The Londoner (23:15) Emily Sarsfield – Olympian & TNT Sport commentator – joined Iain for our Winter Olympic specials (25:00) Guests included gold medal winners, Huw Nightingale and Charlotte Bankes, as well as Chemmy Alcott, Graham Bell, Ed Leigh, Eddie The Eagle BBC presenter Chemmy Alcott shares her thoughts on the Games (25:30) Zak, Luca and Freddy Carrick-Smith share their thoughts on the future (29:15) An epic trip on a four-day Interrail from Rail Europe (31:00)Iain stayed for the first time in Brides-Les-Bains, connected by the Olympe gondola directly to Meribel (32:00) Mike talked about a trip to Guadari in Georgia in Episode 37 (33:30) Mike booked with the Powder Project (36:00) Bakhmaro is 1900m with cat served skiing up to 2750m (37:00)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Colin Tierney: “The joy of having to work is being able to record the Olympics and fast forward through the bits that don't entertain me and Sweden (Episode303) sounds great.”Richard Baker: “Listening to Episode 305 and I agree that Zoe Atkin may have deserved the silver” If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination, listen to an interview with an athlete or find out about the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to. Don't forget you can save yourself some money on ski hire if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com

In our 10th and final Winter Olympics Special, Emily and Iain celebrate a bronze medal for Zoe Atkin in the Ski Halfpipe, discuss a photo-finish in the Men's Skier Cross and look at the potential legacy from the Games for British snowsports.We also pick our highlights from the Games, with contributions from Rachael Oakes-Ash, Betony Garner and Zak, Luca and Freddy Carrick Smith. SHOW NOTESZoe Atkin won Bronze in the Women's Ski Half Pipe (1:00)This is GB  Snowsports best ever return in a Winter Olympics (3:00)Men's Ski Cross (4:15)The photo finish for silver (7:30)Team GB is one only three countries that don't pay for gold medals (9:30) Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood on the legacy for GB snowsports (10:45) The closing ceremony (13:45) Olympic tattoos (15:00) The highlights of the Games… Rachael Oakes-Ash reported from Livigno for Snowsbest.com in Australia (17:00) Betony Garner was working for Team GB (21:00) Zak, Luca and Freddy Carrick-Smith (25:00) Finally, many of the athletes will be going home now as Olympians and will have memories that will last forever. There's something lese that will last forever – an Olympic rings Tattoo? I think I'm right in saying that you've got one Emily – now tell us, is this something they offer in the Olympic village? FeedbackSo if you enjoyed this episode I would love to know. Just leave us a on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Iain and Emily discuss the Women's Ski Cross, Michaela Shiffrin's dominating performance in the Slalom and a best ever Team GB performance in cross country, plus we look ahead to Zoe Atkin's chances of a medal in the Ski Half Pipe and reflect just how tough Skimo looks!Iain Martin was joined by Olympian and former Team GB Skier X athlete Emily Sarsfield. SHOW NOTESEmily commentates for TNT Sport on Skier Cross (0:30)Silver medallist Fanny Smith could have been winning a medal for Team GB (1:00)Ollie Davies is representing Team GB in the Men's Skier Cross (2:45)Michaela Shiffrin's margin of 1.5 seconds was the largest in Olympic alpine since 1998 (9:00)She is the winningest World Cup skier of all time with 108 wins (9:15)Andrew Musgrave and James Clugnet finished 5th in the Team Sprint Relay – Britain's highest ever finish in cross country (10:00)Is Skimo ‘snow's answer to triathlon' (12:00)Emily Harrop won silver for France, but is another Brit that got away (13:30)The Men's Ski Halfpipe features Gus Kenworthy, who qualified for the final in 9th place (14:00)Zoe Atkin goes for a medal in the Women's Ski Half Pipe on Saturday, having qualified in 1st place (14:15)FeedbackIf you enjoyed this episode I would love to know. Just leave us a on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

We find out about the ski resorts of Isola 2000 in France - combined with a city break in Nice - and Stöten in Sweden.We also learn about ‘un/para/ld' - a new project to improve outdoor clothing for disabled people and we hear how the recent SIGB ski test went with our equipment expert, Al Morgan.Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Ben Nyberg, MD at Ski Scandinavia, and Alice Sainsbury, founder of ‘un/para/ld' ---------Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there.---------SHOW NOTESBen Nyberg was on the show in Episode 221, discussing skiing in Sweden (1:30) Ben skied in Trysil in Norway (4:30) Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy reports Val Gardena (5:00) Jen Tsang from That's La Plagne is in La Plagne (6:40) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (8:20) Huw Nightingale, Charlotte Bankes, Chemmy Alcott, Graham Bell, Ed Leigh, Eddie The Eagle have all featured in our Winter Olympic Special Episodes (10:00) Chapeau to Dave Ryding – listen to Iain's interview with Dave in Episode 199 (10:45) Iain took the night train from Paris to Nice, spent a day in Nice, then went to the ski resort of Isola 2000 (11:45) Incredible views from the train on the Cote d'Azur (12:15) Caterina Prochilo speaks of the long history between Britain and Nice (13:00) After Nice Iain went to Isola 2000 (16:00) Iain was guided by Manon Degli Innocenti to the Tete Merciere (16:30) Ben is MD of Ski Scandinavia (17:00) Norway and Sweden are experiencing a surge in interest from British skiers (18:15) Ben is based in Stoten (19:00) Who's Stoten suitable for? (21:45) The transfer from the airport is only 25 minutes (22:45) Is Sweden more expensive than the Alps? (24:00) Try ‘fika'… (25:00) Alice Sainsbury is founder of 'un/para/ld' (27:30) "The outdoor clothing industry has failed disabled people. It is time for something new." Iain spoke with Heather Davies from the Re-Action Collective in Episode 255 (31:00) Working with Re-Action on a film shoot (33:30) Alice and the 'un/para/ld' project will be at the Paralympic Winter Games (34:00) How can people get support UN/PARA/LD and get involved? (35:15) Al Morgan reports from the annual SIGB (Snowsports Industries of Great Britain) ski test in Champoluc (37:40) Listen to our previous equipment special episodes  FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.Glyn: "I really enjoyed your interview with Tim Wall! (Episode 299) I discovered the Ski Lodge in its first year, stayed in La Tania for the last 27 years, including many full seasons. Got to know Debbie and Tim pretty well - wonderful people and hosts!"There are now 303 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination, listen to an interview with an athlete or find out about the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something of interest to listen to. if you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

