Where to Ski

There is a ton of skiing right now in August.  But – where to Ski?  I'm not excited about skiing in lanes on a glacier in between racers and I certainly wasn't going to try one of the indoor hockey rinks designed for slalom skiers.    We take a look where its actually winter . In Australia there is Threadbo and Perisher; New Zealand has Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt; Chile has Portillo, La Parva, Valle Nevados, and Argentina has the Barriloche area, Las Lenas, Cerro Castor – and that's just the tip of the resort iceberg.       So, I reached out to a friend who grew up and worked at multiple places south of the equator to bring some sense to my growing list.  Grab your skis, let's jump on a plane and head south.   I'm thrilled to welcome Barney Caddick back to our show, you might remember him from our Arlberg episode.  Barney is a senior guide and owner of Ski Like a Pro in St Anton, Austria.  With 38 seasons of teaching and guiding on 4 continents, Barney has seen it all.  He started his own ski journey in Australia and has spent summers teaching and guiding in Chile, Argentina, and in his home country of Australia.   Resources:   Find Barney at Ski Like a Pro   Ski Weather and snow reports – OpenSnow

Tucked into the end of a box canyon in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah; Alta is known for steep chutes and deep powder - an old-style ski town focused on the skiing and the people who ski there. Scott Urtel has guided for Wasatch Powderbirds, and for Ski with Kim for a decade. He is currently the lead training officer for the Alta Ski Patrol, and skis this mountain pretty much every day of the season. Our Favs Best Hotel - Goldminers Daughter Best Apres - The Peruvian or an Alta bomb at the Goldminer's Daughter? Best Run - that really depends on the day and the snow - pick a chute Thank you to the Grits Band for the music @ Copyright 2024 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

In this bonus episode we hit on one of my favorite subjects – mountain weather.  Nothing worse than planning a trip, getting somewhere, and getting weathered out – either rain, too little snow or even too much snow can affect your day. Weather has a lot to do with my own decision-making process of where to ski. Our guest is Joel Gratz, Founder and CEO of OpenSnow.  Joel really (really) likes three things: Weather, snow, and skiing. I don't know about the skiing but he really knows weather and snow. Listen to this fun and informative conversation we had with Joel. Contact Joel www.opensnow.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

This bonus episode is a new twist on Where to Ski where we explore the culture, history, and future of mountain towns.  Today's focus is on what makes skiing in Europe different from skiing in other parts of the world.  Today we talk to the youngest generation of one of the oldest families in St Anton, Austria, our guest today is Anna Schranz. Anna's family has lived in this region for 7 generations, she was born and has lived most of her life in St Anton and has seen many of the changes to the town and she is one of many who will be leading St Anton into the future.  Contact Anna - Karl Schranz Hotel https://www.hotelkarlschranz.com/ Thanks to the Grits Band for the music @copyright 2024 Morgan.Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

