The Ski Podcast

In this episode, we discuss Verbier, Saalbach Hinterglemm and the impact of climate change on ski resorts. Plus we have a lot of feedback on Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass, which we covered in Episode 204. Iain was joined by freelance journalist and regular guest Catherine Murphy and David George, founder of the PisteHors.com websiteIntersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESCatherine was last on the show in Episode 173, when she was telling us about Pays de Gex Jen Tsang from ‘That’s La Plagne’ reported from…La Plagne (3:00) Betony reports on the latest conditions in the Mont Blanc valley (5:45) Alex from 150 Days of Winter covered the latest conditions in Courchevel (7:15) Iain rented skis from Philippe Roux Intersport on his Verbier trip (8:45)Charlotte Bankes has taken 5 consecutive podiums in World Cup Snowboard Cross (9:00) Dave Ryding finished 7th overall in the World Cup slalom rankings Jasmin Taylor picked up 3 more podiums in Telemark and goes into the Finals in 1st place (9:15) Catherine was in Saalbach HinterglemmSaalbach will host the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2025 (10:15) Read the case study on train travel to Saalbach on Ski Flight Free (14:00) Iain’s guides in Verbier were Anthony Voute from European Snowsport and Bertrand Lovey from ski school La Fantastique (18:00) Try the ‘Canadian Trees’ in the Bruson sector of Verbier (18:15) Verbier has so many backcountry options off the back of Mont Fort (19:30) Victor de la Rue clinched the snowboard Freeride World Tour title for the third time (20:30) Iain spoke with older brother and three-time champion Xavier de la Rue (21:00) Iain travelled by train to Verbier – a very straightforward journey (21:30) Protect Our Winters research shows that ski kit represents 12% of the carbon footprint of a ski holiday (22:00) Cirkel Supply is a new ski clothing rental company, founded by Anders Bergenstrand (22:45) Anna Smoothy has done some research that shows renting clothing has a 76% smaller carbon footprint than buying Josh Speller is the founder of Verbier Green (30:00) David founded PisteHors.com in 2004 (34:00) You can read David’s blog about the effect of climate change on ski resorts here (44:00) 66% of the carbon footprint of a ski holiday comes from the your flight (45:30) Find out more about low-carbon ski holidays at Ski Flight Free (46:00) More than half of American skiers buy an Epic or Ikon pass (49:00) The Magic Pass has seen a 9% increase in sales this winter (49:00)Laurent Vauchet, CEO of Televerbier, is equivocal that Vail Resorts is not buying Verbier (49:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Mike Goar, MD of Andermatt in Episode 204 (51:00) Find out more about the Ikon Pass (52:00)FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Adam Horsfield: "I have been an avid listener of the ski podcast since 2018. After 6 years of listening, I’ve finally taken the decision to take the train to the Alps and am very much looking forward to it." Episode 204 about Vail Resorts prompted a LOT of feedback:Simon Burgess: "Really enjoyed the last episode on the Epic Pass. As someone who has used it a lot it’s exciting what’s on offer and what could develop. I still think some of the partner agreements are a rip off with special lodging needed to get a pass, but for Andermatt, 3 Valleys and the Dolomites it’s been brilliant. It was fantastic in Andermatt: show the Epic Pass and they give you a season pass which I’m pretty sure is sold for more” Andrew Brannan: "Eye watering ticket prices, all the top management jobs taken out of resort, all teh restaurants and hotels, shops and even estate agents bought up by the same monopoly, aggressive property development, workers forced to live down the valley" Chris Howie: "It feels as if Vail Resorts are trying to wring every last penny out of resorts while providing the very minimum in return. In most of the Vail Resorts-owned resorts prices have gone sky high so only the rich can ski. Ski passes are almost three times the price of a European ski resort. Lift lines are unbelievably long. The local staff are removed to bring in centralised American staff, ripping the heart out of the resort. I will do my best to never ski at a resort owned by the Vail Resort organisation"Jane Henderson: “You should've given him a bit of a grilling on the negative impact of Epic/Ikon passes”If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify2) Subscribe3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This episode is a special interview with Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin - one of the leading ski journalists in the UK. Frank is best known as editor and publisher of Skier & Snowboarder Magazine. After over three decades in the industry, he knows more the world of skiing than almost anyone else and so I was delighted to find out more about his career and the history of UK ski magazines.SHOW NOTESOn the Les Arcs – La Plagne link (1:30)Sale of ‘Skier & Snowboarder’ Magazine (2:15) On becoming editor of the mag (3:30) Skiing with a broken foot (6:45) The founding of ‘The Skier’ magazine (9:00) When WH Smith had a ‘Ski Magazines’ section (12:00) Early days in Fleet Street (12:45) First ever ski holiday (15:30) Buying an apartment in Les 2 Alpes (17:15) Buying the magazine (19:00) Becoming ‘The Skier and Snowboarder’ (20:15) Becoming a free magazine (21:45) What about new mediums like podcasts (26:00) What advice would you give to a budding ski journalist (27:00) How many resorts have you skied in? (28:00) Frank’s favourite resort (29:00) Favourite celebrity interviewee (29:30)FeedbackI like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify2) Subscribe3) 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 checkoutThere 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 Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In Episode 204, we discuss Vail Resorts - the company that owns over 40 ski destinations, including both Andermatt and Crans Montana in Switzerland. We look at their Epic Pass and their future expansion strategy in Europe. We also find out about skiing in Geilo, Norway. Iain was joined by Katie Bamber, Online Editor at Fall Line Magazine and Mike Goar, MD of the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESAndermatt has had 80cm of new snow in the last week (3:30)Dave Burrows from Snow Pros Ski School reported from Villars in Switzerland (4:00) Tim from Inspired Italy reported from the Dolomites in Italy (5:15) Al Judge from AliKats Mountain Holidays reported from Morzine in France (6:45) Charlotte Bankes won gold at the Sierra Nevada Snowboard Cross World Cup (9:00)Laurie Taylor recorded a career PB of 8th at Aspen (9:15) Listen to Iain’s interviews with Laurie and Dave after their race in Chamonix in Episode 200 (9:30) The audio in our Scotland Special was like Scotland itself, not always perfect, but worth it! (9:45) Mike Goar is MD at Andermatt Sedrun He has worked for Vail Resorts for 40 years (10:30)‘Vail Resorts’ was formed in 1997 (11:15)The Epic Pass launched in 2008 (12:15)Vail Resorts went international with the addition of Perisher and then Whistler in 2016 (16:30)The first European resort to join the Vail Resorts group was Andermatt (17:30)Iain reported from Andermatt in Episode 92 (19:45) In 2023, it was announced that Crans Montana would be joining the next acquisition (22:15) What changes can we expect to see in the Swiss resorts? (25:15) Will Verbier be the next acquisition? (27:45) Vail Resorts hit their goal of 100% renewable electricity for the 2nd year in a row (29:00) Episode 201 was a Norway Special (31:00) Katie was in Geilo in Norway (31:15) Geilo is known for its apres-ski reputation (34:45) Night skiing in Geilo (36:30) The Ski Podcast was recently no.1 in the Apple Podcast chart (42:45)Feedback (40:30)Kostas Doudoulakis: "Thank you for the inspiring content. I first started listening to the podcast during lockdown. We’re now ready to take our first skiing holiday with our 4-year-old and I partly attribute this to the enthusiasm you manage to convey with each episode of the podcast. It is brilliant listening to someone who has such passion - please keep up the good work!" Grant (Apple Podcasts): “Love this podcast! It covers a wide range of ski subjects in lots of detail! It’s a must listen! Keep up the good work.” Anon (Apple Podcasts): “I am a listener from the United States, and I follow several ski-oriented podcasts. I enjoy The Ski Podcast due to its wide geographic areas of focus, and I'm fascinated to hear the perspective of the primarily British and European hosts. Having had an opportunity to ski in Switzerland, I greatly enjoy and celebrate the differences in the ski culture there versus what I have grown up with here in the United States, just as I enjoy the wide range of topics covered by the podcast.”If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe3) 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 checkoutYou can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This episode is a Scotland Special, looking at resort skiing and backcountry options, some of this season’s events, as well as how to travel there by train.Iain was joined by Amy Marwick, a freelance journalist, marketing consultant and qualified Ski Instructor.SHOW NOTESAmy was on the show in Episode 198, in conversation with our equipment expert Al Morgan at the Ski Test Listen to Katie from Ski Goddess in Episode 183 (2:15) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (2:30) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski reported from St Anton (3:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel (5:00)Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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.Zoe Atkin took 2nd & 3rd at the women's Halfpipe WC Calgary (6:30) Jasmin Taylor was 3rd in Aal, Norway – her 51st podium (6:45) Listen to my interview with Jaz in Episode 200 I was based in Killin in Perthshire (7:00) My mother learned to ski on the slopes of Ben Lawers (8:00) The first Scottish Ski Club hut was built there in 1932 (8:45) Helen Cole is the Senior Ranger for the National Trust, who own the Ben Lawers Nature Reserve (9:00)Iain interviewed Blair Aitken in Episode 202 (11:30) The clouds parted to give us some exceptional views (12:00) Iain skied at Glencoe when it was pretty windy! (14:45) Andy Meldrum is the MD at Glencoe Mountain Resort (15:45) Amy previously raced on the Scottish Freeride circuit (21:00) The ‘Flypaper’ at Glencoe is steep! (22:30) Watch Amy’s ski movie ‘LATE’ The Wild Ski Weekend is at Cairn Gorm on 16/17 March (23:45) The event is based at Glenmore Lodge (24:15) The clouds parted on Ben Lawers to offer some superb views (27:44) The Brits took place at Aviemore in April 2023 (28:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Kirsty Muir (29:45) The Mighty Coe takes place on 01 and 02 March (31:00) The Brits will place place at Tamworth Snowdome Iain travelled to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper (32:00) Blair Aitken has seen more customers taking the Caledonian Sleeper (33:30) The Upbattle – a snowboarding touring event takes place in Cairngorm on 16/17 March (34:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Jamie Grant, founder of Carv, in Episode 193 (37:30) Al Morgan shared his thoughts on audio options for helmets (37:45)Feedback (36:00)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 [email protected] Anne Pedersen: "The Norway episode (201) wasexcellent" Borre Wickstrom: "Great podcast about Norway, but Beitostolen is amazing. We had a week there in Jan: super slopes, amazing for families. They been having an influx of happy British skiers this year.”Robin: "Enjoyed the Norwegian episode! Sunmore is certainly on the ski touring list after seeing some of the terrain in films by Jacob Webster and Nikolai Schirmer" Mark Woods: "I have now listened to every past episode, and am finally up-to-date. This is great content Iain, with excellent contributions from interesting guests (special mention to Al). Please keep up the great work." Grant Adam: "Love the podcast! Discovered it late last year and I’m working my way through the episodes. Keep up the good work.”If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe3) 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 There are 208 episodes to catch up with and 166 were listened to in the last week. That even includes some of our Olympic Specials from PyeongChang 2018The Ski Podcast is almost always in the Top 10 in the Apple Podcast charts – that’s in the ‘Wilderness’ category. 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 Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Episode 202 is a special interview with Blair Aitken, British Backcountry ski expert. Blair is a former alpine national ski champion who has been backcountry skiing in Scotland since the mid-nineties. He now offers British skiers guided courses, introducing them to the Scottish highlands through his business British Backcountry. He is also the author of the book ‘Ski Touring in the Northern Cairngorms’.SHOW NOTESBlair was previously on the podcast in Episode 173 when we discussed the film ’10 in a Weekend’ (2:00) Blair skied on Hillend as a junior racer (4:00) Listen to our Dave Ryding special episode (5:00) Iain spoke with Zak Carrick-Smith in Episode 200 (5:45) Blair ran the New Generation Ski School in Val d'Isère (6:45) Starting British Backcountry (14:15) Gav Carruthers is Blair’s business partner (14:30) The impact of global warming on Scottish skiing (16:00) Cairngorm have introduced a ski touring pass (16:45) Watch Iain’s windy, raining ski touring experience at Glencoe (18:30) Travel by the Caledonian Sleeper to the Scottish ski fields is more popular (19:15) Blair’s book ‘Ski Touring in the Northern Cairngorms’ (20:45) Find out more about Iain’s trip to Scotland in Episode 203, going live on 01 March (25:45)If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify2) 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. Alternatively send your feedback about the show to [email protected]

This episode is a Norway special, featuring the resorts of Gausta, Strandafjellet and Fjellsetra. Iain was joined by Lucy Aspden, Ski Editor at The Telegraph and Rich Astley live from Norway.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 Ian Williams reported from Les Arcs (2:30)Martha Wells was in Big White, Canada (3:45)Simon Burgess reported from Flaine (4:30)Pip bought ski boots and had them fitted at Michel Croz Intersport in Chamonix (6:45)Andrew Musgrave who finished 7th in the 20km Cross Country in Canmore (7:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Zak Carrick-Smith in Episode 200 (7:15) Twin brother Freddie Carrick-Smith won gold in the u18 Slalom in the European ChampsSadly, both Esprit Ski + Powderwhite will not operate next winter (7:30) Iain has taken the Flight Free UK pledge not to take any flights in 2024 (10:15) Find out about Iain’s train journey to Chamonix on Ski Flight Free Lucy travelled to Gausta in Norway (10:30) Find out about the Gaustatoppen funicular and links with WWII (14:45) Watch the film ‘Heroes of Telemark’ (18:45) Find out about the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) (23:00) Rich is based in the Sunnmores Alps (25:30) Previously he has been ski touring with Uteguiden (25:45)Rich fell in love with the area on a trip to the Kilsti compact lodges (29:00) (29:00) He bought land in the area, and built a property, now available to rent (31:00) Fjellsetra is a great family resort (32:00) Strandafjellet has more freeride ski options (32:15) FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Andrew Petch: "Episode 199 with Dave Ryding was another great pod" Miranda Walsh: "Another cracking episode thank you. Mr Ryding is a legend!" Matthew: "Loving your work. Just wondering if you’d ever done a pod on helmet headphones? I’m going to go in on the Carv, so thinking about the audio element too"We’ll ask Al for an answer on that. In the meantime you can enjoy our Equipment Specials in our back catalog.If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify2) 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. Helen kindly Bought Me A Coffee: "Thank you. I have been listening to all the previous episodes and just love it!"There are 206 episodes to catch up with and 180 were listened to in the last week. 53% of our listeners are in the UK, with 47% across the rest of the world, including listeners in the last week from Colombia, India, Kenya and Malaysia. 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 Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