In our latest Winter Olympics Special, we discuss Kirsty Muir just missing out on a medal in the Ski Big Air, plus Chemmy Alcott shares her predictions for the Women's Slalom. We also find out what life is like in an Olympic Village, plus we look at the new sport of SkiMo.Host, Iain Martin, was joined by Olympian and former Team GB Skier X athlete Emily Sarsfield. SHOW NOTESKirsty Muir finished 4th in the Ski Big Air (1:00)Why Kirsty opted to go big for her final trick (2:00)“The judges have ranges for tricks. She had already nearly maxed out the available score for trick A and while the score for trick B was high, it wasn't that clean a jump, so had more scope to increase. That trick has scored in the 96/7 range before. Plus on run three she tried to add in a new grab that, had she landed, would have asked serious questions of the judges.” Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty Muir (3:30) #pintrading (5:30) Spare a thought for Atle Lie McGrath (8:00) Chemmy Alcott shares her predictions for the Women's Slalom (8:30) Zoe Atkin is taking place in the Women's ski half pipe (10:30) The SkiMo is a new event, look out for it on Thursday (11:00) Listen to Iain's interview with British SkiMo athlete Iain Innes (11:45) Listen to Iain's interview with Andrew Musgrave (12:00) FeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

In our latest Winter Olympics Special, we discuss the first ever gold medal for Team GB on snow, after the win in the Team Snowboard Cross, plus we review Dave ‘The Rocket' Ryding's final slalom race. Host Iain Martin was joined by Olympian and former Team GB Skier X athlete Emily Sarsfield. SHOW NOTESCharlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale won Gold in the Team Snowboard Cross (2:00)Medals = Funding (5:15)Listen to Iain's interview with GB Snowsport CEO, Vicky Gosling (6:45) Listen to Iain's interview with GB Snowsport Head Coach Pat Sharples (7:30) Billy Major and Dave Ryding finished 16th and 17th in the Men's Slalom (8:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Dave Ryding in Episode 199 (8:30)Kirsty Muir qualified in 4th place for the Women's Ski Big Air (10:15) Mia Brookes failed to qualify for the Snowboard Slopestyle final (11:00)FeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.If you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

We preview Dave Ryding's last Olympics in the Men's Slalom, including an interview with Laurie Taylor, plus look ahead to the Mixed Snowboard Cross with Huw Nightingale and Charlotte Bankes.Host Iain Martin was joined by ex-Olympian and Team GB Skier X athlete Emily Sarsfield for our latest Winter Olympics Special Episode. SHOW NOTESWomen's Snowboard Cross (2:45)The Mixed Snowboard Cross is on Sunday 15 Feb (4:45)Huw Nightingale and Charlotte Bankes spoke with Iain (5:00)Kirsty Muir takes part in the Women's Ski Big Air: qualifiers on Sat, final on Mon (8:30)Mia Brookes is back for the Women's Snowboard Slopestyle: qualifers on Mon, final on Tue (8:45)According to the BBC, a lot of people are finding the drone sound annoying (9:15) Laurie Taylor interview (11:30) Dave Ryding's chances (15:30) The Ski Podcast sponsors the Carrick Smith brothers Zak & Luca's Slalom predictions (17:00)FeedbackYou can contact us via Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com you'll get an extra discount. Take this link for your discount to be automatically applied]

Today's episode is a special interview with Tim Wall, owner of Pub Le Ski Lodge in La Tania in France's Les 3 Vallées ski area. During our conversation Tim shares his experience of running one the most famous bars in Les 3 Vallées for over 30 years. He reveals his favourite apres-ski bands; the annual opportunity to ‘Toss The Boss'; and some of the other businesses that he has run, including La Taiga, Lodge du Village and the Pit Stop. We find out how the La Tania charity day grew from to a massive event, hosted by Radio One's Jo Whiley and the truth behind Tim's appearance on ‘Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares'.SHOW NOTESPub Le Ski Lodge opened in December 1993 (2:30) Tim and Debbie previously worked in Val Morel for Neilson (3:30) Skiing in Valmorel (4:30) Building the Ski Lodge (6:30) Live music at the Ski Lodge, inc ‘Shibboleth' and ‘Wild Turkey' (10:30) ‘Superfly'…and ‘The Feeling' (11:30) ‘Bring Your Sisters' (13:30) ‘Toss the Boss' (14:30) Tim blowing the horn (14:15) Slebs, including Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex  (17:30) La Tania Charity Day (18:45) The move to Meribel Village (21:00) Toffa from latania.co.uk was on the podcast in Episode 95 (22:30) Snow reports (24:15) “Get yourselves out here!” (24:30) Going to the FIFA World Cup (26:30) The Ski Lodge England flag (26:45) ‘The Pit Stop' (28:30) Lodge du Village (29:00) La Taiga (31:00) Hotel Montana (34:00) Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares (35:15) Living in south-west France (41:00) Debbie (41:30)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp.Rob Fogg: “It's great to hear about the Tirol - we are in the process of planning next year's trip to either the Arlberg or Zillertal regions by train and all your episodes have been assisting us greatly.” Jack Harvey: “I visited Sauze last March and loved it. You can get a whole margherita cooked to order at Mavie's in Sansicario for €8 with great views towards the French border. I'd avoid the busy cafe at the top of Cessna/Claviere on your way to Montgenevre though.”There are now 299 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination, listen to an interview with an Olympian or find out about the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something there of interest.  Don't forget, if you're booking ski hire this winter, you can save yourself some money by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com or use this link for that discount to be automatically applied.

We discuss Mia Brookes ballsy attempt at winning a medal in the Snowboard Big Air, whether Lindsey Vonn is in denial and look at Charlotte Bankes' chances of winning a medal in the Snowboard Cross. Host Iain Martin was joined by ex-Olympian and Team GB Skier X athlete Emily Sarsfield for our latest Winter Olympics Special Episode. SHOW NOTESIain skied today in Isola 2000 (1:00)Mia Brookes finished in 4th in the Snowboard Big Air, attempting a backside 1620 (2:15)Listen to Iain's interview with Ed Leigh in #296 to understand the language behind freestyle tricks (2:20)Mia Brookes: “It's not like it's a trick that I could do. I've only ever done it on the airbag and the last time I tried it was five months ago. So that was the first time I've ever tried it on snow. I think everyone will be just as stoked about me trying a 16 than me getting a medal.” Lindsey Vonn has a complex tibia fracture requiring multiple surgeries (4:00)“My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever” (4:00)Makayla Guerke Schofield finished in 18th in the Women's Moguls qualification (6:15)Watch the TNT documentary ‘She Who Dares' (6:45)Charlotte Bankes competes in the Women's Snowboard Cross on Friday (8:30)Interview with Charlotte Bankes (10:00) FeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode  -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today Iain and Emily review Men & Women's Downhill, plus Kirsty Muir's 4th place in the Ski Slopestyle. We have contributions from Chemmy Alcott and Ed Leigh. SHOW NOTESLindsey Vonn broke her leg in the Women's Downhill (1:00)Graham Bell's predictions in Episode 293 were spot on (4:00)BBC's Chemmy Alcott analyses the Men's Downhill (4:40)Iain has been enjoying the split screen feature from Discovery+ (7:15)Kirsty Muir finished 4th in the Women's Ski Slopestyle Ed Leigh on the Women's Snowboard Big Air (11:30)Listen to Ed Leigh in Episode 296Chemmy Alcott on the Opening Ceremony (18:30)Snoop Dogg at the curling If you enjoyed this episode and you want to help the podcast, don't forget that if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com you'll save yourself some money. Simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

