249: Snow Camp, Skimigos, Muslim Ski Club | Improving diversity in snowsports
This week we look at how to inprove diversity within the ski industry and ways that under-representation is being addressed. Iain was joined by Amirra Blackwood and Dan Keeley from Snow Camp, Zahia Shaw from Skimigos and Burhan Ali from the Muslim Ski Club. SHOW NOTES Dan was last on the show in Episode 98 (https://theskipodcast.com/resorts/val-thorens/98-freefalling-above-the-eiger-the-aj-b...
37m Jun 13, 2025
37m
248: Sheffield Ski Village, Women’s World Snowsports Summit & ‘Way2Snow’ for new skiers
Today we look at a new project to help first-time skiers, find out about the Women’s World Snowsports Summit and learn about plans to reopen of the UK’s most iconic dry ski slopes, Sheffield Ski Village. Host Iain Martin was joined live by guests Kimberley Kay and James Gambrill and down the line by Tim Justice, Alex Armand and Luca, Zak and Freddy Carrick-Smith. SHOW NOTES Kim was last on t...
59m May 30, 2025
59m
247: ‘Ski Gear Q&A’ inc how to carry skis, how to do up boots & how to store kit over the summer
This episode is an equipment special, tackling essential questions about kit such as the best way to carry skis, the ‘right’ way to do up your ski boots and how to store your gear through the summer? We also look at the effect of tariffs on the US retail market and discuss the latest developments in BOA ski boot technology. Host Iain Martin was joined by our equipment expert, Al Morgan. Watc...
58m May 16, 2025
58m
246: Ski Jobs Special 2025: How & when to apply, and how to become a Ski Instructor
We look at how to make your dreams come true and find a ski job, including what jobs are available, what skills you need, when to apply and how the market has changed in the last few years. We also consider the ski instructor qualifications available and where they entitle you to work, and we also find out more about the possible new ‘Youth Mobility Scheme’. Host Iain Martin was joined by Jen...
57m May 02, 2025
57m
245: ‘The Brits’ in Mayrhofen, Passo Tonale and Jibworx
We find out about this year’s ‘Brits’ – the GB freestyle champs in Mayrhofen, get to know Jibworx and their new community for girls in snowsport, and learn about the Italian ski resort of Passo Tonale. We also have our regular snow reports, we announce the winner of our Vallon sunnies competition and Iain reveals a new UK snow challenge for May. Host Iain Martin was joined by Amelie Cockburn ...
53m Apr 18, 2025
53m
244: Team GB Focus with Zoe Atkin (Halfpipe), Iain Innes (Skimo) & Molly Butler (Slalom)
In this episode we speak with two British athletes having a breakthrough season in their different disciplines, plus we celebrate a new British world champion. As well as that we also have our regular snow reports, an update from European Gay Ski Week, competition news and your feedback. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Team GB slalom ski racer Molly Butler and Skimo athlete Iain ...
42m Apr 04, 2025
42m
243: ‘Going East’: Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania & Turkey by train
Today we find out about ‘Going East’ – a new ski film from Arc'teryx – which sees a team of four skiers make their way to ski in Italy, Austria, then Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey – all by public transport with not a single flight! In total they took 35 trains, 24 buses, 7 metro, 2 trams and spend over 140 hours travelling. They had to deal with language differences, connections and p...
41m Mar 28, 2025
41m
242: Selva Val Gardena, Saint Gervais & the World’s Steepest Cable Car
We find out more about Selva Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites, Saint Gervais in the Haute Savoie region of France and the world’s steepest cable car in Murren, Switzerland. Host Iain Martin was joined by freelance journalist Katja Gaskell and Alan Ramsey, sales manager for Schilthorn Cableway - the Murren lift company. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don’t forget that if you want to hel...
55m Mar 21, 2025
55m
241: Elise Wortley, Celebrating Women Mountaineers
Iain is joined by adventurer Elise Wortley. In the last 7 years, Elise has taken on some hugely challenging projects to highlight some of the original – and largely forgotten - female mountaineers and explorers. What makes her ‘Woman With Altitude’ project unique is that she has climbed and trekked in places such as the Himalayas, the Alps and the Cairngorms using the same equipment and clothi...
39m Mar 14, 2025
39m
240: Montagne Verte, Patagonia’s ‘Announcement’ & the Mer de Glace in Chamonix
Today is a sustainability special, looking at train travel to Morzine, the impact of global warming on the Mer de Glace in Chamonix, plus we take a closer look at Patagonia’s decision to become a company for ‘purpose, not profit’. We also have our regular snow reports, the latest news from GB Snowsports and your feedback. Iain Martin was joined Sara Burton from Montagne Verte in Morzine and M...
56m Mar 07, 2025
56m
239: Skiing on Mt Etna, Catalonia & Borovets in Bulgaria
We discuss ski touring on Mt Etna in Sicily, the mountains of Catalonia and Borovets in Bulgaria. Host Iain Martin was joined by guests Becs Miles and Mike Richards. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don’t forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com...
51m Feb 28, 2025
51m
238: Zoe Atkin, Team GB Freestyle Skier
Team GB freestyle skier Zoe Atkin has won multiple medals at the X-Games, World Cup and World Championships and is a hot prospect for a podium at next year's Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This season the 21-year-old has three World Cup podiums in five competitions, including a win and two second place finishes in her last three events. She will next be in action at next month’s Freestyle Worl...
38m Feb 21, 2025
38m
237: 3 Zinnen, European Sleeper, Serre Chevalier by train & Ski Valentines
We find out about 3 Zinnen in the Italian Dolomites, plus we have a train travel focus: looking at the European Sleeper to Italy and trains to Serre Chevalier. We also have our regular snow reports, gold medal news for Team GB and your ski Valentines stories, plus the chance to win some super-cool Vallon goggles. Host Iain Martin was joined by Babsi Lapwood from the Mountain Trade Network (ht...
45m Feb 14, 2025
45m
236: Ed Leigh on Ski Sunday, Mia Brookes & the Natural Selection Tour
This special episode of The Ski Podcast is an exclusive interview with BBC presenter Ed Leigh. Ed tells us how the ‘Ski Sunday’ season has gone so far, including why his co-presenter, Chemmy Alcott, was a natural when it came to snowboarding. We cover his journey from Turin 2006 to Paris 2024, where he commentated on the BMX and skateboarding, before discussing the ridiculous talent of Mia Br...
58m Feb 07, 2025
58m
235: Big Sky, Montana & advice on US Multipasses (inc Epic, Ikon, Indy & Mountain Collective)
We find out about Big Sky Resort in Montana and look into the multipass options in the States, including the Epic, Ikon, Indy and Mountain Collective passes. We also have our regular snow reports, your feedback, Team GB news and equipment expert Al Morgan reports from the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz. Host Iain Martin was joined by Nancy Shiel, Head of Ski Patrol at Big Sky Resort (https://www....
44m Jan 31, 2025
44m
234: Courmayeur, Ruanua Skiwear, Whitestorm Rental & Dave Ryding interview
We finding out about driving to the Alps in an electric vehicle, discuss Courmayeur in Italy, plus we have an entrepreneur focus talking to the founders of two snowsports companies. We also have our regular snow reports, your feedback, news on more World Cup wins for Team GB plus an update from Dave Ryding ahead of the World Champs in Saalbach. Iain was joined by Erin Flynn, founder of the cl...
43m Jan 24, 2025
43m
233: Mark Smith, 'The Man in Seat 61', on train travel to the Alps
Today is a special interview with Mark Smith – the train travel expert also known as ‘The Man in Seat 61’. We discuss his background; how he came to set up his website seat61.com; his views on the best routes to the Alps by train; the trend towards night trains; plus whether there will ever be competition for Eurostar on the cross-channel line. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you’re head...
47m Jan 17, 2025
47m
232: Montenegro, Tignes & European Gay Ski Week
We find out about skiing in Montenegro and Tignes, what it’s like at European Gay Ski Week and we look at the new Jandri 3S lift in Les 2 Alpes. We also have our regular snow reports, your feedback and news on World Cup wins for Team GB. Host Iain Martin is joined by freelance journalist Mary Novakovich, Matt Ware from European Gay Ski Week (https://www.europeangayskiweek.com/) and regular gu...
59m Jan 10, 2025
59m
The Best Ski Touring Equipment for 2025 (including skis, boots & bindings)
We focus on ski touring in this equipment special. Iain and Al look at the best skis and ski boots for people wanting an ‘all-rounder’ set up or a dedicated lightweight touring set up, as well as discussing layers and the different bindings available. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. They are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around th...
57m Jan 03, 2025
57m
231: John Yates-Smith, YSE Ski - 50 years in Val d'Isère
This special episode of The Ski Podcast featuring Val d'Isère legend John Yates-Smith. John is just starting his 50th winter in the resort. He started in the 70s in the early years of the British ski industry and went on to run Bladon Lines’ operations in Val d'Isère for a decade. In 1991, he co-founded his own chalet company, YSE Ski (https://www.yseski.co.uk/) , which has now been offering ...
50m Dec 27, 2024
50m
230.5: The Christmas Snow Report Special
Our special Christmas Episode is the present of snow reports for you from across the Alps, including Tignes, Les 2 Alpes, La Plagne, Courchevel, Combloux, Val Gardena, St Anton, Grimentz…and the Brecon Beacons in Wales! SHOW NOTES Iain is currently in Tignes (0:30) Alex Armand, Tip Top Ski Coaching (https://tiptopskicoaching.com/) , Les 2 Alpes, France (1:30) Jen Tsang, That’s La Plagne (htt...
16m Dec 24, 2024
16m
230: Jackson Hole, 'Last Christmas' in Saas Fee & 'The Last Ride' Project
Today we look at the iconic resort of Jackson Hole, find out how Saas Fee are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ and learn about ‘The Last Ride’ film project. We also have snow reports from Verbier, Les 2 Alpes and La Plagne, an update on the latest ski racing action from Matt Garcka and your feedback. Host Iain Martin was joined by Jess McMillan from Jackson Hole (h...
47m Dec 20, 2024
47m
229: The ‘Piste X Code’, Slope Safety and Skiing Without Fear
In this episode we discuss how to ski safely on the slopes, and why that’s important. Plus we find out about the opening weekend of the season in Les 3 Vallées and take a look at the new venue for the London Snow Show. Host Iain Martin was joined by Kimberley Kay and Dr Carol Porter, authors of the ‘Project Fear’ study and Louise Paley and Amie Henderson, co-founders of the ‘Piste X Code (http...
43m Dec 13, 2024
43m
228: Xavier, Victor & Mila De Le Rue: An adventure ‘Of A Lifetime’ in Antarctica
Today’s episode celebrates the release of the new film from The North Face, ‘Of A Lifetime’, featuring Xavier De Le Rue, his brother Victor and his daughter Mila. The film covers an expedition the three of them took to Antarctica. Not only is the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, but you will be gripping your seat when you see some of the insane faces that Xavier and Victor take on. The trip ...
43m Dec 11, 2024
43m
227: Lucy Aspden-Kean, Ski Journalist
In this special episode, Iain speaks with Lucy Aspden-Kean, Ski & Snowboard Editor at The Telegraph. We discuss Lucy’s journey from the Blackpool Gazette to an MA in Journalism and how she beat 300 other applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph. Lucy shares her advice for aspiring travel journalists, what it was like working on the travel desk during Covid, plus we also discuss how...
50m Dec 06, 2024
50m
226: Skiing down Mt Blanc, Hokkaido in Japan & Verbier Drug Dealers
Today we find out what it’s like skiing down Mont Blanc, learn about skiing in Hokkaido in Japan, plus we cover a drugs bust in Verbier, a cable car crash in Val Thorens and get an update on the Alpine World Cup. Host Iain Martin was joined by Floss Cockle, from FreeFlo Ski Coaching (https://www.freefloski.com/) in Tignes and ski journalist and photographer (https://www.instagram.com/mikethesn...
53m Nov 29, 2024
53m
The Best Ski Gloves & Socks for 2025 (plus why thick socks don't keep your feet warmer)
In our fifth of this winter’s equipment specials, Iain is joined by equipment expert Al Morgan to look at two vital areas of your winter wardrobe – ski gloves and socks. Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis (https://theskipodcast.com/equipment-reviews/the-best-skis-of-2025-plus-what-rocker-side-cut-mean/) , Ski Boots (https://theskipodcast.com/equipment-reviews/the-best...
48m Nov 22, 2024
48m
225: How to get more families skiing, plus our World Cup ski racing preview
In this episode we discuss how to get more families skiing and how resorts can help parents, plus we look at what’s coming up on the World Cup ski racing circuit this winter. We have our first snow report of the season and there’s an update from the Carrick-Smith boys as their first race of the season gets closer. Host Iain Martin was joined by Nicole Feliciano from the Ski Moms (https://www....
42m Nov 15, 2024
42m
The Best Ski Helmets & Goggles for 2025 (inc how to clean & defog your lenses)
In the fourth of this winter’s equipment specials, Iain is joined by Al Morgan to look at two really important areas of your winter wardrobe – helmets and goggles. Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis (https://theskipodcast.com/equipment-reviews/the-best-skis-of-2025-plus-what-rocker-side-cut-mean/) , Best Ski Boots (https://theskipodcast.com/equipment-reviews/the-best-...
53m Nov 08, 2024
53m
The Best Ski Jackets for 2025 (inc advice on how to look after your jacket)
In this special episode Iain and Al look at the best ski jackets for 2025. It’s the third in our series of looking at the best snowsports equipment available for winter 2025. In our first two episodes, we looked at the best skis and the ski boots. In later episodes, we’ll look at the best helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, plus there will be a special episode focusing on ski touring equipment...
46m Nov 01, 2024
46m
224: Ski Show Special ft Dave Ryding, Chemmy Alcott, LISTEX, Carv 2 & more
This episode is a Snow Show special, including interviews with Dave Ryding, Chemmy Alcott and others at the 2024 London Snow Show, Northern Snow Show and the industry event LISTEX. We discuss the upcoming World Cup season, the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, the growth of the Magic Pass and there’s big news about the future of the London Snow Show itself. Plus we have a new competi...
1hr 1m Oct 25, 2024
1hr 1m
223: Joanna Yellowlees-Bound: From Erna Low to Antarctica
Joanna Yellowlees-Bound joins Iain for this special episode as we cover her 40-year career in the ski industry, graduating from resort rep to managing director of Erna Low - one of the oldest ski companies in the UK. Joanna is one of the most experienced professionals in the UK ski industry, with a career that spans the first halcyon days of the ski business in the 80s to our post-Brexit world...
44m Oct 18, 2024
44m
The Best Ski Boots of 2025 (plus what Mondopoint, BOA & Flex mean)
Iain and Al reveal the ‘Best Ski Boots for 2025’, plus we also cover all the jargon you need to know about ski boots, including what Mondopoint and BOA mean, plus the differences between the shell, liner and last. We’ve already covered the best skis, and in later episodes, we’ll be covering the best ski jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, as well as a special episode focussing on ski ...
1hr Oct 11, 2024
1hr
222: Vicky Gosling, GB Snowsport CEO
GB Snowsport CEO Vicky Gosling joins Iain for this special episode of The Ski Podcast. We go behind the scenes of British skiing and snowboarding to find out what goes into running an organisation like GB Snowsport and how a country with no mountains outperforms countries from across the world. We also find out about Vicky’s background in the RAF, what it was like working alongside Prince Har...
47m Oct 04, 2024
47m
The Best Skis of 2025 (plus what rocker & side cut mean)
Iain and Al reveal the ‘Best Skis for 2025’, including Piste skis, All Mountain skis and Freeride skis, plus we help you understand what length skis to buy, as well as what 'rocker' and 'side cut' mean. In later episodes, we’ll be covering the best ski boots, jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, as well as a special episode focussing on ski touring equipment. This Special Episode of T...
40m Sep 27, 2024
40m
221: Skiing in Sweden, Crans Montana & Emma Carrick-Anderson
Today we look at skiing in Sweden and Hemsedal in Norway and we find out what it's like coaching your kids to be pro skiers. Plus we find out more about the European Sleeper service to Innsbruck and the Dolomites, as well as discovering what Crans Montana is like in September. Iain Martin was joined by four-time Winter Olympian and ski coach Emma Carrick-Anderson and Ben Nyberg, Managing Direc...
43m Sep 20, 2024
43m
220: Chemmy Alcott, 4 x Winter Olympian & Ski Sunday presenter
Chemmy Alcott is probably the most well-known woman in snowsports in the UK.  After a racing career that took her to four Winter Olympics, she now balances presenting Ski Sunday on the BBC, with bringing up her young family and coaching new aspiring racers. This special episode is part of an occasional set of podcasts I’m going to be publishing this winter focussing particularly on women in th...
1hr 3m Sep 06, 2024
1hr 3m
219: The story of Ellis Brigham, Banff Sunshine Village & Vail Resorts/Laax rumours
Today we find out what’s new at Banff Sunshine Village in Canada and we look into the history of one of the UK’s oldest snowsport retailers, Ellis Brigham. Plus, we have the latest gossip on which European destination Vail Resorts are planning to buy next. Host Iain Martin was joined by Kendra Scurfield, VP Brand and Communications at Banff Sunshine Village ski resort and Mark Brigham, Marketi...
32m Aug 31, 2024
32m
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