The Mont Blanc Valley is so amazing we decided to do our first video podcast - we hope you enjoy it. Chamonix is in the French Alps just north of Mont Blanc, and about an hours drive south of Geneva. Between the peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Aiguille du Midi, it borders Switzerland and Italy and sits at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. AND Chamonix has some incredible skiing as well as history going back to Napoleon. Jean-Michel Poupart  lives in the Chamonix Valleywith his family and two dogs.  Jean- Michel has been a skiing instructor for 20 years in Chamonix he also specializes in off piste guiding; as a Mountain Leader member of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, he knows the mountain and the town. Our Favs: Best Restaurant - L'Atmosphere - sitting over the river this one is comfortable and exquisite Best Apres - Moo - any place that has a tag line of "Walk In, Dance Out" is right up our alley Best Run - well lets just say the Vallee Blanche is a bucket list run . Choose your day, choose your guide and go Find Jean-Michel - https://www.skichamonix-megeve.com/ La Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix - https://www.chamonix-guides.com/fr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Taos Ski Valley attracts skiers from everywhere to its terrain, its powder, its unique vibe, and its just plain fun. Privately owned – it has kept its unique identity, has expanded services and I believe the most environmentally committed ski area in the world as the first ski resort in the world to become a certified B-Corporation and it has a 2030 net zero carbon commitment. Alain Veth grew up skiing – first as a racer, at the World Junior Championships, on the Europa Cup and World Cup winning the National Championship of Spain along with National titles in France before turning Pro. Alain became a fully certified ski instructor and ski coach first in France and later in the United States. He and his wife own and run one of the countries best ski shops, Le Ski mastery. Alain's knowledge and passion for the sport of skiing is very evident in our discussion and contagious. My Favs Best Restaurant – With the St Bernard gone - I have to go with Alain's choices in the podcast Best Apres - the Bavarian Austrian vibe and beer Best Run- Depends on whats groomed but if it is groomed Reforma Find Alain - Le Ski Mastery Thank you to the Grits Band for the music ⁠⁠⁠https://blog.feedspot.com/skiing_podcasts/⁠⁠ @Copyright 2024 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Down in southwest Colorado at the end of a box canyon in the San Juan mountains sits Telluride. Rumor has it that the name “Telluride” actually derived from the phrase “To Hell You Ride”, which described the treacherous journey to get to this remote mountain town. Skiing started there in 1972 with a few runs emptying into town, the skiing has expanded to include some of the best and most varied skiing in the world.  Supported by a newer mountain village, the town itself remains historic, quaint and awesome with restaurants, bars and hotels catering to everyone. Bob Gleason, known for his bootfitting skills honed over 40 years, has been skiing, living and working in Telluride for 27 years.  Last year Bob skied over 3.1 Million vertical in all conditions - he knows the mountain and the area very well.  My Favs Best Restaurant – wow there are so many choices - we are settling on Allreds for the views and the food and the Floradora for fun Best Hotel - New Sheridan Best Pizza – Rustico Best Apres - the bar at the New Sheridan Best Run- Lift 9 Bushwacker to the Lower Plunge.... Find Bob - The Bootdoctor ⁠ Thank you to the Grits Band for the music ⁠⁠https://blog.feedspot.com/skiing_podcasts/⁠ @Copyright 2024 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

At the very end of Ötztal valley about an hour and twenty minute drive west from Innsbruck you'll find one of Alps' best and snow-surest ski areas.  Ski-in, ski-out Gurgl, the only spot in Austria which is home to three mountains which reach up above the 3,000m mark suitable for all levels of skier. Our special guest for this episode is Dave “the Rocket” Ryding, an English World Cup alpine slalom ski racer. Considered the most accomplished modern day British skier of all time, he has competed for Great Britain in four Olympics, seven World Championships, and he also won the Europa Cup. Dave's best World Cup result was a win at the Kitzbühel slalom, and he placed 4th at the race in November at his home ski area of Gurgl, Austria. Dave also just placed third at the Madonna slalom in December. For more about The Rocket - https://gbsnowsport.com/athlete/dave-ryding/ Thank you to the Grits Band for the music Favs: Hotel - TOP Hotel Apres - the Nederhütte Don't Miss - the TOP Motorcycle Museum @ Copyright 2023 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

St Moritz ... You Need to do it once ...five star hotels, Michelin starred restaurants, designer boutiques, and high class apres-ski... also has some of Europe's best skiing.  Home to winter Olympics,  multiple Alpine Skiing World Championships – there is some real skiing in St Moritz.  My guests for this episode are Christophe Steck and Marco Balz. Cristophe is a skier, mountaineer and climber, in 2010 he co-founded PassionSki to bring his passion for the region to guests from all over the world.   Marco has guided for over 10 years in the Engadin region, he also teaches health and wellness. My Favs Best Restaurant – if we are really going there then Da Vittorio Best Pizza – La_Stalla_Ristorante Best Apres - Paradiso at Badrutts Palace or Roo Bar at Hauser Best Run- Suvretta Cante Find Chistoph and Marco - ⁠PassionSki Thank you to the Grits Band for the music ⁠https://blog.feedspot.com/skiing_podcasts/⁠ @Copyright 2023 Morgan Global --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

We're at 8800 ft and heading to Colorado. Grab your skis, and let's dive into the world of skiing at Crested Butte, Colorado. My guest today instructs and guides at Crested Butte and knows the mountain and the town. Dave McGuire, Mac as he's known, has been skiing, living and instructing at Crested Butte since he attended Western State College 22 miles down the hill; he knows the mountain and the area very well.  Crested Butte started as a supply town for the coal and silver mines and the ranches in the Gunnison Valley in the late 1800s. The town is small, historic, and a bit eclectic and nestles in the heart of the Rocky Mountains just north of Gunnison Colorado. Amazing restaurants, watering holes and shops of all kinds make the town an attractive landing spot for visitors. The ski area boasts an incredible variety of terrain suitable for every level of skier from beginners to seasoned experts. With over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, Crested Butte offers a mix of groomed runs, glades, and challenging steeps, ensuring that everyone can find that perfect place to ski.    The mountain is renown among skiers of all levels but has a reputation for providing some of the most extreme skiing in North America.  My Favs Best Restaurant – Wooden Nickel - history and good food - nothing better Best Pizza – Secret Stash - amazing pizza and eclectic decor fun and good Best Hotel - Elevation - On the hill - ski in and out Best Apres - Bonez - Locals and transients Best Run- International Find Mac - Crested Butte Ski School Thank you to the Grits Band for the music https://blog.feedspot.com/skiing_podcasts/ @Copyright 2023 Morgan Global --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Stowe is quintessential New England, beautiful buildings, churches and town squares with restaurants, local businesses, shops and hotels that make it attractive and fun.    Stowe's heavy investment in base facilities, high speed lifts and snowmaking lets it boast some of the best facilities in the US on two separate mountains. My guest is Dave Merriam, Dave served as the Senior Director of Skier Services to Director of the Ski and Snowboard School.  Dave doesn't just know Stowe, he knows skiing, he was on the Professional Ski Instructors of America Demo team for 12 years and was their head coach for 8 years; he instructed and directed the race program at LaParva, Chile for 2 years; helped develop product for both Olin and other companies and wrote extensively for Ski Magazine.  Dave raised his two daughters in the area and today Dave lives outside of Stowe with his wife, Eve. Enough ...lets talk to Dave and see what Stowe is really like. My Favs Best Bewpub – Idletyme - good beer, good food - works for me Best Breakfast – ⁠Octagon Cafe on the mountain at the top of the Quad Best Hotel - Trappe Family Lodge - I'm a sucker for the authentic Austrian family and they allow dogs Best Apres - ⁠The Matterhorn Best Run- Nosedive for the history - Under the gondola for crusing Find Dave - Stowe Ski and Snowboard School⁠ Thank you to the Grits Band for the music ⁠https://blog.feedspot.com/skiing_podcasts/ @Copyright 2023 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Aspen has lots to it, so be prepared, this is longer than usual. Starting as a mining town in the 1880s, Aspen has been legendary in the ski world for its skiing, the parties, dining, shopping and culture.  It's a small town with a mammoth reputation due to it four mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. Steve Marolt is a native Aspenite, together with his brother Mike, he has led over 50 ski mountaineering expeditions all over the world skiing where no man had skied before – down 8000 meter mountains like Mt Everest in Nepal to Illimani in Bolivia, to Mustagh Atta in China.  Inducted as the first ski mountaineers into the Ski Hall of Fame in 2017. My Aspen Favs Best Breakfast - Jour de Fete - Low key and amazing breakfasts right across from the gondola Best Apres - in this town - anywhere really - Aspen Mountain starting at The Little Nell and then moving to the J bar at the Jerome sounds like a plan; Highlands has the Highlands Ale House; and at Snowmass- The Limelight. Best Hotel - I like the Limelight downtown and the Viewline in Snowmass Dont miss - the Jerome, people watching at Little Nell And thanks to the Grits Band for the music @ Copyright 2023 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

An amazing episode with our very special guest Zach Crist, a multifaceted skier, guide and Sun Valley local. We explore Sun Valley and Ketchum, skiing Bald Mountain and skiing the thousands of acres of backcountry in the three mountain ranges around Sun Valley. After a huge skiing career as a Wold Cup racer, Xgames winner, big mountain skier, and with Warren Miller; Zach became the owner and operator of Sun Valley Guides.  Zach knows the mountain, the backcountry and the area very well. He also knows the history of the area which makes for an interesting view of the resort, the ski school and the surrounding mountains. Find Zach at Sun Valley Guides My Favs Best Hotel - Limelight - new, cool, centrally located and great bar / Sun Valley Lodge has been the standby since the 1880s Best restaurant - The Pioneer, Enoteca, The Duchin Room at the Lodge Best breakfast - Kneadery Best Apres - Roundhouse Best run - Bald Mt - Easter Bowl on Warm Springs - Greyhawk Dont miss - the new chairlifts at Warm Springs, time walking around Ketchum Thank you to the Grits band for the great intro music and to Feedspot for the recognition as one of the top ski podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/skiing_podcasts/ @Copyright 2023 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Our kick off to season 2 is an in depth look at skiing with Niseko Japan with Kim Reichhelm. Niseko is a hidden gem located in the northern part of Japan's main island, Hokkaido. It's known for epic snow, unbelievable landscapes, and a ski culture unrivaled in the US and Europe. No matter your skill level, Niseko has something to offer.  Located in Hokkaido prefecture, 2.5hrs drive from Chitose Airport and the city of Sapporo. The area is comprised of 4 interlinked ski resorts. Averaging around 15m+ of snow each season, Niseko is famous for its wide open powder bowls, tree runs, and stunning views of Mt Yotei. Contact info for our guest Kim Reichhelm at Ski with Kim - https://www.skiwithkim.com/ email- info@skiwithkim.com Thanks and credit to the Grits for the music @Copyright 2023 Morgan Global LLC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Traveling to and skiing in Italy is fun – the ambiance, the skiing the food and the people all make it unforgettable.  Today we are going to the Dolomite region of Italy- two hours north of Venice.  The most celebrated ski town in the Dolomites is Cortina d'Ampezzo – Cortina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with great on and off-piste skiing in some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. Cortina will also be the host resort of the 2026 Winter Olympics.   From my time in the region, Cortina is no different just add in visions of huge rock formations, beautiful ski runs, ski tours and amazing food.  However, Cortina is just the tip of the iceberg here - the entirety of the Dolomites is a huge ski region that gives a skier the ability to ski from town to town.  This is the Dolomiti SuperSki with 15 resorts from Cortina to Alta Badia to Val Gardena and others that comprise some of the most celebrated mountains in Europe.   Cortina – on its own it has four ski areas with skiing for all levels of skier.  With 120 km of runs in Cortina and fabulous hotels, restaurants and other activities in town, this is a great place to start or base yourself.   Contact Info for our guest: Enrico Geremia, Guida Alpina e Maestro di Alpinismo  geremia.enrico@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

In this episode we go south…way south to the Andes Mountains in Chile. My guest today lives and works in the mountains 12 months a year. In the winter Katie White is in charge of all instructor training at the Yellowstone Club in Wyoming and is a PSIA-AASI Examiner, in the summer, she is the Ski School Director for Ski Portillo. Portillo is unlike any other ski resort in the world. It is approximately 2 hrs by car from Chile's capital, Santaigo. A small resort by US standards, this resort is family owned, has world class skiing for all levels of skier and crea tes a “live-in community” similar to a small ski town.  Find Katie White My Favs Best Restaurant – Main Dining Room - Hotel Portillo Best Hotel - Hotel Portillo - the only hotel in town- comfortable and done with excellence Best Apres - Tio Bobs - best apres south of Taos Best Run- Cruce Lake Run Don't miss – Sunrise or sunset on the lake. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

My guest today is Bud Marolt. Bud is a member of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame; oldest of the Marolt  brothers (the others being Max and Bill), all of whom have contributed so much to US skiing. The Marolts grew up in Aspen CO where they began their ski careers and witnessed the exploding growth of skiing.  Bud, in his youth was an accomplished ski racer including national downhill champion in 1950, he and his wife Jeannine created the Loveland Ski School's children's ski programs that brought 2,500 kids from Denver to ski each winter. Bud also founded the Loveland Basin Ski Club and established the Loveland Derby, the oldest amateur ski race in the U.S. Why Loveland of all places. I call Loveland the ski area with a heart. It's the kind of place where you can ski with a family without being worried about where your kids are, you can buy lunch without taking out a loan, the skiing is amazing and they simply care. Loveland has a summit elevation of 13,010 ft and a vertical drop of 2,210 feet serviced by 9 chairs and substantial off-piste skiing serviced by snowcat. The mountain has 1900 acres of skiing, 96 trails with 13% for Beginners, 41% Intermediate and 46% Advanced spread across two mountains—Loveland Valley (for beginners) and Loveland Basin for all ability levels—with shuttles and chairlift connecting the two. My Favs Best Restaurant – Loveland Grill - solid food at the best prices in the ski world Best Hotel - closest is to stay in Dillon /Silverthorn area or Georgetown Best Apres - Rathskeller - on the mountain in the base lodge - great gathering spot Best Run- Patrol Bowl for the steeps - Rookie Road for the groom and view, Don't miss – Cat trips to some amazing terrain or Loveland Valley for the beginners --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

Welcome to this episode on Sugarbush resort in Warren Vermont.  Our guest for this episode is my friend and Level 3 PSIA instructor and trainer, Marc Angelillo, His profile says “dad, husband, friend, multi-sport athlete, waterman, snow-pro, brand ambassador, influencer, traveler, seasoned lifestyle sales rep all wrapped into 1".  Sugarbush is one of the premier resorts in the country, certainly in the east and has some exceptional terrain and activities for every skier at every level. Sugarbush is in Warren, VT situated in the Mad River Valley, almost in the dead center of Vermont. Sugarbush has some of the best terrain in the East but also is known for food, beer and its social side.  Sugarbush has substantial off-piste skiing and riding, a summit elevation of 4,083 ft (1,244 m), and a vertical drop of 2,600 feet (790 m), making it the second largest in Vermont. The mountain has 2000 acres of skiing, 480 on trails and the remainder in glades and backcountry skiing.  This includes 111 trails of terrain for beginners 20%, intermediates 45%, and experts 35%, spread across two mountains—Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen—with a chairlift that connect the two. Find Marc Angelillo - Sugarbush Ski and Ride School - https://www.sugarbush.com/plan-your-trip/lessons-and-camps My Favs Best Restaurant – Chez Henri - a true French Bistro in the heart of Vermont Best Hotel - Sugarbush Inn At Sugarbush - rebuilt a few times but the oldest and best Best Apres - Castlerock Pub, Mad River Barn Best Run- Steins / The Mall / Castlerock Don't miss – Early Morning cat rides See what PeakRankings has to say --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

In today's show we go to Palisades Tahoe formerly known as Squaw Valley. Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, soon to be host to the Mens World Cup races and home to some of Americas best skiers and a significant presence in US Skiing. with Edie Thys Morgan, a native of Olympic Valley, an Olympic skier, mother to two current racers. Edie writes articles, books and blogs as RacerEx.  She grew up in Olympic Valley, raced out of Squaw and brings her husband and kids back here almost every year. Located in Olympic Valley smack in the middle of the Sierra Tahoe Range and only 2.5 Hrs from San Francisco and 8 miles from beautiful Lake Tahoe. Palisades is one of the US's classics. Palisades is known for its huge snow and for sun, its varied terrain and 6,000 acres of excellent skiing across 6 peaks –.  The official stats are 2850 of vertical -30% expert, 45% intermediate and 30% beginner all served by 36 lifts. My Favs Best Restaurant - Gold Coast for the view Best Hotel - Squaw Valley Lodge Best Apres - Le Chamois period Get the Buddy Pass Best Run - Anything off the Palisades --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

In this episode we go to Jackson Hole Wyoming, to find out what makes this beautiful area so special. Today we are talking about the real Jackson with Tim Flanagan, longtime Jackson skier, coach and owner of SkiGear TV. Tim has lived in Jackson for over 21 years, teaching, coaching and raining his family. Jackson Hole Wyoming, one of the holy trinity of ski areas in the US. Smack in the middle of the Teton Range in the Rocky Mountains, twelve miles (20 km) northwest of the town of Jackson and due south of Grand Teton National Park. Jackson is arguably the most scenic ski area in North America. Independently owned since 1992 by members of the Kemmerer Family-it is unique by not being owned by one of the big conglomerates and retains its unique character. The main mountain at Teton Village is known for its steep terrain and huge vertical of 4,139 ft.  The official stats are 50% expert, 40% intermediate and 10% beginner with all this terrain serviced by a new and extensive lift system, headlined by the spectacular and legendary Tram. My Favs Best Restaurant - Snake River Grill (“The Grill”) Best Hotel - Four Seasons Best Apres - after you hit the Mangy Moose head to the Million Dollar in town Best Run - after Corbets - The Hobacks --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message

In this podcast we explore the Arlberg region of Austria, the cradle of skiing and one of the largest ski regions in the world including St. Anton, Lech and Zeurs - with Barney Caddick from Ski Like A Pro. Barney Caddick has been working as a ski guide in St. Anton for the past 27 Winters, is a fully certified 'Staatlich Geprüfte Skilehrer und Skiführer' - the Austrian equivalent of master and has 36 seasons teaching in 8 Ski-schools on 4 continents. Find Barney Caddick, Ski Like a Pro, https://www.skilikeapro.com/ My Favs Best Restaurant – Verwallstube - best food and a huge vibe Best Hotel – Hotel Karl Schranz - Amazing small hotel just far enough from town - meet the legend and see all his trophies from World Cups to individual trophies from every major event Best Apres - MooserVert - The baddest apres on the mountain or pretty much any mountain - the Krazy Kanguruh is a close second Best Run- either top of Valluga to St. Chistoph or Valluga to Flexenbahn to Zurs Don't miss – Skiing Rendl or the White Ring in Lech/Zurs --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john--morgan/message