BBC's Ed Leigh explains the terms used to describe freestyle tricks, as well as how the judges come up with their scores, in the third of our Winter Olympics special episodes.With Kirsty Muir competing in the final of the Women's Ski Slopestyle tomorrow (Mon 09 Feb) and Mia Brookes taking part in the Women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying today (Sun 08 Feb) and, hopefully, the final tomorrow, there's no better time to get up to date with all the key terms.SHOW NOTESDirection of spin (1:30)Axis of Rotation (2:15)Number of rotations (3:00)Type of grab (5:00)The scoring system in slopestyle (8:45)PAVED = Progression, Amplitude, Variety, Execution, Difficulty (9:15) Listen to our previous Winter Olympic special episodes, including our downhill preview with Graham Bell and exclusive interview with Eddie ‘The Eagle' Edwards. If you enjoyed this episode and want to help the podcast, don't forget that if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com you'll save yourself some money. Simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

Host Iain Martin is joined by Eddie ‘The Eagle' Edwards – who at the 1988 Calgary Games became famous across the world for having the courage and determination to take on the challenge of Olympic ski jumping.His story was made into a movie in 2015, starring Hugh Jackman and Taron Edgerton. Eddie tells us about flying to movie premieres in private jets, how he's disappointed that Team GB seem to disown him and the parallels he sees in the determination to compete shown by Lindsey Vonn. SHOW NOTESListen to Iain's previous interview with Eddie from 2019 (1:00) Eddie has watched the ‘Eddie The Eagle' movie over 150 times (1:30) Taron Edgerton nailed Eddie's mannerisms and voice (2:15) Hugh Jackman asking for a selfie with Eddie (3:30) Memories of the Opening Ceremony at Calgary in 1988 (5:30) Readly - the digital magazine and newspaper app – has launched a retro Winter Olympics Games series (8:00) Readly's survey placed Eddie 3rd behind the Jamaican bobsleigh team Torville and Dean in 1984 in a list of most memorable winter Olympic moments (8:30) GB Snowsports CEO Vicky Gosling said ‘The Eddie the Eagle days are over' (10:00) Can British athletes draw lessons from Eddie's experience? (10:30) Eddie on Lindsey Vonn (13:00)If you enjoyed this episode and you want to help the podcast, don't forget that if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com you'll save yourself some money.  Simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. 

We find out about Sauze d'Oulx and the Via Lattea ski area in Italy, as well as the resort of Pra Loup in the southern French Alps.We also get excited about the Olympics, hearing Eddie ‘The Eagle' Edwards' thoughts on Lindsey Vonn – and go ‘Down Under' to look at Australia chances of bringing home a record medal haul. Plus we have your feedback and our regular snow reports from around the mountains.Iain was joined in the studio by James and Sinead  from SauzeOnline and by Mike ‘The Snow' Richards.SHOW NOTES Mike was in Crans Montana for the World Cup racing (3:45) Lindsey Vonn crashed in the Downhill and ruptured her ACL (5:00)Claire Harrison reports from the Aosta Valley (6:30) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (7:45) Jim Duncombe is in La Clusaz (8:30) Betony Garner reported from Livigno, where she is working for Team GB (10:20) The first of our Special Olympics episodes was released on Wednesday (11:00) Former Team GB Skier X athlete Emily Sarsfield will be joining Iain for those episodes (11:30) Eddie ‘The Eagle' Edwards on Lindsey Vonn (13:00) Rachael Oakes-Ash is THE expert on skiing in Australia and New Zealand and is Livigno reporting for snowsbest.com (14:45) Australian team chances (15:00) Watch ‘Pipe Dream' – Scotty James' story (17:30) Indra Brown (19:15) James and Sinead run SauzeOnline (24:00) Visit the official ‘Via Lattea' website (25:30) The ski area has 400km of pistes (26:30) Sauze d'Oulx used to have a reputation as a party destination (29:00) A UK company now owns lift systems in the Vialattea and Bardonecchia (27:15) Who is the area suitable for? (30:30) Gastronomy in Via Lattea…and low prices! (32:00) Mike visited Pra Loup in December 2025 (34:00) The Pra Loup ski area has 180km of pistes (37:30) Ski touring tracks in Pra Loup (38:00) The Mercantour National Park (41:30) Pra Loup is a ‘dark sky reserve' (42:00) Wolves are in the logo and in the park (43:00) Find out about the proposed new slope in Merthyr Tydfil (44:00)FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.Xomorph: “Enjoying the pod, but could you do an episode on what to do when you are bored with all the pistes in your area... I can ski all the slopes in my local resorts and now I don't know how to keep on having fun” Ian Brown: "Avid listener of the podcast. I just finished the Serfaus episode this morning, it's an area on our list that we'd like to explore for sure"If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to. if you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

In the first of our special Winter Olympics episodes covering Milan-Cortina 2026, we preview this weekend's big events - the men and women's downhill - and look ahead to the Women's Ski Slopestyle. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by special guest Emily Sarsfield and down the line by BBC commentator Graham Bell and Ski Sunday's Ed Leigh.SHOW NOTESEmily Sarsfield first appeared on the podcast in Episode 3 (0:45)She represented Team GB in Skier X including at Pyeongchang 2018 (2:00)The opening ceremony takes place at the San Siro in Milan on Friday (4:00)Team GB's flag bearers are Brad Hall and Lilah Fear (5:00)Download the ski/snowboard schedule - all the dates and timings for the skiing and snowboarding events (5:20) Graham Bell shares his predictions for the Men and Women's Downhill (6:45) Lindsey Vonn has stated that she has an ACL injury, but will still compete (12:30)The Women's Freeski Slopestyle qualifications are on Saturday, with the final on Monday Ed Leigh shared his thoughts on Kirsty Muir's chances (14:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty Muir in Episode 171 (14:30) If you enjoyed this episode and you want to help the podcast, don't forget that if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com you'll save yourself some money. Simply take this link for your discount to be automatically appliedCover Photo (c) Milano-Cortina 2026