This episode is a Chamonix special. We look at the different ski areas, who they're best for (and who they're not) and explore the history of this famous resort. Iain also reports on the Kandahar World Cup Slalom race, where he spoke with British skiers, Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor. Plus there’s a chat with best of the next generation, Zak Carrick-Smith, who won three medals at the Youth Olympic Games last month.Iain was joined by Britain’s most successful ever World Cup skier, telemarker Jasmin Taylor. Jasmin is currently enjoying one of her best seasons.SHOW NOTESJasmin was last on the show in Episode 94 (1:00) Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy reported from the Dolomites in Italy (2:20) Jen Tsang runs the website That’s La Plagne (4:00) Dave Burrows from SnoPros Ski School reported from Les Crosets (6:30) Watch Iain’s video snow reports on the Skipedia YouTube channel (9:00) Iain managed a Ski IQ of 149 on his Carv (9:15) https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1753424786049368108 The Chamonix ski areas: Brevent/Flegere (11:00) The Chamonix ski areas: Argentière/Grand Montets (12:30) There was a fire in the Grands Montets mid-station in 2018 (13:45) The Chamonix ski areas: Le Tour (16:00) The Aiguille du Midi and the Vallée Blanche (19:45) The walk down the arête to the start of the Vallée Blanche (22:00) A new gondola from the Mer de Glace to Montenvers has opened (23:30) The QC Terme spa is so impressive (25:00) Iain visited the Rose du Pont (26:30) The Maison Carrier is a beautiful traditional restaurant (27:00) Jasmin is a fan of La Cha in Les Houches (27:30) Iain booked accommodation via Chamonix All Year at Apt Lou Lou (28:30) Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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.Jasmin has recorded 50 World Cup and 4 World Championship podiums (29:30)Jasmin’s season to date has included 4 World Cup goldsYou can contribute to Jasmin's Crowdfunder here Mia Brookes won gold & Zoe Atkin silver at Xgames (37:30) Charlotte Bankes won gold in Snowboard Cross in Guadari (37:45) https://youtu.be/gQDgN0itu0w The Kandahar World Cup Slalom was held in Chamonix (38:30) Post Race Interviews: Dave Ryding (39:00) Post Race Interviews: Billy Major (39:30) Post Race Interviews: Laurie Taylor (41:00) Listen to our exclusive interview with Dave Ryding in Episode 199 (42:00) Interview with Zak Carrick-Smith (43:30) Zak won three medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon https://twitter.com/TeamGB/status/1749343320034451825 Zak’s mother is Olympian Emma Carrick-Anderson (46:00) You can follow the ‘Carrick-Smith Boys’ on Facebook and Insta (48:45) Mollie Butler also competed in Gangwon (49:30) Chamonix is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Winter Olympic Games (53:00) Interview with Bernadette Tsuda, Heritage Guide in Chamonix (53:15) Feedback (56:30) 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 [email protected] Miranda Slater: "Your podcast gets better and better" Robin: "Enjoyed the interview with Preet" Oliver Rutman: "Throughly enjoyed the South Pole expedition episode: what an extreme adventure!" Alan Pinegur: "Just listening to the Dave Ryding interview. Great content, as ever!" Nick Careless: "Love the podcast and really enjoyed the interview with Preet Chandi. Any podcasts on monoskis?" Watch ‘Apocalypse Snow’ on YouTube (57:45) 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 by taking this linkThere are now 205 episodes to catch up with and 143 were listened to in the last week. 52% of you are in the UK, 49% across the rest of the world, including Qatar, Indonesia, Korea and Brazil. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

An exclusive interview with Britain’s most successful Alpine skier, Dave ‘The Rocket’ Ryding. Dave is the only Briton to win a World Cup Alpine Ski race, as well as being the oldest skier ever to achieve that feat. With seven World Cup podiums to his name, he is leading the way for the next generation of British skiers.In this chat we discuss the new talent that is breaking through, his training, his team mates (including Laurie Taylor’s controversial moustache!) and what it’s really like on race day.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 NOTESDave was last on the podcast in Episode 54 during the Covid lockdown (1:30) Dave next race will be in Chamonix (2:00) It was raining heavily at the Schladming Night Race (3:00) Dave is the oldest ever winner of a World Cup slalom race (4:45) He made his debut at Alta Badia in Dec 2011 (5:15) Dave had a gondola named after him in Kitzbuhel (7:00) Why does Dave do so well on the second run? (8:00) What do you do in the gap between the first and second run (9:15) Dave can average 119 bpm heart rate for an entire race day (11:30) Dave has run sub-17 minutes in his local parkrun (14:00) At Madonna di Campiglio Dave became the 2nd oldest to podium after Giuliano Razzoli (18:30) At Kitzbuhel, there were 3 British skiers in the top 10 for the first time (19:00) Check out Laurie's YouTube channel 'Behind the Brits' (22:45) The team have to move around over 100 slalom gates and 50 pairs of skis (24:00) The rest of the team are Tristan Glasse-Davies, Jai Geyer, Alain Baxter & Brad Morgan (25:45) Listen to Lesley McKenna talking about Alain Baxter’s medal win in 2002 Should Laurie ever grow a moustache? (31:00) Zak Carrick-Smith looks an amazing talent (32:00) You can buy ‘Rocket’ merchandise at Ski Racing Supplies (36:00) Cover photo courtesy of @chemmyski FEEDBACK I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] 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 and get a guaranteed discount using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or by taking this linkYou can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

We discover what it’s like skiing to the South Pole, Iain takes the train to Les 2 Alpes to run a marathon on snow and Al updates us from the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz.Iain was joined by Preet Chandi - the world’s fastest woman to complete a solo unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole.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 NOTESIain gave an update on ski conditions in Les 2 Alpes (1:45) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (2:30) Betony Garner reported from La Clusaz (5:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter is in Courchevel (6:15) Congratulations to Andrea Dalton who wins our competition to win stuff (7:30) Dave Ryding (5th), Billy Major (13th) and Laurie Taylor (19th) became the first three British athletes to all finish in the top-20 of an Alpine World Cup race (7:45) Youth Olympic Winter Games in Gangwon, Zak Carrick-Smith won gold in Alpine Combined, delivering Britain's first ever gold medal at any Olympic competition in Alpine skiing (8:00) Jaz Taylor won back-to-back golds in Telemark Sprint World Cup competition in Carezza Dolomites (8:45)Iain had pledged to go Flight Free in 2024 (9:15) Watch Iain’s panel on train travel at the Birmingham Ski ShowFind out more about train travel to Les 2 Alpes via Grenoble (9:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wE6bG9lVxU Les Lumieres de la Muzelle is a marathon entirely on snow (11:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU31iRTq7n0 Katie Bamber was last on the show in Episode 172 (12:00) Harpreet ‘Preet’ Chandi is the world’s fastest woman to complete a solo unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole (16:00) Preet covered 1130km of Antarctic ice between 26 Nov and 28 Dec 2023 (16:30) Preet used Alfa cross country skis and boots (17:30) Her sled weighed around 75-80kg (22:00) Her nutrition was provided by Base Camp Foods (25:00) Temperatures went as low as -30C (27:30) Preet loves her ‘pogies’ (30:00) Al Morgan and Amy Marwick were at the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz (40:45) Preet wore five layers of gloves at times! (45:00) FEEDBACK (46:00)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 [email protected] Dave Mills (FB): "The perfect podcast for a dog walk. The Ski Podcast just keeps getting better and better...What more could you possibly want before your next ski trip?” Laura-Jane Shouldice: "I recently found your podcast and it is truly fantastic!"Scott Grogan: "I’m a recent discoverer of the show. It's been a nice companion while tuning and waxing a huge pile of my kids’ skis"If you enjoy the podcast, you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast. Thanks to Ster and Charlotte for their coffees and kind words: Ster: "Keep up the good work"Charlotte (BMAC): "I discovered your podcast last week and have been really enjoying it! I went skiing for the first time this year, after wanting to go for years and fell in love with it. I’ve been listening through all your episodes since I got back, and they’ve really helped me learn more about the sport and relive the great memories from my holiday!" 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 by taking this linkThere are now 203 episodes to catch up with and 169 were listened to in the last week. 59% of our listeners are in the UK, with 41% across the rest of the world, including places as diverse as Malaysia, Kazakstan, Mexico and Kenya. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

Iain and Al pick the best ski gloves and socks for winter 2024, plus we explain what a ‘Lobster Claw’ glove is and why the two biggest ‘ski sock sins’ are wearing tube socks or wearing two pairs of socks! This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 NOTESListen to all of our equipment specials (on skis, ski boots, jackets, goggles and helmets) Listen to Al sharing his thoughts on Slide 2024 in Episode 197 (1:00) Try before you buy (3:30)What is a ‘Lobster Claw’? (4:30)What are powder cuffs or powder gauntlets? (5:00)Is ‘touch screen compatibility’ a must? (6:00)Try the Thermic Heat Boost£300 if you’re looking for ‘electrically heated gloves’ (7:00) Can you have ‘waterproof’ gloves? (8:00) What’s a ‘liner glove’? (9:30) What’s a ‘shell’ glove/mitt? (10:30) What’s new in sustainability in gloves? (11:30) Find out more about PFCs and DWR in our ski jackets episode (12:30)The Best Ski Gloves for Winter 2024Hestra Army Leather GORE-TEX 3 Finger Men's Gloves, £165 (14:30)Hestra is an iconic glove brand. The Army Leather 3 finger gives fabulous warmth with decent dexterity, thanks to the lobster claw design and it has a long powder gauntlet. You get excellent breathable waterproofing thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane. It’s a unisex glove, only in black, with a white goat leather palm and thumb cover. Black Diamond Women's Spark Gloves, £100 (15:15) Redesigned for this season, this is available in men’s and women’s versions in various colours. It’s an under-cuff design using tough goat leather, with PrimaLoft Gold insulation for great warmth without loads of bulk. There’s foam padding across the back of the hand and the lining of this version has made it easier to get damp hands into. If want a real work-horse glove without breaking the bank, consider the £45 ‘Dirt Bag’ glove.The North Face Montana Luxe FUTURELIGHT Men's Gloves, £90 (16:15)TNF’s own Futurelight insert gives good waterproofing and excellent breathability. This great value glove has recycled material for the outer and lining, a PFC-free DWR and their own Heatseaker Eco insulation. It’s an under-cuff design with a pull loop for getting into the glove, and touch-screen compatible tips on the thumb and index finger. Roxy Jetty Women’s Mitts, £60 (18:00) These mitts use PFC-free water repellent, uses some recycled materials, and has Roxy’s DryFlight tech to keep the weather out. The palm is artificial PU leather, rather than real leather. Leather is typically more durable but this is a vegan option for those who don’t want to use animal products. This is excellent value, offering good warmth.Salomon Propeller Glove, £55 (19:00)This is a superb value glove, which uses a durable polyamide (?) shell, synthetic leather palm and synthetic insulation. The finger ends are wrapped, although this is a ski glove rather than a snowboard glove. It uses Salomon’s own waterproof, breathable membrane and has an under-cuff design. It’s a great value option, if you don’t suffer with cold fingers.Why you should never buy tube socks… (20:00)How important is ‘padding’? (21:00)Should I wear two pairs of socks? (22:00)Are thick ski socks warmer? (23:00)Can you have snowboarding-specific socks? (23:30)The Best Ski Socks of winter 2024Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT, £270 (24:30) An excellent, if expensive, option for anyone who suffers from cold feet. Offer up to 16 hours battery life, but even without heating, the wool and synthetic blend provides good warmth. Uses USB rechargeable batteries and can be controlled via Bluetooth and an app.Smartwool Targeted Cushion Women's Ski Socks, £27 (26:15) The Targeted Cushion has padding where you may want a little extra protection, but are still pretty thin, so they work in well-fitted, snug boots. Available in a big range of colours and designs, for men and women. Hard wearing but soft, using mainly Merino wool, combined with virgin and recycled synthetic fibres. Sidas SUREfit Ski Sock, £25 (27:15) The Sidas Surefit sock has padding for the shin, toes and heel, in a specific right and left anatomy. Mesh panels and channels help wicking and breathability, using mix of merino wool, virgin and recycled synthetic yarns. Ellis Brigham Wintersport Ski Socks (twin pack), £20 (28:00) There’s no Merino, but if you don’t want wool this is a great choice. These socks have padding for the foot, good height, and Coolmax to help wick moisture. Outstanding value.Feedback (30:00)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 [email protected] Richard Patey: “I enjoyed your ski jacket episode: I’ve got an Ellis Brigham here in Bristol that I’ll be heading to soon.”APNorthfields: "Th

