The Ski Podcast

We review the Best Skis for the new 2026 winter season, covering the best piste skis, best all mountain skis and freeride skis. Host Iain Martin was joined by The Ski Podcast's equipment expert Al Morgan.  Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life' there.  SHOW NOTES Iain and Al will be at the London Snow Show in October (3:00) Best Skis of 2026 means the best skis of winter 2025/26 (4:00) What are the different types of skis (4:15) How important is that figure for width under your foot? (7:45) What is meant by ‘side cut'? (10:00) What is a ‘rocker? (12:00) How long should your skis be? (15:15) Is sustainability still important in ski production? (18:45) The Ski Sustainability Forum is organised by POW, Atomic and FESI (21:00) When and where did testing take place? (22:15) SIGB is the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (22:45) Most testing takes place at SIGB's annual ski test in La Clusaz (23:15) How much do bindings cost? (25:00) THE BEST PISTE SKIS OF WINTER 2026  K2 Blur 74 W (women) (26:30) £600 / 148cm-169cm Blur is K2's new piste ski range for winter 25/26. The 74W has a little lift through the front and back, is built around their aspen wood core and uses Flax with channels milled into it.  They only do this in this ski and the Blur 79W to enhance agility. It should also save a little weight, although the 74 is about performance and a perfect partner for advanced and expert female skiers shredding the groomers.   It has a 13.9m radius in the longest length and testers reported it as silky smooth, easy to ski yet snappy, with great boost turn-to-turn. It's super reactive underfoot, quick to pivot and rotate for short turns.  Nordica Dobermann Multipista DC FDT (29:00) £930 including binding, 160cm-185cm The Multipista is new for this season, focussed equally on fun and performance. It may look similar to the Steadfast skis in its outline, but there's a lot more going on than simply a curvy figure.  It has Dobermann in the name, which hints at this ski's powerful drive, and when you open the throttle you're rewarded by the bucketload!  The rise though the front and back, paired with the taper at each end, means you never feel like your locked into a turn. It can lay trenches on the groomers, but if you want to nip off the side, take on some slush or get a little airtime, it's as composed as you could ask for.   It's built around their Energy 2 Ti Double Core (DC) construction. An elastomer layer is sandwiched between two beech and poplar wood cores, beefed up by two layers of Titanal metal, one above the wood-elastomer sandwich and one below.  Even though Nordica states the ski as having a Full Camber Profile, it has a longer rise through the shovel and tail than a regular full camber ski. This rocker profile is part of the Multipista's magic, bringing a delightfully versatile nature. The tapered profile through the shovel and tail further adds to its performance across a range of conditions. The 74mm waist width, in all lengths, partners with their race on-piste shape underfoot for confidence-rocketing grip. This width is bang-on the money, with plenty of punch through the edge and enough float and stability to tackle a broad array of terrain and snow conditions. THE BEST ALL MOUNTAIN SKIS OF WINTER 2026 Völkl V.Werks 100(32:00) £1,750 flat, 170cm-186cm Völkl has taken all they've learnt from ski manufacturing and turned the dial up to eleven with this ski! The company was founded in 1923, and in honour of this they have made exactly 1923 of these skis, with a retail price of €1923.   This ski is see-through. If you place your hand behind the ski, when holding it up to the light, you can see where your hand is. It's quite spectacular. It also highlights the complex structure they've perfected for the fibre placement.  They combine carbon and natural flax fibres, which work in harmony with the superb 3D H-Woodcore. This is made of two enviro friendly FSC-certified poplar and beech cores, with a central reinforcement, and this all has a very noticeable and technical 3D shape.  The fibres, translucent layer and wood core allows the designers to transfer the movements and forces from the skier through the ski and to the edges, for a ridiculously intuitive control. You get a regular camber underfoot but enough rocker in the shovel and tail for a mega-versatile shape. Atomic Maven 88 CTI (Women) (35:00) £570 without bindings, 147cm-172cm   This ski is based around an ash and poplar wood core, boosted by the addition of carbon and Titanal. These laminates add greater damping and energy to the ski, whilst helping to keep the ski light.  