Today we find out about La Tzoumaz in Switzerland and Jasna in Slovakia, plus we preview the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics including interviews with Vicky Gosling, CEO of GB Snowsports and Zak, Luca and Freddy Carrick Smith. We also have our regular snow reports and share our downloadable schedule for all the skiing and snowboarding events at Milan-Cortina.Iain was joined in the studio by Irish ski journalist, Catherine Murphy and Slovakia resident, Richard Patey.---------Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there.---------SHOW NOTESDave Burrows from Snowpros Ski School reported from Morgins (3:45) James Cove from planetski.eu reports from Revelstoke and Kicking Horse in Canada (5:00) Guy Beatson has been in Furano in Japan (6:00) The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics start on 06 February (7:30) Download the skiing and snowboarding schedule (8:00) Team GB athletes picked up a stunning five medals at the X Games in Aspen (8:45) Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty Muir (9:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Zoe Atkin (9:15) Mia Brookes spoke to Iain in Episode 188 (9:15) Vicky Gosling is CEO of GB Snowsport (9:30) Watch the documentary ‘She Who Dares' on Discovery+ (16:00) Watch the Carrick-Smith documentary ‘Beyond the Gate' on Amazon Prime or YouTube (20:30) Catherine shared her knowledge of Innsbruck in Episode 257 (21:00) Find out more about La Tzoumaz in Switzerland (21:15) The name comes from Valaisan dialect (21:45) How to get there (22:15) Catherine stayed at the Hotel Papillon (27:45)We featured Slovakia on the podcast once before, back in Episode 243 covering ‘Going East' (29:00) Where is Slovakia? (29:30) Read Richard's blog post about the transformation going  on in the High Tatras (31:00) ‘Slovakia is entering its “Austria-in-the-90s” phase' Jasna is the biggest resort (33:30) Richard (and the ‘Going East' crew' skied at Stary Smokovec (35:00) The GoPass  covers all resorts as well as other benefits (36:30)Tatranska Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso are also in Slovakia Follow Richard on InstagramFeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. David Flynn: “I'm an Irish/French listener, love the podcast. It's become a stable diet in my household and are a life-saver for the walks with the dogs on the beach” Gavin Marsden: “I love each and every episode.” Andrew Wilson: "I am a regular listener. I only took up skiing at the age of 50, 4 years ago and love it." Andrew Brannan: “Iain, your podcast is excellent. Thank you for going to the trouble and not just reading out the latest press releases from Crystal.” There are now 292 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 149 of those were listened to in the last week. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to. If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

In this episode, we learn more about the resorts of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in the Tirol region of Austria, how Swedish clothing brand, Peak Performance, design their garments and check in on the new Chenus lift in Courchevel. Host Iain Martin was joined by freelance journalist, Simon Miller and Ski Designer at Peak Performance, Marie Andersson ---------Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there.---------SHOW NOTESSimon has been skiing across Les 3 Vallees (2:45)Iain reported from Val Garden in Episode 242 (3:45) Marie will be skiing in Are, Sweden (4:45) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Travel is in St Anton (6:15) James from Sauze Online was in Bardoneccia (7:50) Chris from Freeride Republic is in Meribel (9:30) Why we are renumbering the podcasts (11:00) The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics start on 04 February (12:00) The Winter XGames take place in Aspen this weekend (12:30) Simlon was in Serfaus, staying at the Hotel Cervosa (13:15) Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is known as a family friendly resort (15:00) ‘We are Family' (15:10) Find out about the Serfaus subway (17:00) Safe skiing and slow skiing was discussed in Episode 270 (18:45) Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is actually three separate villages The ski area has 214km of pistes and 69 lifts (20:00) Simon enjoyed the spectacular night show (22:30) Simon also tried the toboggan runs (23:30) Try the Schalber Alm for Kaiserscharnn (24:30) Simon also recommends the SkiHütte Masner (25:00) How to get there (25:45) The Apres-Ski in Serfaus is also excellent (27:00) Try the Patschi Bar or George's Bar (27:30) Iain spoke with Philippe Mottier, General Manager of 3SV – the Courchevel lift company – about the new Chenus lift (29:45) Marion Guillemot from the Courchevel Tourist Office acted as translator Read Iain's article on the Chenus lift on welove2ski.com (34:15) Marie's journey into design (34:45) Working for Peak Perforrmance (36:00) How does the process of design work (36:45) What is the lead time for products (37:15) The R&D Helium Loop Anorak recently won an award at ISPO (38:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUeSelbRyb0 What is ISPO? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hTZS_gae84 Peak Performance published their sustainability report last year (41:00) FLO stands for ‘fabric leftovers' (41:15) Iain upgraded to a Vislight shell jacket this year (44:00)FeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Lara Rosenbaum: “I hope you're feeling better after your fracture. I admire your spirit and love the podcast!” Claire Harrison [Mentioned last week had asked about Zillertal]: “A great piece on the Zillertal, thank you! Particularly looking forward to the Tirolean cuisine! Thank you for a great podcast: it's endlessly interesting.  I loved 267 the episode on gloves and socks and bought a pair of the Level Iris glove on Al's recommendation”  Ed Hopkins: “Absolutely loved episode 270 on St Anton, Lech, sustainability and slow skiing. So interesting and learnt a lot!” Ross: “I just discovered The Ski Podcast - really enjoying the insights on snowsports!”  There are now 291 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to find out more about a particular destination, would like to listen to an interview with an athlete, or get advice on what kit to buy, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something that will tick that box. if you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

We find all about the Zillertal region in the Austrian Tirol, as well as the new expansion in Deer Valley, Utah. We also hear how Val d'Isere are helping skiers to feel safer, and have snow reports from Japan, La Plagne and…Wales!Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Katie Seiringer, owner of Kate Seiringer International Language Service in Mayrhofen and Emily Summers from Deer Valley Ski Resort.--------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there.--------- SHOW NOTESRobin Shah reported from Japan (5:15)Robin is staying at Yukiumi House Jen Tsang runs the website That'sLaPlagne (7:00) Mike Richards is the UK's Wales ski expert (9:15) It is now three weeks until the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics start (12:45) Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty Muir (13:00) Kirsty won her second event of the season at the Slopestyle in Aspen https://x.com/skipedia/status/2009716157398548971 Zoe Atkin came second in the ski halfpipe, also in Aspen (13:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Zoe in Episode 238 (13:45) Visit the official Zillertal website (14:30) The Zillertal ski area consists of Fügen-Kaltenbach, Zell-Gerlos, Mayrhofen-Hippach and Tux-Finkenberg (18:30) All 548km of pists and 180 lifts are covered on the Zillertal Superskipass (19:00) The Hintertux glacier is open from October to early summer (19:45) For non-skiers there are 460km of winter hiking trails, 113km cross-country trails and 48 km toboggan runs (21:15) Find out more about ‘Snowbombing' (22:45) Mayrhofen hosts ‘The Brits' - British Snowboard & Freeski Championships in March (23:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Brits' organiser Stu Brass in Episode 245 Try the Tristenbachalm mountain hut (24:00) Kate also recommends the Bichlalm in Tux (25:00) She also suggests you try the HolzknechtkrapfenUtah has ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth' (26:30) The average snowfall at Deer Valley is 762cm/300 inches (27:00) Find out more about the new lift expansion (29:45) Coming up with the names of new runs (34:00) The new East Village Express gondola is designed by Doppelmayr (37:00) Deer Valley East Village will have seven luxury hotels (39:00) Deer Valley is on the Ikon Pass (39:50) The 2034 Winter Olympics will be hosted in Utah (40:20) Nicole Feliciano spoke about the ‘Slow Skiers Club' in Episode 270 (41:30) Cecile Ferrando from Val d'isere speaks about their new ‘Ski Tranquille' zones (41:45)Feedback (47:30)You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Colin Tierney: “Episode 270 was interesting: I always go at a speed that I feel safe with for me and people around me”Stuart Campbell: “The podcasts are brilliant, and I've enjoyed the range of topics. The ability to pull so many different people from different countries together is what makes it brilliant. I've just found your piece on St Anton by train so hoping to repeat something similar if I make it out in the spring.” Robert Fogg: “Been catching up on all the podcasts I have missed. Thanks from a wet Cairns in Australia” Jim Duncombe: “I was on the cable car in La Clusaz this morning, and ended up chatting with a Norwegian who lives in Annecy. Turns out he is a fan of the podcast.”There are now 290 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to. if you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today is a special interview with Kirsty Muir – the World Cup winning British slopestyle and Big Air freestyle skier.Host Iain Martin spoke with Kirsty about her comeback from ACL and shoulder surgery to her first World Cup win last winter. We also discuss her journey from a dry ski slope in Aberdeen to becoming Britain's youngest competitor at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 and look forward to the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. This episode is the latest in a series of interviews with high-achieving women in the world of snowsports. Previous episodes in this series have included interviews with Vicky Gosling, CEO of GB Snowsport, BBC Ski Sunday's Chemmy Alcott, Kit DesLauriers – first person to ski the Seven Summits - as well as fellow Team GB freestyle skier Zoe Atkin.SHOW NOTESListen to Iain's previous interview with Kirsty in Episode 174 (2:00) Kirsty was on the show in Episode 242 after her slopestyle win in Tignes (2:30) Kirsty tore her ACL in Dec 2023 at the Big Air at Copper Mountain (3:15) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9yJucQDxfUQ Coming back from injury (5:45) Using the Red Bull recovery centres (8:15) The psychological side of recovery (10:30) Training again after coming back from injury (12:30) Kirsty was Britain's youngest competitor at Beijing Olympics  at just 17 (14:30) Starting skiing at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre (14:45) Discovering freestyle skiing (15:30) Being mentor to Sandra Caune – winner of the Big Air at THE European Youth Olympics (16:45) Competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics (18:00) Taking part at Milano-Cortina (19:15) The coaching team (20:15) Learning new tricks (22:15) Training in the gym (23:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Reece Bell (25:00) Plans for this season (26:00) Do you keep your high-value tricks hidden? (26:30) FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. There are now 289 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you've enjoyed this episode, then go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find plenty more to listen to. If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do: -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you save money on your ski hire with an additional discount by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com. Simply take this link in the show notes for your discount to be automatically applied.

Today we find out more about the Arlberg ski area in Tirol, Austria – focussing on St Anton and Lech – plus we look at the rise of the ‘Slow Skiing' movement. Austria for sponsoring The Ski Podcast and making this winter's episodes possible.  If this is your first time listening, you've already missed out on some great conversations about Tirol. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Nicole Feliciano, founder of Ski Moms.--------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTESNicole skied at Catamount in New England (2:00) Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy reported from the Dolomites, Italy (5:15) Jen Tsang from That's La Plagne reported from La Plagne (6:45) Floss Cockle, aka FreeFloFloss on YouTube, reported from Tignes (8:30) Next week's episode will be an interview with GB freestyle skier Kirsty Muir (10:15) Iain revealed in Episode 269 that he broke his scapula while skiing in St Anton (10:45) Find out more about the museum in St Anton (11:45) Yannick Rumler works for the St Anton Tourist Office Hannes Schneider founded the first ski school in the world (14:30) Find out about St Anton's annual race ‘The Weisse Rausche' (16:15) Gerhard Eichhorn is Sustainability Officer at the St. Anton Tourism Board (17:30) Iain travelled to St Anton by train (18:30) Lech is actually in the Vorarlberg region of Austria, but both resorts are part of the huge Arlberg ski area (21:30) Iain stayed in the family run Hotel Stafeli (22:15) The Stafeli is part of the ChangeMaker network of hotels Julia Fenneberg is from the Lech-Zurs tourist office (23:00) The annual ‘White Ring' race (24:30) Discover the amazing Lech Skyspace (26:30) Iain spoke with Angelika Kaufmann about avalanche blasting (28:00)~ Iain tried Kaiserschmarn at the Sennhutte in St Anton (34:00) He also has a superb Gröstl at the magnificent Verwallestube at the top of the Galzigbahn (34:30) In Episode 225 Nicole shared the results of your ‘Ski Moms Happiness Survey'(36:30) Earlier this year Nicole founded the ‘Slow Skiers Club' (36:45) Nicole's Instagram post launching the club went viral (38:30) Why does slow skiing matter? (39:00) Nicole conducted a survey to find out more (43:00) Listen to Episode 229  Kimberley Kay & Carol Porter discuss ‘The Fear Project' (46:00) Nicole spoke to Chemmy Alcott on her SkiMoms podcast The First Rule of Slow Skiers Club (49:00)FeedbackIf you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.Judy Matthews: “Thank you for all your wonderful work, been really enjoying your pod.” Colin: “267 was another great episode: I've been considering a trip to Sauze and Livigno was already on my wish list”Chris Weer: “Thanks for the podcast. Wishing you a speedy recovery!”There are now 288 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to. if you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today is a special episode covering the latest snow conditions in Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland and in Canada, plus we reveal the results and the lucky winner from our 2025 Listener Survey. --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTES View results of our 2025 Listener Survey (1:00) James Fletcher was the winner of the prize draw (1:45) Zoe Atkin won the half pipe at Copper Mountain in the States (2:00) Jasmin Taylor took her first telemark win of the season in Pinzolo Lindsey Vonn became the oldest skier – at 41 years old - to win a World Cup race, in the Downhill in St Moritz (2:!5) I have picked up my own injury (2:30) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Travel is in St Anton (3:50) Listen to Iain's interview with James Cove in Episode 261 (5:40) James Cove from planetski.eu is spending this winter in Canada  (5:50) James & Sinead from Sauze Online are in Via Lattea (8:!5) Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy is in the Dolomites (9:20) James Webb was in Selva Val Gardena (11:15) Dave Burrows from SnoPros Ski School was in Les Crosets (13:20) Al Judge from Alikats chalet company is in Morzine (14:40) Jim Duncombe is in La Clusaz (15:45) Betony Garner reported from St Gervais (17:20) Jen Tsang from That's La Plagne is in La Plagne (19:10) Alex Irwin from the YouTube channel ‘150 Days of Winter' is in Courchevel (20:40) Nicholas from Freeride Republic is in Meribel (21:20) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reports from Les 2 Alpes (23:00) Mike Richards was out in Pra Loup (23:30) Feedback If you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Matt Hayes: "Episode 267 was great. I appreciate all the work that goes into these."  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  There is so much in our back catalogue if you would like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to.  if you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:      -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode    -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify    -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

This is a special interview with Kit DesLauriers – the person to ski the Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each of the planet's seven continents. I read Kit's book ‘Higher Love' in the summer of 2025 and was blown away by her bravery, courage, determination and, quite frankly, by her incredible organisation. During our conversation Kit covers her background in skiing as a former Freeride World Tour champion, as well as explaining the logistical, physical and physiological challenges she faced while tackling the Seven Summits. This episode is the latest in a series of interviews with high-achieving women in the world of snowsports. Previous episodes in this series have included interviews with Vicky Gosling, CEO of GB Snowsport, BBC Ski Sunday's Chemmy Alcott and founder of YSE Ski Fiona Easdale, as well as the Team GB freestyle skiers Zoe Atkin and Kirsty Muir. SHOW NOTES Read Kit's book: ‘Higher Love: Climbing and Skiing the Seven Summits' Kit learned cross country skiing first (7:00) Skiing in Verbier (9:00) Chamonix and Alagna (13:00) Kit worked on the ski patrol at Telluride (14:00) Moving to Jackson Hole (16:15) Joining the World Freeski Tour (17:30) Being sponsored by The North Face (19:00) Dick Bass gifting his book (21:00) Mt Elbrus (27:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Dan Egan (28:00) Vinson Massif, Antarctica (29:00) Using neoprene over boots (30:00) Aconcagua (31:00) Mount Kilimanjaro (35:00) Was Everest always going to be last? (38:00) ‘Complete autonomy' contract with Dave Hahn (40:30) Buddhist blessings (44:00) A call from Megan Carney (47:30) Jimmy Chin (52:00) Skiing from the summit of Everest (53:00) Skiing the Lhotse Face (54:00) Becoming a parent (58:00) The Brooks Range of Alaska (59:00) Feedback You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  Take part in our 2025 Listener Survey and you could win £400 worth of prizes. There are now 286 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you've enjoyed this episode, then go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find plenty more to listen to. If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you save money on your ski hire with an additional discount by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com. Simply take this link in the show notes for your discount to be automatically applied. 

In this episode, we find out more about Livigno, the host resort for the freestyle events for the 2026 Winter Olympics, plus we make our recommendations for the best ski gloves and ski socks for this winter.  We also have snow reports from across the Alps plus the early results from our 2025 Listener Survey. Iain was joined in the studio by Betony Garner and Al Morgan.  ---------  Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTES Betony was last on the show in Episode 256 discussing ski touring in Tromso (1:00) Listen to our episodes on the Best Skis, Ski Boots, Helmets and Goggles for this winter (2:00) Dave Burrows from Snowpros Ski School reported from Pila, Italy (5:15) Alex Armand from Tip Top Snow Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes, France (6:20) James and Sinead Hanson from Sauzeonline are in the Via Lattea / Milky Way ski region in Italy (6:50) Complete our 2025 Listener Survey and you could win £400 of prizes (8:00) ‘The Secret Ski Seasonaire' is a good stocking filler for anyone who worked in Chamonix, Tignes or Alpe d'Huez in the 2000s (9:00) Mia Brookes took first place in the Snowboard Big Air in China (9:15) Txema Mazet-Brown was 7th in the men's Snowboard Big Air - a career best (9:30) Betony will be working for Team GB in Livigno during the Winter Olympics (10:15) Find out more about which events are taking place in which resort (11:45) Find out about Livigno (14:00) Aquagrande leisure centre in Livigno (14:45) Team GB best chance of medals (16:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Vicky Gosling (18:00) What to look for when buying ski gloves (19:00) For more technical info, listen to our 2024 episode on gloves (22:15) Glove v. mitten v. lobster claw (22:30) THE BEST SKI GLOVES | WINTER 2026 Kombi Tactical Gore-Tex Leather Glove, £180 (23:45) Level Iris Glove, £110 (26:00) Dare2b Indicator Index Waterproof Gloves (3-Finger), £70 (but currently on sale at £35) (27:30) THE BEST SKI SOCKS | WINTER 2026 Sidas Ski Protect V2, £40 (29:30) Darn Tough Edge Over-the-Calf Midweight, £37 (31:30) Stance Jimmy Chin Ultralight Ski Socks, £27 (33:15) Find out more about heated gloves and socks in last year's ‘Best Ski Socks' episode (35:00) Feedback (36:45) If you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  Henry Smith: “Thank you for your dedication to bringing us the pod every week, it's much appreciated. As a resident in the Canary Islands, we normally ski in Andorra or the Northern Spanish resorts.” Judy Mathews: “Thank you for this wonderful podcast! Absolutely love it and hope to get to meet you one day on or off the slopes.” Rachel Maffeis: "I loved the interview with Krishan in Episode 266. I enjoyed his approach is to creating ski experiences in Gulmarg, rooted in a sense of place. That mixture of extreme altitude...but not yet hugely developed makes it sound intriguing." Colin Tierney: “I enjoyed Episode 264. It was great to hear Al again.”  There are now 285 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to.  If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:      -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode    -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify    -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today we learn about the Ski Juwel region of the Austrian Tirol, plus we find out about skiing in Gulmarg in the Indian Himalayas. We also have snow reports from Verbier, Zermatt, Megeve and Ischgl, plus we reveal news of a new competition, exclusively for listeners to The Ski Podcast, in which you can win goodies worth over £400. Iain was joined by Joey Pearson from Alpback and Krishan Anand from Secret Ski Party in Jammu, India. --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- COMPLETE OUR 2025 LISTENER SURVEY You could win over £400 or prizes including a full Terrawest backcountry pack with shovel and probe, Vallon Eyewear sunnies, as well as goodies from Les Arcs, Ikon Pass and more.  It only takes a minute or two to complete, so just take this link now --------- SHOW NOTES Betony Garner reported from Megeve (5:00) Robin Shah was in Verbier: check his Instagram here (6:00) Marco Ladner reported from the opening weekend in Ischgl (8:30) Find out more about Ischgl in Episode 263 of The Ski Podcast Complete the 2025 Listener Survey (9:30) Kirsty Muir won the first Ski Big Air of the season in China (10:00) Listen out for Iain's interview with Kirsty going live next month (10:30) The full name of Ski Juwel is ‘Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau' (12:00) Joey Pearson is Secretary of the Alpbach Visitors Ski Club (14:00) ‘Ski Juwel' was created in 2012 when the gondola linking Alpbach to Wildschonau opened (16:00) The ski area includes 114km of pistes (16:30) How to get to Ski Juwel (17:15) Check the Ski Juwel piste map (18:30) Alpbach: Austria's most beautiful village (19:00) Try Night Skiing in Ski Juwel (19:30) Try the views from Hornbahn 2000 (20:15) Auffach (21:00) Try Joe's Salettl in Inneralpbach for apres-ski (24:00) Gulmarg resort is much higher than resorts in Europe (25:30) The ski market in India (26:30) Krishan is founder of the Secret Ski Party in Gulmarg (32:00) Indians often travel to ski overseas in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and in Georgia (35:30) Feedback If you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  Paul Bond: “Loving the Tyrol focus. ‘Let's give it a visit' we said, 50 trips later. Friendly, great ski infrastructure and Kaiserschmarm!” uteelo: “Love the show — there's genuinely nothing else like it. I just skip the environmental segments most of the time: I'm here to hear people talk about skiing!” There are now 284 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. If you'd like to get some insight on a particular destination or the latest kit, just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to.  If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:      -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode    -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify    -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today we find out about Carv - ‘the wearable ski coach' - and learn about one of the world's great ski resorts: Whistler Blackcomb in Canada. We also have snow reports from Tignes, Val Thorens and Cervinia. Iain was joined in the studio by Alex Jackson from Carv and Lauren Everest from Tourism Whistler, and down the line by Floss Cockle, Alex Irwin and Alex Armand. Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast. We've already covered Innsbruck, Ischgl, Tirol West, St Johann in Tirol and the SkiWelt area this winter, with more to come. Catch up now to learn about the different areas and the ‘‘Lebensgefühl' – that Austrian way of life that connects them all together.   SHOW NOTES Floss Cockle from FreeFlo Ski Coaching reported from Tignes (3:45) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter skied in Val Thorens (5:30) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching was in Cervinia in the Aosta Valley, Italy Listen to interviews recorded at The London Snow Show (8:30) What is the Carv? (10:00) How does Carv work? (11:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Carv co-founder Jamie Grant (12:30) The Carv dataset covers over a billion turns (14:00) How your Ski:IQ is calculated (14:30) The gamification aspects (19:30) New developments for this year: Ski:IQ™ Wasatch (21:30) Carv costs £199 for an annual subscription, or £99 for a single week (26:00) Where is Whistler? (28:00) Whistler is biggest ski resort in North America with 8171 skiable acres? (28:30) There are 200+ runs in Whistler Blackcomb (29:20) Whistler is celebrating its 60th anniversary (30:00) Hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympics (32:00) Find out about the Peak to Valley Race (33:45) Can you tell us about the ‘Seven Wonder Routes' (34:30) Whistler is owned by Vail Resorts and included in the Epic Pass (35:00) Buy your Epic Pass before the deadline (36:00) Try the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) for an apres ski drink (38:00) Feedback If you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – I would love to know. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast Matt Hayes: “The Bladon Lines episode is such a great story. A must listen.” Wayne Reeder: “Really enjoy your shows, guests and great information.” He also asked about the ‘Ski à la Carte' pass Phil Shotton: “Long time listener to your podcast. I really enjoyed them in the closed season – they helped keep me in the ski mood”  Make sure you subscribe to the Skipedia YouTube channel and find out how to carry skis properly! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ZALXFwR34 There are now 283 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and when I looked this morning, the stats say that 175 of those were listened to in the last week. Go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting to listen to.  f you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:     -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode   -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify   -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today we find out about the Tirol West region in Austria, plus we look at the best new ski helmets and goggles this winter. We also have an update from the Sheffield Ski Festival, news from Madonna di Campiglio and we hear about a best-ever British performance in the World Cup slalom in Levi.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Simone Zangerl from Tirol West Tourism and ski equipment expert Al Morgan.  --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTES Dave Ryding finished 7th in the slalom at the World Cup in Levi, Finland (4:30) Laurie Taylor recorded the fastest second run to finish in 4th place, just 4/100th of a second off the podium (5:00) Iain spoke with Andrea Busignani about the plan to cap skier numbers in Madonna di Campiglio (6:20) Sam Croft is from the Revive Sheffield Ski Village campaign (9:00) The Sheffield Ski Festival took place on 14-15 November Visit the Tirol West website (10:00) You can travel by train via Zurich to Landeck (10:45) How to travel to Tirol West (11:00) Tirol West includes the towns and villages of Landeck, Zams, Fliess, Tobadill, Grins and Stanz (11:30) Venet is the Tirol West ‘house' resort (12:15) Tirol West is great for ski touring (13:00) You can book a €10 for a return bus transfer to any of St Anton, Lech/Zurs, Ischgl, Serfaus Fiss Ladis and the Kaunertaler Glacier (14:00) There are plenty of walking trails and snow shoeing (16:30) Try ice bathing at Tramser Weiher (17:00) You can enjoy a lot of free activities with the free TirolWest card (17:45) Simone recommends a Tyrolean Groestl (21:00) You can also try the Tiroler Edle local chocolate (21:30) Ski Helmets: ‘Fit is Key' (23:00) For more details on all of the key terms and jargon for helmets, listen to last year's episode (23:30) What does ‘MIPS' mean? (24:00) “If you've got a cheap head, buy a cheap helmet” (30:30) Listen to last year's goggles episode for a breakdown of the key terminology (31:00) What does S1, S2 or S3 lenses mean? (31:15) The Best Skis for Winter 2026 (39:30) The Best Ski Boots for Winter 2026 (39:30) Smith Vantage 2, £235 (26:00) Available in a range of colours, especially the matte black, ultraviolet and Emerald City options. This is a hybrid construction with Koroyd inside, improving shock absorbency, strength and lightweight. These hollow tubes allow a mass of airflow, complemented by the huge number of vents. Add in Mips, the magnetic buckle, Smith's superb AirEvac system, BOA fit adjustment, anti-microbe lining and audio ready earpads, and you're onto a winner. Atomic Revent AMID, £160 (27:30) This series of helmets has a far more contemporary aesthetic than Atomic helmets of recent seasons. It has an in-mold dual shell, so is light with active venting. It has a removable and washable merino and 3m X-Static liner so doesn't develop the smell some helmets can. It has audio ready earpads and the new AMID (Atomic Multi-directional Impact Deflector) tech, combined with a Holo Core EPS liner for enhanced safety.   Bollé Keystone Mips, £120 (29:30) The Keystone is a new model, available in several colours. The minimalist aesthetic looks fab, and in testing we found it very comfortable. It doesn't have loads of vents, but at £120 it's great value. It's available without Mips for £90, but we recommend the added safety of Mips for £30 more. Oakley Flow Scape L Snow Goggles, £325 (32:30)   The Flow Scape has a new conical lens shape giving a dramatically increased field of view (FOV). The lens tilts in towards the face at the base, and is wider and further away from the face at the top. They've even changed the design of the Switchlock lens quick-release system, removing the need for magnets which would have encroached on the FOV. The Vision Rapt face foam is an ultra-memory foam, giving incredible comfort. Even the sliders on the strap have been tweaked to reduce their profile. Each Flow Scape comes with two lenses, one for brighter conditions and the second is the Prizm Iced Iridium, which is one of the best lenses you can get for flat light or stormy conditions. The only downside with this goggle, apart from the cost, is that it will be too large for some.  Head Neves Sunscreen, £330 (34:20) Wow. When we first tried this, we were blown away. The lens tech is next-level. This tint-changing tech covers categories S1-S3 and is solar powered. The solar panel generates a voltage, activating a microprocessor which controls the LCD to darken the lens. It changes tint almost instantly as you move from shade to light and back again.  Scott Ambit LS, £135 (36:00) Ambit is a new goggle design from Scott, including this medium to large fit, as well as the Ambit Compact, which suits smaller face shapes. Scott sells more photochromic lenses, as they cover a range of conditions, saving the hassle of swapping lenses. This Amplifier lens tech provides superb clarity and definition, and we've tested it in stinking, and stellar, conditions, and it always delivers.  Bliz G001, £79 (37:!5) The Bliz Scandinavian minimalist design, married with affordable quality, has impressed us. The G001 and G002 goggles are new for this season, available in adult and small sizes, and the lens is magnetic, for quick swaps. The G001's full frame construction looks almost frameless, whilst the G002 is more traditional, with a chunkier frame. The Smoke S3 lens is a fab choice when the sun's out and looks sensational in this black on white colourway. Mega comfy and excellent value. Feedback If you've enjoyed this episode – or even if you didn't like it – then we'd love to hear from you. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop Iain an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Antonia Simpson: “I first came across the Ski Podcast at the Snow Show - really enjoyed hearing about Mount Etna! Since then I have listened to lots of episodes: Bladon Lines (252) and James Cove (261) being my favourites. I love your focus on train travel, and in fact will be getting the train in a couple of weeks to Embrun.” Colin Tierney: “I enjoyed episode 263 about Ischgl”  Richard Birlton: "I listen to every podcast and can't wait for it to drop every week" If you're excited about winter, why not visit theskipodcast.com – we have episodes on so many different subjects, interviews with so many people and reviews of so many resorts.  If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:    -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode  -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify  -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today we find out about Ischgl in Tirol, plus we learning about the new ‘Clean Miles' campaign from Protect Our Winters. Host Iain Martin was joined by Cat Ainsworth, CEO at Protect Our Winters UK, and three-time Winter Olympian and Ischgl resident, Marco Ladner.  --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means this winter we're are finding out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the Austrian way of life: ‘Lebensgefühl' – that you'll find there. --------- SHOW NOTES Cat skied in Valle Nevado in Chile and Ushuaia in Patagonia (1:30) Marco had an early opportunity to ski in Ischgl (2:30) Val Thorens will open on 22 Nov, followed by Les 2 Alpes, Val d'Isere, Zermatt and Ischgl the following weekend (4:00) Luca Carrick-Smith will make his World Cup debut at Levi in Finland (4:15) https://x.com/skipedia/status/1987897332348957133 Marco took part in the half-pipe at Sochi 2014, Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022 (5:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Zoe Atkin (8:00) Ischgl is located in the west of Tirol (8:30) You can travel by train from Zurich to Landeck (9:00) Ischgl is located at 1400m going up to 2800m (09:30) Ischgl opens and closes each winter with a MASSIVE concert (10:00) Take a look at acts who've played at the Top of the Mountain concerts previously (11:30) Rita Ora is playing the opening of Ischgl this year (12:30) The ski area (13:15) Who does Ischgl suit? (13:45) This winter there are three new lifts (14:45) What's it like for families? (15:30) Find out about Lego winter fun (16:00) Marco recommends a classic ‘Kaiserschmarrn' (18:00) Ischgl is very famous for after ski (18:30) The Silvretta Therme is a fantastic wellness centre (19:00) What is the role of Protect Our Winters  (20:30) Cat is a BASI qualified ski instructor (24:30) Find out about the POW ‘Clean Miles' campaign (25:45) Sign the POW ‘Clean Miles' petition (27:30) Iain set up Ski Flight Free in 2019 (28:45) Watch some of the POW Mobility videos  Feedback (30:00) You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. Leon Butler: “I have such a soft spot for the whole of the Tirol, but Wilder Kaiser [Episode 262] is stunning.” Stan: "Love the podcast, it's a great way to stay connected to the world of skiing between my annual holiday trips, in particular the kit reviews with Al Morgan and stories like Bladon Lines." There is so much in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting about our wonderful world of skiing and snowboarding.  If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can get an additional discount if you use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

Today we find out about SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental in Tirol, plus we look at a new women only ski touring to Iceland We also have snow reports from the opening day of the season in Verbier and Sunshine Valley – the first ski resort to open in Canada. ---------  Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with ‘Lebensgefühl' - the wonderful ‘feeling of life' you can find there. --------- SHOW NOTES Nickie Mabey is founder of Mabey Ski (1:45) Rob Rees reported on Slovenia in Episode 207 (3:00) Listen to Episode 186 for tips on autumn skiing in Austria (5:45) Robin Shah reported from Verbier (6:00) Check out Xavier De La Rue's Insta from opening weekend (7:45) Kendra Scurfield reported from Sunshine Valley in Canada (8:20) In Episode 219, Laax was strongly linked as possible acquisition by Vail Resorts (11:00) Laax has now bought its own lifts as defensive measure (11:15) Where is SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (12:15) How to get to SkiWelt (12:30) It's easy to travel to by train – there is a Nightjet package (13:00) There are 275km pistes and over 80 lifts (14:00) Ski resorts in the SkiWelt include Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Scheffau, Söll and Westendorf The SkiWelt region was created in 1977 (14:45) You can ski the SkiWelt Tour circuit (15:45) Children up to the age of 15 get free lift tickets in low season (16:45) Another great idea is the Young Family Ski Pass SkiWelt uses 100% green electricity from hydro power (17:45) There are over 80 mountain huts in the SkiWelt (18:30) Austria's highest revolving restaurant is at the Hohe Salve (19:00) In Episode 256 Betony Garner told us about her all female ski touring trip to Tromso (22:00) Nickie's connection to skiing goes back to 1912 (22:30) She founded Mabey Ski in 2017 (25:00) Maybe Ski is putting on a women's only ski touring tripto Iceland (25:30) Sara Sigurdardottir is an Icelandair pilot (26:00) The Troll Peninsula (27:30) Iceland is famous for its geothermal pools (29:30) Feedback (31:45) You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Immanuel John: “Loved the Innsbruck in Tirol episode” Matt Hayes: “Keep up the great work on the podcast”  Ster at Snowheads: “The Bladon Lines and Fiona Easdale episodes are some of the most interesting and engaging I have heard, but the ‘How to become a Ski Patroller' episode with Tom Greenall must be the best of the lot.” There are now 280 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. There is so much in our back catalogue - just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll find interesting about our wonderful world of skiing and snowboarding.  If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          if you're booking ski hire, you can save money on your ski hire with Intersport Ski Hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied

A special interview with ski journalist, James Cove, founder of planetski.eu. We discuss his background working for the BBC, first in local radio, then political news, before he helped to develop their first digital coverage. James has also worked at the Ski Club of Great Britain, is a qualified instructor and has skied in literally hundreds of resorts around the world. --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life' there. --------- SHOW NOTES Find out about skiing in Greece in Episode 101 (3:00) James was  a researcher at Madame Tussauds (4:00) He worked at BBC Radio Sussex in Brighton in the 1980s (4:40) James worked on three General Elections (9:00) He was based in Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics (11:00) Alain Baxter won (and lost) Team GB's first ever medal on snow (13:00) James first skied in Gargellen in Austria (17:15) He has skied in over 400 different resorts (18:45) James' final years at BBC overlapped with the Ski Club of Great Britain (21:30) ‘Stocking filler' films (22:30) Working on the new BBC website (23:00) Listen to Iain's interview with ski journalist Arnie Wilson (23:30) James used to be a Ski Club Rep (24:00) Planetski.eu started in 2008 (28:00) Impact of climate change (35:00) The impact of collective passes, like Epic, Ikon and Magic (37:00) Spending ‘seasons' in the Alps (39:00) Six weeks in Japan (41:00) James is spending 2026 winter in Canada (44:30) You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. If you'd like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you save money on your ski hire with an additional discount by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST'. Simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.