We look at tips for taking a ski holiday with your kids, find out the true cost of ski carriage and get an updated on the latest equipment trends.Host Iain Martin was joined by journalist Katja Gaskell, Chris Moran and equipment expert Al Morgan.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 NOTESKatja was on the show in Episode 167 discussing Ice Swimming (0:45) Chris shared his knowledge of action cameras in Episode 171 (1:15) Listen to our equipment specials about skis, ski boots, ski jackets and ski helmets & goggles Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy reported from the Dolomites (4:00) Simon Burgess reported from Flaine (5:15) Jen Tsang from That’s La Plagne is in La Plagne (6:30) Iain’s ‘Ski IQ’ of 144 puts him 7th on the Carv leaderboard in La Plagne and 1170th globally (9:00) Enter our competition to win swag from Les 3 Vallées(9:45) Would you buy an Electric snowboard? (10:00) Al reported from Slide in Telford (12:30) Listen to our equipment specials about skis, ski boots, ski jackets and ski helmets & goggles Find out more about the BOA binding system (15:00) Can you recycle a ski helmet? (16:30) Dave Mills: "Great podcast on ski jackets with Iain and Al, giving a resounding performance as a Geordie version of Stanley Tucci" Ski carriage with Ryanair & easyjet is £90 return if booked in advance (20:00) You can swap skis during week when you rent with Intersport (21:00) Read Katja’s blog on family holidays: Globetotting (25:30) The importance of snacks (30:00) Morning v. Afternoon lesssons (30:45) How to ski at half-term on a budget (35:00) Morzine offers discounts if you travel by train (35:30) Rent clothing from Ecoski (35:45) Try skiing in the Pyrénées for good value at half term (36:30) Or consider Roccaraso in Italy (36:45) Feedback (38:00) Dave Mills: "Absolutely love the ski podcast, can’t wait to put some of this into action!" GarnBet: "I feel like I come away from every episode learning something about the snowsports industry. Any keen snow lover should take a listen” LianaF1234: "Always look forward to the newest episode. It's a fantastic listen with invaluable insight into resorts, the latest kit, and guest speakers. Really valued the Ski Train episode and your feature at this year's Birmingham Snow Show. It’s helped to debunk the unknowns around taking the train to the Alps and we’re excited to have booked the train to Tignes in January!” You can buy Iain a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast Paul Bond: "As ever Iain, great content and really liking the snow reports coming in" Matt Gregory: "Thank you Iain and all of your contributors for such entertaining, educational and thrilling podcast episodes. Since I started listening in the 2020/2021 season as I watched our annual ski trip disappear in lockdown, I haven't missed an episode and have covered a lot of the back catalogue. Really looking forward to getting the boots snowy when I'm out in La Plagne"Jon Herbert: "Loving the podcast and specifically the variety!"If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or by taking this linkThere are now 201 episodes to catch up with. 59% of our listeners are in the UK, 18% in the US and the other 24% all over the world, including places as diverse Taiwan, Tanzania, Iraq & UruguayYou can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Iain and Al cover the best new ski helmets and goggles for winter 2024, plus we explain all the jargon, including MIPSThis Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 NOTESCatch up with our previous episodes on the best skis, ski boots and ski jackets Helmet terminology: ‘Fit is king’ (2:15)Safety Standards (3:00)What do EPS and MIPS stand for? (4:00)The importance of the strap (5:45)Passive v. active (adjustable) venting (6:00)Visor Helmets (7:00)The Spektrum Brunner helmet may be the greenest ever (8:45)What is the natural life of a ski helmet? (17:00)The Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets for Winter 2024Sweet Protection Grimnir 2VI MIPS, £410 (10:00) This is expensive but beautifully made. The shell is made using pre-preg carbon fibre for incredible strength to weight, ten vents with grill covers and their own MIPS 2VI system. This is available in other Sweet helmets, including the £230 Sweet Ingiter. Visit the Sweet Protection website to learn more. Giro Tor Spherical, £250 (11:45) A very comfortable helmet that uses the MIPS Spherical system with a hybrid construction of hard-shell upper and in-mold lower. It has adjustable venting, a dial fit system, Fidlock magnetic buckle, Recco reflector. Head Rachel and Head Radar – £200 (12:45) A light, visor helmet with great functionality to fit with prescription glasses or lens can be removed. Uses Head’s Sphere Fit BOA system to adjust fit, adjustable venting, and excellent lens. Note that if you wear with goggles and no visor, there’s not goggle retainer. The Rev and Rita models are sold without the visor. Salomon MTN Lab – £155 (14:00) A multi-purpose light (400g) helmet certified for climbing and skiing, so a superb choice for ski tourers. Passive venting, dial-fit system, removeable washable Merino liner, separate summer liner, head-torch clips and an elasticated goggle retainer at the rear. It uses Salomon’s EPS 4D liner, so the EPS core of the helmet provides crumple-zone like features, making it 30% safety than the European standard. Oakley MOD 1 – £85 (16:00) A super-clean skater-inspired design. Light, BOA fit, washable liner and ear pads and available in a massive range of colours. If you want this style but with a brim or peak, the dual cert (ski and bike) hard shell Smith Holt at £80 is an excellent choice, at around 150g heavier.Goggle Terminology: UV protection (18:30)What is VLT? (19:45)When to change the lens (21:00)How to clean the lens in goggles (23:00)Cylindrical, spherical or toric lenses (24:30)The Best Ski & Snowboard Goggles of Winter 2024Smith 4D Mag - £320 (24:00) Uses their ChromaPop lens, with magnetic lens swap feature from the S3 ChromaPop Sun Red Mirror and S1 ChromaPop Storm Yellow Flash low light lens. Comes with a zippered hard case, lens and a microfibre bag. Dragon PXV Dennis Ranalter Signature Goggle– £165 (26:00) The Lumalens Dark Smoke has a 23% VLT (S2) Toric lens, which works well for sunny days and when the clouds arrive. Comes with an extra Lumens Light Rose lens with 66% VLT.Oakley Line Miner – £138 (27:15) A medium fit product, also available in a Line Miner Large version. Available in a large range of frame and lens colour options, but the Prizm Saphire Iridium lens (Cat S3 13% VLT) is a stand-out. Silicon lined strap, triple layer face foam, microfibre bag and notches in the frame allow them to work over the legs of prescription glasses. Bloc Boa – £45 (29:15) The standard black has a Cat S2 spherical lens (19% VLT) and a silver mirror finish. For the price, with a UV400 lens, anti-fog coating, triple layer face foam and silicon lined strap, microfibre bag this is excellent value.FeedbackI enjoy all feedback about the show,so please contact us on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] 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 You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast and find all our back episodes at www.theskipodcast.com

Our final episode of 2023 is a Snow Report Special, covering 10 resorts in 5 countries.Thanks to all of our listeners who joined us this year and here’s to a wonderful 2024 packed full of snow.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESTim from Inspired Italy reported from the Dolomites (1:00) Find out more about the Dolomites ski area in Episode 192 (1:45) Andy from Kaluma Ski is based in St Anton (2:00) Robin reported from Verbier (5:00) Listen to Iain’s report from Verbier in March 2023 in Episode 172 (6:15) Kendra Scurfield is based in Banff Sunshine (6:45) Find out more about Banff Sunshine Village Betony reported in from St Gervais, Tignes and Verbier (9:00) Dave Burrows runs Snow Pros Ski School (9:45) Listen to Dave’s interview in The Ski Instructor Podcast with Julian Griffiths (11:30) Katja was in Morzine over Christmas (12:00) Take a look at Katja’s family travel blog, Globetotting (13:00) Simon Burgess was out in Flaine (13:15) Listen to Simon’s experience of the Magic Pass in Episode 87 (14:30) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching in Les 2 Alpes (14:45) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter is in Courchevel (15:30)

Iain and Al pick the best new ski jackets for winter 2024, plus we explain the difference between waterproofing, breathability and taping. We also look at the increased use of recycled materials in jackets and the phasing out of PFCs. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 NOTESListen to our Best Skis of Winter 2024 episode Listen to our Best Ski Boots of Winter 2024 episode Waterproofing (2:45) Breathability (3:45)How important is taping? (5:00) The difference between 3-layer and 2-layer jackets? (6:00) Why a ‘powder skirt’ isn’t for powder (9:00) What is ‘Recco’ (and why it’s not a replacement for a transceiver) (10:00) Sustainability in ski jackets (11:15) What is DWR? (11:30) The danger of PFCs (12:00) Increased use of recycled materials (13:45) Al recommends NikWax for cleaning your technical clothing (15:45) Listen to our special episode on Picture Organic Clothing (29:00) THE BEST SKI JACKETS OF WINTER 2024 (17:00) Spyder Vanqysh GORE-TEX Insulated Men's Jacket, £750 (17:30) The Vanqysh uses a Gore-Tex membrane, delivering dynamic stretch for freedom of movement. It has PrimaLoft Gold insulation, include a Recco reflector, removable helmet compatible hood and removable powder skirt and a good selection of pockets and stowage.The North Face Summit Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket (men and women), £629 (19:15) A technical 3-layer shell for freeride type skiing. The face fabric is 100% recycled polyester and your your foul-weather protection is provided by the Gore-Tex membrane. Schöffel Misurina Women’s jacket, £500 (21:00) A flattering cut with removeable hood and powder skirt, which uses a stretchy Venturi waterproof/breathable membrane and has Responsible Down Standard down insulation paired with recycled PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation with a 45% recycled material content. Patagonia Women's Snowdrifter Jacket, £400 (23:00) This 3-layer jacket uses Patagonia’s H2NO membrane and is completely PFC free, made using 100% recycled polyester fabric in a mono-material. You get a Recco reflector, fixed powder skirt, large helmet compatible hood and a range of pockets. If you want a technical shell but want to focus on being environmentally friendly it’s hard to beat.Picture Men’s Stone Printed Jacket, £350 (26:00)This uses Picture’s DryPlay membrane, a PFC-free DWR treatment, and recycled materials. It’s fully taped and has the same waterproof and breathability ratings as jackets costing around twice as much. There are links above to all the boots we mentioned here today, all of which are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 – however, please note that we do not recommend you buy ski boots online. Please do go to a store and get fitted properly. 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 [email protected] 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 us2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

There’s a sustainability focus this week as we look at the new Eurostar Snow Train, find out what Les Arcs is doing that sets them apart, plus Chemmy Alcott tells us about her experience of driving an electric car 5000 miles across the Alps.Iain was joined by Helen Coffey, Travel Editor at The Independent.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 NOTESWatch Iain’s snow report from Les Arcs (2:00) Elena reported from Tirol in Austria (3:30) Vanessa Fisher was in Les Menuires in France (5:00) Dave Burrows from Snow Pros Ski School was skiing in Villars (6:00)Was last weekend the best ever in British snowsport history? (8:30) Mia Brookes won the Snowboard Big Air Crystal Globe and was voted BBC Young Sports Personality of the YearJasmin Taylor took first place at the Telemark Sprint in Pinzolo Andrew Musgrave was second in the Cross Country in Trondheim – a career-best result Listen to Iain’s interviews with Andrew, Jasmin and also Kirsty Muir and Zoe Atkin Read more about the ski slope in the desert in Saudi Arabia (10:30) Read Iain’s review of the new Eurostar Snow Train on The Telegraph (11:30) Iain has also written up a review on Ski Flight Free Seats had been set aside on Eurostar for baggage (14:00) Buy tickets on the Eurostar Snow Train here (16:00) The funicular to Les Arcs connects directly from the station in Bourg St Maurice (17:00) Flying represents 50-80% of the carbon cost of a ski holiday (23:00)Listen to Iain’s interview with Helen Coffey in this special episode (23:30) Iain is taking the Flight Free Challenge in 2024 (24:00) Anna Hughes founded Flight Free UK (24:30) Helen is author of the book “Zero Altitude: How I Learned to Fly Less and Travel More” (27:00) Les Arcs have recently been accredited as a B Corp company (28:00) Les Arcs was one of the first resorts in France to be given ‘Flocon Vert’ accreditation (29:20) Find out about the Mountain Animal Museum in Les Arcs (31:45) Marie Clemence Vallier is Head of Quality, Safety & Environment at ADS (32:30) Chemmy Alcott travelled 5000 miles last winter in her Skoda Enyaq EV (37:30) At Easter, Iain will be travelling to the Alps in a van from ‘Vans for Bands’ (45:00)FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Neil Howlett: "Thanks for the pod, really enjoying the content and we have a shared passion for trains" APNorthfields: "Loving the frequent podcast drops as we enter the new season! Keep up the great work" wiigman: "Loved 192. You don't get quality chat regarding coach chassis lengths, and the best Italian rifugios anywhere else!" Peter S: "Great interview with Lou about the Dolomites (in 192). She certainly knows her stuff." Mike Greenland: "Always a good show" Peter Til: "Thank you for the podcast. It has gotten me more and more excited for my first trip" Martin Walliman: "I only recently discovered The Ski Podcast and really love it! I've been working my way slowly through the older 180+ episodes in the last few weeks and it’s such a pleasure on my daily commutes."If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps listeners find us2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or taking this linkYou can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

Iain and Al pick the best new ski boots for winter 2024, plus we explain the difference between the cuff, shell and liner, demystify ‘Flex’, powerstraps and GripWalk, and cover why you shouldn’t buy ski boots to match your outfit! This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 NOTESListen to our Ski Boot Special Episode with Al and Colin Martin (2:00)Don't buy to match your outfit (“They’re tools not jewels”) Work with a bootfitter “Like a wand in Harry Potter, the ski boot chooses your foot" (3:00) What is the difference between the cuff and the shell? (3:45) What is the liner? (4:30) Why is a footbed important (5:00) How important are the buckles and what is BOA? (7:00)Find out more about the BOA system in Episode 187 (7:30) What is a powerstrap? (9:00) What is ‘walk mode’? (10:00) What is ‘Gripwalk’? (11:00) What is ‘Flex’? (12:00) Sustainability trends in ski boots (13:45)How are men’s and women’s ski boots designed differently? (19:15)What is a hybrid ski boot? (33:00)THE BEST SKI BOOTS OF WINTER 2024Nordica Speedmachine 3 85 GW (18:00)A women’s boot with excellent technical features for just £320. A perfect first boot for an aspiring skier.Nordica HF 110 GW (20:00)Nordica have nailed with this ‘rear entry’ boot, making it so easy to get in and out of (the HF stands for ‘hands free’), but without compromising on performance. £430Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA 95 (23:30)Al’s pick as the ‘best looking ski boot out there’, but using the new BOA cable system to cinch your feet in place perfectly. £430K2 Recon 120 BOA GW (25:30)K2 ‘puts a lot of fun into skiing’, according to Al. The positioning of the BOA has made a big difference, making this a great option for advanced skiers. £550Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 (29:00)The ultimate option for ski touring. £700There are links above to all the boots we mentioned here today, all of which are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 – however, please note that we do not recommend you buy ski boots online. Please do go to a store and get fitted properly. FeedbackI 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 [email protected] 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 us2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Discovering Innsbruck in the Tirol, Austria, plus is heliskiing in Chile the ultimate bucket list trip? Host Iain Martin was joined by Elena Protopopow (Tirol Tourist Board) and Lucy Aspden-Kean (Ski editor, The Telegraph) for this episode.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 NOTESWe covered skiing in the Lake District in Episode 73 (3:00) Tim (Inspired Italy) reports from the Dolomites, Italy (5:30) Andy Butterworth (Kaluma Ski) reports from St Anton, Austria (7:00) Alex Armand (Tip Top Ski Coaching) reports from Cervinia, Italy (9:45) You’d need a Ski IQ of 153 to top the Carv Leaderboard in Italy this week ( Iain spoke to Charlotte Bankes about her World Championships win with Huw Nightingale in Episode 188 (11:45) Kirsty Muir was 2nd in the Big Air in Beijing Listen to Iain’s interview with Kirsty in Episode 174Iain interviewed XC skiers Andrew Musgrave & Andrew Young in December 2021 (12:25) Vail Resorts are buying Crans Montana (13:00) Lucy travelled to Chile with Eleven Experience (16:00) Heliskiing is not like this (from Ski Sunday) (29:30) Take a look at the beautiful Zaha Hadid station designs in Innsbruck (32:00) The Bergisil Ski Jump hosts the ‘Four Hills Ski Jumping’ competition in January (34:00) Ski above Innsbruck at Nordkette, or nearby at Kuhtai, Stubai or Seefeld (36:00) Listen to Hannah talking about the NightJet train via Amsterdam in Episode 176 (39:00) The Ski Plus City Pass covers all 13 resorts around Innsbruck plus local attractions (42:00) FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Lou Pode: "You do really innovative, interesting podcasts!"Andrew Dollery: "I just wanted to compliment you on recent episodes: you're on fine form!" Andy A: "Really enjoying your podcasts over the last month and so looking forward to this winter." Tim Raglan: "As an avid listener I wanted to thank you for the work you do. It was your podcast that gave me the push to work in Verbier last winter and it was one of the best decisions of my life!"If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe so you never miss a podcast 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this linkThere are now 195 episodes to catch up with: just go to www.theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Iain and Al pick the best new skis for winter 2024, plus help you understand what length skis to buy, what 'rocker' and 'side cut' mean and why lighter bindings aren't always better. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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 NOTESWhat’s the difference between different types of skis? (2:00)Skis like the Line Blade, Black Crows Mirus Cor and Salomon Addikt Pro are bringing the fun back to ‘Piste’ skis (2:15)What’s the difference between Big Mountain and Freeride skis? (3:00) How important is the width under your foot? (3:45)What are ‘All Mountain’ skis? (4:30)What is a ‘rocker? (6:00)What is ‘side cut’? (7:15)How long should your skis be? (8:30)‘Nose to forehead’ level is a good guideline for length (10:15)What are the latest sustainability initiatives in skis (11:00)Is the Rossignol Essential the most sustainable ski ever produced? (14:00) Only 8% of a traditionally ski can be recycled, but the Essential is 77% recyclable and it is made from 34% recycled materials (14:15)Al tested these skis at the SIGB Ski Test in February 2023 (17:15)How much are bindings? (25:15)Why lighter touring skis aren’t always the best option (33:30)THE BEST SKIS OF WINTER 2024Salomon Addikt Pro (19:00)A ‘Piste’ ski for upper intermediates to experts. £780 including bindings.Nordica Belle 75 (21:30)A ‘Piste’ ski for women, ideal to those just getting into skiing and for intermediates. £385 including bindingsK2 Mindbender 90 C W (23:45)An ‘All Mountain’ women’s ski that’s perfect for performance on the groomers, but with a freeride feel. Great for intermediates wanting to go off the side up to more advanced and expert skiers. £455 without a binding.Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti (26:15)A true do-it-all ‘Freeride' ski that suits advanced and expert skiers. £580 without a binding.Elan Ripstick Tour 104 Glen Plake (30:00) A ‘Touring’ ski that’s 104mm underfoot but works on piste. £720 without a binding.All of these skis are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 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. FeedbackI 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 [email protected] 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

A special interview with Jamie Grant - the founder of a great British skiing success story: the Carv device. We discuss how Jamie took his original idea of a ‘digital ski coach’ via China, some help from Dave Ryding and a record Kickstarter campaign to an award-winning multi-million dollar business with a database of over 340 million turns. And it all started with a poster on a wall in Imperial College asking for help with coding...Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESIain interviewed Tony McWilliam, founder of Faction Skis Iain interviewed Jim Adlington, founder of Planks Clothing Iain reviewed the Carv in Episode 171 Carv has over 20,000 members across 58 countries (0:40) Jamie was studying for a PhD at Imperial PhD (3:00) Only 8% of skiers take a lesson in any year (6:00) The first version of Carv was trialled with students on Varsity ski trip (8:00) In 2015 Jamie moved to China to join an incubator fund (11:00) Dave Ryding helped test the prototype (12:45) The 2016 Carv Kickstarter was the biggest in sports to date, raising US$275,000 (16:00) Carv was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2021 (17:45) The Carv insole uses a magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope and over 30 pressure sensors, measuring data 20 times per second (20:00) Iain had custom insoles and the Carv fitted at the same time at Profeet in Fulham, London in Episode 161 (22:00) Metrics recorded include Edge Similarity, Pressure Smoothness and Edge Angle (24:45)Carv has a database of 348 million turns to work with (26:45)The gamification means you can look at the Leaderboard at any time (28:00) The Carv costs £200 for the hardware and then £179pa subscriptionDavid Lindsay in Episode 190 spoke of using the Carv in his Masterclasses (33:30) Off-piste measurement is coming to the Carv this winter (36:00)FEEDBACKIf you like the podcast, there are three 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 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this linkThere are now 193 episodes to catch up with and 134 were listened to in the last week. There is so much to listen to in our back catalogue, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around - you’re bound to find something of interest. You can follow Iain on social media @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We find out about the Dolomites in Italy, the days of ski trips by coach and discuss booking trends in the UK market.Iain was joined by Lou Anderton from Inspired Italy and Dan Fox from Ski Weekends.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 NOTESAlex Irwin of the YouTube channel 150 Days of Winter skied in Val Thorens (3:20) Betony Garner was in Verbier (4:30) Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Glacier 3000 (5:30) Dan will be skiing in Verbier this weekend (7:30) Listen to our interview with Warren Smith (8:00) Dave Ryding finished 4th in Obergurgl by just 0.01s (9:00) The Speed Opening races in Zermatt & Cervinia were cancelled again (9:30) For a 20% discount on the best available rate at Banff Sunshine Village listeners should email [email protected] (10:15) The Dolomites are in the north-east of Italy (11:30) Fly to Innsbruck, Verona, Munich, Venice or Milan (12:00) The Dolomiti Superski claims 1200km of skiing on one ski pass (14:00) The Sella Ronda is the ‘Circle Line’ of the Dolomites (15:30) The next Winter Olympics will be in Milan-Cortina in 2026 (18:00) Inspired Italy offer ‘ski safaris’ across the region (21:30) The Ikon Pass now includes Dolomiti Superski (25:00) Harris Holidays were the original coach holidays specialists (26:00) Dan took over Ski Weekends in 2007 (27:30) Ski Weekends stopped offering the coach in 2016 (29:45) Dan is based in St Gervais for the winter (37:00) Ski Weekend’s chalet in Les Gets sleeps up to 38 people Listen to Iain’s full episode interview with Eddie The Eagle (40:30) Eddie will be on ‘Dancing On Ice’ on ITV this winter (41:00) Feedback (44:00)I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Thanks to everyone who contacted me about why Canadian airports start with a 'YBobinCH: "The Bode Miller interview was great! Super interesting guy & unbelievable skier."Liv: "I’ve been listening to your amazing podcast and especially loved the episode with the ski companies talking about sustainability"Ruth: "Thank you for all the great content which has been keeping me sane on many long drives recently. I really appreciate the work that goes into all the episodes."Michael Oxley: "I've been absolutely loving your podcast, your guests, reviews and stories are fantastic and make for a really informative listen."Joe Childs: "Thanks again for all the info you share on The Ski Podcast. I am still working my way through the earlier recordings and finding great stuff."If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe so you never miss an episode 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or taking this linkYou can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Lesley Mckenna is a legendary snowboarder in the UK scene. She was the first British snowboarder to compete at the Winter Olympics and the first to win a World Cup Half-Pipe. She went on to become coach of the most successful GB Park and Pipe team ever, plus she’s a filmmaker, ski tourer and much more.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 NOTESLesley’s parents were both ski instructors (4:00)Her grandfather was one of the original Scottish pioneers of skiing (5:30)Lesley’s cousins are Alain and Noel Baxter, who both skied slalom for Team GB (8:00)First ski season in Jackson Hole (8:30)Racing on pair of 224cm skis (13:30)Moving on to Breckenridge (16:00)Kirsteen McGibbon tragically died during a training run in 1996 (17:45) H&R Insurance were the main sponsors of Lesley’s early career (18:30) Becci Malthouse helped Lesley’s transition to snowboarding (18:45) The 1996 Brits took place in Meribel Lesley started off racing slalom before moving onto freestyle (23:30) The challenges of funding (28:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Bode Miller (30:30) What was it like being with Alain Baxter when he won his Olympic medal (31:00) Coaching at the British Ski Academy and for Roxy (35:00) Lesley Worked through the 2014 & 2018 cycles as a coach (36:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Pat Sharples (38:00) Jenny Jones won Britain’s first ever medal on snow at Sochi (39:00) Billy Morgan won bronze in the Big Air at PyeongChang (40:00) Wandering Workshops (43:30) The Kendal Film Festival takes place from 16-19 November (46:00)Patagonia’s film ‘Thrawn’ is about the cultural significance of snowsports in the Cairngorms (46:30) Is haggis the Scottish version of ‘hygge’? (48:00) The 2023 Brits took place in Scotland (50:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Kirsty Muir (51:30) Watch ‘Dropstitch’ on YouTube (52:15) Lesley won Sport Scotland Coach Developer of the Year (53:00)If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe, so you don’t miss another episode 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or by taking this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We explore the history of Méribel and discover Banff Sunshine Village in Canada and Killington in the States. Host Iain Martin was joined by Kendra Scurfield (Banff Sunshine Village), Kristel Killary (Killington) and David Lindsay (ESF Méribel and son of the resort’s founder Sir Peter Lindsay). 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 NOTESKillington opened on 03 November (1:30)Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (5:00)Robin Shah has already been skiing in Verbier (8:45)Jen Tsang is from That’s La Plagne (9:30)Save money this winter when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ (11:30) The first ever cross-border Alpine World Cup races take place this weekend in Zermatt and Cervinia (13:00) You can read more about the debate about use of diggers on the course (13:15) Sir Peter Lindsay is recognised as the founder of Méribel (14:30)Jean-Marie Choffel is author of the book ‘Méribel since 1938’ (15:45)~ Lindsay’s business partner was the French Count, Jean Gaillard de la Valdenne (17:45) In 1936 Lindsay and two guides climbed La Saulire on skins and skied down to Brides-les-Bains (21:00) ESF Méribel are launching their ‘Master Classes’ for January 2024 (26:00) Iain tested the Carv in Episode 171 (29:45) Kendra has her own podcast: 'For The Love of Winter' (30:00) Ski Big 3 is a joint venture between Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay (34:00) Find out about Banff Sunshine Village (35:00) Kendra skied with Robin Williams at Sunshine Village (39:00)Killington is the largest resort in Eastern North America (41:00) Killington’s partner is Pico Mountain (42:00) Listen to Iain’s report on skiing in Australia in Episode 182 Over Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov 25/26) Killington is hosting the Women's World Cup (47:30) Discover Cow Power in Killington (48:30)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQlsLiDjc_4FeedbackAmy Stewart: "I’ve been a long time listener and got to listen to Episode 182 about Perisher and Thredbo. I love it, as a long time instructor over here it's awesome to finally hear about this unique ski area on an international level. This podcast was great through the pandemic when I was over here to keep me in touch with the winter season back in Europe!"Oli: "It was great to meet you at London Snow Show. Great talk. Looking forward to listening to more episodes this winter!"James: "I really enjoy the podcast, with the wide range of topics. Keep up the good work."Hans Weeren: "I just started listening to your podcast. Nice work!"Miranda Slater: "Very big congrats on being honoured with a finalist position. Keep up the good work as you are a great channel." Matt Hayes: "Congratulations on a great achievement for the pod. Hopefully it serves as some compensation and recognition of the time, dedication and quality that you put in."If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe, so you don’t miss another episode 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or by taking this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Bode Miller is the most successful male American alpine ski racer of all time: an Olympic and World Championship gold medallist, he is also a two-time overall World Cup champion and one of just five men to win World Cup events in all five disciplines. Iain spoke to Bode about his unique career as a racer and about Peak Skis – the new range of skis that he has designed and is launching for sale in Europe.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 Alcott told me “Bode is unique: he’s an icon, because he doesn’t fit any mould” (3:30)Bode learned to ski at Cannon Mountain ski area in New Hampshire (4:00) At Carrabasset Valley Academy Bode had to snowmobile 6 miles and hitch 18 miles each day (5:45) Bode initially showed promise as a snowboarder (8:00) He cut a snowboard in half and put bindings on them (9:15)He started racing pro at 18 and by 1998 was at the Nagano Winter Olympics (10:00)Bode’s first podium was in 2000 at Val d’Isere (10:30)Bode won two silver medals at Salt Lake in 2002 (12:30) “It's the Olympics. If I had backed off and I came in fifth or sixth place, I think I would have been really disappointed.”Bode’s autobiography is called ‘Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun’“We should tell our kids to just have fun, participate and not get bent on winning or losing” Bode lived in a 9-metre long RV for much of his time on the circuit (16:00)Bode’s training was unconventional and included a 700-lb squat machine built by his uncle (17:00)Other sessions included 15-minute runs through the streams (21:00)Watch the famous ‘60 Minutes’ interview (26:00)At Vancouver in 2010 he became the first American to win Olympic medal in downhill since 1994 (30:30)In 2014 Bode became the oldest Olympic medalist in alpine ski history, winning bronze in super-G (34:00) “Miller is skiing's mad scientist. There couldn't possibly be anyone who has thought more about what it takes to win a ski race” The Guardian, 2006Bode set up Peak Skis in 2022 (38:00)Race skis in Bode’s day looked ‘like a toothpick’ in comparison to today’s race skis (39:00)Peak Skis use ‘Keyhole Technology’ (40:00) Bode on ‘cooking’ skis to see how they are constructed (41:30) View the full range of Peak Skis here (44:45) Bode on ski radius (46:30) Bode on ‘women’s skis’ (48:00) Loc8 means Peak Skis can be tracked if lost (49:00) Peak Skis are now on sale in Europe direct from the website (50:00)FeedbackI enjoy all feedback about the show, so please let me what you thought via social @theskipodcast or email [email protected] If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Buy me a coffee at BMAC/theskipodcast 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This National Snow Week Special is packed full of interviews, including Mia Brookes, Ed Leigh, Chemmy Alcott, Charlotte Bankes, Warren Smith and more, all recorded at the consumer shows in Birmingham and London, and at trade networking event LISTEX. Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESThe Ski Podcast was a finalist in the ‘Best Broadcast Programme’ category at the 2023 Travel Media Awards (1:00)Sam Haddad featured in our snowboard special episode (1:30) Sam won the Travel Media award for ‘Best Sustainability Feature’ (1:40) Save money when you book your ski hire with Intersport by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ (1:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Tim Warwood (2:45) Mia Brookes became world champion in snowboard slopestyle earlier this year (4:45) Charlotte Bankes won the mixed team Snowboard Cross with teammate Huw Nightingale (8:00) Iain interviewed Charlotte when she first joined Team GB Colin Martin appeared in our Ski Boot Special podcast (13:30) Al Morgan discussed the BOA Fit System for ski boots in Episode 187 Listen to Iain’s interview with BBC Ski Sunday presenter Ed Leigh, recorded in Feb 2023 (18:30) Tord Nilson is on the SIGB board (22:00) Guy Fowles works at Wasteland Travel, specialists in ski trips for student and young professionals (25:15) Ian Brown from The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead (27:15) James Gambrill from The Ski Club of Great Britain, who are bringing back Ski Club reps to France (29:30) Dan Keeley is from the charity Snowcamp (33:30) Iain reported on his trip to Roccaraso in Abruzzo in Episode 170 (36:15) Graeme is the owner of Ski Abruzzo (37:45) Aaron is the founder of OOSC Clothing (39:00) Iain led panels about train travel at both shows (41:00) Krissie Roe from Inghams talked about their new train travel product in Episode 184 (44:00) Listen to Iain’s ‘Behind the Scenes at Ski Sunday’ interview with Chemmy Alcott (44:15) Richard Sinclair is MD at ski travel agency SNO Holidays (44:30) SNO are reporting an increase in demand for train travel (45:00) Richard appeared on our electric vehicle special podcast (49:00) SNO has a page about electric car travel to the Alps in their website Warren Smith has been taking the POW Carbon Literacy courses (49:45) In Episode 183 we discussed the POW ‘Send It for Climate’ campaign (52:00) Dom Winter is Head of Programmes for Protect Our Winters UK Nathalie Davies is MD of Raccoon Media Group (54:00) The 2024 London Snow Show will take place on 19-20 October at ExCel in London (55:00) Iain was joined for The Ski Podcast Live by Mike Richards, Katie Bamber, James Wilcox, Catherine Murphy and Tristan Kennedy (speaking about Japan, Turkey, Iraq, Pays de Gex, Uzbekistan and Abruzzo respectively)Feedback (57:00) We have some great feedback from ‘Snowheads’ (57:30) Fixx: "The Ski Podcast panel with Iain re. train travel to the slopes was very interesting" wiigman: "The Ski Podcast panel stuff excellent and thought-provoking" elzP: "I also really enjoyed the train travel session" Tim: "I recently discovered The Ski Podcast and I have been binge listening! I'm impressed by the engaging content and captivating discussions on all things skiing and snow sports" Inside Morzine: "We can’t wait for the new season to kick off but first there a little matter of the National Snow Show and meet someone who has not only got us through the pandemic but the all the months in between: Iain Martin from The Ski Podcast - a total legend!" Andrea Dalton: "Just managed to catch up with this latest episode and fab to hear from Al always love listening to what he has to say."If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Buy me a coffee at BuyMeaCoffee.com/theskipodcast (thanks David) 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’You can follow Iain on social @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We find out about Copper Mountain in Colorado and look at look at this season’s equipment trends, including BOA ski boots, the Rossignol ‘Essential’ ski, the new Lange ‘Shadow’ innovation and look at clothing rental.Iain was joined by Maria Fox, Director of Marketing at Copper Mountain, and podcast regular, Al Morgan, from SkiKitInfo.comIntersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESCopper Mountain stayed open to 28 May last winter (2:00)Intersport Rent is the new main partner of The Ski Podcast (3:45)Use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com (4:00)National Snow Week takes place between 14 and 22 October (5:00) The shows are at the Birmingham NEC (14-15 Oct) and the London Excel (21-22 Oct) Listeners can get a free ticket by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ (5:30) LISTEX takes place at London Excel from 17-19 October (6:00) The Ski Podcast is a finalist as ‘Best Broadcast Programme’ in the Travel Media Awards (6:15) SNCF trains are now on sale for journeys up to 09 January (6:30) Listen to Episode 185 for more info on Inghams train options (6:45) Go to Ski Flight Free for all the info you need about train travel this winter The Telegraph’s Bucket List poll showed 26% of people have a US Road Trip on their list (7:00) Snowmaking started in Copper Mountain on 02 October (7:30) Check all the facts about Copper here (9:00) Downhill race training is on offer in Copper from 20 October (10:00) Copper Mountain bills itself as the 'Athlete's Mountain' (12:30) Copper is the Official Training Centre for the US Ski and Snowboard team The Woodward Terrain Parks in Copper are a key feature (14:45) Copper hosts the Colorado Special Olympics Winter Games (17:00) Employees at Copper Mountain are also eligible for Athlete Sponsorship (18:00) Find out more about the BOA binding system for ski boots (24:00)https://youtu.be/fMCQuZvNm8UFind out more about the Lange ‘Shadow’ system (29:00) The Rossignol ‘Essential’ ski is the ‘most sustainable ski’ Al has ever seen (33:00) Planks is very upfront that "We are not eco-friendly" (35:15) Clothing rental trend is evident with Hurr, John Lewis, ecoski, Selfridges all offering ski clothing rental (36:00)Feedback (39:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, so please contact me via social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Ian: “Just catching up on a few eps of the podcast. That 3 Valleys hike in Episode 184 sounds awesome!”David: “Thanks so much for the podcast: my wife and I are keen listeners” James Hawkins: “I love listening to every episode so keep up the good work. I enjoyed the conversation about golf in Episode 186 and wanted to mention the Kitzbuhel Golf Festival…they transform “The Streif” into a golf course for the day. The first tee shot is taken from the actual Hahnenkamm starting gate and you play the exact race track.”Tom Kelly: “I've enjoyed listening to your podcasts. I also do a skiing pod, the Last Chair, for Ski Utah. The episode on rail travel to the Alps made me jealous that we really don't have that here in the USA.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts (104 ratings) or Spotify (31 ratings) 2) Buy me a coffee at BMAC/theskipodcast (thanks David) 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss autumn glacier skiing in Austria, what’s new in Aspen and whether golf is easier in the mountains.Iain was joined by Rana Dershowitz, VP at Aspen Snowmass and journalist Rob Rees.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESRob was last on the show in Episode 179 discussing the Aosta Valley (1:15)National Snow Week takes place from 14-22 October (3:30)The Ski Podcast Live will feature at the shows on each Sunday at 1pm (3:45)Secure a free ticket to the show using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ (4:15)The Ski Podcast is a finalists at the Travel Media Awards (4:45)Iain skied in Zermatt in AugustGethin James told us about skiing in Solden in October in Episode 159 (5:50) Stubai above Neustift is one of Rob’s favourites (6:45) Find out more about the Intersport Schneetage (7:45) Rob shared a lift with Hermann Maier in Pitztal Iain spoke with Dave Ryding in Saas Fee in Episode 57 (11:30) Find out about the ‘White 5’ lift pass (13:15) Check out the lifts designed by Zara Hadid if you travel to Innsbruck (14:00) Ski Launch took place in September 2023 (16:00) The European Masters Golf takes place in Crans Montana (18:00) The new ‘Hero’s’ terrain expansion is the biggest in Aspen for 40 years (21:00) The Ikon Pass includes Aspen Snowmass and more than 50 other resorts (26:30) Aspen hosts the Winter X Games (28:00) The Mountain Collective pass is another option for multiple resort skiing (32:00) Find out about the 'Give A Flake' advocacy campaign (34:00) Aspen’s Environment Foundation is a great campaign (36:45) Take a look at the melting gondola sculpture (37:30)Feedback (39:45) I enjoy all feedback about the show, so if you have any thoughts or ideas for features please contact me via social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Paul: "[Your] hard work and imagination is being rewarded" Heather Hannam: "Still loving listening to your Podcasts with my daughter. Congratulations on your nomination by the way, we should be ably to buy you a glass of something fizzy, rather than just a coffee" Paul Sonn: "I live in the US and really enjoy your podcast." If you like the podcast, there are couple of things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts (103 ratings) or Spotify (30 ratings) 2) Buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastPodcast Stats- 51% of listeners catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts and 34% on Spotify- Listens are up 20% over the last year.- There are 186 episodes to catch up with and 115 were listened to in the last week. - For the first time that more than half of our listeners were from outside the UK- 21% of our listeners were in the USAYou can follow Iain at @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss new ways to take the train to the Alps and what it’s like skiing to the North Pole. Iain was joined by Krissy Roe, Sustainability Manager at Inghams Ski and adventurer Sue Stockdale.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESListen to our special about skiing in Thredbo and Perisher, Australia (2:00) The Ski Podcast has been shortlisted as one of the finalists in the ‘Broadcast Programme of the Year’ category in the 2023 Travel Media Awards (5:00) ‘Ski Launch’ took place in early September (6:00) Sandra Picard is Brand and Communications Director for Compagnie des Alpes (6:30) You can view Sandra’s slidedeck here and CdA’s commitments here (8:45) You can look at Iain’s slides about AI here (9:00) A new survey by Le Ski shows the snowsports market is expected to grow by 14% (9:15) Nick Morgan is MD at Le Ski Chalets You can find out more about ski jobs in ski resorts in our special episode (11:30) National Snow Week will see ski shows at the Birmingham NEC and London Excel (13:30) Listeners can get free entry using the discount code ‘SKIPODCAST’ before 01 October (13:45) In winter 2008/09, over 30,000 people travelled by Eurostar on their ski holiday (20:45) Find out about the new Eurostar Snow Train service to France at Ski Flight Free (22:00) Listen to Iain’s review of the inaugural ‘old’ Eurostar ski train service from 2021 (23:00) The Inghams train product is now on sale on their website (25:00) Their packages are the same price in most cases as travelling by plane (29:30) Listen to Prue Stone from Hotelplan discussing their commitment to sustainability in our special episode (31:30) You can listen to Sue’s TED Talk here (33:30) Sue is the first woman from the UK to ski to the Magnetic North Pole in 1996 (34:00) Listen to our special about ski touring on the Haute Route (44:30) Panache Cruises offer cruises including ski touring (46:00)FeedbackI 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 [email protected] BobinCH (snowheads): “I enjoyed Episode 182 that as it brought back fond memories of those gum trees in the Thredbo backcountry!”Max Martin (Apple podcasts): “A year round fortnightly roundup of interviews and reports on all aspects of skiing and snowboarding. Always interesting and informative, The Ski Podcast keeps me in touch with the sport and lifestyle.”Nick D (BuyMeACoffee): “Well deserved getting to the award finals. Keep up the great work. I was in Roccarasso the same week you visited and enjoyed the podcast on your trip.”You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We find out what it's like hiking across Les 3 Vallées, about the new Alpine Crossing in Zermatt and an environmentally-focussed ski school in Méribel. Iain was joined by Estelle Roy from the Les Menuires Tourist Office and Ollie Scott from the ski school Rhythm to Ride in Méribel.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESThe zero isotherme went as high as 5300m in the Alps (01:00) There has been new snow down to 2300m (2:00) Ollie ski toured to La Grande Casse in May (3:00) Iain skied in Zermatt last week (4:00)https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1695071076483477691In recent episodes, we’ve heard about mountain biking, road cycling and family activities in Les 3 Vallées (5:00) The Lac de Rosière is spectacular (5:45) Florent Hazucka works for the Courchevel Tourist Office (6:15) There are the remains of a plane, which crashed at Breche Portetta in 1969 (9:00) Iain stayed at the Refuge du Grand Plan (11:00) There’s also a refuge at Lac Merlet, both are in the Vanoise National Park (12:00) Listen to Iain’s report on staying the night at the Refuge du Saut last winter (14:00) Iain stayed on his second night at Refuge du Lac du Lou (15:45) Listen to Iain’s experience of ski touring to the Refuge at night (19:30) You can try ice diving in Les Menuires in winter (19:45) Katya reported on ice swimming in Samoens in Episode 166 (23:00) It's an easy walk from Chez Pepe Nicolas to Lac du Lou (23:30) You can book the refuge via their website (24:30)The Matterhorn Ultraks trail running weekend includes 5 different races (26:00) Marc Lagger is Communications Manager for Zermatt Bergbahnen (27:00) Read Iain’s article for Fall Line Magazine This year’s races will take place on the weekends of 18/19 and 25/26 November (30:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with the organiser of the Speed Opening Downhill races, recorded in September 2022 (35:00) Ollie Scott is a co-founder of Rhythm to Ride ski school in Méribel (35:45) Any hours booked with Rhythm to Ride lead to seeds being planted in Africa (39:00) Rhythm to Ride set up the the CarPool Tool (40:30) They donate 3% of their income to Protect Our Winters (46:00) Find out more about the new train services to the Alps at Ski Flight Free (47:00) We discussed Thredbo’s lift pass cap in Episode 183 (48:00)FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Joe Childs: “New Ski Podcast day is always a great day!”Hocenski Hoc Dalibor: “Nice podcast”Peter: “I've started listening to your podcast two days ago and am slowly listening to most of your old episodes. I am currently at Episode 24.” If you like the podcast, there are couple of things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts 2) Buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastThere are 184 episodes to catch up with and 134 were listened to in the last week.You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Val Thorens in summer, how Australian ski resorts are dealing with lift queues and all about the latest campaign from Protect Our Winters.Iain was joined by Jen Tsang from ThatsLaPlagne.com, and Lindsey Dixon from Protect our Winters.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESLindsey was last on the show in Episode 168, talking about taking the train to Val d’Isere (1:00)Lindsey skied at Skieasy in Chiswick (3:00)Moving Mountains offers the same option in Sussex (4:30)Listen to Iain’s report on skiing in Australia in Episode 182 (6:00)Jen and her family took part in the VT Summit Games (8:45)It snowed while Jen was in Les 3 Vallees (9:30)https://twitter.com/3Vallees_france/status/1688461637164929024 Find out more about the new sports centre Le Board (11:00)The soft play at Le Board sounds great fun (14:45)Chez Pepe Nicholas is a wonderful mountain restaurant in Les Menuires (17:00)Jen was in Les Gets for the Tour de France (21:00)It's going to be WARM in the Alps this week (26:45)https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1692068589220626849 The ’Send It For Climate’ campaign from Protect Our Winters is due to launch very soon (28:00)Postcards and postboxes will be available from partners such as Ellis Brigham and Patagonia (31:00)It was the ninth warmest July in Australia (33:15)Perisher has had some tough getting criticism on social, especially TikTok (33:45)Thredbo have brought in a cap on lift pass sales (35:00)Australia has ‘Lodges’ that work very much like our chalets (39:00)Listen to Iain’s interview with Helen Coffey, the non-flying travel editor of The Independent (42:00)Many offsetting projects have been discredited (42:30)Iain donated to an organisation called ‘Cool Earth’ (43:00)William MacAskill is the author of a book called ‘Doing Good Better’ and one of the founders of ‘Effective Altruism’ (43:30)FeedbackI 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 [email protected]: "Listened to #182 on a run and loved it."Simon Burgess: “I really enjoyed the Thredbo/Perisher episode. It brought back some really nice memories.”Bo Spanding: “Truly enjoying the podcast, but I'm wondering why you're never talking about Scandinavian ski resorts. There are a lot of good areas in those countries (except for Denmark of course).” We featured Svalbard in Episode 94 and Norway in Episode 58, plus our special interview with cross country skiers Andrew Musgrave and Andrew Young, who are based in Norway (47:00)If you like the podcast, there are couple of things you can do to help:1) Review us on Apple Podcasts2) Buy me a coffee at BuymeaCoffee.com/theskipodcastYou can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This is a special episode focusing on the ski resorts of Perisher (Australia’s largest ski resort) and Thredbo (Australia’s ‘Best Ski Resort’), plus we find out what it was like when the Tour de France passed through Les 3 Vallées last month.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESLucas Wilkinson has been skiing in Perisher for 34 years (1:30)Perisher Valley, Smiggins Hole, Blue Cow joined in 1995 to form ‘Perisher’ (2:30)Vail Resorts bought Perisher in 2015 (3:15)The Epic Pass covers Perisher as well as Victoria’s Fall Creek and Hotham ski resorts (4:30)Proposals to expand the resort have been under discussion for many years (7:00)The ‘Ski Tube’ links the valley floor with Perisher (8:45)Perisher has 165 snow cannons for 65km of pistes (10:30)The season in Australia typically runs from June to October (12:00)Kirsty Muir and Mia Brookes are both training in Perisher in 2023 (13:00)Jen Mooney is the general manager of ‘The Man from Snowy River Hotel’ (15:30)The hotel opened in 1960 (17:00)‘The Man from Snowy River’ is a poem by Banjo Patterson (19:30)Sunrise viewed from ‘The Man’ is pretty special (23:00)https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1681429482366959616 Ritchie Carroll is Brand and Marketing Manager at Thredbo (23:30)Sophie Leicester is PR and Content Manager at ThredboThredbo offers a special backcountry ski pass (25:15)It's the only resort in Australia to have a gold ‘Earth Check’ accreditation in Australia (27:00)The Thredbo Alpine Coaster is scheduled to open in 2024 (29:15) You can see Reggae Ellis’ snowreports at Snowatch (32:00)The Tour de France came to Les 3 Vallées on July 19 (38:45)Thanks to Alex from 150 Days of Winter and Rich from Lodge du Village for their reportsFEEDBACKFinally, I enjoy all feedback about the show, I always like to know what you think, ideas for features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]’d like to thank everyone who’s given us a review on Apple Podcasts. It does help people find the podcast, so it’s much appreciated. We are up to 102 reviews now – 84 of them are 5-star.‘The Kribs’ (Apple Podcasts): "A very interesting and fun podcast to listen to, which is always the highlight of my day when I see a new episode land. A great selection of guests from all different ski and snowboard backgrounds. It always makes me feel like I’m in the mountains when I listen."‘PipBigDogSeymour’ (Apple Podcasts): "Awesome podcast. Very varied topics and guests. Absolutely loved the last one with the lift fanatic. An absolute must listen if you love all things snowsports."Eric Wilson (Facebook): “I just listened to your episode with Peter: it was a fantastic show” Andrew Dollery (email): “I just wanted to say great job on the podcast, I've listened religiously for the past couple of years. It’s very well put together and keeps me going through these barren summer months!”Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast. All cuppas are much appreciated. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

A special interview with Peter Landsman, founder of the website liftblog.com. Peter has personally seen more than 3000 lifts in 720 resorts across North America. Peter joined us from his home in Jackson Hole and we cover a wide range of topics including how his love for lifts started, his views on T-bars v. button lifts, what he though of skiing in Europe and quiz him on his favourite lifts.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 · Peter has visited over 3000 lifts in 720 resorts · Listen to our interview with ski journalist Arnie Wilson· His first skiing was in Snowqualmie Pass near Seattle· Peter currently works in Jackson Hole as a lift supervisor· www.liftblog.com launched in 2015· The site includes entire lists of new lifts by season· Mt Eyak in Alaska was one of the hardest to visit· Peter went to the Interalpin trade fair in Innsbruck in 2023· In Europe Peter rode the Galzigbahn in St Anton, Austria· Button lifts are known as ‘platter lifts’ in North America · T-bars or button lifts are known as ‘surface lifts’ in the States· Look out for the upside down chairlift in Big Snow indoor slope in New Jersey· A moose walked by Peter’s apartment while we were recording!· The Kumme lift in Zermatt is an unmanned station· Peter’s recommendations of lifts you must try include the Peak to Peak in Whistler Blackcomb, and the Love Peak tram in Big Sky Montana· You can follow Peter’s LiftBlog on Instagram Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show. You can contact us via social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Henry J (Apple Podcasts): ‘Definitely worth a listen’Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. And if you enjoy the pod, you can buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcastThank to Les 3 Vallées for sponsoring the show

A Ski Jobs special, all about working in ski resorts. We find out what jobs are available, how to find them, when to apply, what you can expect and look at the effect of Brexit. Iain was joined by four experts in ski recruitment: Steph Davidson from Le Ski, Jenny Greenwood, HR manager at Skiworld, Richard Lett from Après-Ski Bands and Charlie Owen, MD of SBiT (Seasonal Businesses in Travel).Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESElla from Après-Ski Bands told us about the best après-Ski venues in Episode 178 (1:50)Rich was dialling in from the Lodge du Village in Méribel Village The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallees - the largest ski area in the world (7:00)We discussed mountain biking in Episode 178 (7:00)In mid-July, the Tour de France will be passing through Courchevel Le Praz, La Tania, Méribel Village, over the Col de la Loze at 2304m, and down to the finish at Courchevel altiportAlex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported on the build up to the Tour's arrival (7:30)Read about Iain’s journey on the overnight train to Nice on Ski Flight Free (12:30)Iain will be taking part in the Ultraks Sky Race in Zermatt in August SBiT’s most recent report shows the impact of Brexit on seasonal jobs (16:30)The number of UK workers in the EU has gone down 69% since Brexit What ski jobs are on offer? (22:30) Le Ski offer 31 chalets and employ 70 staff (23:15) Skiworld employ 170 staff (27:00) When should you apply for a ski job? (27:45) When do interviews happen? (30:30) In 22/23, Skiworld had 5000 applications for 170 jobs (31:15) When do staff travel out to resort? (36:00) Iain founded the Season Workers’ website, Natives.co.uk Bar jobs in ski resorts (38:30) Charlie recruits 60-70 staff for European Pubs (39:00) How can musicians work in the Alps (41:00) Does an EU passport help you find a ski job? (43:00) How does an employer secure a visa for you? (45:00) What about ski jobs in Austria? (52:00) Is there a 35-hour week? (57:00) What is the Youth Mobility Scheme? (59:30)FEEDBACKI enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, ideas for features soplease contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Richard Bond:"Really enjoying the podcast, bucket list now overflowing!” Richard Sideways:"I really enjoyed #178 - I'd never thought of Bosnia as a winter destination before but it sounds interesting." You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss skiing in the Aosta Valley in Italy and the effect of the climate crisis on board sports. Iain was joined by guests Sam Haddad and Rob Rees.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESSam was last on the show in Episode 157, our snowboard special (0:30) Rob reported from the Bergisel Ski Jumping comp in Austria in Episode 167 Val d'Isere opened for summer skiing last weekend (4:45) Alex Armand from Tip Tip Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (5:00) Steve Angus reported from Val d'Isère (5:45) For more on skiing in Australia & NZ, listen to Episode 97 – the ‘Down Under’ special (9:00) LISTEX Luxury took place in London in June 2023 (9:30) Rob visited the Aosta Valley (10:00) Resorts in the Aosta Valley include Courmayeur, La Thuile, Cervinia, Aosta/Pila, Champoluc and Monterosa Rob stayed in Champoluc (15:00) He then moved on to Cervinia (16:00) Rob also skied in Pila, based in Aosta (17:00) There are Roman ruins in Aosta (18:30) Read about the possible Champoluc-Cervinia lift here (21:15) Find out about the Alpine Green Experience offer (22:00) Sam’s new Substack is called 'Climate and Board Sports' (25:00) Lauren MacCallum from POW was on Episode 168 (27:15) Al Judge from Montagne Verte was on our sustainability special (28:00) Read Sam’s interview with Just Stop Oil protestors at a FIS event in Norway (28:30) FIS athletes have been lobbying the organisation (32:00) FIS have been accused of greenwashing (33:00) The number of steps from the Mer de Glace has increased over the years (35:00) 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 [email protected] Adrian Cheeseman: "Love the podcast. Keeps me going, even listened to it while doing the Great North run last year." If you like the podcast, there are couple of things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts 2) Buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.Thanks to Les 3 Vallées for sponsoring the show

We find out about trends in après-ski, skiing in Bosnia and mountain biking in the French Alps. Iain was joined by Ella Robinson from Apres Ski Bands, plus regular guests Mike Richards (last on show in E170 talking about Rusutsu in Japan) and Chris Moran (last on in the action camera special in E171).Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESMike last skied in the Brecon Beacons National Park in April (2:00)Find out more about skiing in Wales in Episode 65 (2:30) Iain caught up with Chemmy Alcott, Graham Bell, Babsi Lapwood, Steve Morgan and Jasmin Taylor at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead (5:00) Dan Keeley has completed his 1100 mile run from London to Rome (5:30) The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallees - the largest ski area in the world (6:30)Chris spends a lot of time on his MTB in Méribel (8:00)Find out about BikeParkWales (11:45) Méribel has several Enduro trails (14:30) The new Bozel lift is getting close to being greenlit (15:00) Après Ski Bands booked at over 80 venues last winter (19:30) Top après venues in Les 3 Vallées include the Rond Point and Jacks in Méribel, Lodge du Village in Méribel Village and The Ski Lodge in La Tania (28:30)The Feeling played at Lodge du Village in April 2023 (31:00)Back in the early 2000s they were a popular Alpine covers band known as ‘Superfly’ and regularly played at Natives parties (31:30)Mike travelled to Bosnia with Crystal Holidays (38:30) Mike was based in Jahorina (41:45) Check out Mike’s Instagram photos Mike will be joining Iain for ‘The Ski Podcast Live’ at the National Snow Show at the Birmingham NEC in October (47:00) You can get a free ticket for the show by using the code 'SKIPODCAST' (47:45) We will publish the full interview with Peter Landsman from liftblog.com in July (48:00) FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Padster: "Great interview with Chemmy” Wiigman: "Loved Episode 176 about National Snow Week” Richard Sideways: "Great interview with Tim Warwood in Episode 177" Dave of the Marmottes: "[Episode 177] was a good insight into the accidental career of professional snowballers!" Our three most listened to episodes of all time (50:45) 161: The Ski Boot Special (How to choose ski boots, custom insoles (Nov 2022) 86: Travel Bans, Olympic Tips & Stöckli skis (Jan 2022) 44: Gstaad, Val Thorens, Verbier, and your dream ski job! (Dec 2019) You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Iain is joined by Tim Warwood: BBC snowboarding, skateboarding, BMX reporter, and generally ‘very loud voice’ (his words).We discuss how snowboarding took him from Tamworth to Colorado to commentating around the world on the sport. Among the many stories Tim shares, he tells us how he persuaded Bill Nighy to lipsync to Kim Wilde, what’s it’s like being a “professional snowballer” and the truth behind that infamous moment when Jenny Jones won bronze at Sochi.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESTim is not 50 years old, despite what it says on FamousBirthdays.com He started snowboarding at Britain’s first indoor snow centre, the Tamworth Snowdome (6:00) Tim’s first season was in Winter Park in Colarado (8:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Pat Sharples, GB Snowsports Head Coach (9:00) Listen to our interview with pioneer snowboarder Chris Moran (14:20) He did definitely finish 3rd in the Banked Slalom at the 2023 Brits (14:50) Tim may or may not be current British snowboard slalom champion… (15:00) The Brits took place in Aviemore in April 2023 (16:00) Tim was working in Vail when he started making snowboard movies (19:00) Adam Gendle is Tim’s long-time film-making partner (21:30) Jeremy Sladen at the Snowboard Asylum sponsored the first set of movies that Tim and Adam produced (23:00) Titles includes ‘Proper’, ‘Big Ass Big Airs’, ‘Show Offs’ and ‘Terminal Ferocity’ (23:45) Check out Tim’s 2006 Brits Video (25:00) Watch the movie ‘Chalet Girl’ (26:45) And definitely watch the closing credits… (28:30) Tim presented ‘Freesports on 4’ (31:30) Iain interviewed Ski Sunday’s Ed Leigh in Episode 169 It featured events the Xbox (Gumby’s) Big Day Out (33:00) The London Freeze took place at Battersea Power Station (34:00) In 2014, Tim was asked to join the BBC Sport team to cover the Sochi Winter Olympics (35:00) Who wouldn’t want to be a “professional snowballer” (36:20) Jenny Jones won Team GB’s first ever Olympic medal on snow in the snowboard slopestyle (37:45) Ed Leigh, Aimee Fuller and Tim got rather excited… (38:30) The ‘Daily Mail’ described the commentary team as “Immature idiots” (39:20) Tim was a reporter for the BBC at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, held in 2021 (43:00) Being a reporter is more than just an “eyes and teeth” role (47:00) Tim also reported from the Commonwealth Games for the BBC (50:00) Beijing was a different experience as Tim was located in Manchester (52:00) Tim filmed a feature on splitboarding for Ski Sunday in Scotland (55:00) Look out for the hare when Tim went snowboarding in Weardale (59:15) Find out about Yad Moss in Episode 88 of The Ski Podcast (1:00:00) Enjoy ‘Gravity Grandma’ on YouTube (1:01:45) Catch up with more of Tim’s work on ‘The Indestructibles‘ (1:03:00) Watch ‘The Nearly Men’ with Marc Webber (01:03:45) Find out more about Tim’s ‘Famous First Words’ game show tour (01:05:00)Read White Lines’ defence of the infamous Jenny Jones commentary “Riding switch is like writing left-handed while wearing a chip hat and being attacked by seagulls” (01:08:30)

We find out about National Snow Week, train travel to Austria and driving in an EV to Val d'Isère.Iain was joined live by Babsi Lapwood from the Mountain Trade Network and Stephen Morgan from Raccoon Events, organisers of the National Snow Week and ‘down the line’ by Hannah Zajic from the Austrian Tourist Board and Simon McIntyre from Iglu Ski. Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESBabsi skied in Banff, Sunshine Village and Panorama in Canada (1:30)The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallées - the largest ski area in the worldSkiing continues in Val Thorens until La Grand Derniere on 08 May (05:00)Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Val Thorens (5:30)The Tour de France comes to Les 3 Vallées in JulyDan Keeley from Snowcamp is running from the UK to Rome to raise funds for CALM (7:00)Find out about Dan's run at hometorome.com (7:30) The Ski Podcast was shortlisted in the 'Wilderness' category at the Sports Podcast Awards (8:00)Doug Newman from Ski Weekend interviewed Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards (8:30)LISTEX Luxury is a B2B event in London in July National Snow Week is a consumer event taking place this October (11:15) Steve was last on the show when Iain spoke to him at the NEC in Episode 158 (13:00) The last London Ski Show was held at Battersea Evolution in 2019. We reported from there in Episode 42 (14:30)The Ski Podcast did offer to become the new sponsors of the O2-Excel cable car (16:45)The London Snow Show will take place at the Excel centre on 21/22 October (18:00)Listen to Iain’s interview with Mia Brookes in Episode 158 (19:30) The 13th edition of annual trade event LISTEX will also take place at Excel (24:45)You can get free tickets to National Snow Week by using the code 'SKIPODCAST' at https://nationalsnowweek.com (26:30) Iain will be at both the London and Bham Shows presenting ‘The Ski Podcast Live’ Hannah Zajic is from the Austrian National Tourist Office in London (27:00) Yvonne Rosentstatter from Salzburgerland joined us in Episode 90 (27:45) OBB's Nightjet service connects 25 European cities (28:00) Accessible resorts from the Innsbruck train include Kuhtai & Solden, as well as St Johann and Mayrhofen with an earlier exit at Worgl (31:00) Fares start at €49 with a couchette in 6-berth, €59 with a couchette in 4-berth, €89 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €129 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself (34:00) Iain has driven to the Alps in an EV several times (39:00) Simon McIntyre from Iglu Ski travelled to Val d'Isère in a Mercedes with a ‘real range’ of 220-230 miles Find out more about low-carbon travel options at Ski Flight Free (48:00) Feedback 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 [email protected] Allen Foster: "Very much enjoy your podcast" Lynsey: "Episode 173 was a great podcast once again" Joe: "Thanks very much for the interesting feature on action cameras" There are over 170 episodes to catch up with and 117 were listened to in the last week. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. And if you enjoy the pod, you can Buy Me A Coffee. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We go behind the scenes at BBC’s ‘Ski Sunday’ with presenter Chemmy Alcott. We discuss unscrewing 100-year-old skis from a wall so she could try them out on snow, wanting to go grass skiing with Dave Ryding and what’s it’s like taking on a downhill course a decade after you’re retired from racing. We also discuss the many, MANY injuries she suffered over her 20-year racing career…Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESChemmy helped celebrate the centenary of Ladies Ski Club in Murren in February (03:00) Chemmy interviewed Dave Ryding in Austria last summer (09:00) Dave Ryding had a gondola named after him in Kitzbuhel (10:00) Dave is a very fast Parkrun runner (13:30) Watch out for Chemmy’s feature on Ski Joering next winter (14:45) Watch Chemmy’s Meribel downhill run here (15:30) The run took place at the Courchevel Meribel 2023 World Ski Championships Chemmy took part in ‘Dancing on Ice’ in 2012 (22:30) Chemmy’s injuries include a dislocated jaw, broken neck, broken back, broken ribs, groin tears, two ACLs, compound tibia/fibula fracture and a broken ankle (24:30) Find out more about the Ski Mojo (30:45) The new Ski Mojo designs (35:00) This blog looks at the value you can get from the Ski Mojo (37:30) Tignes is great in summer for families (38:45) Tim Warwood travelled to Scotland for a Ski Sunday feature last winter (39:00)There are over 170 episodes to catch up with and 118 were listened to in the last week. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Follow Chemmy at @chemmyski

Iain chats with Team GB freestyle skier Kirsty Muir. Kirsty has enjoyed an impressive first two senior seasons, including being Britain's youngest competitor at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, multiple World Cup podiums and medalling at the X Games.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 Kirsty finished 6th in the final World Cup Slopestyle of the season in Silvaplana, Switzerland Listen to our special episode with Izzy and Zoe Atkin Iain interviewed GB Snowsports Head Coach Pat Sharples Kirsty picked up two bronze medals at the X Games Iain spoke to Mia Brookes at the Birmingham Snow Show in Episode 158 Kirsty had to put her Highers on hold to go to Olympics She was Britain's youngest competitor at the Beijing Winter Olympics, where she finished 5th in Big Air and 8th in the Slopestyle Kirsty won silver at the World Youth Olympics in 2020 The Aberdeen Snowsports Centre was Kirsty’s first opportunity to try skiing The Lecht and Glenshee are the nearest resorts to Aberdeen Joe Tyler has been Kirsty’s coach since she first went to the Brits Kirsty was shortlisted for the 2022 Downdays Skier of the Year Red Bull invited Kirsty to join their team in 2022 Listen to Iain’s interview with Jim Adlington, founder of Planks Clothing Kirsty wears the Planks men’s ‘Good Times’ ski pants & ‘Happy Days’ anorak Check out the Woodsy signature range https://www.instagram.com/p/CnfGUoeLtW9/?hl=en

We discuss backcountry skiing in Scotland, Pays de Gex in France and the Freeride World Tour final in Verbier. Iain was joined by ski journalist Catherine Murphy, instructor and film-maker George Treble and founder of British Backcountry, Blair Aitken.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESYou can vote for ‘The Ski Podcast’ as ‘Best Wilderness Podcast’ in the Sports Podcast Awards (0:30) Catherine was last on the show in Episode 99 telling us about the ski scene in Ireland George is based in Morzine and is an instructor at the Avoriaz Alpine Ski SchoolDave Burrows (SnowPros Ski School) reported from Glacier 3000 in Switzerland (3:45)Andy Butterworth (Kaluma Ski) is based in St Anton, Austria (5:15)Rob Rees was out in the Aosta Valley in Italy (07:45)Simon Burgess was reporting from Andermatt in Switzerland (08:30)The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallees - the largest ski area in the world (9:30)Iain spoke to Tom & Olivier in Episode 172 about Les 3 Vallees Enduro Listen to Iain’s report on the Dynastar X3 Triathlon in Episode 93 (10:00)You can watch ’10 in a Weekend’ here (10:30)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWqb4CHQEEI Find out more about action cameras and iPhones in Episode 171 (17:30) This is the cover shot of the film, showing Blair abseiling down Angel’s Face (19:30) Blair runs British Backcountry, with his business partner, Gav Carruthers (23:00) The Brits took place in Cairngorm last weekend (27:30) Olympians who turned out included Murray Buchan, Lesley McKenna and Kirsty Muir (28:00) Our next episode will be a special interview with Kirsty Muir Find out more about Pays de Gex in France and the ski areas (29:00) Iain reported from Abruzzo in Episode 170 (31:30) Try the zip wire in Pays de Gex (33:30) Jane Shah reported from the Freeride World Tour final in Verbier (36:00) Jane spoke with multiple winner at Verbier, Reine Barkered (39:00) Nicolas Hale Woods is the co-founder of the Freeride World Tour (40:00)Secure a free ticket to this October's Snow Shows with the code 'SKIPODCAST' Feedback (44:30) 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 [email protected] Faustian: "Brilliant podcast. As ever wish it was more frequent. Loved the interview with Ed Leigh"Sassman1: "Wholesome, inspiring, addictive. This podcast evokes so many good memories and gets me very excited for many more to be made in the mountains" Ann Bennett: "Great podcast"InsideMorzine: "Quite simply the best out there!" The Comfortable Spot Podcast: "Loved your chat with Ed and the episode about Afghanistan" There are over 170 episodes to catch up with so don't forget to subscribe so youdon't miss an episode. If you enjoy the pod, you can always Buy Me A Coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast on social

We discuss the famous Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, plus we look in detail at Verbier in Switzerland. Iain was joined by ski journalists Katie Bamber and Tristan Kennedy.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESKatie was last on the show in Episode 168 talking about #VanLife (0:30)Read Katie’s piece about Jackson Hole, Wyoming here (1:00)Tristan was calling in from the Hotel Suisse in Champery, Switzerland (2:15)Please vote for The Ski Podcast in the ‘Best Wilderness’ category in the Sports Podcast Awards (4:30)The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallées - the largest ski area in the worldWinter Legacy event in Courchevel is organised by Alexis Pinterault (5:15)In Episode 98 Emily Sarsfield spoke about the AJ Bell Challenge (5:30) Olivier Desaulty and Tom Herbst from Les 3 Vallées joined us to discuss the ‘Enduro’ (6:00) The Les 3 Vallées Enduro takes place on Sunday 02 April Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel (14:45) Betony Garner was in Courmayeur in Italy (15:45) Simon Burgess was skiing in Yad Moss in England on 11 March (16:45) Find out more about Yad Moss in Episode 88 of The Ski Podcast Sian Grigg from Pyrenean Odysseys reported on the current situation there Iain travelled to Verbier by train (18:30)Intersport Ski Hire gave Iain some Rossignol BlackOps Sender skis (19:30)Read Al Morgan’s review of the BlackOps (19:45) There were several major avalanches the day Iain arrived in Verbier (20:00) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tcENVVgHJrY Robin Shah has reported for the podcast from Verbier on several occasions (21:30)Iain and Robin skied the Three Fingers Couloir from Attelas (28:30)Listen to our in-depth interview with Warren Smith in this special episode (29:00)Can all ski resorts be categorised as either ‘fur’ resorts or ‘Goretex’ resorts? (33:30)The final of the Freeride World Tour takes place in Verbier on 25 March (34:30)Iain ate at two excellent restaurants: Le Rouge and La Nonna (35:00) Dr. Michel Payot made the first ski crossing from Chamonix to Zermatt in 1903 (38:00) The Patrouille des Glaciers race goes from Verbier to Zermatt (39:00)Katie's trip on the Haute Route was organised by Adventure Base Tristan travelled a new variant of the Haute Route (46:00) Tristan recommends earplugs if staying in a refuge! (50:00) There was double gold in the World Cup Snowboard Cross for Charlotte Bankes (56:00) Mikaela Shiffrin has set a new World Cup skiing record with her 87th win (56:30) Feedback (56:45)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 [email protected] Liam Major has been working his way through every podcast: "I've finally caught up with the podcast after starting from the first episode. The pods seem to get better and better as I've progressed through them, once again thanks for this brilliant podcast I've truly learnt a lot and will continue to listen."Christian: "Keep up the excellent podding!" Plus the best place if you want to review us is Apple Podcasts. Thanks for these two recent reviews: Paul from Inside Morzine: "Love this podcast: it's the shining light that gets me through the week. Informative, educational & extremely interesting. Keep up the brilliant work." DuncanSW: "Iain is a great host. Fantastic range of skiing topics & really useful information on all sorts of things. Highly recommended" 57% of our listeners in the UK with the next biggest countries are the USA, Australia, France and Canada. Please do let us know if you're listening from further afield. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. And if you enjoy the pod, you can always BMAC at Buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Thanks to Les 3 Vallées for sponsoring the show

We find out about action cameras (GoPros and their equivalents), including how best to film, how to edit and how to go viral. Plus we discover whether the Carv helped Iain ski better, and about the world's most sustainable ski trip. Iain was joined by Anna Hughes (founder of Flight Free UK), Chris Moran (Intersport Ski Hire) and podcast regular Al Morgan (SkiKitInfo.com) Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 Listen to our special podcast with snowboarding pioneer Chris Moran Al was last on the podcast in Episode 168, telling us about the ski test Alex Armand (Tip Top Ski Coaching) reported from Les 2 Alpes, France (03:45) Robin Shah sent us his report from Verbier in Switzerland (4:30) Steve Angus works a ski instructor in Val d'Isere (5:50) Keith Webb reported from Kaprun in Austria (7:20) Thanks to Joe Childs for suggesting our chat about action cameras (8:20) Check out the Skipedia YouTube channel (09:15) Iain and Al both use a GoPro Hero7 Black Al also uses an Insta360 One X2 (09:45) Chris uses an iPhone 13 Pro for most of his filming (12:00) Take a look at Al’s SkiKitInfo channel here (17:45) Overheard in French Ski Resorts’ went viral in 2017 (21:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q37Gp0xge74 Chris starred in snowboard movies back in the day like Odd Man Out and Daytripper (23:15) Chris uses Adobe Premiere for editing (25:30) You can follow Intersport Rent on TikTok (26:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdGwK-rK4I4 Anna Hughes is the founder of Flight Free UK (29:30) Anna travelled to Anzere in Switzerland (34:00) POW recently produced this excellent graphic showing how the carbon cost of your ski trip can be divided up (34:45) Anna rented clothes from Ecoski (35:15) Read Anna's article in the Evening Standard (41:00) Iain used the Carv while on holiday in Roccaraso (41:15) Iain had his ski boots fitted at Profeet: you can listen to his experience in Episode 163 There is a 'Train With An Olympian' setting with Ted Ligety (46:00) Mia Brookes became Snowboard World Champion in Slopestyle (50:45) Iain interviewed Mia in Episode 158 Charlotte Brookes/Huw Nightingale Team won the Team Snowboard Cross Zoe Atkin took silver in the Ski Halfpipe (51:45) Find out about the Loch Insh Crowdfunder Read Iain’s article about Bladon Lines in Ski+Board magazine (52:30) FEEDBACK (52:30)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 [email protected] Richard Sideways: "Really good interview with Ed Leigh. His passion for the mountains and the sport really comes across" Ryunis: "Excellent pod with Ed Leigh. Possibly my favourite yet" Dale Hardman: "170 was a great episode" Tom Thorp: "Thank you for all your work creating interesting episodes & insights"There are over 170 episodes to catch up with and 118 were listened to in the last week.Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. And if you enjoy the pod, you can Buy Me a Coffee as Heather Burns kindly did: "So love your podcasts, listen to them with my kids and now have requests to go ski touring and open water swimming. Really love your championing of more sustainable travel, whilst we drive to our ski holidays (definitely a much moved part of the trips) we are now taking the train not the plain for a trip to Berlin in the summer checking out the new Eurosleeper" You can follow iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss skiing in Roccaraso in the Italian Appenines, take a look at skiing in Hokkaido, Japan and look at the impact of climate change on La Plagne. Iain was joined by Jen Tsang in La Plagne and podcast regular, Mike Richards in Niseko, Japan.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESJen was on the show talking about La Plagne in Episode 99You can read Jen’s guide to La Plagne hereMike most recently joined us in Episode 165, discussing MadesimoAndy Butterworth (Kaluma Ski) reported from St Anton in Austria (3:30)Dave Burrows (SnowPros Ski School) has news from Villars in Switzerland (7:00)Jen updates us on the snow conditions in La Plagne (9:30) Listen to Jen talking about the changes on the glacier in La Plagne in Episode 99 (13:45)Will summer skiing in Europe be affected by low snowfall this winter? (16:00)Ski racers have signed an open letter to FIS asking for more action on climate change (18:00) Mike spoke from Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan (20:00)Rusutsu is one of Mike’s favourite resorts (23:00)Lucy Aspen-Kean from Telegraph Ski & Snowboard recently visited Japan as well(26:00)Mike also recommends basing yourself in Furano (28:00)Roccaraso is in the Appenine mountain range in Italy (29:00)Naples and Pompeii are easy side trips to combine with the ski area Iain interviewed Bonaventura Margadonna, head of the Alto Sangro ski area (31:00)Fiona from Ski Abruzzo was Iain’s translator (33:00) Iain will report on the Carv in discussion with Al Morgan in Episode 171 (36:00)The GB Bobsleigh team picked up silver at the World Champs (37:00)Jasmine Taylor took her first podium of the season in telemarkCharlotte Bankes won the Cortina World Cup in Snowboard Cross Kirsty Muir and Zoe Atkin took World Cup podiums in Ski Slopestyle & Big AirThe Freestyle World Champs are on right now in Bakuirani, Georgia (38:00)FEEDBACK (38:30)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 [email protected]. Laura Hargrave: "Loved the feature on van life in Episode 167"Ian West: "Loved the refuge stay in Les 3 Vallees: you could tell you enjoyed it"Judy Matthews: "Keep the episodes coming, it's a wonderful listen and I have got a few of my friends hooked on it too"If you want to do something to help the show why not give us a review on Apple Podcasts.There are over 170 episodes to catch up with and 123 were listened to in the last weekAre you one of our listeners in Iceland or El Salvador? (40:00) If you enjoy the pod, you can BuyMeACoffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast: @dwib: “Thanks for doing what you do. It's the highlight of the day when the pod goes up!”You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Thanks to Les 3 Vallées for sponsoring the podcast.

Ed Leigh has been the co-presenter of BBC’s Ski Sunday since 2007. We caught up with him in Les 3 Vallées prior to the 2023 World Championships, which are taking place in Courchevel and Méribel from 06-19 February.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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· Ski Sunday has already featured races in Adelboden, Wengen, Kitzbuhel and Schladming· The season had a bad start in December 2022 with many resorts limited to strips of snow (4:30)· Lauren MacCallum from Protect Our Winters appeared in Episode 168 of The Ski Podcast (5:00)· You can raise money for Disability Snowsport UK by donating 10-100% of the sale price to them on ebay (6:45) · You can find out when Ed lists his snowboard by following him on Instagram (9:15)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QigEVZcJni4· Ski Sunday returned to Chamonix for the Kandahar Slalom (15:00)· Ed bought the Courchevel ski touring lift pass (15:45)· Ed is a big fan of FatMap (17:45)· The Breche de la Portetta is spectacular (19:00)· Iain reported on his stay in an unmanned refuge in Méribel in Episode 167 (19:15)· The Alpine Ski World Championships take place in Courchevel & Méribel from 06-19 February (22:00)· Matt Barr presents the ‘Looking Sideways’ podcast (25:15)· Find out more about the ‘Natural Selection’ tour (26:30)· Ed and Graham presented High Altitude as part of Ski Sunday (30:00)· Ed took Simon Le Bon sailing in Sweden (33:00)· Listen to Iain’s interview with Mia Brookes in Episode 158 (37:00)· Iain interviewed Chemmy Alcott when the Ski Sunday team were based in Laax in Episode 67· During the 2021 season in Laax, Ed dislocated his knee cap and broke his tibia (42:00)https://www.instagram.com/p/CLp2Pqxsy9Q/· Ed is based in Wanaka, New Zealand outside of the northern winter

We discuss next year's kit, travelling to the mountains by train & EV and solar panels in Méribel. Plus we have new snow reports, a Team GB update and a snippet from our forthcoming interview with Ed Leigh. Iain was joined by Lauren MacCallum and Lindsey Dixon from Protect Our Winters and equipment expert, Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo.com Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 Al was in La Clusaz (2:00) Here’s a look at Candide Thovex doing what he does best in his home resort https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKP7jQknGjs Lindsey reports on her skiing in Val d’Isere Lauren was splitboarding in Cairngorm, Scotland and prior to that in Les 7 Laux, France (see our main photo for a shot of the inversion!) (3:00) Betony Garner reported from Flaine, France (5:15) Dave Burrows from Snowpros Ski School reported from Morgins, Switzerland (plus Avoriaz & Villars) (6:30) Ed Leigh has been splitboarding in Courchevel (9:15) The SIGB Ski Test took place in La Clusaz (11:15) The industry trade show, Slide, takes place in early January (17:00) https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1621049951538003969 Al writes up his equipment tests for his own website SkiKitInfo.com, as well as for The Telegraph and Fall Line Skiing magazine Trends to look out for include ‘cinch’ bindings on ski boots (20:00) Look out for the Salomon Addict Pro piste ski (21:00) Lauren uses a Nidecker Thruster unisex snowboard (23:00) Al tested the Carv device (24:00) Protect Our Winters was founded by snowboarder Jeremy Jones (28:00) Lindsey travelled on a Ouigo service from Paris to Bourg-St-Maurice (30:30) The final bus transfer was booked with Altibus (37:00) Lauren drove to Val Thorens in a Tesla Y electric car (38:00) Iain drove to Zermatt in a Tesla in August (39:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8fgtVU3bhI Regenerative braking adds to the battery range when going downhill (42:30)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xthOeIsk3Mc Clement Martinod works for the Meribel Alpine lift company Solar panels have been added to the Saulire Express lift mid-station (44:00) All Compagnie des Alpes snow groomers have been converted from diesel to HVO (48:00) Dave Ryding came second in Kitzbuhel (50:00) Mia Brookes took second in the Laax Open Freestyle Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup Iain interviewed Mia in Episode 158 Zoe Atkin won gold in the Ski Superpipe at the XGames in Aspen Kirsty Muir won two bronzes at the XGames Makayla Gerken Schofield took bronze in her first Moguls World Cup podium The Alpine Ski World Championships take place in Courchevel and Meribel in Les 3 Vallees from 06-13 Feb (51:00) The full interview with Ski Sunday’s Ed Leigh will be released as Episode 169 on 10 February FeedbackI 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 [email protected] Rachel Flynn: "Absolutely loving the podcast" BobinCH: "James was a great listen in Episode 166" Kat Ryb: "How have I not come across this before? Just listened to the two recent episodes and they are great!"Joe Childs: "I am completely addicted to your podcast. I really like the mix of content, alongside the frequent sustainability features, equipment reviews & snow reports. Having watched the first episode of Ski Sunday of the season (probably my favourite TV programme) on 8th January, I searched Spotify for something similar and found The Ski Podcast. Since then, I have listened to 41 of the episodes and I have no plan to slow down.” You can follow iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We discuss touring the Alps in a camper van, going off-grid in Les 3 Vallées, ski jumping in Innsbruck and follow up on the Ice Swimming World Championships in Samoens. Iain was joined by Katie Bamber - online editor at Fall Line Magazine - and freelance journalist Katja Gaskell. Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 Katie last skied in Cervinia, Italy (2:30) Al Morgan will be reporting on the SIGB Ski Test in Episode 168 (3:00) Iain reports on snow conditions in Meribel last week (3:30) Iain rented Rossignol Sky 7 skis from Intersport, fitted with touring bindings (4:00) https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1614563311441395718 Steve Angus reports from Val d'Isère (5:00) Stephen Spiers was skiing at Glencoe Mountain in Scotland (6:20) Jim Duncombe reports from La Clusaz (8:00) The Ice Swimming World Championships took place in Samoens (10:00) https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1616383120063725570 Iain spoke with Team GB competitor Cathy Munro in Episode 166 Katie Bamber toured the Alps in an adapted camper van last winter (18:30) Read Katie’s article in Fall Line Magazine (20:00) Katie previously lived in Sun Valley, Idaho (26:00, 27:20) Iain ski toured to the Refuge du Saut in Meribel (28:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiwA0XOPDvYRob Rees reported from the Bergisel Ski Jumping event in Innsbruck (37:30) FeedbackI enjoy all feedback about the show, so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Laura Hargrave: "I've come across your podcast recently and I have to say that I LOVE it." Dave Mills: "Recent convert, brilliant format and unbelieveable variety of ski, boarding, equipment, sustainability and resort-related subjects; now hooked for life!" There are over 160 episodes to catch up with and 141 were listened to in the last week. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Thank you to Les 3 Vallées - the world's largest ski area - for sponsoring the show.

We discuss skiing in Iraq and Afghanistan with Ashley Hartz and James Willcox from Untamed Borders, as well as ice swimming in Samoens with Cathy Munro. The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallées - the largest ski area in the worldIntersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 James was last on the podcast in March 2021 when we discussed skiing in Afghanistan Ashley is based in Snoqualmie in Washington State, USA Patrick Thorne is the author of ’Around the World in 50 Pistes’ and was on the podcast in Episode 162 (3:45) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel, France (5:30) Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Courmayeur and Pila in the Aosta Valley, Italy (6:30) Keith Webb reported from Badhofgastein in Austria (10:00) Gethin James reported from Cairngorm Mountain in Scotland (11:44) Gethin joined us for Episode 162 to tell us about skiing in Solden Find out about the new Rannoch chairlift at Glencoe Mountain Ashley tells us about skiing in Iraq (13:15) The Hamilton Road links Iraq and Iran (15:15) Korek ski resort in Iraq has 200m of groomed pistes (16:30) Find out about Free to Run (23:00) The 6th Choman Winter Festival took place in 2022 (24:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiD8ckLY054 The Iraq Ski Rally was set up by Untamed Winters (26:30) Check the latest FCO advice on Iraq (29:45) Untamed Borders helped with the logistics for Michael Palin’s programme ‘Into Iraq’ recorded for Channel 5 (30:00) Try Battleface travel insurance for cover in destinations like Iraq (30:30) Listen to our special episode about skiing in Afghanistan (33:00) Read about the Afghan Sports Trust (35:00) The World Ice Swimming Championships are taking place in Samoens in January 2022 (40:00) You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast on social media

We discuss skiing in destinations as diverse as Orelle, Madesimo and Uzbekistan, find out about the new sports centre in Val Thorens, plus we have snow reports from across Europe and some words from a World Champion. Iain was joined by Sophie Ibbotson and regular guest, Mike Richards. Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Episode 1654:30 Snow Reports10:00 Les Gets smoking ban12:15 Orelle17:00 Val Thorens24:00 Uzbekistan 35:00 Madesimo 41:30 Team GB42:50 Alexis Pinterault46:00 Ski Touring49:30 Skiing in Wales SHOW NOTES Both Mike and Sophie were on ‘The Ski Podcast Live’ panel at the National Snow Show in Birmingham In Episode 90 Mike told us about skiing in Turkey (2:00) The Ski Podcast is sponsored by L3V - the largest ski area in the world Charles Leocha in the book 'Ski Europe describes it: 'On paper, the area is overwhelming, in person it's mind expanding' (3:00) Andy Butterworth of Kaluma Ski reported from St Anton (4:30) Robin Shah is in Verbier (7:14) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (9:20) Les Gets smoking ban: A territory without butts (10:00) Iain visited Orelle, travelling by train (12:15) The new Orelle-Cime gondola opened in December 2021 (15:00) Iain travelled as a pedestrian from Orelle to Val Thorens (17:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfJK9dPG0o Iain visited the new sports centre in Val Thorens, ‘Le Board’ (18:00) Eric Blancot is the commercial director at the Val Thorens Tourist Office https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1604430159637106688 Amirsoy is the new ski resort in Uzbekistan (24:00) Ubekistan has five UNESCO world heritage sites (31:15) Laurent Vanat produces the International Report on Snow and Mountain Tourism (33:15) This excellent article on Uzbekistan by Tristan Kennedy appeared in Snow Magazine Felix Milns told us about parachuting above the Eiger in Episode 98 (34:15) You can find out more about Madesimo in this article from Fall Line (35:00) This is the official Madesimo website (39:00) Double podium for Charlotte Bankes in back-to-back Cervinia World Cups (41:30) Andrew Musgrave took his second World Cup podium Andrews Musgrave and Young appeared in this special episode of the podcast) (42:00) Makayla Gerken Schofield’s 6th in Idre Fjall, Sweden was her best ever result Kirsty Muir took 5th in the Copper Mountain Ski Big Air World Cup Alexis Pinterault is the most successful French ski racer of all time (42:50) Listen to the full interview with Alexis here The Alpine Ski World Championships take place in Courchevel and Meribel from 06-19 February (46:00) You can listen to how Al and Iain decided on Atomic Prime Hawx ski boots in Episode 163 (46:45) Iain’s skis from Intersport Ski Hire were Atomic Backland 86s – great skis! (47:00) Listen to Mike talking about skiing in Wales (49:30) Feedback Dom Winter (POW): “Thanks for making this great episode [about sustainability]“ Miranda Walsh (YT): “Thanks for posting this interview [with Alexis Pinterault]. It's a great listen” Paul Bond (YT): “Great chat” Christian (email): “Thanks for being such a great source of ski info!” Rob (email): “I’m enjoying all your new podcasts” If you enjoy the show, there's two things you can do to help:1) Give us a review. You might hear this on other podcasts, but it genuinely does helps others find us 2) you're always welcome to BMAC at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast. The podcast is a passion project for me, every episodetakes 5-6 hours of my time, but I love it, so if you fancy buying me a coffeethat would be lovely. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Iain speaks with Alexis Pinterault – the most successful French ski racer of all time. Alexis made his World Cup debut at 17 and has since won 34 World Cup races. He has represented France at six World Championships and three Winter Olympics (winning two Bronze medals). Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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.- Alexis finished 5th in the Slalom in Val d'Isere (1:30)- The Courchevel-Meribel World Ski Championships take place from 06-19 February 2023 (2:20)- His first turns were on the Pralong slope in Courchevel (4:30)- Pinterault was World Junior Champion in 2009 (6:00)- Alexis won the overall 'Crystal Globe' in 2021 (7:30)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK9IPvfi6TY- ‘Winter Legacy’ takes place in Courchevel on 07-08 April (9:00)- Alexis’ book ‘From Gold to Crystal’ is currently only available in French, German and Italian (14:30)

Iain has his ski boots fitted at Profeet, we discuss how to protect your skin when skiing and look at La Plagne glacier lift changes. Iain was joined by Jen Tsang from La Plagne and regular guest and equipment expert Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo.com and down the line by Michelle Baker from Melanoma Fund and Tim Fawke from Snowsport England.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 Jen last appeared on the snow in Episode 99 Al skied in Obertauern in Austria The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallées - the largest ski area in the world Patrick Thorne is author of 'Around the World in 50 Pistes' and appeared on the show in Episode 162 Les 3 Vallées once had 220 lifts, but now it’s only 160 – as they are bigger and faster, with an uplift capacity of 300,000 skiers/snowboarders per hour Chris Moran from Intersport Ski Hire reported from the opening weekend in Courchevel (3:40) Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School was in Cervinia, Italy (5:30) Keith Webb reported from Kaprun, Austria (7:10) Betony Garner was skiing in Courmayeur, Italy (9:20) Michelle Baker is the CEO of the Melanoma Fund about their new snowsports campaign (10:15) Tim Fawke is the CEO of Snowsport England La Plagne are making changes to the Bellecote glacier (18:20) Find out about the Flocon Vert accreditation from Mountain Riders (22:40) Six more resorts were awarded the Flocon Vert last month (23:15) After a lot of discussion with Al, Iain chose the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 CT GW for his new boots (24:45) Al explains about GripWalk soles in ski boots (26:50) Iain went to Profeet in Fulham to have his new boots fitted and custom insoles made (28:00) Master bootfitter Sam Jones looked after Iain (29:30) Sam also fitted the Carv device, which Iain will be testing in Val Thorens later this month (36:30) The choice of sock material (merino, silk, manmade) depends on individual physiology and budget (38:30) Feedback Please send your feedback about the show to us on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Thanks to all our following at Snowheads and your comments about our Ski Boot Special (Episode 161) MikePow: "Great episode. Essential listening" boredsurfin: "Excellent episode" BobinCH: "Colin is hilarious and super knowledgeable" Layne: "Another great episode - keep up the good work" Miranda Slater contacted us via Facebook: "I'm a great fan of your Podcast and love to listen when you drop new episodes. Thanks for all your insightful interviews." Don’t forget that there are over 160 episodes to catch up with. 153 of these were listened to in the last week (only the PyeongChang Winter Olympic specials missed out). If you enjoy the show, there's two things you can do to help: 1) Give us a review on Apple Podcasts 2) Buy me a Coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow me@skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

We find out about skiing in Ukraine, trains to the Pyrénées and travel ‘Around the World in 50 Slopes’. Iain is joined by UK ski journalist, Patrick Thorne, Sian Grigg from Pyrenean Odysseys and Jem Rose from PowderMad.Intersport Ski Hire Discount CodeSave 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 NOTESPatrick was in Val Thorens for ‘La Grand Derniere’Sian skied in Grand TourmaletWe featured skiing in Georgia in Episode 37 of The Ski Podcast The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Les 3 Vallees - the largest ski area in the worldVal Thorens is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winterAlex Irwin from ‘150 Days of Winter’ reported from VT on their opening weekend Snow Factor in Glasgow has closed 'Around the World in 50 Slopes' is the new book from Patrick Thorne Svalbard featured in Episode 94 of The Ski PodcastJem’s group were in Dragobrat in Ukraine Find out about the charity War Child here You can buy Powermad’s ski socks here Pyrenean Odysseys is based in Luz St SauveurThe Paris-Lourdes night train is one of only two serving ski resorts in FranceEpisode 160 was a sustainability specialIain travelled with his family to Cauterets to prove a half-term ski trip on a budget is possibleRead Iain’s article for ‘The Independent’ about train travel to ski resortsFind out more about Intersport Ski Hire hereJames Gambrill is General Manager of The Ski Club of Great Britain We spoke to James in Episode 75 just after he'd taken over as GM FEEDBACK Sean Lally: "Love the pod" Richard Salden: "Enjoying the podcast & the wide range of topics and opinions"Andy Thain: "Keep up the good work"There are over 160 episodes to catch up with and amazingly 127 of them were listened to in the last week. I'd love to hear where you listen to the podcast - commuting, in the gym, or at work. Andrea Dalton will be listening "on my dog walk in the morning". I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] If you enjoy the show, why not review us as it helps other people find us. Apple Podcasts is best - if you leave a comment we'll read it out on the next episode. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast