218: Arcteryx's 'ReBIRD' project, Skiing in Svalbard & Tignes leave Compagnie des Alpes
Today we find out what it’s like skiing in Arctic circle in Svalbard and look into some of the great work that the clothing brand Arcteryx are doing on sustainability. Plus we report on Tignes' decision to split with Compagnie des Alpes. Host Iain Martin was joined by Dominique Showers from Arcteryx Clothing and Verbier local and regular snow reporter Robin Shah. SHOW NOTES Mt Seymour (https...
36m Aug 16, 2024
36m
217: St Martin de Belleville, driving an EV to Alpe d'Huez & 'Alpine 100'
We find out about the ski resort of St Martin de Belleville in Les 3 Vallées, what it’s like driving an electric car up the 21 hairpin bends that take you to Alpe d’Huez, plus we look at a brilliant new initiative to raise funds for British skiers. Iain was joined by Vanessa Fisher and Simon McIntyre, MD at Igluski.com (https://www.igluski.com/) and down the line by Scott Dobson from Alpine 10...
40m Aug 02, 2024
40m
216: Courchevel, Les 2 Alpes in summer & the Northern Snow Show
In this episode we focus on Courchevel, including an update on the Saulire cable car and how the resort is surviving without Russians, plus we discuss summer in Les 2 Alpes and find out about the new Northern Snow Show. Iain was joined live by Alex Armand, from Tip Top Ski Coaching (https://tiptopskicoaching.com/) in Les 2 Alpes and YouTuber Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter (https://www.yout...
39m Jul 18, 2024
39m
215: Australia Focus (inc Thredbo's half pipe), London Snow Show & SBIT
We discuss the latest ski news from Australia, get an update on summer skiing in Tignes and Val d’Isere and find out about this autumn’s London Snow Show. We also look into how SBIT are lobbying for more trains to the Alps and the possible Youth Mobility Scheme, which would be great news for young people wanting to do a ski season. Iain was joined by Australia specialist and founder of the Sn...
46m Jul 05, 2024
46m
214: La Grave & the future of snowsports in the USA
We find out about the off-piste resort of La Grave and the state of the snowsports market in the USA, including ways to tackle climate change and bring newcomers to the sport. Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Sam Haddad and Nick Sargent, President of the SIA (Snowsports Industries America). SHOW NOTES Utah offers ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ (3:30) Marcel Hirscher is coming out of re...
46m Jun 24, 2024
46m
213: Stu Brass, Founder 'The Brits' & Snowboarding Consultant on 'Chalet Girl' & 'The Jump'
This is a special interview with Stu Brass - co-founder of ‘The Brits’, snowboard advisor to film & TV (including ‘Chalet Girl’ and ‘The Jump’) and ex-pro snowboarder. If you have followed skiing or snowboarding in the UK in the last two decades you will have seen Stu’s work. He co-founded ‘The Brits’ – the British freestyle championships – and his expertise in running events has meant that he...
54m Jun 07, 2024
54m
212: Portillo & Valle Nevado, Chile plus how to become a Ski Club of Great Britain rep
In Episode 212 we find out about Valle Nevado and Portillo in Chile, what it’s like being a resort rep for the Ski Club of Great Britain and check in on a possible direct London-Geneva train. Iain Martin was joined by travel journalist, Lou Cameron-Hall and artist and snowsports blogger, Martina Diez-Routh. SHOW NOTES Katie Bamber wrote this article on summer ski options (https://welove2ski....
43m May 24, 2024
43m
211: Paddy Graham, Professional Skier & Filmmaker
This special episode is an interview with pro-skier and filmmaker Paddy Graham. Paddy was one of the first wave of British freeskiers who burst out of the UK dry slope and indoor scene into the international arena in the early-2000s. Paddy is an extremely accomplished freeride and freestyle skier, but is best known for the incredibly creative ski films that he's starred in and produced, as co-...
1hr 1m May 10, 2024
1hr 1m
210: Baqueira Beret in Spain & the growth of skiing in China
We discuss Baqueira Beret in Spain and finding out about skiing in China – the fastest growing ski market in the world. Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Gabriella Le Breton and Justin Downes, President of Axis Leisure (https://axisleisure.com/) , who specialise in resort development in China. SHOW NOTES Gaby last skied in Andermatt (1:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Mike Goar (ht...
53m Apr 26, 2024
53m
209: Les 2 Alpes, Trysil in Norway & Vans For Bands
We discuss Les 2 Alpes in France, Trysil in Norway and find out more about a great new way of travelling to the snow on your ski holiday. Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Rebecca Miles and Tarrant Anderson, founder of Vans For Bands. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (https://www...
51m Apr 12, 2024
51m
208: Xavier De Le Rue, Professional Snowboarder
This episode is a special interview with professional snowboarder Xavier De Le Rue. We speak about his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and Antarctica. We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about sustainability and his Audi Exp...
36m Apr 05, 2024
36m
207: Val Cenis, Haute Maurienne and skiing in Slovenia
We find out more about Val Cenis and the Haute Maurienne area of France as well as discoving what the skiing in Slovenia is like. Iain was joined by freelance journalists Katja Gaskell and Rob Rees. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (https://www.intersportrent.com/skirent?partid=f47aea1a...
40m Mar 28, 2024
40m
206: Verbier, Saalbach & the impact of climate change on ski resorts
In this episode, we discuss Verbier, Saalbach Hinterglemm and the impact of climate change on ski resorts. Plus we have a lot of feedback on Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass, which we covered in Episode 204. Iain was joined by freelance journalist and regular guest Catherine Murphy and David George, founder of the PisteHors.com website Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hi...
56m Mar 22, 2024
56m
205: Frank 'Scoop' Baldwin, Ski Journalist
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 NOTES O...
34m Mar 14, 2024
34m
204: Vail Resorts' Acquisition of Andermatt & Crans Montana, plus Geilo in Norway
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. Int...
44m Mar 08, 2024
44m
203: Ski Scotland Special ft Ben Lawers, Glencoe & The Wild Weekend
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 NOTES Amy was on the show in Episode 198 (https://theskipodcast.com/podcast/198-skiing-to-the-south-pole-a-marathon-in-les-2-...
42m Mar 01, 2024
42m
202: Blair Aitken, British Backcountry Ski expert
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 (https://www.british-backcountry.co.uk/) . He is also the author ...
26m Feb 23, 2024
26m
201: Ski Norway Special ft Gausta, Strandafjellet and Fjellsetra
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com (http://intersportrent.com/) , or simply take this link (https://www.intersportrent.com/s...
41m Feb 16, 2024
41m
200: Chamonix, Jasmin Taylor & Zak Carrick-Smith
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 ...
1hr Feb 08, 2024
1hr
199: Dave 'The Rocket' Ryding, Ski Racer
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 train...
38m Feb 02, 2024
38m
198: Skiing to the South Pole, Les 2 Alpes Marathon & 2024 Ski Test
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 int...
49m Jan 25, 2024
49m
The Best Ski Gloves & Socks of Winter 2024 (plus why you should NEVER buy ‘tube socks’)
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 ...
34m Jan 18, 2024
34m
197: Tips for skiing with children, ski carriage costs & the latest equipment trends
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 (http...
41m Jan 12, 2024
41m
The Best Ski Helmets & Goggles of Winter 2024 (plus what MIPS & VLT means)
Iain and Al cover the best new ski helmets and goggles for winter 2024, plus we explain all the jargon, including MIPS 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 (http://ww...
34m Jan 05, 2024
34m
196: Snow Report Special
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com (http://intersportrent.com/) , or simply take this link (https://www.intersportrent.c...
17m Dec 31, 2023
17m
The Best Ski Jackets of Winter 2024 (with all the technical terms explained)
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 ...
32m Dec 29, 2023
32m
195: The Eurostar Snow Train, Sustainable Les Arcs & Chemmy Alcott's EV experience
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 (https://www.independent.co.uk/travel) . Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money ...
52m Dec 22, 2023
52m
The Best Ski Boots of Winter 2024 (plus what 'Flex', 'Gripwalk' & BOA means)
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...
37m Dec 15, 2023
37m
194: Heliskiing in Chile & Innsbruck in Austria
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 (http://intersportrent.com/) , or simp...
46m Dec 08, 2023
46m
The Best Skis of Winter 2024 (plus what length and type to buy)
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. Alternati...
37m Dec 04, 2023
37m
193: Jamie Grant, Founder of Carv - 'The Digital Ski Coach'
A special interview with Jamie Grant - the founder of a great British skiing success story: the Carv device (https://getcarv.com/) . 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 po...
42m Dec 01, 2023
42m
192: Skiing in the Dolomites, Coach Travel & Ski Booking Trends
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 (https://inspireditaly.com/) and Dan Fox from Ski Weekends (https://www.skiweekends.com/) . Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take t...
47m Nov 24, 2023
47m
191: Lesley McKenna, British Snowboarding Legend
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...
55m Nov 16, 2023
55m
190: The story of Méribel, Killington & Banff Sunshine Village
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 in...
52m Nov 10, 2023
52m
189: Bode Miller, Ski Racer
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...
53m Oct 31, 2023
53m
188: National Snow Week ft Mia Brookes, Ed Leigh, Chemmy Alcott, Warren Smith & more
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 (https://mountaintradenetwork.com/event/listex-sastex-live/) . Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKI...
59m Oct 25, 2023
59m
187: Copper Mountain, BOA ski boots & ski equipment trends
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.com Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your s...
43m Oct 13, 2023
43m
186: Aspen's New Terrain and Autumn Skiing in Austria
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (https://www.intersportrent.com/skirent?partid=f47aea1aa40943b...
42m Sep 29, 2023
42m
185: New Ski Train Services & Ski Touring to the North Pole
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (https://www.intersportrent.com/skirent?partid=f47aea1aa4094...
51m Sep 18, 2023
51m
184: Hiking Les 3 Vallées, Zermatt's Alpine Crossing & Car Sharing in Méribel
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.c...
53m Sep 01, 2023
53m
183: Val Thorens in summer, Aussie lift queues & POW's 'Send It' campaign
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 (https://thatslaplagne.com/) , and Lindsey Dixon from Protect our Winters. (https://protectourwinters.uk/) Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at i...
50m Aug 21, 2023
50m
182: Perisher & Thredbo, Australia
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (https://www...
47m Aug 03, 2023
47m
181: Peter Landsman, Liftblog.com
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. ...
41m Jul 13, 2023
41m
180: The Ski Jobs Special (How to find a ski job, what jobs are available & when to apply)
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 (https://www.sbit.org.uk/) (Season...
1hr 6m Jun 30, 2023
1hr 6m
179: The Aosta Valley in Italy & climate change's impact on boardsports
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (https://www.intersportrent.com/skirent?partid=f47aea1aa40943b6b52efcf58f0be09e) for your discount to b...
40m Jun 16, 2023
40m
178: Après-ski, skiing in Bosnia & mountain biking in the Alps
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 (https://apresskibands.com/) , plus regular guests Mike Richards (last on show in E170 talking about Rusutsu in Japan (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://audioboom.com/posts/8252842-170-roccaraso-in-italy-rusutsu-in-japan-la-plagne&sa=D&source=...
53m Jun 05, 2023
53m
177: Tim Warwood, BBC snowboarding commentator
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 tru...
1hr 10m May 19, 2023
1hr 10m
176: National Snow Week, Trains to Austria & EVs to France
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 (https://mountaintradenetwork.com/) and Stephen Morgan from Raccoon Events, organisers of the National Snow Week (https://nationalsnowweek.com/) and ‘down the line’ by Hannah Zajic from the Austrian Tourist Board and Simon McIn...
52m May 05, 2023
52m
175: Behind the Scenes at 'Ski Sunday' with Chemmy Alcott
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 ...
42m Apr 21, 2023
42m
174: Kirsty Muir, Freestyle Skier
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 Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link (ht...
28m Apr 14, 2023
28m