The Ski Podcast

This week we look at how to inprove diversity within the ski industry and ways that under-representation is being addressed. Iain was joined by Amirra Blackwood and Dan Keeley from Snow Camp, Zahia Shaw from Skimigos and Burhan Ali from the Muslim Ski Club. SHOW NOTES Dan was last on the show in Episode 98 (1:20) Find out about Dan's epic run to Rome (2:20) Amirra and Dan were at the AJ Bell Three Valley Challenge in Val Thorens (4:00) Dave Ryding has announced that he will retire at the end of the 25/26 winter (6:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Dave in Episode 199 (8:00) Find out how Iain's '25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge went (8:30) You can donate at Iain's JustGiving page (9:00) Around 1000 inner city young people join Snow Camp each July (10:45) Amirra's journey with Snow Camp started in 2001 (12:00) Snow Camp are taking on 16 apprentices this year Amirra's first placement was with Ellis Brigham She has just finished working at the Ski Club of Great Britain? (14:45) Skimigos took 100 people to Les 2 Alpes in March (18:00) Zahia (Zee) Shaw set up Skimigos in 2019 (19:45) Zee uses the Skimigos Instagram to tackle objections people come up with (22:00) Addressing “it's not for people like us” (22:45) Skimigos apres ski is off the charts… (25:00) Burhan is the founder of the Muslim Ski Club (27:30)  This year the club travelled to Erciyes in Turkey (30:00) “Apres-tea over apres-ski” (30:25) The club is organising ‘Eid in the Alps' in Avoriaz in 2026 (32:30) Snow Camp has been organising indoor taster sessions for young Muslims (34:00) Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback. Couple since our last episode. Ben: "Love the podcast" Pete: “248 was a great episode...loving the grass roots vibe" You can contact me with your feedback via our social channels @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  There's so much to catch up with in our back catalog just to theskipodcast.com and have a look around the tags and categories.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

Today we look at a new project to help first-time skiers, find out about the Women's World Snowsports Summit and learn about plans to reopen of the UK's most iconic dry ski slopes, Sheffield Ski Village. Host Iain Martin was joined live by guests Kimberley Kay and James Gambrill and down the line by Tim Justice, Alex Armand and Luca, Zak and Freddy Carrick-Smith. SHOW NOTES  Kim was last on the podcast in Episode 229 (0:30) James Gambrill is COO of the Ski Club of Great Britain The Mountain Travel Symposium took place at Aspen Snowmass this year (4:00) Find out more about Iain's ‘25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge' (5:00) He will be skiing all the UK's indoor snow centres in a single day to raise funds for Snow Camp You can sponsor Iain on his JustGiving page (7:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (8:20) Listen to our Ski Jobs Special Episode to find out more about the ‘Youth Experience Scheme' (9:30) The Ski Podcast sponsors ‘Team Carrick Smith' (10:00) Iain spoke with Luca, Zak and Freddy on their end of season surfing break (10:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Team GB skier Molly Butler (19:15) Tim Justice is chairman of the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club (22:20) Sheffield Ski Village closed in 2012 (23:00) There are plans to redevelop Sheffield Ski Village (25:00) Find out more about the Revive Sheffield Ski Village campaign (29:00) Find out more about the new ‘Way2Snow' initiative (31:00) Kimberley's ‘Ski A-Z book' is a great intro for newcomers to the sport (39:30) James Gambrill is also organiser of the London Snow Show (40:00) The show takes place at Olympia in West London in October (41:00) Iain will be presenting at the show with our equipment expert Al Morgan (43:00) Find out about apres-ski at the show (44:00) Kimberley was at the inaugural World Women's Snowsports Organization (WWS0) Summit (45:30) It was held at Kitzsteinhornin Austria, near Kaprun in April 2025 54 women from 12 countries attended (47:00) We covered 'Project Fear' in Episode 229 – looking at the extent to which fear is a factor in snowsport gender imbalance  (50:00) You can sponsor Iain on the ‘25in25' on his JustGiving page (58:00) Feedback You can contact me with your feedback via our social channels @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  gordymission1035: "Thank you for a great episode (#247). So much great info." There are now 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you're missing your skiing over the summer, then this is the perfect time to go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around our back catalog.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

This episode is an equipment special, tackling essential questions about kit such as the best way to carry skis, the ‘right' way to do up your ski boots and how to store your gear through the summer?  We also look at the effect of tariffs on the US retail market and discuss the latest developments in BOA ski boot technology.  Host Iain Martin was joined by our equipment expert, Al Morgan. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by them. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for next winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com and you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Al was last on the show in Episode 235, reporting from the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz (0:50) This episode is also available on the Skipedia YouTube channel Al last skied in Tignes (1:10) Find out more about Iain's '25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge' (4:30) Listen to Dan Keeley explaining more about the work that Snow Camp do in Episode 246 Sponsor Iain at Just Giving How are tariffs going to affect prices in the States & exports from Europe? (7:00) What are multi-BOA ski boots? (10:00) How much does BOA affect the cost of a ski boot? (13:30) [Video] How many BOAs does a skier need? (14:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-inNniPEpRQ How should you do up ski boots? (14:45) Phaenom suggest putting the liners on first outside the boot (17:30) How to take out and put back liners (19:45) Find out about Boot Bib (23:00) Listen to our Ski Boot Special Episode #161 (24:00) How to store skis over the summer (26:30) Wind down your DIN settings (27:30 How to attach skis to a backpack (37:15) How to attach skis to an airbag (40:45) How to avoid the helmet gap? (49:00) How to clean and re-proof outerwear? (51:30) Listen to our Arcteryx ReBird episode #218 (53:45) Feedback If you've found this episode helpful, or you have any feedback on other episodes, please do let me know. You can contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  LJ@99 (Apple Podcasts): "Just the best ski and snow sports podcast going. Always listen and learn something new from the interviews and reports from all over the world. Plus there's a great back catalog." Sarah Lewis (LI): “Lots of interesting and valuable information for listeners!” There are now 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. This is the perfect time to go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

We look at how to make your dreams come true and find a ski job, including what jobs are available, what skills you need, when to apply and how the market has changed in the last few years.  We also consider the ski instructor qualifications available and where they entitle you to work, and we also find out more about the possible new ‘Youth Mobility Scheme'.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Jenny Greenwood, HR Director at Skiworld, George Gray, co-founder of ski job recruitment specialists SZN and Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School in Switzerland.  SHOW NOTES Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reports from Les 2 Alpes (5:45) Floss Cockle  from the FreeFloFloss YouTube channel is in Tignes (6:45) Find out more about Snow Camp (8:45) Iain is trying to raise £2500 in the ‘25 for 25 Snow Camp Challenge' to give 25 inner-city young people the chance to experience snowsports for the very first time in 2025 (9:00) Dan Keeley is community and events director for Snow Camp (9:20) You can sponsor Iain on his JustGiving page here (11:30) George Gray is co-founder of SZN (12:15) Iain founded the recruitment website Natives in 1999 (15:30) What ski jobs are available? (16:00) Skiworld is the UK's largest chalet company, recruiting almost 200 staff (18:15) SBiT's reseach shows that since Brexit there are 56% fewer chalets & 69% fewer workers Last winter, Skiworld had 5000 applications How do you make your application stand out? (21:30) When do interviews happen? (23:30) Do you need an EU passport? (25:15) How does an employer secure a visa for you? (26:00) Charlie Owen is the MD of SBiT and European Pubs (29:30) Find out more about developments in the Youth Mobility Scheme When should people apply for jobs? (36:00) When do staff go out to resort? (40:00) Can people still apply during the season? (41:00) Dave did his instructor qualification via the Warren Smith Ski Academy (44:15) Are instructor qualifications portable across countries? (46:45) How to qualify as a French ski instructor (49:15) Dave hosts the Ski Instructor Podcast (54:45) Feedback (55:00) I really enjoy finding out from listeners what you think of the show. I'm always interested to hear from you, so please do contact Iain on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Robbie Milne: “Great recent episodes - keeping the stoke well and truly alive! I'm getting married this summer meaning I couldn't get out for spring skiing but this podcast makes it not so bad” Steve from York: “Love the variety of topics covered in this podcast. It really gets you revved up for your next trip to the mountains” Paul1608: “I've recently found the podcast and am working my way through the back catalog. I can't make it to the mountains this year, but the podcast is the next best thing” Rob Olliff: “I've enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast since lockdown when it helped me keep going during those dark days…I recently found the episode on taking an EV to the Alps particularly useful. We drove to Les Menuires in an EV in Feb and Iain's advice and tips definitely helped smooth the journey and calmed the nerves about charging in France. Keep up the great work.” There are now 258 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 127 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, have a search around and there is so much in there you're bound to find something to keep your snow fix going over the summer.  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

We find out about this year's ‘Brits' – the GB freestyle champs in Mayrhofen, get to know Jibworx and their new community for girls in snowsport, and learn about the Italian ski resort of Passo Tonale.  We also have our regular snow reports, we announce the winner of our Vallon sunnies competition and Iain reveals a new UK snow challenge for May. Host Iain Martin was joined by Amelie Cockburn from JibWorx, regular guest Mike ‘The Snow' Richards and Stu Brass, co-founder and organiser of ‘The Brits'. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code You can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com. Alternatively, simply take the link in the Show Notes and your discount will automatically be applied.  SHOW NOTES Listen to Iain's deep-dive interview with Stu Brass in Episode 213 (2:30) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter YouTube channel reported from Courchevel (5:45) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (7:30) Floss Cockle from the FreeFloFloss YT channel reports from Tignes (10:00) Find out about Iain's '25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge' (12:30) Find out more about Snow Camp (13:15) There was success for Team Carrick Smith at the British Alpine Ski Championships (13:20) Team Carrick-Smith are sponsored by The Ski Podcast The Brits 2025 took place in Mayhofen, Austria (19:30) The last person under 12 to win a Brits title was Mia Brookes (21:00) Riley Sharp won the Slopestyle and big air titles at just 10 years old (24:00) Riley won't be eligible for the Winter Olympics the 2034 Games (24:45) Listen to Iain's interview with Lesley McKenna (26:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Ed Leigh (26:30) What is Jibworx? (29:00) They put on 30-40 events each winter (29:30) Amelie's dissertation was about women in snowsports (33:30) Find out about The Girls' Archive (34:00) Sandra Caune won gold at the European Winter Olympic Festival (37:30) The Jibworx event vehicle is an adapted American school bus (38:00) Mike was in Passo Tonale (40:00) Presena Glacier offers skiing up to 3069m (43:15) Listen to our ‘Best Ski Boots of 2025' episode (46:00) Night skiing is possible in Passo Tonale (47:00) Vallon's End of Season Ski Sale is on right now with 25-35% off their ski eyewear range (51:15) Feedback (49:00) I really enjoy finding out from listeners what you think of the show. I'm always interested to hear from you, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Skiing Postie: "Episode 243 was very interesting combining my two loves - skiing & train travel. You definitely need to be organised for a trip like that!" Nigel Winters: "Episode 243 was another great podcast. I loved the story behind this epic trip: train travel, skiing, different out of the way places even a skiing cat!" Elizabeth Rose: “This is a lifesaver podcast getting me through to my next ski trip. I'm enjoying listening to the back catalog. I love the snow reports, specials, features and the equipment reviews. Thanks also for raising awareness of climate change and the focus on women in snowsport.” Brae Estate: “I've been a follower since the pandemic. It kept my passion for skiing going through the restrictive years and has added to my knowledge ever since. There's always something new and interesting.” The winner of the Vallon competition was NorsKSarah on Apple Podcasts: “I have been a listener for the last year or so and love it when a new episode drops. Topics strike a good balance between the most experienced and newcomers to the sport.” There are now 257 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 140 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

In this episode we speak with two British athletes having a breakthrough season in their different disciplines, plus we celebrate a new British world champion. As well as that we also have our regular snow reports, an update from European Gay Ski Week, competition news and your feedback. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Team GB slalom ski racer Molly Butler and Skimo athlete Iain Innes and down the line by freestyle skier Zoe Atkin. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Molly was in Bormio for the British Championships (0:45) Iain is based in Chamonix (2:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (3:15) Catherine Murphy reported from Courchevel (4:00) Robin (Big_Mauntain_Bob) is ski touring in the Lyngen Alps in Norway (5:15) Win Vallon Watchtower sunglasses by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or write a comment on Spotify or Instagram (7:30) Our next episode - E245 - will go live on 18 April (7:45) Matt Ware reported from European Gay Ski Week in Val Thorens (8:00) Zoe Atkin won gold in Ski Halfpipe at the Freestyle World Champ in St Moritz last week (9:45) Zoe discusses her second run strategy (10:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Zoe in Episode 238 (11:45) The Carrick-Smith brothers are supported by The Ski Podcast (12:45) Molly Butler is currently ranked around 150 in the world (13:00) Molly was selected for the World Championships in Saalbach (14:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Martin Bell (17:15) Molly's coach is Emma Carrick-Anderson (17:45) She was brought up in Megeve in France (18:30) Intervals on the bike is a big part of Molly's training (21:30) The challenge of funding (24:00) Iain Innes previously raced slalom and GS for Team GB (30:00) Iain took Chemmy Alcott for a Skimo lesson Ski Sunday earlier this winter (29:00) What is Skimo? (29:15) Why Skimo? (31:30) Iain took part in the Courchevel X3 triathlon (cycling/running/ski touring) in 2022 (33:00) Qualifying for the Olympics (36:30) Iain races with Claudia Chmielowska in the Mixed Team events (38:00) Listen to Iain being interviewed on the Storm Skiing podcast (40:00) Feedback (39:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com   Billy Mohan: “Loved Episode 243: great work!” Shon Douglas: "Hugely appreciate your work to keep across all the sustainability improvements taking place across Europe" Andrew Routledge: "Love that the show is so much more than "This is a nice place to ski". Keep on keeping is informed, inspired as well as entertained." James Rice: "Just wanted to shoot you a quick note and say that I also enjoyed your episode with Stuart on his Storm Skiing podcast" There are now 256 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 130 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

Today we find out about ‘Going East' – a new ski film from Arc'teryx – which sees a team of four skiers make their way to ski in Italy, Austria, then Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey – all by public transport with not a single flight!  In total they took 35 trains, 24 buses, 7 metro, 2 trams and spend over 140 hours travelling. They had to deal with language differences, connections and passport checks in the middle of the night. At one point they lost one member of their team completely! Yet, when you listen to our conversation, you'll find out why they think "the journey was as important as the skiing itself" and why they'd do it again.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Silvia Moser and Joi Hoffman, two of the athletes who made the film.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Win a pair of Watchtower sunnies from Vallon – simply leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or write a comment on Spotify or Instagram (1:15) Vallon's End of Season Ski Sale is on now with 25-35% off (1:30) Silvia is based in Cortina, Italy (2:30) Iain travelled by train back from Selva Val Gardena (3:15) Joi is based in Innsbruck, Austria (4:30) Watch 'Going East' – the new film from Arc'teryx (5:00) The journey involved taking 35 trains, 24 buses, 7 metro, 2 trams and 140 hours of travelling (8:30) The team used Interrail tickets for their train travel (9:15) How did you carry so much camera kit? (11:30) What about backing up? (12:45) The other two athletes in the film are Loic Isliker and Max Kroneck (14:00) The first stop was Tarvisio, Italy (14:30) Next up was Semmering, Austria (15:30) Find out more about Stary Smokovec in Slovakia (18:15) The team stopped in Caransebeș, Romania (22:15) Arriving in Borovets, Bulgaria was a culture shock (24:30) Travelling on the night train from Sofia to Istanbul (26:45) Max went missing in Ankara! (29:30) In Turkey, the team finished their trip on Mt Hasan (32:00) The editing process (35:45) Watch the movie on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/yzHgzoPEJp4 Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  There are now 255 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