The change of shape through the shovel, as we saw in the wider Maverick and Maven models last season, keeps this ski incredibly playful. This HRZN 3D Maverick/Maven tech sees the wood core extend right up to the very front of the ski, designed to improve stability and smoothness when charging hard.  These skis can certainly be skied fast, but the thing you notice most with all skis with HRZN tech is just how much it enhances the fun nature of the skis. They are not twin-tips, and have a directional shape, although the rise in the back means you can ski switch if you really want to. Atomic builds in a 15% rocker through the shovel and a 10% rocker at the back, with standard camber in the middle of the ski. Salomon Stance Pro 86(Unisex) (38:00) £640 flat, 151cm-185cm   Salomon's Stance range sees significant change, taking what were already great skis and making them industry leading.  It has a full poplar wood core, with the Powerflex Ti metal layer sitting full width underfoot and tapering out in front of and behind the binding. The metal edge is made thicker to aid grip and power, and will endure more services, therefore lasting longer. The base has a 50% recycled content. The profile delivers regular camber underfoot with a 15% rocker through the front and a milder 12% rocker at the rear. THE BEST FREERIDE SKIS OF WINTER 2026 (40:00) Head Kore 99 Ti W(Women) (40:30) £650 without bindings, 156cm-177cm   The Kore skis are redesigned for this season. This 99mm underfoot model has the same length options as the women's Kore 97 of last season, but otherwise it's a very different ski.  Where the men's new Kore skis use beech and karuba, the women's Kore models combine poplar with PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is a thermoplastic polyester polymer. Think of your favourite fleece, and the chances are it's made of the same material.  This is complimented by a layer of Titanal, using at least 40% recycled material, above and below the core, along with a Graphene layer between the metal and top of the core. They add a damping layer between the bottom metal layer and the edges of the ski, to further smoothen the ride.  Again, as in the men's, they add flax to the boundary of the topsheet to improve durability. Rocker front and back, with standard camber underfoot, gives the ski it's undeniable freeride profile.   Salomon QST 100(Unisex) (43:30) £570 without bindings, 148cm-188cm   New for this season in widths ranging from 92 through to 106, the 100 is an incredible freeride ski and was a hit with everyone at testing. It's a unisex model, offered in a choice of two colours.  The new QST's have full poplar wood cores with basalt and glass fibres, as well as Salomon's proven Cork Damplifier, where they inlay a cork and TPU border at the tip and tail to dampen vibrations. The 106 has a 22% rocker up front and 18% rocker in the tail. As you step down in width to 100 then 94, they reduce the rocker proportion by 1% at each end, for each drop in width.   FEEDBACK I enjoy all feedback about the show, so if you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any questions about skis we didn't cover, then please let us know by leaving a comment at Instagram or Facebook – we are @theskipodcast – or by dropping me an email theskipodcast@gmail.com There are now 273 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 enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:   -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          Help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

Iain speaks with ‘Repair Claire', who heads up the excellent repair service at outdoor brand Montane.  This continues the discussion from Episode 255 about sustainability and the importance of extending the life of our outdoor kit. Rather like Arcteryx's ‘Rebird' project, featured in Episode 218, it's important to highlight the great work on sustainability that brands like Montane are doing. In this chat, Claire tells us which are the most common repairs, what happens if a garment is beyond help and why she doesn't like patches in different colours! --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life' there. --------- FEEDBACK Why not let me know what you think by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop Iain an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you enjoyed this episode, why not follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Or if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com.  You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. 

We find out all about Innsbruck in Austria, look at the Northern Snow Show and learn why ski company Peak Retreats is handing over ownership to its staff.   Host Iain Martin was joined by journalist Catherine Murphy; MD of The Snow Centre, Ian Brown; founder of the UK tour operator Peak Retreats, Xavier Schouller; and the company's new MD Alison Willis. Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life' there.  SHOW NOTES Catherine joined us in Episode 232 to discuss the new Jandri 3S lift in Les 2 Alpes (1:00) Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (6:00) Robert Redford starred in ‘Downhill Racer' in 1969 (7:30) Chill Factore in Manchester and The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead are the same company (8:30) The Northern Snow Show takes place in October at The Snow Centre Manchester (9:45) Listeners to the podcast can get free tickets for the show here (13:00) Iain visited Innsbruck in 2017 after a trip to Kuhtai (13:30) There are many sites to see in Innsbruck (14:00) The most famous site is the Golden Roof (14:45) Catherine loved the Hofkirche (15:45) British architect Zaha Hadid designed the spectacular funicular stations in the city (18:00) Hadid also designed the Bergesil ski jump (19:15) Rob Rees reported in Episode XX on the ‘Four Hills Ski Jumping Competiiton' (21:15) Innsbruck serves 12 ski areas (21:20) You can go night skiing in Kuhtai (22:00) Find out about the ‘SKI plus CITY Pass' (23:00) Find out about Axamer Lizum (24:00) Nordkette ski area is immediately above Innsbruck, with amazing views (24:30) Peak Retreats are becoming the only UK ski company to be employee-owned (25:30) The company was set up in 2002 (27:00) The decision to pass on the company to the employees rather than sell it (29:30) Listen to ‘The Rise and Fall of Bladon Lines' (31:00) Find out about the Alpe d'Huez bike challenge (35:00) Feedback (36:00)   I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Colin Slater: "Just discovered the podcast and listened to loads now, loved the Bladon Lines one!” Glenn Westrup: “I've really enjoyed Rachel's snow reports from Australia and NZ” There are now 272 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. If you've enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll want to listen to too. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com. You'll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

Today we find out what it's like to ski - and surf - in Nova Scotia, Canada. We discuss the new Valléen lift in Saint-Gervais, learn about Tromsø in Norway and we have all the latest news about the London Snow Show. There's also snow reports from Down Under, your feedback and we exciting news about a new sponsor. Host Iain Martin was joined by Betony Garner and James Gambrill, CEO at SCGB and organiser of the London Snow Show. SHOW NOTES Betony was last on the show in Episode 65 (0:45) James was based in the White Haus in London for the recording of the show (2:45) Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (4:30) Guy Beatson reported from New Zealand (6:00) Tirol in Austria will be sponsoring The Ski Podcast this winter (7:00) Find out more about Ski Launch 2025 (8:45) Peak Retreats is now employee-owned (11:30) Is season four of The White Lotus going to be filmed in Megeve? (12:00) Find out more about Le Valléen gondola – the new lift connecting St Gervais (13:00) Find out about the spa – Les Thermes – in Saint-Gervais Le Fayet (15:00) The Thermes lift is powered by wastewater (17:00) James visited Nova Scotia (18:20) How about surfing in water that's zero degrees? (23:00) Find out more about the London Snow Show Look out for Dave Ryding on the Saturday and the Carrick-Smith brothers on Sunday (26:30) Equipment expert, Al Morgan, and Iain will be talking about this year's new kit (27:00) Iain will also be presenting on driving an EV to the Alps and what it's like to ski on a live volcano Listeners to the podcast can get free tickets for the show using the code here (27:45) Betony went ski touring in Tromsø (28:00) Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Joseph Childs: "I also caught up on the Bladon Lines episode and really enjoyed it. Seems like it was an amazing time to be in the industry." There are now 271 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 143 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll want to listen to too. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          Save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book at intersportrent.com 

We find out what it's like walking to the Alps in ski boots, plus we have a focus on sustainability, looking at how different ski businesses are working together; what the UTMB are doing to reduce their impact; plus we have an interview with ‘Repair Claire' from Montane. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Heather Davies from the Re-Action Collective and by Reuben Gray and Matt Brinkley from King of the Hill, and down the line by Rachael Oakes-Ash in Australia.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you're booking ski hire this winter, don't forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book 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 Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (3:30) Details of the apres ski bands for the London Snow Show have been announced (5:15) Iain and our equipment expert, Al Morgan, will be talking about this year's new kit on Saturday Listeners to the podcast can get free tickets for the show (6:00) Iain took part in the OCC ultra marathon (6:30) UTMB have introduced some impressive new policies on sustainability (7:00) Iain spoke with Fabrice Perren, head of sustainability at UTMB (7:00) Find out about The Green Runners (7:45) UTMB are introducing a new system of compulsory offsetting (8:15) Iain used a Minimus Lite running jacket from Montane at the OCC (9:00) Listen to Episode 218 for more on Arcteryx's repair work (9:45) Iain spoke to ‘Repair Claire' from Montane (9:45 Heather is a co-founder of the Re-Action Collective (13:15) One Tree at a Time was set up by Gavin Ferney-Jones (13:30) Check out back catalog for interviews with Cirkel Supply, Montagne Verte, EcoSki and Whitestorm Find out about Tentshare (21:30) Find out about the new film ‘Actionism' (23:00) Reuben and Matt walked in ski boots to the Alps (25:30) Look out for their new app King of the Hill (27:00) The boys used Sidas Boot Traction to protect their boots (31:30) It took them 50 days to walk 690 miles (32:15) Follow the boys on Instagram(36:30) They have raised money for Snowcamp and McMillan Cancer Research (37:00) Feedback (37:00) I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Lynsey: "Always listen to the podcast and it's been a lovely escape in the recent hot weather! Bring on the winter!" Adam Fisher: "Keep up the good work!" Dennis: “I'm a big fan of your podcast and I thoroughly enjoyed your appearance on Stuart Winchester's Storm podcast.” Comment on Spotify: “Hi, I'm 13 and love skiing. This podcast is helping me get through the summer. I'm from Germany by the way!” David Musson enjoyed my interview with Mark Smith, The Man in Seat 61, in Episode 233 There are now 270 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 136 of those were listened to in the last week. If you've enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll want to listen to too. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          (both of those actions help other listeners to find us) -          Or you can book your ski hire at Intersportrent.com using the code ‘SKIPODCAST'

In this ‘flashback' episode, Iain speaks with ‘ski instructor to the stars' Warren Smith, from the Warren Smith Ski Academy.  We talk about how Warren got into skiing and his journey to Verbier via the Hemel Hempstead dry ski slope and Seefeld in Austria. There's plenty about the early days of the UK freestyle scene, working with many of the youngsters who have now become Olympians, as well as the celebrities that he's taught over the years, including Laurence Dallaglio, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Louis Smith, Bradley Wiggins and more. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code As we are looking ahead to this winter, don't forget that 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   Warren learned to ski at the Hemel Hempstead dry ski slope, before it was recreated as The Snow Centre – an indoor snow slope His first snow experience was on a school trip to Saalbach in Austria, when the coach broke down Phil Gordon presents the ‘Legends of the Brand' podcast (3:30) Warren's first qualification was as a UK dry slope instuctor (4:45) He first taught on snow in Seefeld in Austria, before moving to Verbier in 1994 (5:00) Joyce Read from Ski Verbier was an early mentor (6:00) You can watch ‘Blizzard of Aaaahs' – the famous ‘extreme' ski movie – on YouTube Jamie Strachan designed top sheets for Volkl and brought Warren on their team in winter 1998/99 (8:45) Strachan also designed many of the legendary ChamJam posters (9:30) Listen to Iain's interview with GB Snowsports coach Pat Sharples in this bonus episode of The Ski Podcast (10:15) Stu Brass and Spencer Claridge were behind the AIM Series of events and built the freestyle features for events like the London Ski Show and The Jump (11:00) Iain launched Natives.co.uk in April 1999 (12:00) Other early freestyle projects that Warren set up were the British Freestyle Camps and the Ride Series  Pat talks about the impact of the Salomon 1080 on the freestyle scene in this interview, as does Jim Adlington (founder of Planks) in our bonus episode with him (14:00) Paddy Graham came out of the Sheffield dry slope scene and is still producing award-winning movies with the ‘Legs of Steel' crew (17:30) Warren also produced movies such as the ‘Snow's In The House' series and ‘Snow Odyssey' featuring a 16-year-old Candide Thovex (19:00) Warren's ‘Go Ski' technique book and DVD is available online (25:00) Rob Sawyer from the Farinet Bar in Verbier recommended Warren to England rugby player Laurence Dallaglio (28:00) Other celebrities that Warren has skied with or instructed in Verbier include James Blunt, Princess Eugenie and Prince Harry (33:00) Listen to Peter Hardy's anecdotes about James Blunt in our special episode Louis Smith, Spencer Matthews and Jason Robinson were among the quickest learners that Warren coached for the wintersports reality show ‘The Jump' (35:00) The Warren Smith Ski Academy now has a team of 15 instructors with key focus on biomechanics (39:00) Find out about the Carv device here (45:00) The Academy also offers ‘Gap Year' Instructor Qualification courses, having changed from BASI to the Irish IASI qualification in 2013 (45:30) The Warren Smith Ski Academy will be at the National Snow Show at the Birmingham NEC on 15/16 October 2022 (48:00) Courses start in Cervinia from 06 November for five weeks, then on to Verbier. Warren will be leading a trip to Japan in February (50:00) Listen to how Iain got on in Verbier in March 2023 in Episode 172 If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          ‘buy me a coffee' at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

We look at Les Arcs in summer, find out about La Plagne's new lifts and the ‘Flocon Vert' – the sustainability award for ski resorts in France. There's snow reports from Australia and New Zealand, as well as a special report on the new Soho Basin area in Cardrona from Ski Sunday's Ed Leigh, plus we find out what it was like when the Tour de France came to the Alps.  Host Iain Martin was joined by La Plagne expert, Jen Tsang and Claire Tollis from the Mountain Riders association in France. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code We haven't quite started up winter yet in Europe, but I know people are booking their holidays, so if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST' when you book 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 Find out more about SnowCamp in Episode 249 (2:15) Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash from Snowsbest.com reported from Down Under (3:45) Guy Beatson sent in his snow report from New Zealand (5:45) Listened to Iain's interview with Ed Leigh in Episode 236 (7:15) Ed has been riding the new Soho Basin ski area at Cardrona, NZ (7:30) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter was in Courchevel for the Tour de France (10:15) Stage 19 went from Albertville to La Plagne (12:00) A new gondola has been proposed from Aime to La Plagne (19:15) The 2030 Winter Olympics will be held in France (20:00) The new Roche de Mio gondola will open this winter (24:30) Iain was in Les Arcs for ‘Le Trail des Arcs' (27:30) There's a lot to do in Les Arcs in summer, including chilling at Nama Springs (28:30) Find out about the ‘Hero Pass' and ‘Hero Camp' (28:45) Everyone loves the sound of cow bells (30:30) Iain stayed at the Refuge du Mont Pourri (32:00) 25% of all visitors to Les Arcs come by train (33:45) Les Arcs is the only ski resort in Europe with B Corp status (34:00) Visit the 'Mountain Riders' website (34:30) Find out more about the 'Flocon Vert' (36:30) and Montagne Zero Dechet (38:45) Feedback (42:00) I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you haven't listened to Episode 252 yet, I strongly recommend that you do. It's the story of Bladon Lines – in my opinion it's the best episode I've ever produced (42:30) Thanks to all of the following for their kind words about it: Nicola Anderson, Debbie Marshall, Jilly Hooper, Nico Stanford, Victoria Clay, Kirsten Nicholl, Matt Hayes Lesley Glass, Fiona Parkhurst, Colin Barnett, Craig Mayhew, Giles Helbert, Diane Palumbo, Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, Martin Carver, Alex Irwin, Andrew Brannan, Mike Greenland, James Buist and Snowheads MikePow and Kenzie. I was most touched to receive this message from George Lines, son of co-founder Mark Lines, who tragically died in a car accident in 1990: "I very much enjoyed this, Iain. I still ski each year in my dad's parrot onesie and regularly get pulled over by people keen to share fond BL memories. A couple of years ago in Val D'Isere, one group told me that they are all friends because their parents had met doing seasons with BL and they still all ski together now. You and the contributors captured that sense of community so well." There are now 268 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you enjoyed this episode, then go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you'll want to listen to too. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          Book your ski hire at Intersportrent.com using the code ‘SKIPODCAST'

In this special ‘Flashback' episode, Iain speaks with Tony McWilliam - founder of one of the world's leading snowsports brands - Faction Skis.   We find out what inspired Tony to start Faction, how he smuggled his first batch of 44 skis across the Swiss border to Verbier, meeting freeski legend Candide Thovex when he was just 16 years old and how he grew Faction to become one of the most famous ski brands in the world. 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 Tony designed my first brochure for my first business, Natives.co.uk You can listen to our Ski Podcast Special with Pat Sharples here Faction skis started in 2003 BoardX took place in Battersea for several years You can listen to our Ski Podcast with Jim Adlington here Other key contacts for Tony in the early years were Phil Martin, Gordy Hughes and Matt Reardon He worked closely with Peter Bauer, founder of Amplid The first range of Faction skis had a waist of 80-110mm Initially the skis were made in Annecy before production moved to Austria Skis like the Seth Pistol were an inspiration Jamie Strachan's designs for Volkl were another influence The first run of Faction skis was just 44 pairs – they now sell 35,000 pairs every year globally Sam Smoothy is a NZ freeride skier Ski Service in Verbier was the first store to stock Faction Skis Tony first met Candide Thovex as a 16-year-old rider in Les Arcs Check out Candide in China here (he took 27 pairs of skis with him for that shoot!) Tony launched an eco-friendly outerwear brand, GHOSTS, on Kickstarter in 2019 He also worked with Eric Pollard – ex-Line Skis – on the launch of the new ski and snowboard range Season Eqpt Find out about Candide's outerwear brand 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.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe –it every episode will automatically be downloaded for you, so you can catch up at your leisure 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

In today's episode Iain speaks with Fiona Easdale, managing director and co-founder of the Val d'Isere chalet specialist YSE Ski.  She was racing downhill in the Winter Olympics at just 16 years old, then worked in sports management with World Cup winning footballers, before her return to the ski industry with Bladon Lines.  There, she rose through the ranks to become managing director, before going off on her own to set up YSE Ski with John Yates-Smith – a company that's now been in business for over 30 years.  This episode is the latest in a series of podcasts I've been publishing focussing on women in the snowsports industry. Previous episodes have included BBC Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy Alcott, GB Snowsport CEO, Vicky Gosling and former-Erna Low MD, Joanna Yellowlees-Bound. 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 Listen to Iain's interview with John Yates-Smith in Episode 231 (3:45) Read Iain's summary of the latest Mountain Trade Network research (5:45) Fiona competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics at just 16 years old (7:00) Seba Johnson is the youngest Alpine skier to compete in the Olympics at 14 (7:30) Fiona joined the Downhill Only Ski Club in Wengen (8:30) Fiona finished 34th in Downhill, 37th in GS, 18th in Slalom and 10th in the Combined (11:30) “Nobody gives us a chance. Why should they against the Alpine countries? But we're having a go!” (13:30) Konrad Bartelski was also at Innsbruck (15:00) John Curry won gold for Team GB in the ice skating (16:00) Fiona was injured in an Europa Cup race in Flaine (18:30) IMG is a sports management agency (20:15) Listen to Episode 252 about the Rise and Fall of Bladon Lines (21:45) Fiona rose from Contracts Manager to MD (23:00) How did it end at Bladon Lines? (29:00) The founding of YSE (30:00) Of 30 resorts offered by Bladon Lines, 60% of profits were in Val d'Isere (31:00) YSE is a Val d'Isere specialist (33:45) Dealing with global crises (35:00)  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 –it every episode will automatically be downloaded for you 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast or WhatsApp

In this special ‘Flashback' episode, Iain speaks with Tom Greenall, one of the few British members of the ski patrol in France. Tom explains the long journey he had to go through to qualify as a ‘pisteur' (ski patroller in France), starting off with racing against 11-year-olds (having had some training from Glenn Plake!) to learning how to ski with a blood wagon in his hands.  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 Tom Greenall is founder of Idris Skis He ran a cat skiing operation in Japan for three years The first qualification required to become a ski patroller is a Fleche Vermillion Glen Plake has been coming to Chamonix since 1987 Tom passed the Test Technique on his fourth attempt at Puy St Vincent ‘Premiere Secours Equipe Niveau 1 & 2' is the rescue industry first aid course Tom's Pisteur Course cost €3000 and took place in Les Orres The course included knowledge of middle mountain environment; weather and snow awareness; Rules and Regulations; taking the PSE2 first aid to the ski patrol environment; sled (‘bloodwagon' practice); avalanche practice The course concluded with exams on rescue sleds; an avalanche beeper search; and first aid cases Listen to our interview with the producers of ‘Ski A&E' in Val Thorens in Episode 43 Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don't forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money…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. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do: Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify ‘Buy me a coffee' at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast on Facebook and Instagram  @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

In this special episode we look at the rise and fall of Bladon Lines – a British chalet company who in the mid-80s were the biggest ski company in the UK, but by the mid-90s had completely disappeared. It's the story of two young men, who met at university and were sure that they could do ski holidays better. It's about how their company rode the 80s boom and grew exponentially to become ‘the' name in British skiing. Then new competitors came in and the market changed. The last glass of ‘Parrot Claret' was served over 30 years ago now, but the Bladon Lines continues to hold a special place in the hearts of British skiers… SHOW NOTES Mark Lines died in a car crash in 1990 (2:00) Simon Bladon met Mark Lines on his first day at Exeter University in 1971 (3:15) In July 1978 Simon was sacked from his job, leading to the start of ‘Bladon Lines' (6:00) In year three, the company made a profit of £80,000 (9:00) Listen to Iain's interview with John Yates Smith in Episode 231 (9:30) The famous red, yellow and blue Bladon Lines jackets led to the parrot logo (11:00) Bladon Lines offered ‘Parrot Claret' and ‘Parrot Vin' wines in their chalets (12:00) Alastair Scott from the Sunday Times, found the jackets ‘hideously recognisable' (12:30) Amin Momen founded Momentum Ski – a corporate ski specialist (12:45) The dotted Ski West jackets were also famous (13:30) Ed Mannix is now owner of the Zermatt specialist, Matterhorn Chalets (13:40) Nick Morgan founded the chalet company Le Ski in 1982 (15:15) What are ‘Sloane Rangers'? John Yates-Smith: “It was the days of glorious amateurishness” (17:30) ‘The Bladon Lines Chalet Girls Cookbook' is occasionally available on ebay (22:00) The standard of chalets in the 80s… (22:45) Simon Hoskyns worked for Bladon Lines before going on to co-found Alpine Answers (24:00) There were no mobile phones in the 80s… (23:30) Gareth Crump is now Sales and Marketing Director at VIP Ski (26:30) The days of the Telex… (27:00) Ed Mannix was the only member of staff with a ‘mobile phone' (28:15) Simon Bladon sold his 50% share to family friend Christopher Needler (29:00) Christopher Needler kept Bladon Lines afloat as the market changed (29:45) Crystal Ski were an aggressive new competitor (32:00) Chalet rents went ‘out of control' (32:30) In 1991, the company sacked Fiona Easdale as managing director (33:15) John Yates-Smith and Easdale formed their own chalet company, YSE Ski (33:30) Inghams bought Bladon Lines in 1995 (36:00) Simon Bladon offered to come back to help run the new Bladon Lines division of Inghams (37:15) The skills you develop when working ski seasons… (38:30) The Bladon Lines community… (42:00) In 2020 Crystal Ski announced it was cancelling its entire chalet programme (44:00) Seasonal Businesses in Travel report a 50% reduction in chalet capacity this decade (44:00) The Bladon Lines ‘Chalet Girl' races (45:00) Credits This episode was written, narrated and edited by Iain Martin.  Thanks go to Andy Wadsworth for reading the additional clippings, quotes and excerpts and to everyone who contributed to this episode including Simon Bladon, John Yates-Smith, Amin Momen, Ed Mannix, Gareth Crump, Nick Morgan and Simon Hoskyns.  Share this episode If you enjoyed this episode and you know someone who worked or took holidays with Bladon Lines back in the 80s or 90s, or simply likes a good ski industry story, then I would really appreciate it if you shared this episode with them.  Feedback  If you want to share your own memories of Bladon Lines or just let me know what you thought about this episode, then please contact me via Facebook or Instagram @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp. There are over 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – just go theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories and you're bound to find something you like. 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.

Today we discuss ‘Homeland' – a ski touring only ‘resort' in Italy, we ask what should be on Rob Katz's ‘to do' list as he takes up the reins again at Vail Resorts, plus we find out about skiing along the Mississippi. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by freelance journalist Sam Haddad and host of the Storm Skiing Podcast, Stuart Winchester, as well as down the line with snow reports by Rachael Oakes-Ash in Australia and Guy Beatson in New Zealand. SHOW NOTES Sam was last on the show talking about La Grave in Episode 214 (1:15) Stuart was last on the show in Episode 235 (1:30) Find out about La Sarenne in Alpe d'Huez (4:00) Stuart's last day of skiing was at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado (5:00) Guy Beatson reported from New Zealand (9:30) Rachael Oakes-Ash from Snowsbest reported from Australia (11:00) Homeland is a ski touring ‘resort' in Italy (13:00) Read Sam's Substack ‘Climate and Board Sports' (14:00) Read Sam's article for the Guardian We featured Madesimo in Episode 165 (18:00) Read Stuart's Storm Skiing Journal Substack (23:30) ”Everyone's searching for skiing's soul. I'm trying to find its brains” We covered the Ikon Pass, Indy Pass, Mountain Collective & Epic Pass in Episode 265 We discussed how the Epic Pass is making a difference in Australia in Episode 250 (25:45) Vail launched the Epic Pass in 2008 (26:00) Sales of the Epic Pass were down for the first time in 2024/25 (28:30) The ski patrol strike in Park City was a PR disaster for Vail Resorts (30:00) The CEO of Vail Resort Kirsten Lynch resigned in May 2025 (32:00) She was replaced by Rob Katz (32:30) What should be on Rob Katz's 'to do' list (32:45) “Walk-up lift ticket prices that would embarrass a luxury handbag store!” “Wait, There's a Limit to What People Will Pay to Ski 7 Hours on a Tuesday in a Highly Competitive Market?” Skiing in Alabama (37:00)  Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback. Please leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram and Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Guy Beatson: "I really enjoy the podcast – it helped prepare for my trip to Big Sky and Grand Targhee in late January"  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          ‘Buy me a coffee' at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

Today we focus on the new ski season in Australia and New Zealand, especially the new chairlift in Perisher and ski area extension in Cardrona. Plus could ski ballet be making a comeback? We find out about this iconic sport from the 80s Host Iain Martin was joined by the expert on skiing in Australia and New Zealand, founder of the Snowsbest website, Rachael Oakes-Ash, and the founder of MGG clothing, and the man single-handedly behind the ski ballet revival, Tom Bata.  SHOW NOTES Rachael enjoyed great conditionsat the Australia opening weekend (1:30) Iain skied all five of the UK's indoor snowdomes in May (2:45) Big Sky featured in Episode 235 of The Ski Podcast (3:00) Svalbard featured in Episode 218 of The Ski Podcast (5:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Xavier De Le Rue (7:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from the opening weekend in Tignes (8:00) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (9:15) The new AUD26 million chairlift in Perisher (10:45) Listen to Iain's report from Australia in Episode 182 (12:45) The Epic Pass in Australia (15:00) The new 4 day pass in in Australia (17:00 The Thredbo Alpine Coaster (19:30) The Soho ski area in Cardona will make it the largest NZ ski area (21:20) Cardrona is opening a new freestyle training centre (23:20) Mt Dobson and Ohau are for sale (27:00) MGG (Mont Gele Gear) is based in Verbier (28:45) MGG incorporate a Radical Transparency Label (30:45) Take a look at one of the RTL labels (32:00)  What is ‘ski ballet'? (33:30)  Watch MGG's film about ski ballet (34:45) Did Tanner Hall made his start in ski ballet? (35:00) Will ski ballet ever come back into the mainstream (40:00) Feedback (41:30) I love to hear what you think about the show – what you like, or don't like – just leave me a comment on Spotify or Instagram and Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  skiiingPostie (on Episode 249): “I get people's apprehension (about starting skiing)…I started learning at 47 and the main thing I was worried about was hurting myself or others” Alex: “I've recently got into listening to your podcast and am really enjoying all the skiing chat.”  There are now 262 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 229 of those were listened to in the last week. Go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around our back catalog - you're bound to find something of interest. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the 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