The Ski Podcast

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 Snowbe...

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 retireme...

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 h...

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 (2:00) Iain skied in Saas...

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-fou...

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 , who specialise in resort development in China. SHOW NOTES Gaby last skied in Andermatt (1:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Mike Goar , CEO of Vail Resorts in Andermatt...

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 for your discoun...

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 Experi...

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 for your discount to be automatically applied at the check...

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 hire b...

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 On...

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. Intersp...

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 , in conversation with our equipment expert Al Morgan at the Ski Test Listen to Katie from...

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 Cair...

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 , or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.   S...

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...

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,...

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 interspor...

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 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 d...

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 to buy online...

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 , or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout....

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 fi...

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 ‘SKIPODCAS...

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...