We find out more about Selva Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites, Saint Gervais in the Haute Savoie region of France and the world's steepest cable car in Murren, Switzerland.  Host Iain Martin was joined by freelance journalist Katja Gaskell and Alan Ramsey, sales manager for Schilthorn Cableway - the Murren lift company. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don't forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com.  So simply use that code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Katja was last on the show in Episode 207 (1:00) Alan was last on the show in Episode 70 discussing the Inferno ski race (1:30) Andy Butterworth (Kaluma Ski) is in St Anton, Austria (6:00) Alex Irwin (150 Days of Winter) reported from Courchevel, France (7:30) Ben Nyberg (Ski Scandinavia) reported from Trysil, Norway (8:30) Moncler hosted a fashion show in Courchevel last week (9:45) Luca Carrick-Smith took gold in the GS at the recent World Jr Champs (10:30)  The Ski Podcast is giving Team Carrick Smith financial support this winter (11:15) Billy Major recorded his first ever World Cup Top 10, with 9th at Hajfell in Norway (11:15) Jasmin Taylor currently leads in the Overall, Sprint, and Classic Telemark standings (11:30) Mia Brookes (Big Air & Slopestyle), Charlotte Bankes (SnowboardX) and Zoe Atkin (Half Pipe) have already won the Crystal Globes in their disciplines (11:45) Kirsty Muir take her first World Cup victory in Ski Slopestyle last week in Tignes (12:00) Betony Garner spoke with Kirsty in Tignes (12:30) Sandra Caune won two medals at the European Youth Olympics (16:45) Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty recorded in April 2023 (18:00) Find out more about the European Sleeper in Episode 237 (18:30) Iain was in Selva Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites (20:45) Local guide Gunter Costa showed Iain around the ‘Legendary 8' runs around Val Gardena (21:00) Katja visited Val Gardena with 80-year-old father (22:00) Iain skied the famous ‘Sella Ronda', travelling via Arabba, Val di Fassa and Alta Badia (22:30) Christina Demetz works at the Val Gardena Tourist Office (25:15) Find out about the GSTC accreditation that Val Gardena has been awarded (26:30) The Italian Dolomites are included in the Ikon Pass (28:30) Katja travelled to St Gervais Le Fayet by train (31:00) Find out about the new ‘Le Valléen' lift (32:30) St Gervais is on the Domain Evasion Mont Blanc lift pass (35:15) Iain was at the Kandahar Slalom race in Les Houches in Episode 200 (36:30) There is a thermal spa in St Gervais (39:30) Find out more about the water-powered Thermes lift (39:45) Read Katja's article for Sunday Post Listen to our Inferno Special Episode (40:30) Sir Arnold Lunn invented alpine ski racing in Murren (42:30) Murren has opened the 'world's steepest cable car' (44:00) It goes from Stechelberg 866m to Murren 1,640m in 4 mins (44:30) It's the first part of a CHF130m project (45:00) Mürren (1640m) to Birg (2670m) opened in December 2024 (46:00) The second track will open in a year's time (46:30) Birg to the Schilthorn at 2970m opened in March 2025 (47:00) ‘On Her Majesty's Secret Service' was filmed at the Schilthorn in 1969 (50:00) The view from Murren to the Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau is incredible (51:00) Feedback (52:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Wells Jones: "Listening to your latest episode, I was fascinated by your ski touring adventure on Mount Etna. Your vivid descriptions transported me right there, amidst the eruptions. It's intriguing how you combined skiing with a unique rail ferry trip in Italy." Ian Simpson: “We are currently touring in our motorhome and inspired by your podcast to visit Val Cenis. Well worth it and managed a day in Bonneval Sur Arc which is very different and amazing especially for those that like off piste. Keep up the great work.” There are now 254 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 128 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

Iain is joined by adventurer Elise Wortley. In the last 7 years, Elise has taken on some hugely challenging projects to highlight some of the original – and largely forgotten - female mountaineers and explorers.  What makes her ‘Woman With Altitude' project unique is that she has climbed and trekked in places such as the Himalayas, the Alps and the Cairngorms using the same equipment and clothing that was available to her female predecessors at the time. We discuss what it's like trying to summit Mt Blanc in hobnail boots, how you source a wooden-framed backpack and the challenges of hiking in woollen knickerbockers.  Elise also featured in the Channel 4 programme ‘Alone' where she spend over a month in the Canadian wilderness completely alone.  Discount Code for Intersport Ski Hire If you are heading to the snow then don't forget that you can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST'  You'll get a guaranteed discount for ski hire in France, Austria and Switzerland and to make it even simpler you don't even need to use the code, just take this link and your basket will automatically be reduced.  SHOW NOTES Listen to Iain's previous interviews with: ·       BBC Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy Alcott ·       GB Snowsport CEO, Vicky Gosling  ·       Former Erna Low MD Joanna Yellowlees-Bound ·       Team GB freestyle skier, Zoe Atkin Inghams are celebrating their 90th anniversary this winter (2:45) Take a look at Elise's website ‘Woman With Altitude' (3:30) Elise was inspired by Alexandra David-Neel's book ‘My Journey to Lhasa' (4:00) Nan Sheperd wrote ‘The Living Mountain' after hiking in the Cairngorms (11:30) Find out more about Iain's ski touring trip to Ben Lawers in Scotland (15:15) Find out more about Elise's Scottish adventure (15:30) Jane Inglis-Clarke founded the Ladies' Scottish Climbing Club in 1908 (17:00) Henriette d'Angeville was the first woman to climb Mont Blanc solo (17:30) Look out for Henriette on the mural in the centre of Chamonix (18:15) Elise's hobnail boots were supplied by shoe specialists Trickers (20:15) Dorothy Pilley wrote the book ‘Climbing Days' and was the co-founder of the Pinnacle Club (24:00) Elise travelled from Bastia to Monte Cinto in Corsica in February 2025 (24:30) Watch the Channel 4 series ‘Alone' (26:15) [Spoiler] Elise came second after spending 34 days in the Canadian wilderness (32:00) Elise will be returning to Chamonix in June 2025 to try and complete her recreation of Henriette d'Angeville's historic climb (33:00) Hotelplan are funding Elise's 2025 attempt on Mont Blanc (34:15) Only 2% of mountain guides are women (35:30) FEEDBACK (37:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so if you enjoyed this episode, please do let me know on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  We've had a couple of items of feedback since the last podcast:  Emma Budget: “Fantastic podcast! My husband and I have been listening religiously since before Covid. Now that we're taking our first holidays as a young family, it's been so useful picking up tips and tricks from your episodes about skiing with kids! It's unbelievably rewarding skiing the slopes for the first time with them. Thanks for the podcast, we love it!” Ian Simpson: "Great podcast. Gives me so many travelling ideas especially by train. Any chance you could do one exploring by motorhome? Small community type resorts working together for the van people who like exploring the mountains in Europe." [Try this episode, Ian] There are now 253 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 166 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com and take a look around the tags and categories – you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

Today is a sustainability special, looking at train travel to Morzine, the impact of global warming on the Mer de Glace in Chamonix, plus we take a closer look at Patagonia's decision to become a company for ‘purpose, not profit'.   We also have our regular snow reports, the latest news from GB Snowsports and your feedback. Iain Martin was joined Sara Burton from Montagne Verte in Morzine and Matt Barr from the Looking Sideways Podcast.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don't forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com or take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Sara was last on the podcast in Episode 74 (0:45) Listen to Iain's experience of staying in an unmanned refuge in Meribel (3:00) Catherine Murphy is in Kaprun, Austria (6:15) Betony Garner reported from Combloux, France (8:10) Floss Cockle from FreeFlo Ski reported from Tignes, France (9:15) Charlotte Bankes is on course for the Snowboard Cross Crystal Globe (10:45) Jasmin Taylor could win the Crystal Globe in Telemark Spint and Telemark overall (11:00) Montagne Verte was formed in 2019 (12:00) They run their own pre-loved shop in Morzine (14:00) You can buy and sell second-hand ski wear at WhoSki (16:40) Other initiatives include collection of food waste (17:00) Find out about Verbier Green in Episode 206 (17:45) The AlpinExpress Pass offers discounts to those travelling to resort by train (19:30) Vialattea (the ‘Milky Way') in Italy offer discounts for travelling by train (21:45) Montagne Verte have published a very detailed Train Travel guide (22:00) Matt has been mentioned in my interviews with Ed Leigh, Chris Moran and Stu Brass (27:00) He is a previous editor of WhiteLines and runs his own agency, All Conditions Media He is the host of the Looking Sideways Podcast (28:00) Listen to 'The Announcement' (32:00) Patagonia's announced in September 2022 that it was ‘going purpose, not public' (32:30) Patagonia's famous ‘Don't buy this jacket' Bernie Sanders: “Billionaires in both parties should not be able to buy elections” (37:30) Watch Iain's video about the new €23m Mer de Glace gondola (42:45) Read Iain's article about Montenvers and the Mer de Glace at welove2ski (42:45) The Mer de Glace has thinned 160m since 1990 and lost 3km in length since 1820 By 2019, there were 580 steps to make it back to Chamonix (43:30) Brad Carlson is a mountain guide in Chamonix (43:45) Check out the Glacorium if you visit Montenvers (53:15) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Julian Holland: "Episode 237 was great as always! Keeping my fingers crossed for a few more dumps in Austria before my two weeks in Lech" Skiingpostie (Spotify): "3 Zinnen sounds great and I will definitely be looking at a train ski trip soon." Reid Aiton: "Another great episode" There are now 252 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 137 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com and take a look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

We discuss ski touring on Mt Etna in Sicily, the mountains of Catalonia and Borovets in Bulgaria.  Host Iain Martin was joined by guests Becs Miles and Mike Richards. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don't forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com or simply take this link and your discount will automatically be applied.  SHOW NOTES Becs was last on the show in Episode 209, when she was telling us about Trysil in Norway (0:45) Mike Richards was last on the show as a guest in Episode 226 discussing Hokkaido in Japan (1:15) He has also been on the show discussing Bosnia, Madesimo, Turkey, North Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro and Wales (1:30) Mike called in from Erciyes in Turkey (2:00) Katja Gaskell reported from Japan (3:30) Alex Armand (Tip Top Ski Coaching) is in Les 2 Alpes (5:40) Jen Tsang (That's LaPlagne) is in La Plagne (6:00) Freddy Carrick-Smith took gold in the GS & Zak Carrick-Smith took bronze in the Slalom at the European Youth Olympic Festival (8:30) In freestyle Sandra Caune won gold in ski Big air and bronze in slopestyle and Emily Rothney won gold in the Snowboard Big Air The Ski Podcast sponsors Team Carrick Smith (9:20) Find out more about Iain's train travel journey to Sicily, using an Interrail from Rail Europe (12:30) The trip involved taking the unique rail ferry from the southern tip of Italy to Messina (13:00) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ysMVLaA6Jc Iain saw an Italian football match at Empoli on his return journey (16:00) Mirto Monaco is one of three UAIGM guides on Sicily (17:30) Ski touring was on Etna Nord out of Piano Provenzala - Etna's ‘ski resort' (17:45) https://youtu.be/7bkj_m-5d6Y Etna was erupting on the south side of the volcano (19:00) In 2002, both ski resorts were destroyed by eruptions (25:00) Iain hiked up to the source of the current eruption to view the lava flow (25:30) Iain went ski touring in Morrocco in 2019 (27:30) Becs as ‘glamping' in Catalonia at Forest Days (28:30) She did ski touring at the resort of Port del Comte (32:00) You can try cross country sking in Tuixant (32:30) Other activities included truffle hunting (33:00) Becs learned how to search for fire kindling (34:00) Iain recently drove to Courmayeur and Chamonix in an electric car (35:45) Mike travelled to Borovets in Bulgaria (38:30) He stayed at the Hotel Lion (42:15) Take a look at the piste map for Borovets (44:00) Feedback Please send your feedback on the show on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Matt Sylvestre: "Just wanted to say hello from Pleasant Mountain in Maine, USA. I am obsessed with skiing, kit and technique and enjoyed Episode 235 with Stuart Winchester from the Storm Skiing Podcast.”  Chris Howie: "Loved Episode 235 of the Ski Podcast today as always. It was super to hear more about the Ikon/Epic passes and how the USA model for skiing is completely different from Europe.” Jane Gotts: “Really enjoy listening to the podcast” Anon: “Loving the ski podcast in the car from wet and windy Dublin” Anon: "Great podcast, Iain. I've enjoyed it for ages and attended your talks at The Snow Show. Skiing has generally poor coverage on TV, so podcasts like yours help keep ski enthusiasts like me stoked in between ski trips and seasons. Keep it up!" The winner of our Vallon goggles competition is Dominic Hales: “Loved listening to Episode 237 about the Dolomites. We just got our photos from a trip in Val Gardena and surely can't be a more photogenic place.” There are now 251 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 185 of those were listened to in the last week.  You can find old episodes in our back catalog at theskipodcast.com where you can find your next podcast to listen to.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

Team GB freestyle skier Zoe Atkin has won multiple medals at the X-Games, World Cup and World Championships and is a hot prospect for a podium at next year's Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This season the 21-year-old has three World Cup podiums in five competitions, including a win and two second place finishes in her last three events. She will next be in action at next month's Freestyle World Championships in St Moritz. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you are heading to the snow, then don't forget that you can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST'  You'll get a guaranteed discount for ski hire in France, Austria and Switzerland and to make it even simpler you don't even need to use the code, just take this link and your basket will automatically be reduced.  SHOW NOTES Listen to Iain's interview with BBC Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy Alcott, GB Snowsport CEO Vicky Gosling and former Erna Low MD Joanna Yellowlees-Bound Zoe did her autumn training in Kitzsteinhorn, Austria (3:30) Why half-pipe? (5:30) Training with your competitors (10:00) Strategy in competition (11:30) Bringing new tricks into competition (13:00) Strength and conditioning training (15:30) Zoe won the half-pipe at the X-Games in 2023 (16:30) Listen to Iain's interview with refer Kirsty Muir (18:00) Zoe recorded back-to-back X-Games podiums with silver in 2024 Listen to Iain's interview with Vicky Gosling, CEO of GB Snowsport (19:00) Zoe finished 9th in the half pipe at Beijing 2022 (19:00) The challenges of testing during the Games (21:00) Zoe's sister is Izzy Atkin, who was Britain's first skier to win a medal at the Olympics (22:30) Travels after the Winter Olympics (24:15) Zoe was brought up in Maine and skied from the age of two (25:00) Her base in now Park City, Utah (26:00) Zoe is now studying at Stanford University (27:30) Zoe finished on the podium for six consecutive events after Beijing (29:30) The plan for winter 24/25 (33:00) SELECTED RESULTS: FIS WORLD CUP 2025 Women's Freeski Halfpipe, Calgary – 2nd 2025 Women's Freeski Halfpipe, Aspen – 1st 2024 Women's Freeski Halfpipe, Copper Mountain - 3rd 2023 World Championships Women's Ski Superpipe - 2nd 2021 World Championships Women's Ski Superpipe - 3rd 2019 Women's Freeski Halfpipe, Copper Mountain - 1st (16 years old)  SELECTED RESULTS: X-GAMES   2024 Women's Ski Superpipe – 4th  2024 Women's Ski Superpipe - 2nd 2023 Women's Ski Superpipe - 1st 2020 Women's Ski Superpipe - 5th Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  There are now 250 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 190 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com and take a look around the tags and categories – you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

We find out about 3 Zinnen in the Italian Dolomites, plus we have a train travel focus: looking at the European Sleeper to Italy and trains to Serre Chevalier. We also have our regular snow reports, gold medal news for Team GB and your ski Valentines stories, plus the chance to win some super-cool Vallon goggles. Host Iain Martin was joined by Babsi Lapwood from the Mountain Trade Network and Dom Winter from Protect Our Winters UK. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don't forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com.  That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland – that's hundreds of resorts. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Babsi recently skied in Risoul (1:45)  Lou Newton from Iglu Ski reported from Bansko in Bulgaria (4:00) Mike Richards reported from Uludag and Dorukkaya in Turkey (5:15) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski reported from St Anton (6:30) Win Vallon Ski Goggles worth £137 – just leave us a comment on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts (8:15) Freddy Carrick-Smith took gold in the Giant Slalom (9:15) The Ski Podcast supports Team Carrick-Smith Mia Bookes retained the Big Air Crystal Globe (9:40) Listen to my interview with Ski Sunday's Ed Leigh (10:00) Babsi has been to 3 Zinnen six times already (11:00) Iain and Babsi both stayed in Innichen San Candido (12:30) Piste map of the ski area in 3 Zinnen (14:30) Try night skiing in Innichen (17:00) Iain tried snow shoeing for the first time in 3 Zinnen (18:00) The heating in Innichen is powered by woodchip and sawdust (20:45) Atto and Botanic are two great family owned restaurants in Innichen (21:30) Iain stayed at the Hotel Tyrol in Innichen (21:45) Dom was last on the show in our London Ski Show special (23:00) Find out about the WSF/POW video challenge on eco ways to get to the slopes (24:00) There is also information on Instagram Dom travelled by train to Serre Chevalier (25:00) Serre Chevalier has a great record on sustainability (28:00) Iain travelled to 3 Zinnen on the European Sleeper service from Belgium (30:00) Iain interviewed Chris Engelsman from European Sleeper back in Episode 221 (30:30) Read Iain's review of the journey on Ski Flight Free (33:30) Find out more about the European Sleeper here (36:30) Thanks to Ed, Sasha, Ian and Mike for their Ski Valentine's stories  Feedback (41:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Oliver Padgett: “Thanks for all the time and effort you put into making a great podcast. Keep up the great work.” Will Cursham: “I've just started listening to your podcast at the ripe old age of 49. I love it! Lots of interesting stuff about skiing. Being a bit of a geek, I love the behind-the-scenes stuff, I'd love to hear more about how resorts work, maintaining the infrastructure etc. Keep going with the podcast, and I'll keep listening!” There are now 249 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com and take a look around the tags and categories – you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

This special episode of The Ski Podcast is an exclusive interview with BBC presenter Ed Leigh.  Ed tells us how the ‘Ski Sunday' season has gone so far, including why his co-presenter, Chemmy Alcott, was a natural when it came to snowboarding.  We cover his journey from Turin 2006 to Paris 2024, where he commentated on the BMX and skateboarding, before discussing the ridiculous talent of Mia Brookes, Britain's 18-year-old world champion snowboarder. Finally, I asked Ed about the Natural Selection Tour. We talk about the format, how it's evolved and where you can watch it this winter. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES   Ed was last on the show in Episode 169 (2:30) He was last on snow at Zugspitze above Garmisch (3:15) Working with the Ski Sunday team (5:00) Was Chemmy really a natural snowboarder? (10:00) Listen to Warren Smith talking about coaching Louis Smith on ‘The Jump' (10:30) Ed on his ski racing lessons (12:00) Presenting Ski Sunday with a serious injury (13:30) Ed's first BBC work was at the 2006 Turin Olympics (15:30) Starting on Ski Sunday (17:15) Filming ‘High Altitude' (17:45) Commentating on the BMX and Skateboarding in Paris 2024 (22:00) “Every time I heard you or Tim Warwood's voice I knew there'd be something fun to watch!” (25:00) Is skateboarding selling out? (27:00) Why don't we see more freestyle snowboarding and skiing on Ski Sunday? (30:00) Mia Brookes' amazing season (32:30) Is she stronger at slopestyle or big air? (33:00) Charlotte Bankes as another potential medallist at Cortina 2026? (34:45) Maisie Hill's prospects (36:45) Who is Txema Mazet Brown? (38:15) What is the Natural Selection Tour? (40:30) ‘Designed for athletes, not spectators' (40:45) The Natural Selection Tour includes mountain biking, surfing, skiing and snowboarding (43:00) It was founded by Travis Rice in Jackson Hole (43:45) What's the format? (47:45) The snowboarding takes place in Revelstoke from 10-17 March (50:45) You can watch the Natural Selection Tour on RedBull TV (51:00) Can you compare the X-Games and Natural Selection Tour (51:00) Does the X-Games use AI judging? (53:15) Feedback   I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Dave Mills and James Rice very kindly bought me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast Dave: “Iain, love your podcast. It's essential listening all year round, but never more so than during the ski season. Bravo!” James: “I'm a huge fan of The Storm Skiing Podcast, so it was great to have him on your show. As an American, one of the things I really enjoy about your podcast is that it offers me a glimpse into a completely different ski and travel culture. I often listen to The Ski Podcast and inevitably add a resort or experience to my dream list of ski holidays.”  There are now 248 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 152 of those were listened to in the last week.  If you enjoyed this episode, then go to theskipodcast.com where you'll find plenty of other interviews, destinations, experiences and adventures to entertain you on your commute, run, gym workout or wherever you listen to your podcasts.     If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp.

We find out about Big Sky Resort in Montana and look into the multipass options in the States, including the Epic, Ikon, Indy and Mountain Collective passes. We also have our regular snow reports, your feedback, Team GB news and equipment expert Al Morgan reports from the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Nancy Shiel, Head of Ski Patrol at Big Sky Resort in Montana, and Stuart Winchester, host of the Storm Skiing Podcast. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com.  That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy is in the Dolomites (5:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (7:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter is in Courchevel (7:30) Mia Brookes finished 3rd at the X Games Slopestyle in Aspen (9:15) Jasmin Taylor now has three wins this season in the Telemark World Cup (9:30) Laurie Taylor tied with Dave Ryding for 15th at Kitzbuhel (9:40) Freddy and Zak Carrick Smith will be taking part in the European Youth Olympics (9:45) Ski kit expert Al Morgan was out at the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz (10:20) Listen to our equipment episodes or watch them on YouTube (12:45) Nancy has been working on the ski patrol at Big Sky for over 20 years (13:15) Watch the Big Sky Ski Patrol in action (15:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f896Bsukqi0 “Big Sky is titanic, sprawling, impossible” (16:15) Big Sky is in south-west Montana (16:45) You can visit Yellowstone National Park in winter from Big Sky (17:30) The resort has 5850 acres of skiable terrain and has 400 inches annual of snowfall (18:45) The Lone Peak Tram is a standout lift (20:00) Peter Landsman in Episode 181 described it one of the lifts you must ride (20:15) Stuart is host of the Storm Skiing Podcast (24:00) “Everyone's searching for skiing's soul. I'm trying to find its brains” (24:15) The Epic Pass started in 2008 (28:00) The issue of overcrowding in US ski resorts (32:00) The Ikon Pass has introduced ‘reservations' to limit overcrowding (33:00) The Indy Pass is “the coolest thing going” (34:15) Glencoe and The Snow Centre in the UK are both on the Indy Pass (37:30) Will there be mergers between the multipasses? (37:45) Find out about the Mountain Collective Pass (38:30) Epic Pass sales were down 2% for the 24/25 winter (39:00) Vail Resorts had to deal with a ski patrol strike in Park City in December (39:15) Vail Resorts have acquired Andermatt and Crans Montana in Europe (41:00) If you visit Big Sky, you need to try Uncle Dan's Cookies (41:30) You can follow The Ski Podcast on WhatsApp (44:00) Feedback (42:00)   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Charlie Owen: "I enjoyed your interview with Mark Smith – the Man in Seat61" Charlie Henry Mack: "Episode 232 was great" Marcus: "I just wanted to drop you a note to say that I have started listening to the podcast on my drive into work and it's great! Brilliant to have such a good UK-based ski podcast." There are now 247 episodes of The Ski Podcast. If you've enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com and take a look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there and you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast or WhatsApp

We finding out about driving to the Alps in an electric vehicle, discuss Courmayeur in Italy, plus we have an entrepreneur focus talking to the founders of two snowsports companies. We also have our regular snow reports, your feedback, news on more World Cup wins for Team GB plus an update from Dave Ryding ahead of the World Champs in Saalbach. Iain was joined by Erin Flynn, founder of the clothing company Ruanua and Simon Hooper, founder of Whitestorm, the ski hire company in Courchevel and Meribel.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don't forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com.  That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland – that's hundreds of resorts. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Iain was in Les 2 Alpes in April 2024 (1:30) Catherine Murphy reported on the new Jandri 3S lift in Episode 232 (2:30) Iain reported on snow conditions in Chamonix last weekend (4:30) Before that he was skiing in Courmayeur, Italy (5:00) Mike Richards reported from Erciyes in Turkey (5:30) Floss Cockle reported from Tignes (6:45) Mia Brookes won the Slopestyle at the Laax Open (8:00) Jasmin Taylor took a gold and silver in the Telemark World Cup (8:45) Dave Ryding was talking about the World Champs coming up in Saalbach (9:00) Regular listeners may recall I took the Flight Free UK pledge in 2024 Iain is taking the Flight Free Pledge again in 2025 (12:15) Iain founded Ski Flight Free in 2019 (12:00) Iain drove a BMW iX M60 electric vehicle to Courmayeur and Chamonix (13:00) For charging, Iain used the Ionity network all the way (15:00) For more advice on EVs in the Alps there's an excellent page on SNO.co.uk website (16:00) Ruanua is a new resortwear brand (18:00) Erin worked as a ski instructor in Saalbach (19:30) Ruanua uses stock fabric which is already made and unused (22:45) Garments are made PFC-free with RDS certified Down (24:45) Ruanua launched in autumn 2024 (27:00) Simon founded Whitestorm in 2012 in Courchevel 1850 (30:00) He now employs 21 staff (33:00) The trend to ski rental as baggage fees have increased (34:45) Iain reported on the new Courchevel Saulire cable car in Episode 229 (36:30) Watch Iain's video about the Skyway Monte Bianco lift in Courmayeur (37:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V055PF5enZA Join The Ski Podcast WhatsApp channel (41:00) Feedback   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Jack Kelly: "Love the show!"   Kosta: "The equipment specials have been very good this year and Al communicates the nuances of design very well. The interviews also have been interesting and have shown the work that happens behind most people's one week holiday. Keep up the good work" Helen Keast (Spotify): "Really enjoyed Episode 232 with Mark Smith” There are now 244 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. There is so much to listen to in our previous episodes, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today is a special interview with Mark Smith – the train travel expert also known as ‘The Man in Seat 61'.  We discuss his background; how he came to set up his website seat61.com; his views on the best routes to the Alps by train; the trend towards night trains; plus whether there will ever be competition for Eurostar on the cross-channel line.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you're heading to the Alps this winter, then you can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Seat61.com is a multiple award-winning website with more than 1m visitors per month (2:00) Why is it called ‘Seat 61'? (2:30) What prompted you to start the site in 2001? (4:15) Mark has worked full time on Seat61.com since 2007 (7:00) Iain took the ‘Flight Free Pledge' to take no flights in 2024 (8:45) Why should people travel by train? (9:00) Come for the carbon savings, stay for the joy of travelling by train (9:15) “We're in danger of creating a world where every single journey is an identical non-experience at 30,000 feet and life's too short not to grab every experience when you get the chance.” (11:30) Listen to Iain's report on the Eurostar Snow Train (13:00) Will Eurostar ever bring back that direct service? (13:30) Or that they might increase the number of rotations? (15:45) Will we see competition to Eurostar on the cross-channel HS1 line? (18:00) Virgin are interested in starting as a competitor to Eurostar (18:30) When will the line from Paris to Turin open again? (21:00) Taking the train to Italian ski resorts (23:00) Taking the train to Austria (24:00) Taking the train to Norway (25:00) The Caledonian Sleeper is ‘Best train in the UK' according to Mark (26:00) Simon Calder and Mark raced to Edinburgh in a plane v. train race (27:30) Night trains are becoming more popular (28:30) OBB's ‘Nightjet' service is the biggest operator of night trains in Europe (29:30) The Nightjet to Innsbruck departs from Amsterdam (31:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper (31:30) Mark will be on the inaugural European Sleeper service (32:30) Boutique operators include Snälltåget and European Sleeper (33:30) How do you keep the costs of train travel down? (35:00) When is Interrail better value than point-to-point tickets? (37:00) Why do you have to wait to three months beforehand until you can book trains? (38:30) Iain will be travelling to Sicily on the only train ferry left in Europe (40:45) Is it possible to travel from Portugal to Singapore by train? (42:00) Take the plunge, you'll love it! (44:00) “Collectively we are racing through spectacular landscapes, covering a mile every 40 seconds, using Victorian infrastructure to the full and causing minimal environment harm. The rail traveller is in touch with the world.” Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com    Dan Trapp: "Keep up the great work. And have a great season!"  Alex Nevill (BMAC): "Love this podcast, always gets me in the mood for the ski season" There are now 245 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and a whopping 202 of those were listened to in the last week. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around - you're bound to find something that sparks your interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We find out about skiing in Montenegro and Tignes, what it's like at European Gay Ski Week and we look at the new Jandri 3S lift in Les 2 Alpes. We also have our regular snow reports, your feedback and news on World Cup wins for Team GB. Host Iain Martin is joined by freelance journalist Mary Novakovich, Matt Ware from European Gay Ski Week and regular guest, Catherine Murphy.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you're heading to the Alps this winter, then you can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Catherine on the show in Episode 230 telling us about the WhamWalk in Saas Fee (2:00) Find out about slope safety in Episode 229 (3:45) Matt will be at Swiss Gay Ski Week in Arosa (4:45) Mike Greenland reported from Jahorina, Bosnia (6:00) Jen Tsang, That's La Plagne, La Plagne, France (7:20) Andy Butterworth, Kaluma Ski, St Anton, Austria (10:00) There has been skiing in England at Weardale and the Lake District (13:00) https://x.com/skipedia/status/1877261678758318563 Mia Brookes took her 2nd win of the season at Klagenfurt (13:30) Txema Mazet-Brown came 9th at Klagenfurt and is one to watch out for (14:00) Dave Ryding was 10th in Madonna di Campiglio (14:45) The Team GB bobsleigh team won the Winterberg World Cup race (15:00) The Carrick Smith boys update us on training and recovery from injury (15:20) Iain used his Carv 2 for the first time in Tignes (19:45) Iain travelled to Tignes in a luxury splitter van from Vans for Bands (21:45) There was a lot of snow on the roof! (22:00) Iain ran across ‘le lac' in Tignes (23:00) Catherine tried ice floating in Tignes (23:30) The ESF ‘Fleche' race was great fun (24:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okczVRVdwtk Iain spoke with Olivier Duch, deputy mayor of Tignes (26:00) Find out more about sustainability in Tignes (27:00) The snow groomers in Tignes all run on HVO rather than diesel (27:30) The Mountain Shaker takes place from 08-14 March in Tignes (29:15) Tignes will host the Paralpine World Championships in 2027 (31:30) Read Mary's article about skiing in Montenegro (34:00) Fly into Podgorica and stay in Kolasin (36:00) European Gay Ski Week takes place in Val Thorens from 22-29 March (42:00) Find out more about ‘Le Board' in VT in Episode 165 (44:00) Packages start from €159 for event pass and accom sharing (46:30) Sharing options make it very affordable for solo travellers The Jandri 3S lift opened in December (48:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0hrmQgVGg Find out about the ‘Last Ride Project' in Episode 230 (55:30) We are the lookout for Ski Valentines...did you meet your partner on a ski holiday or doing a ski season, and do you fancy sharing your story? Drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Joseph Childs: "Thank you for the podcast, I always look forward to the episodes!" plus book suggestion (Higher Love, Kit Deslauriers) Katie Waddington: “Enjoyed listening to the John Yates-Smith episode (233)” Ed Clapham: "I'm really enjoying the ski podcast. It's got a great mix of guests and for someone who's been skiing for nearly 40 years, I still find myself learning something new when listening to it." There are now 244 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We focus on ski touring in this equipment special. Iain and Al look at the best skis and ski boots for people wanting an ‘all-rounder' set up or a dedicated lightweight touring set up, as well as discussing layers and the different bindings available.   This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. They are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com and you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES What is ski touring? (5:30) What are ‘skins'? (6:00) How are the bindings different? (7:30) Iain went ski touring in Morocco (9:30) How important is weight? (11:00) Al's weight comparison example (11:45) A 95mm freeride ski will weigh upwards of 1,650g per ski in a 175cm length An equivalent touring ski would be 200-400g lighter per ski. In this case, we'll use 300g per ski A regular freeride binding would be around 1,000g per binding An equivalent Kingpin is around 300g lighter per binding A regular Alpine boot is around 2,000g per boot (in a 26.5MP) An equivalent freeride touring boot can be 500g lighter per boot   For skis, binding and boots, a ‘lightweight' set up could be 2.8kg lighter overall: equivalent to saving 14kg off your backpack The Best ‘All Round' Touring Skis – Salomon QST98 - £550 (18:30) The Best ‘Lightweight' Touring Skis – Atomic Backland 88 - £500 (20:30) What is a Split Board? (23:45) Buy your snowboard kit at The Snowboard Asylum The Best ‘All Round' Touring Boots – K2 Mindbender BOA - £625 (26:00) The Best ‘All Round' Lightweight' Touring Boots - Scarpa Gea/Maestrale RS - £670 (29:00) How important are layers? (32:00) Listen to our ‘Best Ski Jackets of 2025' episode (32:30) Montane have a range of ski touring layers (34:15) Iain uses Montane for his trail running races (35:00) Al uses the Rab Mythic G down jacket - £450 (36:00) How to use poles when ski touring (37:00) What sort of gloves should you take? (39:30) Helmets for ski touring (40:00) Listen to our ‘Best Ski Helmets of 2025' episode Iain uses the Oakley Mod BC helmet (£220)  Eric Button is the founder of the Zoa Portable lift(41:45) Listen to Iain's interview with Blair Aitken from British Backcountry Skiing (49:45) The Wild Ski Weekend is at the Glenmore Lodge in March 2025 (50:30) Iain used the Carv in Tignes (53:30) Al recommends Nunchucks as a good option for audio while wearing a helmet (54:30) ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE (47:15) Matt Brown works for Ellis Brigham in Aviemore FEEDBACK   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Episode 231 with John Yates Smith produced a lot of comment:  Paul Bond: "Of all the topics that could be on the podcast, the choice of pellets for a shot gun wasn't one I had on my bingo card!" David Bell: “Hi Iain, I must say I enjoyed your interview with John so much , what a great character with a great life story to tell, and a refreshingly honest outlook. I was laughing along with you.” Anthony Benson: “John you're a legend! You taught me a lot about life working for you when I was 19 in Val and Corsica and also working for your brother Dick. They were the best years of my life and I remember the time the Corsicans tried to burn the Valinco down!” Quin R: “Absolutely loved the podcast with John Yates-Smith.”    David Lindsay: "Only just listened to the ski boot special. What an excellent podcast - Al really knows his stuff." If you like the podcast, there are thre things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Or you can Buy Me A Coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast We now have 243 episodes to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you might not end up listening to every episode, but you're bound to find something of interest to you.    You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This special episode of The Ski Podcast featuring Val d'Isère legend John Yates-Smith.  John is just starting his 50th winter in the resort. He started in the 70s in the early years of the British ski industry and went on to run Bladon Lines' operations in Val d'Isère for a decade.  In 1991, he co-founded his own chalet company, YSE Ski, which has now been offering ski holidays in VDI for over 30 years.  SHOW NOTES Read Iain's article about Bladon Lines (2:00) YSE is a Val d'Isère specialist founded in 1991 (2:45) “YSE is run by hyper-efficient ladies” (3:00) Fiona Easdale is the ‘E' of ‘YSE' “Brexit has been a nightmare for us” (4:00) John's first ski season was with John Morgan in 1975/76 (8:00) “The best skiing in the world and a lot of very pretty chalet girls” (8:15) Is being a KP the best job in the Alps? (9:00) John's brother opened ‘Dick's Tea Bar' (12:30) In 1982, John started working for Bladon Lines (16:00) The company was founded by Mark Lines and Simon Bladon in 1978 (16:30) Bladon Lines staff jackets were so colourful they became known as the ‘Parrots' (18:00) “I hated my parrot jacket and refused to wear it!” (18:15) Telex was the typical mode of communication (21:00) Transfers before the Geneva-Albertville motorway could take up to 13 hours (26:00) In 1991 John started YSE with Fiona Easdale after Bladon Lines sacked her (33:00) In 1995, Inghams bought the brand for next to nothing (35:30) “I was absolutely delighted to see Bladon Lines go” (35:30) John set up the Bladon Lines summer operation in Corsica (37:00) The Hotel Valinco was built with sand from the beach (38:00) John had some attention from the Corsican mafia? (39:15) “There are no honest people in Corsica!” (39:45) John's car was set on fire… (41:00) “What gun have you got?” (42:30) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Dave Mills: "Great podcast and adds to the excitement of another ski season" Adam Fisher: "Good work with the podcast. I really enjoyed the Japan and Joanna Lees episodes.” Mike Greenland: "Always entertaining!” There are now 241 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our previous episode, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast Cover Photo courtesy of Felice Hardy, Action Packed Travel

Our special Christmas Episode is the present of snow reports for you from across the Alps, including Tignes, Les 2 Alpes, La Plagne, Courchevel, Combloux, Val Gardena, St Anton, Grimentz…and the Brecon Beacons in Wales! SHOW NOTES Iain is currently in Tignes (0:30) Alex Armand, Tip Top Ski Coaching, Les 2 Alpes, France (1:30) Jen Tsang, That's La Plagne, La Plagne, France (2:00) Alex Irwin, 150 Days of Winter, Courchevel, France (3:50) Betony Garner, Combloux, France (5:20) Tim Hudson, Inspired Italy, Val Gardena, Italy (6:55) Andy, Kaluma Ski, St Anton, Austria (8:25) Simon Burgess, Grimentz, Switzerland (10:30) Dave Burrows, SnowPros Ski School, Les Crozets, Switzerland (12:00) Mike Richards, Brecon Beacons, Wales (13:50) If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today we look at the iconic resort of Jackson Hole, find out how Saas Fee are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wham!'s ‘Last Christmas' and learn about ‘The Last Ride' film project. We also have snow reports from Verbier, Les 2 Alpes and La Plagne, an update on the latest ski racing action from Matt Garcka and your feedback. Host Iain Martin was joined by Jess McMillan from Jackson Hole and Jon Moy from ‘The Last Ride' project. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you're heading to the Alps this winter, then you can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Jon was skiing on sand dunes in the Atacama Desert in Chile (2:00) Iain will be in Tignes for Christmas (3:00) He will be travelling in a luxury minibus from Vans For Bands (3:15) Jen Tsang from That's La Plagne reported from La Plagne (4:00) Dave from SnoPros Ski School was in Verbier (6:40) Alexandra Armand from TipTop Snow Coaching in Les 2 Alpes (8:45) Find out more about the new Jandri 3S gondola (9:15) Matt Garcka is host of from the ‘Skiing is Believing' podcast (10:00) It is the 40th anniversary of Wham!'s ‘Last Christmas' (12:30) ‘Last Christmas' by Wham! is #1 in the UK charts right now Laila Zurbriggen is from the Saas Fee Tourist Office The Capra offers a special ‘Last Christmas' package for CHF 1170 (16:00) Email ‘Whamtastic!' to reservation@capra.ch Catherine Murphy had just done the WhamWalk (17:30) Did you meet your partner on a ski holiday or doing a ski season, and do you fancy sharing your story? Drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com (21:00) Jess McMillan is Director of Events & Partnerships at Jackson Hole (21:30) Jackson is located in the Grand Teton National Park Find out more about the Mountain Collective pass (28:45) Corbets' Couloir is perhaps the most famous couloir in the world (25:00) Check out Doug Combs taking it on Jackson Hole has a limit on ski ticket sales (26:45) The Golden Ticket means that if you have a season pass you get a 50% discount (27:30) Jackson has featured in ‘Yellowstone' and ‘The Last of Us' (28:45) Jackson Hole recent broke the world record for the most skiers in jeans (29:30) Our Twitter poll was NOT in favour of ‘double denim on the mountain' (30:15) Jon Moy is the Director of ‘The Last Ride' project (32:30) The team have climbed and skied Mt Elbrus, Denali, Aconcagua & Mt McKinley (33:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Arnie Wilson (35:45) Next on the list is Puncak Jaya in Western Papua (36:00) Has altitude sickness been an issue? (37:30) How to keep camera equipment working at low temperatures (39:00) ‘The Last Ride' are using offsetting to counter the carbon footprint of the project (40:15) Louise Paley is a co-founder of the ‘Piste X Code' (44:30) Feedback (43:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Jane Michotte: "Love the podcast, the range of topics and different types of people interviewed. My 12-year-old son (just getting into racing) really enjoys the updates from the Carrick-Smiths."  Sean Burton: "Thank you Iain for your amazing podcast. I only got back into skiing last January after a 35-year gap! and I cannot get enough of it. Your equipment specials are particularly informative.”  Andrea Dalton: “Just listened to this week's episode and loved it as always.” There are now 240 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 like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In this episode we discuss how to ski safely on the slopes, and why that's important. Plus we find out about the opening weekend of the season in Les 3 Vallées and take a look at the new venue for the London Snow Show. Host Iain Martin was joined by Kimberley Kay and Dr Carol Porter, authors of the ‘Project Fear' study and Louise Paley and Amie Henderson, co-founders of the ‘Piste X Code'. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code All podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Betony Garner reported from Verbier (4:00) Floss from FreeFloSki is based in Tignes and Val d'Isere in the Espace Killy (5:00) Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy is based in the Dolomites (6:15) Mia Brookes won the snowboard Big Air in China (8:15) Lyndsey Vonn returns to World Cup action at Beaver Creek (8:30) Marcel Hirscher's return is over due to injury (8:45) Follow the latest racing news with Matt Garcka on the Skiing is Believing podcast The 2025 London Ski Show is returning back to its old home of Olympia James Gambrill is founder of Mountain Trade Network, organisers of the show (9:30) Iain was in Les 3 Vallées for the opening of the season (16:30) Read Iain's review of the weekend on Welove2Ski.com The new Saulire cable car opened on 12 December (17:00) Landry Tirard is head of ski for the lift company S3V Listen to Iain's interview with Peter Landsman from liftblog.com in Episode 181 (19:45) The Cime de Caron cable car in Val Thorens is currently out of action (20:00) Read the main findings of ‘Project Fear' (20:45) 62% of UK female respondents said fear or anxiety impact on their enjoyment of snowsports (21:15) The main fears are of injury and other skiers/snowboarders going too fast (22:15) Find out about the ‘Piste X Code' project (25:00) A British five-year-old died in an accident in Flaine in 2022 (25:15) Watch the ‘Piste X Code' video (27:45) Take the ‘Piste X Code' quiz (31:30) Find out about the Snow Angel Foundation (39:00) Take a look at Kimberley's illustration of the FIS code of conduct for skiers Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Alexander Summers: “The best ski podcast I have heard” JustPat: "Episode 226 was fantastic. I could listen to Mike for hours: he has total knowledge about skiing in Japan." Lee Thompson "It's a really interesting podcast: there's something informative in every episode." There are now 238 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today's episode celebrates the release of the new film from The North Face, ‘Of A Lifetime', featuring Xavier De Le Rue, his brother Victor and his daughter Mila.  The film covers an expedition the three of them took to Antarctica. Not only is the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, but you will be gripping your seat when you see some of the insane faces that Xavier and Victor take on.  The trip was also a rite of passage for Xavier's daughter Mila, who turned 18 while they were in Antarctica. Watch the movie ‘Of A Lifetime' on YouTube here In my extended interview with Xavier (previously released as Episode 208), we discuss his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and, of course, Antarctica.     We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about his views on sustainability and the future of our sport. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Xavier broke his ribs while taking time off from filming in Lobufen (7:30) FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (9:30) Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (11:00) Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (12:30) The trip involved crossing Drake's Passage (15:00) The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (17:30) Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (20:30) Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (21:30) Xavier's daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (21:15) Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (23:30) Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (25:30) Watch Xavier's ‘How to' videos on YouTube (26:45) Learn how to ski on ice! (27:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34 We discuss Xavier's avalanche experience (29:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU “Paranoia can be a good thing” (30:30) Xavier has clear views on air bags (33:00) Listen to Xavier's sustainability podcasts (38:00) Find out about the Audi Experience camps (38:30) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In this special episode, Iain speaks with Lucy Aspden-Kean, Ski & Snowboard Editor at The Telegraph.  We discuss Lucy's journey from the Blackpool Gazette to an MA in Journalism and how she beat 300 other applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph.  Lucy shares her advice for aspiring travel journalists, what it was like working on the travel desk during Covid, plus we also discuss how a trip to Nepal was prompted by an interview with Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Intersport Ski Hire You can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST'. To make it even simpler you don't even need to use the code, just take the link in the Show Notes and your basket will automatically be reduced.  SHOW NOTES  The London Snow Show will take place on 18/19 October 2025 at Olympia (1:00) Lucy previously shared her experiences of Gausta in Norway and heliskiskiing in Chile (3:00) Lucy was also on the show in the dark days of lockdown (3:00) A trip to Nepal started from an interview with Ranulph Fiennes (4:00) Lucy walked to Everest Base Camp and then the 6119m peak of Lobuche East (6:30) Her training was mainly in the Lake District (9:00) Read about Lucy's trip in this Telegraph article (13:15) Is Everest suffering from overtourism (15:00) There are significant dangers of climbing Everest (16:30) Are too many climbers under-trained? (16:30) We discuss ‘overtourism' more generally (17:00)  Lucy has skied in the Lakes (18:30) Her first ski holidays were to Rauris in Austria (20:00) Listen to Iain's interviews with ski journalists Peter Hardy, Arnie Wilson & Frank Baldwin (21:00) Lucy did an English literature degree, followed by an MA in Magazine Journalism at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) (22:30) Lucy beat 300 applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph (24:00) She won ‘Best Social Media Campaign of the Year' in the PPA awards in 2017 (30:00) Covid was a ‘career defining moment' as a travel journalist (31:45) Telegraph model has shifted to subscription (34:45) Longer form content is becoming more popular (35:15) The role of a commissioning editor (36:45) Do journalists need to have video editing skills as well as writing? (39:00) Advice for freelance journalists (40:30) Is AI a threat to journalism? (42:00) The impact of the climate crisis on skiing (43:15) Lucy's favourite trip was to Chile (46:30) Feedback   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Andre As: “Thank you for making another enjoyable podcast! It really shines through that you enjoy skiing and nature.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link There are now 237 episodes of The Ski Podcast. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com and search the tags and categories. All our Equipment Special episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today we find out what it's like skiing down Mont Blanc, learn about skiing in Hokkaido in Japan, plus we cover a drugs bust in Verbier, a cable car crash in Val Thorens and get an update on the Alpine World Cup. Host Iain Martin was joined by Floss Cockle, from FreeFlo Ski Coaching in Tignes and ski journalist and photographer, Mike Richards. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code All podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Mike last appeared reporting from the Northern Ski Show in Episode 224 Mike skied in Wales this month (3:30) Listen to Mike talking about skiing in the Brecon Beacons in Episode 65 (4:30) Alex Irwin from ‘150 Days of Winter' reported from Tignes and Val Thorens (6:00) We discussed drug dealers in ski resorts back in Episode 33 (8:00) Police have arrested 15 dealers in Verbier (8:30) The Cime de Caron cable car in VT was damaged in an accident (8:45) Lyndsey Vonn has announced that she plans to return to the racing circuit (9:30) Matt Garcka is host of the ‘Skiing is Believing' podcast (10:00) Mikaela Shiffrin is chasing down her 100th World Cup win (11:45) Listen out for Iain's interview with British half-pipe skier Zoe Atkin later this winter (13:00) All of our equipment episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel (13:45) The winners of our listener survey competition are Oliver Rutman & Faye Morton (14:00) Follow ‘The Ski Podcast' on our WhatsApp channel (14:30) Floss has 5000 followers on her YouTube channel (15:00) In 2021, Floss climbed and skied down the North face of Mont Blanc (21:00) Watch Floss' playlist about the climb (31:45) Mike told us about Rusutsu in Japan in Episode 170 (32:15) Find out more about the JR Train Pass in Japan (35:00) Mike suggests Hakodate as possible first base in Hokkaido (36:00) Mike's favourite base in Japan is Otaru  (41:00) Asahikawa in the centre of Hokkaido is another option (44:15) Excellent article from Fall Line magazine about train travel in Japan More info about Omo Hotels Asahikawa (45:00) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Rob Smith: “Episode 225 was a great listen, really enjoyed it. I'm aiming for Austria with the kids, so that advice on skiing for families was great.” Judy Matthews: “Thank you for continuing your fantastic podcast. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the mountains or skiing. Think I live in the wrong country.” Ella Purvis: "I've been loving the podcast - it's getting me hyped for the season ahead! I was just listening to the interview with Chemmy Alcott — it was such an inspiring, uplifting episode for women in snowsports, she is just incredible!” RichB: “There's been some great content recently. The interview with Chemmy Alcott was really interesting, I didn't know her backstory. Wow what a woman!” There are 236 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 like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link

In our fifth of this winter's equipment specials, Iain is joined by equipment expert Al Morgan to look at two vital areas of your winter wardrobe – ski gloves and socks. Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis, Ski Boots, Jackets and Helmets and Goggles for winter 2025.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Try before you buy (3:00) If you're a skier, go grab a ski pole (4:30) Glove v. mitt v. lobster claw (6:00) How does sizing work for gloves? (8:30) Will my glove work with a touch screen? (9:30) Will wearing a liner keep your hands warm? (10:45) What is a ‘Shell mitt'? (12:00) What is the little strip of fabric across the back of one finger on each glove for? Wool is sustainable, natural and works (15:00) Smartwool are collecting old socks and reclaiming yarn (15:30) For snowboarding gloves, head to The Snowboard Asylum (16:30) Tube socks! (32:30) Do thicker socks keep your feet warmer? (34:00) Is natural better than synthetic fibres? (35:15) THE BEST SKI GLOVES FOR 2025 (17:00) Therm-ic Heat Boot Boost Glove (men and women), £300 (18:00) The ultimate in warmth Black Diamond Guide Gore-Tex glove, £160 (19:45) If you want the best in foul weather protection for big powder days, the Guide is hard to beat Hestra Fall Line Women's Glove, £120 (22:16) The white women's glove looks stunning Reusch Storm R-Tex XT Men's Glove, £100 (23:45) Traditional racing-inspired ski glove aesthetic with foam knuckle and finger protection Salomon Propeller Gore-Tex gloves, £75 (25:00) A superb unisex glove with a clean aesthetic, for piste and all-mountain skiing The North Face Montana Kids Ski Gloves, £45 (26:00) Gives kids superb hand protection and features you often don't get on kids' gloves Ellis Brigham's Choice (28:30) Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham's Glove buyer. She chose the Men's Hestra Army Leather GTX Glove and the Women's Reusch Cozy Down Mitt. THE BEST SKI SOCKS FOR 2025 (36:30) Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT - £280 (36:45) If you suffer from cold feet, these are a total blessing Smartwool Targeted Cushion Women's Ski Socks - £28 (39:30) Padding where you want a little extra protection, but still thin, so they work in well-fitted, snug boots. Sidas SUREfit Ski Sock - £25 (40:15) Padding for the shin, toes and heel, in a specific right and left anatomy.   Ellis Brigham Wintersport Ski Socks - Twin Pack - £20 (41:00) Two pairs of socks for less than one of the others above. Outstanding value. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has very kindly been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. FEEDBACK I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Adam Matthews: "Love the podcast. Many thanks for all the content! I've especially enjoyed episodes with Al about kit." Colin: “Goggles and Helmets was another great podcast. I use Zeiss anti-fog spray for my glasses to stop them fogging up while skiing." If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Or you can Buy Me A Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast Andrew Brannan: "Through your podcast I blagged a Snow Show ticket for my daughter who is studying down in London. She met Dave Ryding, our household hero. Unbelievable, really can't thank you enough.” Paul Bond: “Thanks for the Helmet & Googles episode with Al's expert reviews. I went to Ellis Brigham, good service. Got home to a comment of ‘What? More ski kit?' We now have 235 episodes to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest to you. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast 

In this episode we discuss how to get more families skiing and how resorts can help parents, plus we look at what's coming up on the World Cup ski racing circuit this winter.    We have our first snow report of the season and there's an update from the Carrick-Smith boys as their first race of the season gets closer.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Nicole Feliciano from the Ski Moms podcast and Matt Garcka, host of the Skiing is Believing podcast. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code All podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Nicole was in Aleyska in Alaska in April (3:00) Matt was skiing at the Chill Factore in Manchester (5:00) White Stuff – sold for £40m (6:00) La Plagne and Courchevel feature in the 2025 Tour de France (6:30) Our Equipment Episodes for the best skis, boots, jackets, helmets and goggles are now available as podcasts or on YouTube (7:00) The survey has now closed and the winners will be announced in Episode 226 (7:30) Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Glacier 3000, Switzerland (8:20) Nicole set up momtrends.com in 2007 (11:30) “Our site is the girlfriend you always look forward to bumping into at yoga class; she always makes you feel better about yourself” Nicole published the inaugural Ski Moms 'Happiness Survey' earlier this year (13:15) The median age of US skiers is 35 (15:00) 94% would have skied/boarded more often with better access to affordable kids lessons (16:00) There's a need for more on-mountain childcare and space for children (18:00) "We don't need more high-speed lifts. We need toilets that are close to the learning areas" The survey shows only 44% of moms thinks the industry cares about supporting families (21:00) Matt is host of the Skiing is Believing podcast (26:15) The first slalom races of the World Cup season take place in Levi this weekend (27:45) How will British skiers Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor get on? (29:00) Will Marcel Hirscher and Lucas Braathan podium this year? (30:00) Marc Giradelli was recently on Matt's podcast (32:00) The Ski Podcast and the Skiing is Believing podcast are teaming up to form ‘The Ski Podcast Network' (33:45) Carrick-Smith Boys update (34:00) Listen to our episode focussing on Killington (38:00) Feedback (39:30)   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Sebastian Forsberg: "I wanted to send some feedback from Sweden. I've listened to all your episodes and love the show! You have some great conversations and features, especially during the off season. I love that in Episode 221 you spoke about skiing in Sweden. We got some great ski resorts here, so there's plenty more to cover. Keep up the good work.”   Billy Mohan: “Amazing work Iain, you've had some epic guests recently!”   Chris Howie: “I think you do a fabulous job - your enthusiasm and drive is to be applauded!” Sarah Lewis: "May I commend you on your podcast; I've listened to most of the episodes and really enjoy the variety of interviews" There are now 234 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In the fourth of this winter's equipment specials, Iain is joined by Al Morgan to look at two really important areas of your winter wardrobe – helmets and goggles.  Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis, Best Ski Boots and Best Ski Jackets for winter 2025.   This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. They are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now.' SHOW NOTES ‘Fit is King'  Safety Standards (6:00)  ‘Multi norm' helmets (6:30)   EPS foam (8:45)  MIPS (9:30)  Fidlock buckle (11:45)  Venting (12:00)  Visor Helmets (14:15)  Sustainability features (16:00)  UV Protection (28:45)  Fogging (29:45)  How to use a lens cloth (30:45)  When to change your lens (32:30)  Photochromic lenses (33:45)  Colour handling (34:30) The Best Ski and Snowboard Helmets for 2025  ·       Giro Tor Spherical Helmet, £250 (17:45) ·       Atomic Savor Visor Helmet, £180 (19:15) ·       Bern Watts 2.0 MIPS, £160 (21:15) ·       Salomon Brigade Index Helmet, £110 (23:15) ·       Oakley Mod1 Helmet, £85 (24:30)   ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE (26:30) Chrissy from Ellis Brigham in Braehead Garden chose the Smith Method Pro MIPS helmet  The Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles for 2025 ·       Julbo Launcher Reactiv, £280 (36:30)  ·       Oakley Line Miner Pro, £259 (39:30) ·       100% Snowcraft, £179 (41:30) ·       Smith Squad S, £125 (42:45) ·       Bloc Boa Recycle, £48 (44:30) ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE (45:30) Chrissy from Ellis Brigham in Braehead chose the Dragon DX3 Plus  Feedback (48:15) Please contact us on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com   James Rice: "Just listened to the Ski Boot episode: excellent, as always. Keep up the great work" Colin: "I got all excited after the ski boot episode and bought my first pair of ski boots: a pair Nordica Speedmachine 3s" David Faller: "Enjoyed Episode 219 about the history of Ellis Brigham"  Andrew Greenwood: "Great show guys, very informative about Ski jackets" Try the Picture Organic Naikoon for as a men's version of the Haakon Stephen Street: “I can't believe that the subject of ‘pit zips' were not brought up in the description of these jackets! They are one of the most important ways of controlling heat!”   If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Listen to our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest to you You can also view these equipment specials on the Skipedia YouTube channel   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In this special episode Iain and Al look at the best ski jackets for 2025. It's the third in our series of looking at the best snowsports equipment available for winter 2025.  In our first two episodes, we looked at the best skis and the ski boots. In later episodes, we'll look at the best helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, plus there will be a special episode focusing on ski touring equipment. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com and you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Waterproofing (3:00) Taping (7:30) Breathability (8:30) MVTR (9:30) Gore-Tex (10:15) 3-layer (shell) v. 2-layer jackets (11:00) Membranes and Insulation eg PrimaLoft, Thinsulate (13:00) What is a ‘powder skirt'? (15:15) What is ‘Recco'? (16:45) What is DWR? (19:40) Gore-tex EPe (20:00) Mono-material garments (20:30) Find out more about the danger of PFCs (21:00) Iain visited the Arc'teryx repair shop in Covent Garden (22:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Arc'teryx in Episode 218 Al recommends NikWax for cleaning your technical clothing Find out more about Patagonia's donations to fight climate change (35:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Picture Organic Clothing (37:45)   THE BEST SKI JACKETS OF 2025 (25:00)  Descente Women's Welded Down Jacket, £789 (25:45)   The North Face Men's Summit Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket, £630 (28:00)   Henri Duvillard Women's Alicia Ski Jacket, £539 (30:15)   Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket, £449 (32:45, available for men & women)   Picture Women's Haakon Jacket, £350 (36:30) ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE (38:00) Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham's skiwear buyer. Her choice for the Best Ski Jacket of the year is the Goldberg Women's Porter Jacket, £530 Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. FEEDBACK (42:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Chalets Direct:“Very good overview of the design and material technology of the latest skis and how they perform on the mountain. Fun to listen too.” n-da-bunka2650: “Custom bootfitters sometimes focus on what they have in stock rather than a boot the client may have been interested in.”  chrisbristol: “Thanks Iain, enjoying the podcast” If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Share with your friends You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This episode is a Snow Show special, including interviews with Dave Ryding, Chemmy Alcott and others at the 2024 London Snow Show, Northern Snow Show and the industry event LISTEX.  We discuss the upcoming World Cup season, the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, the growth of the Magic Pass and there's big news about the future of the London Snow Show itself. Plus we have a new competition where you can win some great prizes. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Jamie Grant – the founder of Carv.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you are heading to the snow, listener, then don't forget that you can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST'  You'll get a guaranteed discount for ski hire in France, Austria and Switzerland and to make it even simpler you don't even need to use the code, just take this link and your basket will automatically be reduced. SHOW NOTES Jamie was first on the podcast in Episode 193 (1:00) The Carv team were testing the Carv 2 in Valle Nevado, Chile in September (1:30) Glencoe is planning a new £26 million gondola (3:00) Listen to Iain's report from Glencoe earlier this year in Episode 203 GB Snowsport athlete Mia Brookes came 5th in the Snowboard Big Air at Chur (3:30) The new GB Alpine Foundation has already raised over £160,000 (4:00) Listen to Iain's interview with GB Snowsport CEO Vicky Gosling in Episode 222 Dave Ryding chat (5:15) Dave has moved to Head Skis (6:00) Chemmy Alcott chat (7:00) Marcel Hirscher is back representing the Netherlands (8:15) Could Lindsey Vonn make a comeback (8:45) Ski Sunday schedule for 2025 (9:00) Neil McQuoid, Racer Ready Magazine (11:00) Julia Eder, Salzburgerland (13:45) The World Champs will take place from 04-16 February in Saalbach (14:15) The Ski Podcast sponsors the Carrick-Smith brothers – Zak, Freddy and Luca (16:15) Zak Carrick-Smith (16:30) Luca Carrick-Smith with Phil Smith (18:30) Freddy Carrick-Smith (21:20) Iain presented at the London Show about ‘How to Ski Flight Free' (22:15) Iain has taken a Flight Free Pledge for 2024 (22:30) Dom Winter, Protect Our Winters (23:00) Find out about POW's Carbon Literacy Courses (25:00) Inghams are celebrating their 90th anniversary this year Helen Taylor, Inghams (25:30) Listen to Iain's special interview with Lesley McKenna Lesley McKenna, Wandering Workshops, Aviemore (27:45) Mike Richards reported from the new Northern Snow Show (31:00) LISTEX is a B2B event that took just before show, organised by MTN (32:30) Iain moderated a panel on how the industry can help skiers make better choices (33:00) The Mountain Travel Network is taking over the London Snow Show (33:15) James Gambrill from MTN (33:45) Jamie Grant, founder of Carv (37:00) Carv 2 launched on 14 October (37:15) Buddy Passes mean that the Carv can now be shared with friends (41:45) Carv uses data from over 500 million turns (43:00) The algorithm for 24/25 is 6% more accurate than last year (45:45) Ski IQ is now different values for different terrains (46:30) Carv 2 is available at £159 until 28 October (51:00) Sebastien Travelletti, Vice President at Magic Pass (52:00)        COMPETITION – WIN A CARV 2 and more (57:45) Simply complete our short survey to be included in the draw to win prizes including a Carv 2, Vallon Aviator Sunglasses, Wild Caper underlayer, Atomic Atom Hydrogen water bottle, Verbier beanie, Val d'Isère Opinel and more. The survey is open until the end of November, so just take this to get your name in the draw. Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show so please contact us on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Ed Parkinson: "Thanks for the pod. I find it brilliant and very informative. I'm an avid skier and I love gear." Rachel: "Great podcast, thanks guys! Just moved to Revelstoke from the UK for my first season and now feel way more prepped to go buy my first pair of skis'" If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Joanna Yellowlees-Bound joins Iain for this special episode as we cover her 40-year career in the ski industry, graduating from resort rep to managing director of Erna Low - one of the oldest ski companies in the UK.   Joanna is one of the most experienced professionals in the UK ski industry, with a career that spans the first halcyon days of the ski business in the 80s to our post-Brexit world today, including a key role in the development of Arc 1950. We also discuss her new role working with her husband, Mensun Bound, the marine archaeologist who discovered the wreck of Shackleton's ‘Endurance' under the Antarctic ice. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.    SHOW NOTES  Currency restrictions applied on foreign holidays (2:30) Club Med beads are back! (3:00) Joanna started working for Erna Low in 1982 (7:00) It was the days of the Telex (12:45) Erna Low's original advert appeared in The Times in 1932 (15:00) Erna Low represented La Plagne in the UK market in the 1980s (21:00) Joanna became MD of the company in 1996 (23:30) The ERM collapse led to large currency losses (24:30) Joanna took over ownership of Erna Low in 2002 (27:00) In 2003, Joanna founded Erna Low Property (27:30) The Arc 1950 project was developed by Intrawest (29:45) In 2023, Joanna sold Erna Low Property to Francois Marchand in a MBO (31:00) 2012 was the 80th anniversary of Erna Low (31:30) Listen to our special podcast episode on Erna Low with Mark Frary (31:45) Take a look at some of Erna Low's vintage film footage (34:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5B02thqhkQ In 2019, Joanna sold Erna Low Travel to NUCO Travel (35:30) Mensun is a marine archaeologist who found the ‘Endurance' in March 2022 (37:30) Look out for ‘Endurance' coming out on Disney+ later this year (39:15) Mensun's book is called ‘The Ship Beneath The Ice' (39:45) Feedback (41:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  robsmith0179 (IG): “Listened to Episode 217 this morning...I'm now adding St Martin to my visit list!” mattmglx: “I finally got round to clicking 5 stars on Spotify! Thanks for keeping me sane on my commute to work” Pat from Ireland (BMAC): “I really enjoy the podcasts. I mix current episodes with those from your back catalogue. As someone who found skiing in middle age I am completely hooked. Keep up the brilliant work and here's to winter.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link There are now 230 episodes of The Ski Podcast. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com and search the tags and categories. Our equipment specials are being published on the Skipedia YouTube channel. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Iain and Al reveal the ‘Best Ski Boots for 2025', plus we also cover all the jargon you need to know about ski boots, including what Mondopoint and BOA mean, plus the differences between the shell, liner and last.  We've already covered the best skis, and in later episodes, we'll be covering the best ski jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, as well as a special episode focussing on ski touring equipment.   This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES Don't buy to match your outfit (2:30) The benefits of footbeds (5:00) What is the ‘shell'? (7:00) What is the ‘liner'? (8:00) How to store your ski boots (10:30) What is the ‘Last'? (11:30) What is ‘Mondopoint'? (12:30) Chat about buckles and BOA (14:00) What is a ‘Powerstrap'? (18:00) What is ‘Flex'? (19:00) What is ‘GripWalk'? (21:00) Find out about the new Phaenom boot range from Faction (26:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Bode Miller (49:00) THE BEST SKI BOOTS OF 2025 Nordica Speed Machine 3 Boa 120 (28:00) ‘An excellent boot for advanced piste and all-mountain skiers', £530   Head Edge 95 W HV GW (32:00) ‘Brilliant boot if you value comfort and ease of use', £370  K2 BFC 120 BOA GW (35:45) ‘Built For Comfort' with enough power for advanced skiers', £525 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 105 GW (39:30) Freeride Hybrid Women's boot with ‘amazing downhill performance', £590 Scarpa 4Quattro XT (45:15) One of the best freeride boots on the market', £700 ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE Toby from Ellis Brigham in Covent Garden chose the Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 130 (49:00) at £700 Feedback (53:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  @rosbifsa660 (YouTube) asked about the thin edge on the Nordica Enforcer, included in our ‘Best Skis' episode, which Al answers (54:00) BigMountainBob (Instagram) asked about the Atomic Bents and DPS freeride skis and adds “The DPS Lotus 124 carbon is my all-time favourite pow ski.” (57:00) James Rice: “Just finished the "Best Skis for 2025" episode. Like all your episodes, this one was outstanding. Al has an excellent command of the subject, and he explains the basic foundational factors that go in to ski selection in an enjoyable and understandable way.” If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Share with your friends Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. You can follow Iaiun @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

GB Snowsport CEO Vicky Gosling joins Iain for this special episode of The Ski Podcast.  We go behind the scenes of British skiing and snowboarding to find out what goes into running an organisation like GB Snowsport and how a country with no mountains outperforms countries from across the world. We also find out about Vicky's background in the RAF, what it was like working alongside Prince Harry on the Invictus Games and the link between snowsports and surfing. This episode is part of a series of podcasts we're publishing this winter focusing on women in the snowsports industry.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. SHOW NOTES In 2022/23 GB Snowsport recorded 50 World Cup, World Champs, X Games podiums That included a podium in every single discipline (4:00) Pat Sharples is Head Coach of the GB Snowsports (6:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Pat Sharples (33:15) Vicky and Pat had to sleep in their car in St Moritz (8:30) Vicky was a Group Captain in the RAF, deployed to the Gulf (10:30) In 2014, she became Military Exec Lead for first Invictus Games in London (12:30) Vicky was appointed CEO for the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando (14:00) Herding Morgan Freeman and Michelle Obama at the opening ceremony (15:00) Appointed CEO of GB Snowsport in 2018 (15:30) ‘British Ski and Snowboard' was re-branded to ‘GB Snowsport' (16:30) The goal to become a top five snowsport nation by 2030 (18:00) Funding from UK Sport went up after Pyeongchang, but was cut after Beijing (20:15) Team GB won one medal at Sochi 2014 (Jenny Jones) and two at Pyeongchang 2018 (Billy Morgan & Izzy Atkin) (21:30) Kirsty Muir was the highest-placed Briton on snow with 5th in Big Air (23:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty Muir in Episode 174 Listen to Iain's interview with Dave Ryding in Episode 199 (29:30) Dave shares his ring-fenced funding with Billy Major and Laurie Taylor (29:30) Dave Ryding's coach Tris Glasse-Davies has left to work for US skiing (30:00) The Alpine Team ranked 6th in world in 2023/24, ahead of USA, Italy, Canada (31:30) Jim Ratcliffe donated £11m to help fund new clubhouse for the Courchevel race club (32:00) Mia Brookes is the youngest ever world champion (33:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Zak Carrick-Smith in Episode 200 (33:15) In 2022 Vicky became Chair of GB Surfing (35:45) Skateboarding medallist Sky Brown just failed to qualify in surfing for the Paris Olympics (37:30) The effect of Brexit on GB Snowsports (39:30) Listen to Stu Brass talking in Episode 213 about how he first met Jenny Jones in Tignes (40:30) Chamonix 2024 saw the first global warming determined slalom (41:00) FIS are under pressure to change their schedule to reduce emissions (41:30) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  robsmith0179: "It was really interesting to listen to [Chemmy Alcott's] determination and drive from such a young age. I thought I was brave at 10 years old setting off into the hills on my own on a mountain bike...never mind going to New Zealand training.” Victoria Bushnell: “My new Sunday listening is The Ski Podcast hosted by Iain Martin” mc2_woodwork: "I truly love skiing and you bring together so much amazing content and extremely helpful information. After holidays in Tignes the last two winters my 6-year-old is hooked too.”  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link There are now 228 episodes of The Ski Podcast and 138 were listened to in the last week. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog - we have covered so many destinations and stories - just go to theskipodcast.com, search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest to you.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Iain and Al reveal the ‘Best Skis for 2025', including Piste skis, All Mountain skis and Freeride skis, plus we help you understand what length skis to buy, as well as what 'rocker' and 'side cut' mean. In later episodes, we'll be covering the best ski boots, jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, as well as a special episode focussing on ski touring equipment.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham.  Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES What are the different categories of skis? (2:40) What's the relevance of width? (4:30) What do we mean by ‘side cut'? (6:00) What is a ‘rocker? (7:30) How long should your skis be? (9:25) Sustainability trends in skis (12:30) Find out more about ADN Skis (14:30) The SIGB Ski Test took place in La Clusaz in January 2024 (16:20) Al regularly does testing at the Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore Listen to Iain's experience in Scotland in Episode 203 (18:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Bode Miller (20:15) The difference between men's and women's skis (20:45) THE BEST SKIS OF WINTER 2024 (18:30) Atomic Cloud C9 (19:00) “For an intermediate skier this is a beautiful piste ski”  £500 including bindings. Width 72mm. Length 143cm-164cm  Salomon Addikt Pro 76 (22:00) “The Addikt Pro 76 is a sensational piste ski for holiday skiers” £780 including bindings. Width 76mm. Length 156cm-177cm Blizzard Anomaly 88 (24:30) “All Mountain skis that grip like piste skis and when you turn up the throttle, they are amazing”  £660 excluding bindings. Width 88mm. Length 164cm-188cm Nordica Enforcer 94 (26:30) “So useable off-piste. Brilliant in the bumps, brilliant in variable terrain” £610 excluding bindings. Width 94mm. Length 167cm-185cm   Volkl Secret 96 and Volkl M7 Mantra (29:30) “Sensational freeride skis for off-piste or in powder” £750 excluding bindings. Width 96mm. 149-177cm (Secret), 163-191cm (M7) ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE  Alex from Ellis Brigham in Milton Keynes has his say Rossignol Arcade 84 (33:30) “Probably one of the best skis on the market for that all mountain carving ski” £700 including bindings. Width 84mm. Length 152cm-184cm FEEDBACK (37:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, ideas for features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Wayne Hall: "I've been a long-time listener of The Ski Podcast—I've been tuning in since before the pandemic—and I religiously listen to the pod, especially as I gear up for a ski trip. I really appreciate how you cover the latest in ski gear, travel, and sustainability." David Faller: “Enjoyed the Ellis Brigham episode. Thank you.” There are now 227 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 like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us 2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today we look at skiing in Sweden and Hemsedal in Norway and we find out what it's like coaching your kids to be pro skiers. Plus we find out more about the European Sleeper service to Innsbruck and the Dolomites, as well as discovering what Crans Montana is like in September. Iain Martin was joined by four-time Winter Olympian and ski coach Emma Carrick-Anderson and Ben Nyberg, Managing Director at skiScandinavia. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you're starting to plan your skiing for this winter, then I am delighted to confirm that Intersport are sponsoring The Ski Podcast for a second winter. That means that all podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES   Emma was on the slopes in Saas Fee for our call (1:00) Mike Goar was the Keynote Speaker at Ski Launch (3:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Mike in Episode 204 Our equipment episodes start next week…with the ‘Best New Skis of 2024/25' Look out for Iain's interview with Vicky Gosling, CEO GB Snowsport coming in October (4:00) Mia Brookes took 2nd in the Snowboard Slopestyle at Cardrona, NZ (4:15) Chris Engelsman is the co-founder of European Sleeper (4:45) Find out how to travel to Crans Montana on Ski Flight Free (12:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egi96baRhjQ Iain took part in the Wildstrubel UTMB trail race (13:00) You can watch his race report here  There was a lot of early snow on the mountains (14:00) Crans Montana's acquisition by Vail Resorts went through in May Iain spoke with Pierre Henri Mainetti (14:30) In 2027 Crans Montana will host the Alpine Ski World Championships (16:00) In September 2025 the resort hosts the Mountain Bike World Championships (16:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Zak Carrick-Smith in Episode 200 (18:15) Emma took competed for Great Britain in four Olympics at Albertville, Lillehammer, Nagano and Salt Lake City (21:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Dave Ryding (22:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Lesley McKenna (24:30) Find out about Alain Baxter's non-bronze medal (25:00) The Ski Podcast is going to be supporting the Carrick-Smith boys this winter (27:30) Trysil in Norway featured in Episode 209 (32:00) There is a new direct weekly flight from LHR to Scandinavian Mountain Airport (32:45) Hundfjallet may be the shortest transfer in world at just 10 minutes (33:45) Other Swedish resorts include Salen Stöten, Sälen Lindvallen, Kläppen (36:00) Hemsedal in Norway is three hours from the airport (38:00) Feedback (40:00)   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  AD: "Great pod Iain. Thanks for keeping this going over the summer, when most other ski related podcasts stop…roll on the autumn!" Camilla: “You are brilliant at drawing people out with great questions, creating really enjoyable podcasts.” Mark Wakeling: “Really enjoyed the Chemmy interview. From an early age just wouldn't take no for an answer and her infectious enthusiasm is inspiring.” Jim: “I was listening to the podcast the other day while hiking up a mountain. You were talking about where to get second-hand skis. At the beginning of the season, a lot of resorts organise Braderies where the local shops pool ex-hire or last season kit to sell in one convenient place. Another great option is shops like Trocsport which sell secondhand skis on behalf of individuals. There are loads of small shops like this.” There are now 226 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 121 of those were listened to in the last week. You can do that too, there is so much to listen to in our previous episode, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest.  In that last week, 60% of our listeners were in the UK, 11% were in the States and everyone else spread as far and wide as Turkey, Greenland and Mexico. If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Chemmy Alcott is probably the most well-known woman in snowsports in the UK.  After a racing career that took her to four Winter Olympics, she now balances presenting Ski Sunday on the BBC, with bringing up her young family and coaching new aspiring racers.  This special episode is part of an occasional set of podcasts I'm going to be publishing this winter focussing particularly on women in the snowsports industry.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Chemmy's given name is Chemine (2:45) In Dec 2010 Chemmy suffered a double fracture of her right leg at Lake Louise (5:00) Shortly after Chemmy learned her funding had been withdrawn by BSS (8:45) Third Space helped Chemmy with funding (9:45) Chemmy took part in ‘Dancing on Ice' in 2012, finishing 5th (11:45) BSS said Chemmy's participation was an ‘acceptable' risk (13:00) Chemmy has broken over 40 bones in her career (16:00) Injuries include a dislocated jaw, broken neck, broken back, broken ribs, groin tears, two ACLs, compound tibia/fibula fracture and a broken ankle Chemmy learned to ski in Flaine and takes her family there now (22:00) Her first race was when she was 3 years old (although she didn't win!) (23:30) Chemmy made her FIS debut at Coronet Peak in 1997 (27:30) She won medals at the European Youth Olympics in 1999 in SuperG and GS (28:45) In 2002 Chemmy beat Lyndsey Vonn in Junior Worlds and was 4th overall (29:00) Chemmy took part in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics (29:45) Chemmy competed in all five disciplines: Downhill, Super G, GS, slalom and combined Alain Baxter ‘won' the bronze in Slalom at Salt Lake (31:00) Chemmy finished 11th in the Downhilll at the 2006 Turin Olympics (32:00) At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Chemmy finished 11th in  the super-combined (37:00) Chemmy broke her leg again in the summer of 2013 in Saas Fee (39:30) Sochi in 2014 was Chemmy's fourth Winter Olympics (43:00) She finished 19th in the Downhill, which ‘felt like a gold' (43:15) Lady Gaga is an inspiration (44:00) Chemmy retired in 2014 and started working on ‘Ski Sunday' in 2015 (46:00) Working on the 2018 Winter Olympics, Chemmy teamed up with Claire Balding (46:45) In 2020 Chemmy joined Ed Leigh as one of the presenters of ‘Ski Sunday' (47:15) Listen to Iain's in-depth interview with Chemmy while she was based in Laax (47:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Ed Leigh (49:00) Why isn't there more freestyle coverage on ‘Ski Sunday'? (51:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Zac Carrick-Smith (52:30) On how women take those decisions to find time for themselves (58:00) Listen to Chemmy explaining about her downhill POV camera runs (59:30) Leonardo Da Vinci:  "Once you've tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe so every episode will automatically be downloaded for you  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link

Today we find out what's new at Banff Sunshine Village in Canada and we look into the history of one of the UK's oldest snowsport retailers, Ellis Brigham. Plus, we have the latest gossip on which European destination Vail Resorts are planning to buy next. Host Iain Martin was joined by Kendra Scurfield, VP Brand and Communications at Banff Sunshine Village ski resort and Mark Brigham, Marketing Director at Ellis Brigham.  SHOW NOTES Vail Resorts have been linked strongly with Laax (3:45) Vail Resorts are ‘not buying Verbier' (4:45) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GZD8jeQKjr8 POWDR are selling several resorts (4:45) There have been serious floods in St Anton in Austria (6:30) The new European Sleeper service from Brussels to Innsbruck & Bolzano (7:00) Ellis Brigham is 90 years old and still family owned (8:30) The business was founded in 1933 by Frederick Ellis Brigham (9:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awe-sKyNhm8 In Episode 218 Arcteryx told us about their ReBird programme (10:45) Sons Bob & Ellis took over in the 1950s The first store in Manchester and first catalog 'The Mountaineers Gadgeteer' (13:15) The Ellis Brigham ‘White Book' first appeared in the 1980s (15:15) The Snowboard Asylum was created in 1989 (16:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Stu Brass (19:30) Ellis Brigham won ‘Outdoor retailer Of The Year‘ 2024 (21:00) Our Equipment special episodes with Al Morgan start on 27 September Banff Sunshine Village had snow in August (21:30) There are just two snow cannons! (22:30) Their new heated 6-person Poma chairlift will be the first in North America (23:30) The Mountain Collective pass is a great option for a road trip in Canada (25:30) Find out more about the Ikon Pass (26:30) Ski Big 3 will be at the Ikon stand at London Show (27:30) Feedback (28:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Shazza: “Love these conversations to get us excited for the ski season! We went to the Dolomites with Inspired Italy last season. It was an amazing adventure; great terrain, food, and people." Jay Roh: "Excellent interview with Bode Miller"   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today we find out what it's like skiing in Arctic circle in Svalbard and look into some of the great work that the clothing brand Arcteryx are doing on sustainability. Plus we report on Tignes' decision to split with Compagnie des Alpes. Host Iain Martin was joined by Dominique Showers from Arcteryx Clothing and Verbier local and regular snow reporter Robin Shah.  SHOW NOTES Mt Seymour in BC is just 10 minutes from the Arcteryx offices (2:30) Robin skied on Doufourspitze (3:00) Missing the Olympics? It's only 540 days to Milano-Cortina 2026 (3:45) BikePark Wales are going to rewild 400 acres of Welsh mountainside (4:30) Tignes is splitting from Compagnie des Alpes (5:00) Verbier has denied that Vail Resorts is planning to buy them (5:15) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GZD8jeQKjr8 Tignes previously discussed building an indoor slope (6:30) A new indoor slope has been proposed in Bosnia (6:30) Dominique is VP of ReBIRD™ and Circular Planning at Arcteryx Find out how the Acteryx logo came about? (8:00) ‘65% of the environmental impact of one of our jackets is caused by its creation' (8:45) Find out about the Arcteryx ReBird programme (‘Waste Less. By Design.') (9:00) ReCare is about educating consumer how to look after their kit (9:45) What is DWR? (11:00) Look out for the ReGear programme work coming to the UK (13:15) https://youtu.be/9UgAteHZE9I ReCut is Arcteryx's commitment to upcycling (14:30) The company has a net zero goal of 2050 (or earlier) (16:30) Chris Howie joined us to talk Svalbard in Episode 94 (18:00) Xavier de la Rue also spoke about his visit to the area in Episode 208 (18:15) Svalbard is in the Arctic circle, east of Greenland and north of Norway (20:00) Robin booked his trip with Arctic Guides Take a look at Robin's photos on his video on Instagram (26:00) Feedback (31:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Paul Langley: "Hope you are well, loving the podcasts, they're getting me through until next season starts!"  Paul asks if there's somewhere to buy last year's rental skis? Chris Moran from Intersport advises that this happens on a per shop basis and that Intersport's rental skis are used for a max of 45 days before they're sold on ShakeyJack: "Episode 195 was a great pod: Really interesting to hear about what Les Arcs are up to with their green credentials"  Susan Hurst: "Episode 192 was great, especially the piece on the Dolomites Ski Safari by Inspired Italy. I've been lucky enough to go on two and hoping to go again in 2025." Katie Bamber: “Listening to the La Grave section with Sam in Episode 214. Super interesting.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Buy Me A Coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We find out about the ski resort of St Martin de Belleville in Les 3 Vallées, what it's like driving an electric car up the 21 hairpin bends that take you to Alpe d'Huez, plus we look at a brilliant new initiative to raise funds for British skiers.  Iain was joined by Vanessa Fisher and Simon McIntyre, MD at Igluski.com and down the line by Scott Dobson from Alpine 100. SHOW NOTES Vanessa shared what it's like taking part in the Inferno Downhill race in Murren in Episode 70 (1:00) We featured the London and Northern ski shows in Episodes 215 and 216 (3:45) To get free tickets to the London show, use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' (4:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Dave Ryding (4:20) Scott Dobson is one of the founders of the Alpine 100 project (4:30) Find out more about the Alpine 100 project (9:30) Visit the official website of St Martin de Belleville (10:00) Jerusalem is one of many people's favourite run in Les 3 Vallées (13:00) ‘La Belle Ville' is a new sports centre with an outdoor pool (14:00) Le Brelin is an award-winning piece of architecture (18:00) Les Menuires holds a Yoga Festival every year (20:30) Listen to Iain's report from the Yoga Festival from 2019 (21:30) Simon was previously in Episode 176, talking about driving an EV to Val d'Isère (22:00) Ionity is one of the main suppliers of electric chargers in Europe (25:00) Iain drove out to the Alps in a Tesla Y in 2022 (28:00) Regenerative charging adds miles to your range when going downhill (31:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xthOeIsk3Mc  Iglu's survey shows being ‘snowsure' is the most important factor in choosing a resort (32:45) It also shows that 57% of people rent skis, but that 83% own their own boots (35:00) Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com   Jonny Richards: "Keep up the good work" Zero_cool: "As always an amazing interview [with Paddy Graham]. I learnt so much from this episode that I completely missed from the early 2000's, despite being there in it all." David Lindsay: "Another great episode with Paddy Graham: what a star he is!" Pablo: "It was great to hear about Scotland [in Episode 203]” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribing is a great idea. If you're listening online now, just click that button now  3) Buy me a coffee at BuyMeACoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In this episode we focus on Courchevel, including an update on the Saulire cable car and how the resort is surviving without Russians, plus we discuss summer in Les 2 Alpes and find out about the new Northern Snow Show. Iain was joined live by Alex Armand, from Tip Top Ski Coaching in Les 2 Alpes and YouTuber Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter as well as down the line by Ian Brown from Chill Factore, Manchester. SHOW NOTES Find out more about the new Jandri 3S lift in Les 2 Alpes in Episode 209 (3:45) The Les 2 Alpes glacier has an excellent snow park (4:30) Saharan sand has been regularly seen in France in recent years (8:00) The snow is looking much better in Australia and New Zealand (9:00) Ian Brown is MD at Chill Factore in Manchester (10:00) Find out about the Northern Snow Snow here (12:45) The village of La Berarde was severely damaged by floods (13:30) The Mountain of Hell is a mountain biking event unlike any other! (20:00) https://youtu.be/b8D8wrF8d0Q Sam Haddad spoke about the new lift in La Grave in Episode 214 (21:30) Alex Irwin runs the YouTube channel, 150 Days of Winter (22:00) The Saulire cable car in Courchevel will reopen in December 2024 (24:00) The cabins were damaged in testing in 2021 (25:00) https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1446031205976186886 Watch Candide Thovex ski the Courchevel couloirs (27:30) The 2023 Winter Olympics are coming to France (28:30) Opposition to the Games is coming from the 'NoJo' campaign Watch Alex's video of the Val Thorens ice cave (30:30) Is Courchevel collapsing now the Russians have left? (32:00) Discover the gondola graveyard (33:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a884-2JgdsY Listen to Iain's interview with Peter Landsman from LiftBlog (34:45) Alex volunteered to be a test subject for avalanche dogs (35:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyqgShN1z1I You can buy Alex's tshirts on his website Feedback   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  I'd like to thank Sasha Ryazantsev for buying me a coffee: "Thanks for the podcasts. I always listen to them as they remind me of all the places we've skied and boarded over the years." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe so you never miss an episode 3) Buy Me A Coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss the latest ski news from Australia, get an update on summer skiing in Tignes and Val d'Isere and find out about this autumn's London Snow Show.  We also look into how SBIT are lobbying for more trains to the Alps and the possible Youth Mobility Scheme, which would be great news for young people wanting to do a ski season. Iain was joined by Australia specialist and founder of the Snowbest.com website, Rachael Oakes-Ash and Diane Palumbo, Sales and Marketing Director at Skiworld and down the line by Alex Irwin, John Yates-Smith and Lindsey Coleman. SHOW NOTES Rachael's vote goes to Whitewater in Canada (2:20) Diane is voting for Jackson Hole (2:45) Check out Corbet's Couloir (3:15) Alex from the YouTube channel 150 Days of Winter was in Tignes (5:20) John Yates Smith from YSE Ski is based in Val d'Isère (7:00) There has been major flooding in Zermatt, which was cut off for 24 hours (8:00) The village of Berarde, in the Ecrins National Park, was devastated by floods (8:15) Lindsey Coleman is Event Director of the National Snow Show (9:15) The show will take place at Excel in London from 19-20 October (10:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Bode Miller (10:45) You can still secure free tickets using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' Snow Travel Expo takes place in Sydney and Melbourne in May each year (14:00) SBiT stands for Seasonal Businesses in Travel (15:45) Find out more about train travel at Ski Flight Free (18:45) Skiworld offer 68 catered chalets and employ 120 staff (20:45) Why we have seen price inflation in UK ski holidays (22:00) Listen to Episode 180 to find out more about how to get a ski job in a ski resort (23:00) A Youth Mobility Scheme has been suggested within the EU (24:00) Rachael was last on the show in Episode 97 (27:45) For info about skiing in Australia check out Rachael's website Snowsbest Australia and New Zealand have seen fresh snowfall this week (30:30) Listen to Iain's episode about Perisher and Thredbo (32:00) Thredbo have opened their new luge (32:30) There's also a new Olympic half-pipe (33:15) Scotty James is an Olympic medal winning Australian snowboarder (34:00) Perisher is owned by Vail Resorts (37:00) Lift queue memes in Perisher (38:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Mike Goar from Vail Resorts (39:45) Climate change is affecting Australian ski resorts (40:00) The slow Aldi ski sale reflects the cost of living pressure on Australian skiing Feedback (44:00)   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Lozza (Apple Podcasts): "Every episode is a little ski holiday"  Richard Sideways (Snowheads): "Good interview with Stu Brass. I remember the old SCUK forum days.” Alex Hayman: "Really enjoyed the chat with Paddy Graham last month." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Buy Me A Coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.  There are 220 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 to you. 

We find out about the off-piste resort of La Grave and the state of the snowsports market in the USA, including ways to tackle climate change and bring newcomers to the sport. Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Sam Haddad and Nick Sargent, President of the SIA (Snowsports Industries America). SHOW NOTES Utah offers ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth' (3:30) Marcel Hirscher is coming out of retirement to compete for Netherlands (4:30) LISTEX Luxury took place last week in London (5:15) Research by The Ski Club of Great Britain showed that luxury ski trips represent 4% of the market by pax, 21% by trips and 50% by value (7:30) The new Northern Snow Show will take place at Chill Factore in October (8:00) Nick previously worked as a boot fitter on the World Cup race circuit, working with skiers such as Alberto Tomba (11:00) Find out more about the SIA (Snowsports Industries America) (12:30) The number of skier visits in the States went down 7.6% last winter (14:30) https://x.com/skipedia/status/1803779843412160532 There are roughly 60m skier days in the States v. 2m active skiers in the UK (16:00) The Share Winter campaign is bringing newcomers to skiing and snowboarding (19:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Stu Brass about the AIM series schools education (21:00) “Climate change is the no.1 threat to the sport in the States” (21:00) Find out about the SIA's ‘Climate United' initiative (22:00) Iain spoke with Mike Goar from Vail Resorts Europe in Episode 204 (25:00 The importance of Epic/Ikon passes (28:00) Epic revenue was up last winter Sam was on the show discussing the impact of climate change in Episode 179 (29:00) Sam's blog is called ‘Climate and Board Sports'(29:30) Find out about ‘NoJO' (30:30) The 2030 Winter Olympics are due to be held in the French Alps (31:00) Link to the official La Grave website (33:00) Read Sam's article about La Grave on The Guardian (33:30) Liste to Iain's interviews with Peter Hardy and Arnie Wilson (37:30) The top lift in La Grave is due to be replaced with a new cable car (39:30) Find out about the new Jandri lift in Les 2 Alpes in Episode 209 (40:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0hrmQgVGg  Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  James Rice: "Episode 204 was another great episode. Love the podcast, thanks! " Adam Fisher: "Episode 213 (with Stu Brass) was great" Steve Holding: "Really love the podcast, especially the equipment episodes and the features on different resorts" Bobnmillsy (Apple Podcasts): “Excellent podcast covering an incredible range of topics. The special episodes are particularly good giving fascinating insights into the worlds of the ski industry A list from a very well researched and skilled interviewer” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Buy Me A Coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com  There are 219 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to www.theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest to you.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This is a special interview with Stu Brass - co-founder of ‘The Brits', snowboard advisor to film & TV (including ‘Chalet Girl' and ‘The Jump') and ex-pro snowboarder.  If you have followed skiing or snowboarding in the UK in the last two decades you will have seen Stu's work. He co-founded ‘The Brits' – the British freestyle championships – and his expertise in running events has meant that he worked on the movie ‘Chalet Girl', the Channel 4 series ‘The Jump' and has built pretty much every kicker you've seen at a UK ski show. SHOW NOTES Watch Alex's video on the ice tunnel in Val Thorens (2:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Chris Moran (2:30) The 2024 Brits took place at Tamworth Snowdome (3:00) View images from the event on the Brits Facebook page (4:15) Listen to Iain's interview with Tim Warwood (5:00) The Brits will take place in Mayrhofen, Austria in 2025 (7:40) Stu learned to snowboard at Rossendale Dry Slope (11:15) Stu's first season was in Les Arcs with his brother Russ, @chrismoran_hbt, Steve Bailey and @markkent35 Stu's cliff drop pic was featured in Transworld, Onboard, Snow Surf (16:00) In 1998 Stu won the British Halfpipe Championships in Saas Fee (17:30) Snowboarding first featured in the Winter Olympics at Nagano in 1998 (18:00) Stu met Jenny Jones in Tignes and encouraged her to come to the British Champs (20:00) On a career direction change to becoming an agent (22:00) ‘Show me the money' (22:40) Damian Norman encouraged more snowboarding and features at the Ski Show (26:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Jim Adlington (27:30) Stu created the AIM Series (29:00) Creating slopes with real snow at the ski shows (33:00) Shipping snow from Holland to Austria for ‘The Greatest Snowman' (35:00) Working on the movie ‘Chalet Girl' (36:00) The TV programme ‘The Jump' ran on Channel 4 for four seasons (39:00) Competitors included Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Rebecca Adlington and Louis Smith Find out about The Brits on their website (50:00)  Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com   If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 2) You can review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or leave us a comment on Facebook, Insta, Twitter or YouTube. 3) You are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast There are now 218 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest to you.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In Episode 212 we find out about Valle Nevado and Portillo in Chile, what it's like being a resort rep for the Ski Club of Great Britain and check in on a possible direct London-Geneva train. Iain Martin was joined by travel journalist, Lou Cameron-Hall and artist and snowsports blogger, Martina Diez-Routh. SHOW NOTES Katie Bamber wrote this article on summer ski options (2:00) Iain skied in Saas Fee in the summer of 2020, covered in Episode 57 (3:20) Australia and NZ have had their first snow (3:30) Chalet company Alpine Action has ceased trading (4:00) Listen to Episode 180 to find out more about the impact of Brexit on recruitment (4:30) In Episode 95, Iain spoke with Diane Palumbo from Skiworld, who is on the SBiT committee (4:45) Find out more about the Ski Club Consumer Survey in this blog post on Skipedia (5:00) The Youth Mobility Scheme has not been welcomed by UK politicians(5:15) The flight represents 60-70% of the carbon footprint of your ski holiday (5:45) You can find out more about Inghams' sustainability plans in Episode 185 and Episode 160 (6:00) Nadine McCormick set up the petition calling for London-Geneva direct train service (6:00) You can sign the petition here (13:45) Eurostar also confirmed last week that they going to increase their fleet size by 30% (14:00) The Brits took place last weekend at SnowDome Tamworth (14:00) Iain interviewed Paddy Graham in Episode 211 to find out how ski movies like this were made (24:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbqHK8i-HdA Martina joined us for Episode 87 and Episode 50 covering the Aosta Valley (15:30) Valle Nevado and Portillo are the two main ski resorts in Chile There's only one accommodation option in Portillo (18:30) The sling-shot lift in Portillo takes some practice… (21:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRN9gKUDNak Valle Nevado links to El Colorado and La Parva (23:30) Mountain Capital Partners have bought La Parva (24:00) Valle Nevado is on the Ikon Pass (25:00) Listen to our feature on Perisher and Thredbo in Episode  (27:00) Lou went on the Ski Club of Great Britain reps course (27:45) The Ski Club of Great Britain celebrated their 120th birthday in 2023 (35:00) Find out more about the Les 2 Alpes-Alpe d'Huez gondola link in Episode 93 (39:43) Feedback (38:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Robert Stone: "I recently discovered your podcast and found it very enjoyable. I skimmed previous episodes and was surprised to see you've never covered the Brit favourite of Sauze d'Oulx. It suffered an unfair reputation as a Benidorm-on-snow resort in the 90s, particularly after a very sneering Wish You Were Here episode. It's actually a charming old town and has a fabulous ski area linking to the huge Vialattea" Paul Bond: "Episode 210 was as ever great listening. I've skied all over Europe and finally skied in Baqueira in March. Plenty of challenge with a unique vibe but also easy for a mixed ability family to ski the same mountains and meet up. My top tip: Hire a car from Toulouse and stay in Vielha in valley: a great old town with lots of accommodation and good value eateries." Hayder Fekaiki from www.myskibuddy.app: "I hope it's been a successful season and thank you for a very enjoyable podcast." If you like the podcast, I'd really appreciate it if you could give us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  ‘Every Nickname is taken' recently gave us a review on Apple Podcasts: “I like listening to the Ski Podcast when I'm driving up and down the country: there's a great variety of guests and tons of useful information. It also reminds me of all the places we've skied and boarded over the years, while also giving me new ideas where to target next. Keep going and maybe one day we'll meet on the slopes!” There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you're bound to find something of interest to you.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This special episode is an interview with pro-skier and filmmaker Paddy Graham. Paddy was one of the first wave of British freeskiers who burst out of the UK dry slope and indoor scene into the international arena in the early-2000s.  Paddy is an extremely accomplished freeride and freestyle skier, but is best known for the incredibly creative ski films that he's starred in and produced, as co-founder of the legendary production company Legs of Steel.  SHOW NOTES Legs of Steel started in 2009 (2:45) Paddy learned to ski at Sheffield Ski Village (6:00) Sheffield Ski Village had its own ‘fun park' (8:00) Natives organised ‘The New Breed' quarter-pipe comp at the Birmingham Ski Show Listen to Iain's interview with Pat Sharples (10:00) Stu Brass organised the AIM series (11:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Jim Adlington, founder of Planks Clothing (12:15) Paddy went to Serre Chevalier with Ben Hawker and Noddy Gowans (13:30) He followed that with a trip to the States to film ‘Rad' (16:00) Murray Buchan, James Kilner, James Carr and Laura Berry, Adam Gendle, Ed Leigh, Tim Warwood, Matt Barr and Jonny Verity were also on the trip (17:45) Red Bull asked Paddy to go for the Sochi Olympics (19:30) The ski movie ‘Same Difference' in 2017 featured THE kicker (22:00) The kicker was created in Livigno (23:30) They needed to hit the kicker between 110-117 km/h (26:30) “It was like being shot out of a cannon!” (28:30) The second attempt at jumping did not go so well (31:00) ‘Action Men' came out in 2020 (33:30) Legs of Steel crew produced ‘The Ultimate Run' with Markus Eder in 2021 (33:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbqHK8i-HdA Paddy shot in Sheffield in 2023 after Storm Larissa (38:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb9lZlLMLUk Watch Paddy's ‘How To' features for Red Bull (45:00) 'Skiers Jump over chairlift' was filmed for Red Bull at Mammoth Mountain (45:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1P0SeYt2TA Listen to Iain's interview with Kirsty Muir (48:00) Paddy has been on some very long bike rides! (49:45) Find out more about Stance Ski Socks (52:00) Advice for aspiring filmmakers and skiers (57:00) Paddy wears a range of Stance socks which all feature Freshtek and Infiknit™ technology; Sargent Snow, Flynn Snow and Baron Snow. Freshtek Performance Mesh keeps you cool with maximised airflow and breathability, whilst Stance's Infiknit™ technology never rips, never tears. FEEDBACK  I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or theskipodcast@gmail.com    Tim Boyse: "I think I was “that guy“ you recently mentioned who listened to your very first episode. I retired to the Swiss Alps in 2017 and have listening since then. I loved the early episodes with Jim, but I have to say the podcast has gone from strength to strength since you took it on alone. Keep up the good work - you keep giving me so many ideas I can't keep up." rms1765 (Apple Podcasts): “I love the mix of guests on this podcast and everything you are doing to raise awareness about issues facing skiing.” If you like the podcast, there are a couple of things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify   2) Subscribe and every episode will automatically be downloaded for you There are now 216 episodes to catch up with, and 91 were listened to in the last week. 50% of our listeners were in the UK, 18% in the States and the remaining 32% across the world, including Portugal, Taiwan and Brazil.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

We discuss Baqueira Beret in Spain and finding out about skiing in China – the fastest growing ski market in the world.  Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Gabriella Le Breton and Justin Downes, President of Axis Leisure, who specialise in resort development in China. SHOW NOTES Gaby last skied in Andermatt (1:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Mike Goar, CEO of Vail Resorts in Andermatt (2:00) [Video] Things Americans find shocking about skiing in Europe! (3:30) Justin was last on snow at the indoor slope in Wuhan, China (4:15) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski skied in St Anton and Ischgl (5:00) The Black Eyed Peas are playing at Ischgl's closing party (6:45) Susie Burt reported from Chamonix (8:00) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (9:45) Listen to Iain's interview in Episode 209 about the new Jandri 3S lift (11:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0hrmQgVGg Les 2 Alpes will remain open until 07 July Huge thank you to Messy Weekend for replacing the ski goggles I lost in Verbier (14:30) Take a look at the Vallon vizors here (15:15) Gaby visited Baqueira Beret in the Spanish Pyrénées (16:14) Heliskiing is possible in Baqueira (25:00) Justin previously worked at Whistler and Kicking Horse in Canada (28:00) He then managed Hotham in Australia (30:00) Justin is now President of Axis Leisure (31:45) China has more indoor snowdomes than the rest of the world combined (32:15) There were around 30m skier days in China in 23/24, compared with around 50m in the USA (33:30) Justin expects China will become the biggest snowsports market in the world in 2025 (34:15) Eileen Gu and Su Yuming are huge influences on the growth of Chinese skiing (43:15) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Oliver Rutman: "Really great episode with Xavier De La Rue" Quin Rescigno: "I found your podcast recently and have enjoyed listening." Darren Jer: "Congrats on getting the new Vail Resorts executive of Andermatt on your show."  If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe  (find all the links here at PodFollow)  There are 215 episodes to catch up with and 134 were listened to in the last week. In the last week, 56% of our listeners were in the UK, 13% in the States and the remaining 31% across the world, including Turkey, Vietnam and Japan.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss Les 2 Alpes in France, Trysil in Norway and find out more about a great new way of travelling to the snow on your ski holiday. Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Rebecca Miles and Tarrant Anderson, founder of Vans For Bands. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES David George joined me to discuss the impact of climate change on ski resorts in Episode 206 (3:30) Simon Burgess was in Flaine (3:45) Steve Angus reported from Val d'Isère (4:45) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel (6:20) Iain took part in the X3 Triathlon in Courchevel in 2022 (7:00) It was the warmest start to April ever in France, hitting 29C in Grenoble & 27C in Albertville (8:15) This winter was already the third warmest winter in France (8:30) Lobbying is underway for a direct Train from London to GVA (8:45) Take a look at this year's ski April Fools in this Skipedia blog post (9:15) Vail Resorts themed April Fools including Disney buying Vail Resorts &  Vail buys Alterra(12:30) Les 2 Alpes is a great trip for older teens looking for apres-ski! (13:30) Highly recommended is the Umbrella Bar (14:00) Anthony Guzman is Sales & Marketing Director at Les 2 Alpes lift company AEON (14:15) SATA has rebranded as AEON (15:15) You can find out more about the new Jandri 3S lift here (17:00) Iain drove to Les 2 Alpes in a 9-seater luxury splitter minivans from Vans For Bands (23:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tYRSizJYAE Vans For Bands was founded in 2006 (23:15) The VFB coaches are like ‘hotels on wheels' (26:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Bode Miller (27:00) There is SO MUCH storage space (31:00) Vans cost from £145pd to rent, including insurance, breakdown cover & snow chains You can drive a splitter van on a regular driving licence (33:15) Read Bec's article about Trysil in The Telegraph (34:30) Becs flew into Scandinavian Mountain Airport (35:30) Find out more about Trysil ski resort (39:00) Have a look at the piste map for Trysil (40:30) Is Salen the closest ski resort to an airport? (42:15) Find out more about train travel to ski resorts at Ski Flight Free (46:00) Becs booked group train travel with Eurostar and SNCF at a good discount (46:45) Feedback (43:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Adam Fisher: "Really enjoy listening to the podcast, you're doing a great job. It helps me out with a bit of research. I'll just let you know that I am your English but Mexican listener as I spend a bit of time over there" Michael Hart: "Enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast as usual. I appreciate the work you do both on sustainability, but mindful of the difficulties that skiers in the north/Scotland have with train travel. I have taken the decision to offset my carbon to mitigate air travel, but the lack of economically viable train option from Manchester and similar areas remains a problem." Andy Aitkenhead: "I found the recent episode on Andermatt and Vail Resorts of interest - I was in Andermatt just before the deal was announced. I'm heading to Engelberg in just over a week. I'm currently wrestling over travel - given my concerns around climate change. Currently my calculations are that it will be cheaper to fly. I wondered whether you have any tips for reducing the cost over the Eurostar and SNCF published prices. Keep up the good work with the podcast." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast 

This episode is a special interview with professional snowboarder Xavier De La Rue. We speak about his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and Antarctica.  We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about sustainability and his Audi Experience Camps taking place in Verbier this winter. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Xavier broke his ribs while taking time off from filming in Lobufen (1:00) FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (3:00) Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (4:30) Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (6:00) The trip involved crossing Drake's Passage (8:30) The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (11:00) Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (14:00) Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (15:00) Xavier's daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (15:45) Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (17:00) Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (19:00) Watch Xavier's ‘How to' videos on YouTube (20:15) Learn how to ski on ice! (20:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34 We discuss Xavier's avalanche experience (22:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU “Paranoia can be a good thing” (24:00) Xavier has clear views on air bags (26:30) Listen to Xavier's sustainability podcasts (31:30) Find out about the Audi Experience camps (32:00) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast 

We find out more about Val Cenis and the Haute Maurienne area of France as well as discoving what the skiing in Slovenia is like.  Iain was joined by freelance journalists Katja Gaskell and Rob Rees. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Katja was last on the show in Episode 197, sharing her tips on skiing with children (0:30) Rob was last on the show in Episode 186, discussing glacier skiing in Austria (1:00) Find out more about the Dolomites in Episode 192 (1:30) Tim from Inspired Italy reported from the Italian Dolomites (3:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (5:20) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (5:30) Team GB telemarker Jasmin Taylor was last on the show in Episode 200 (8:30) Jasmin won two Crystal Globes at the World Cup Finals - with 11 podiums and 5 wins this season British Slalom Champion Reece Bell is Martin Bell's daughter and Graham Bell's niece (9:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Martin Bell here Freddie Carrick-Smith (just) beat twin brother Zac Carrick-Smith the Junior Slalom and Senior GS (9:45) Iain interviewed Zac in Episode 200 about his double gold at the Youth Olympic Games (10:15) Katja was in Val Cenis in the Haute Maurienne area of France (10:30) Bonneval-sur-Arc has lots of ski touring options for both novice and advanced (12:30) Bessans is a centre for biathlon and cross-country skiing (15:00) Iain travelled to Orelle by train from Paris to Modane and covered this in Episode 165 (20:15) Rob flew to Lublijana in Slovenia (22:15) Rob skied at Krvavec, Vogel and Rogla ski resorts (24:30) Listen to Iain's experience of skiing in Abruzzo in Episode (29:00) Rob visited the Elan Skis museum (31:15) Elan introduced the first ‘parabolic' ski in 1993/94 (33:00) Find out more about the Julian Alps International Ski Pass (34:15) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Andrew Brannan: "I enjoyed today's interview with Frank Baldwin. I am sure you could get him back on, sounds like he has a hundred more stories in him." James: "Love the podcast. I was keenly interested in your interview with Mike Goar from Vail Resorts. I also found the two recent episodes discussing the resorts in Norway fascinating. Keep up the good work." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast 

In this episode, we discuss Verbier, Saalbach Hinterglemm and the impact of climate change on ski resorts. Plus we have a lot of feedback on Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass, which we covered in Episode 204.  Iain was joined by freelance journalist and regular guest Catherine Murphy and David George, founder of the PisteHors.com website Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Catherine was last on the show in Episode 173, when she was telling us about Pays de Gex Jen Tsang from ‘That's La Plagne' reported from…La Plagne (3:00) Betony reports on the latest conditions in the Mont Blanc valley (5:45) Alex from 150 Days of Winter covered the latest conditions in Courchevel (7:15) Iain rented skis from Philippe Roux Intersport on his Verbier trip (8:45) Charlotte Bankes has taken 5 consecutive podiums in World Cup Snowboard Cross (9:00) Dave Ryding finished 7th overall in the World Cup slalom rankings Jasmin Taylor picked up 3 more podiums in Telemark and goes into the Finals in 1st place (9:15) Catherine was in Saalbach Hinterglemm Saalbach will host the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2025 (10:15) Read the case study on train travel to Saalbach on Ski Flight Free (14:00) Iain's guides in Verbier were Anthony Voute from European Snowsport and Bertrand Lovey from ski school La Fantastique (18:00) Try the ‘Canadian Trees' in the Bruson sector of Verbier (18:15) Verbier has so many backcountry options off the back of Mont Fort (19:30) Victor de la Rue clinched the snowboard Freeride World Tour title for the third time (20:30) Iain spoke with older brother and three-time champion Xavier de la Rue (21:00) Iain travelled by train to Verbier – a very straightforward journey (21:30) Protect Our Winters research shows that ski kit represents 12% of the carbon footprint of a ski holiday (22:00) Cirkel Supply is a new ski clothing rental company, founded by Anders Bergenstrand (22:45) Anna Smoothy has done some research that shows renting clothing has a 76% smaller carbon footprint than buying Josh Speller is the founder of Verbier Green (30:00) David founded PisteHors.com in 2004 (34:00) You can read David's blog about the effect of climate change on ski resorts here (44:00) 66% of the carbon footprint of a ski holiday comes from the your flight (45:30) Find out more about low-carbon ski holidays at Ski Flight Free (46:00) More than half of American skiers buy an Epic or Ikon pass (49:00) The Magic Pass has seen a 9% increase in sales this winter (49:00) Laurent Vauchet, CEO of Televerbier, is equivocal that Vail Resorts is not buying Verbier (49:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Mike Goar, MD of Andermatt in Episode 204 (51:00) Find out more about the Ikon Pass (52:00) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Adam Horsfield: "I have been an avid listener of the ski podcast since 2018. After 6 years of listening, I've finally taken the decision to take the train to the Alps and am very much looking forward to it."  Episode 204 about Vail Resorts prompted a LOT of feedback: Simon Burgess: "Really enjoyed the last episode on the Epic Pass. As someone who has used it a lot it's exciting what's on offer and what could develop. I still think some of the partner agreements are a rip off with special lodging needed to get a pass, but for Andermatt, 3 Valleys and the Dolomites it's been brilliant. It was fantastic in Andermatt: show the Epic Pass and they give you a season pass which I'm pretty sure is sold for more” Andrew Brannan: "Eye watering ticket prices, all the top management jobs taken out of resort, all teh restaurants and hotels, shops and even estate agents bought up by the same monopoly, aggressive property development, workers forced to live down the valley" Chris Howie: "It feels as if Vail Resorts are trying to wring every last penny out of resorts while providing the very minimum in return. In most of the Vail Resorts-owned resorts prices have gone sky high so only the rich can ski. Ski passes are almost three times the price of a European ski resort. Lift lines are unbelievably long. The local staff are removed to bring in centralised American staff, ripping the heart out of the resort. I will do my best to never ski at a resort owned by the Vail Resort organisation" Jane Henderson: “You should've given him a bit of a grilling on the negative impact of Epic/Ikon passes” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast