The Ski Podcast

Today we find out about the ski resort of St Johann in Tirol, plus we celebrate all things après ski, with a look at the fashions and styles of après over the years, some of the best spots to visit and even how to make your own après cocktails.  We also have updates from Freddy, Zac and Luca Carrick-Smith – the GB Snowsport skiers that we sponsor – a report from the Icebreaker City Skim and your feedback. Iain was joined by Erin Isakov, founder of the clothing brand Erin Snow and author of the new book ‘Après Ski: The Scene, the Style, the Menu’, and St Johann in Tirol local, Fritz Minhard, owner of the tour operator Active World Holidays, ---------  Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we’ll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life’ there. --------- SHOW NOTES Deer Valley is going through a terrain expansion (2:45) Fritz skied on the glacier in Hintertux (4:00) Solden will host the the first World Cup races of the season (4:30) Freddy Carrick-Smith will become the youngest male GB skier to race in the World Cup for 40 years (4:45) Zak Carrick-Smith is training in Solden (6:00) Luca Carrick-Smith is training in Pitztal (6:45) Find out more about the London Snow Show (7:30) Get free tickets to the London Snow Show (8:20) Amelie from Jibworx was on the podcast in Episode 245 (8:45) Find out about the Icebreaker City Skim in London (9:00) Fritz Minhard has lived in St Johann in Tirol all his life (11:45) Travel to St Johann in Tirol is easy, either by plane or by train (12:45) "Best Tourism Village - only location in Austria to receive an award from UN Tourism (14:30) My Yapadu means “happiness on your holiday” (15:00) St Johann in Tirol is great for families (16:30) There are 18 mountain huts (17:00) Dumplings are a speciality (17:45) Try the ‘Kaiserschmarrn’ (18:15) There are 3 free beginners ski areas (19:30) There are 170km of cross-country trails (20:15) The Dynafit Ski Touring Park is also open on some evenings (21:15) Hiking and snowshoeing (23:00) Try the Flying Fox zipwire (23:30) Adults may enjoy the Schnapps Distillery (24:15) St Johann in Tirol is “a living town” (25:30) Erin first skied in Mammoth Mtn in California (26:45) The clothing brand Erin Snow started in the early 2000s (29:30) ‘A nostalgia-fueled visual celebration of all things après-ski’ (34:00) How the book came about (35:00) The arrival of nylon (40:00) The ’vintage revival’ (41:45) Erin researched apres drinks such as Bombardino (43:00) Après Ski: The Scene, the Style, the Menu is available at Waterstones (44:30) Feedback (44:45) I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. Gareth Ebbage: “Episode 252 was great: one of the best you’ve done. Very insightful look back to the glory days of the 80’s and early 90’s!” Rob Smith: “I think Episode 252 is my favourite so far. It brought back some great memories from when I started to ski.” Richard Patey: “I've been enjoying your podcasts as I drive across Europe to where I’m living now in the high Tatras of Slovakia.” There are now 277 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. All you need to do is go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something of interest. If you’d like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you’re booking ski hire this winter, don’t forget that you save money on your ski hire with an additional discount by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. Simply take this link in the show notes for your discount to be automatically applied. 

We review the Best Ski Boots for the new 2026 winter season, covering the best piste, all mountain and freeride ski boots.   Host Iain Martin was joined by The Ski Podcast’s equipment expert Al Morgan and Frazer Shand, Operations Manager at Profeet. This special episode has been made possible by the Profeet Ski Boot Lab, based in south-west London. Profeet offer expert ski boot fitting, custom insoles and ski boot modifications. SHOW NOTES Watch our ‘Best Skis of 2026’ video Ski Boot definitions and terms…  Shell (4:00)  Last (4:30)  Mondopoint (5:45)  Flex (7:15)  Liner (8:45)  BOA (10:15)  Powerstrap (12:30)  Walk mode and Grip Walk (13:30) Sustainability (16:30) Function, Fit and Footbeds (18:15) Find out about the fitting process at the Profeet Ski Boot Lab (18:45)  Profeet start with a biomechanical analysis and foot scan (19:45) Custom insoles (23:00) Customisation (24:00) Visiting the Dalbello factory (34:00) Get your free tickets to the London Snow Show (55:45) Profeet will be exhibiting at the London Snow Show (56:30) THE BEST SKI BOOTS OF 2026   Piste and All-Mountain Ski Boots K2 Cortex Zonal 120 BOA(26:30) £625 SIZES (MP): 24.5 - 28.5 VOLUME: Low LAST (mm): 96 – 98              WEIGHT (per boot): 2,179g (26.5MP) These are incredible boots, delivering a ton of support and superb hold, in a flex that will work far better for most skiers. K2 has offered single BOA on higher-volume boots previously, but the Cortex is the slimmest profile they’ve integrated this into, and this time you get the benefit of the dial and cable system on the shell and cuff, on the Zonal models.   Non-Zonal Cortex models have BOA only over the foot. The softer material over the instep makes it a tad easier to get into the boot, and aids shell wrapping, when you dial in the snugness. The heel has a slimmer internal profile than their other boots, and the lace-up liner adds to the excellent hold you get.    You also get a cam power strap, which is not that common on 120 flex boots, and I much prefer this strap to a Velcro option. There are two bolts on the spine, and you can remove the top one if you want a more forgiving flex profile. They offer the Cortex range right up to the £725, all-singing, all-dancing 140 flex model, which is the only one with pin inserts in the toe. Dalbello Veloce Space 120 Dual(32:00) £580 SIZES (MP): 24.5 - 30.5  VOLUME: Medium  LAST (mm): 101  FLEX: 120 WEIGHT (per boot): 2,050g (27.5MP) This is the first season Dalbello has offered BOA on their boots, and they’ve added Dual and Single BOA models to their range, in this new Veloce Space line. Dual BOA is available on the 105, 120 and 130 flex models.    The shell and cuff on the 120 are made of PU. They inject differing hardnesses of plastic, to take advantage of the phenomenal wrap you get with the BOA system. It also makes the boots easier to get on. The mouldable liner is beautifully comfortable, and the Adaptive Tongue construction, integrating memory foam, is so nice for the shins, also helping with instep comfort. The pre-shaped Ankle Sense zones enhance the heel hold.  The 120 is also available in a single BOA (£540), with regular cuff buckle closure, like the 110, 100, 95 and 85. These single BOA versions get a lever you can release on the spine, allowing an easier walking motion. Head Kalibre 110 MV BOA 2(36:00) £510 SIZES (MP): 25.0 - 30.5  VOLUME: Medium LAST (mm): 100 WEIGHT (per boot): No stated weights    This is Head’s Dual BOA offering and is totally new. The Kalibre boots have a clean aesthetic. They inject different hardnesses or plastic into the shell, to take advantage of the superb wrap of the BOA H+i1 system.  Kaliber, like many BOA offerings, is a medium volume fit, with 100mm last. They have a new liner for this range too, called Synapse. They weave in Graphene for tech-level temperature regulation.  The 110 has a Velcro power strap, although £600 130 flex has a claw strap. The Kaliber line features a greater range of flexes in single BOA and four clip versions, but the BOA2 models are pretty awesome. This is the only 110 flex dual BOA model we know of for this season. Freeride Ski Boots   Rossignol Alltrack 130 Elite LV LT GW (40:30) £625  SIZES (MP): 24.0 – 29.5  WALK MODE: Y, no stated ROM VOLUME: Low LAST (mm): 98  FLEX: 130  WEIGHT (per boot): 1,825g (no stated size)  The Alltrack line has been redesigned for this season. They’ve added BOA to shell of the 102mm HV models, but we tested the narrow-last Elite LT model, which has tech inserts in the toe and heel.  Even though these are 98mm last, low-volume boots, they have more room inside than some other LV boots in this category. They look sensational, have heat-mouldable liners and an innovative ski-walk mode, inspired by the work done developing the Vizion easy (rear) entry boots.  Flip the ski-walk mode lever up, and the rear of the boot can tilt back, with the liner attached to the rear of the cuff with a loop to hold it in place, in order that you can easily slide in. Fasten the buckles, flex forward and the walk mode locks into the ski position, ready for the descent. To tour, flip the rear lever up, loosen the cuff buckles and power strap, and off you go.  This boot skied beautifully, and I just love the way the Dual Core shells flex.   Armada AR One 130 (43:00) £580 SIZES (MP): 24.5 - 29.5 WALK MODE: N  VOLUME: Medium LAST (mm): 100 FLEX: 130  WEIGHT (per boot):100g (26.5MP) The AR One is Armada’s first ever ski boot and it’s a very impressive hybrid cabrio design blending Alpine and freeski design. Designed by Armada, it’s built in partnership with their sister company, Atomic.  It’s a medium volume unisex boot, with a 100mm last in a size 26.5MP, in 5 flexes. The 120 and 130 are only available from 24.5MP and up, whilst the 90, 100 and 110 go down to 23.5MP.  The heat mouldable shell and liner, along with excellent out-of-the-box shaping, ensures a very comfy, and customisable, fit. A tool free volume adjuster lets you create space for pressured calves, and most parts are user replaceable, improving sustainability. The top three flexes are pure PU shell, cuff and tongue, for a smooth ride. The rubber boot board does a fab job of smoothing landings and judders. The buckle setup is very different, especially the instep buckle and cable Y-configuration, securely holding you in the heel pocket.  The 130 and 110 share the Team liner, whilst the others have the Pro Liner, which lacks the repositionable tongue, which allows you to adjust volume and fit over the foot. The elasticate claw power-strap on these two flexes is a superb, but the others only get a Velcro strap. Toe pin inserts on the 130 allows use with hybrid bindings like the Shift, Duke PT and the new ATK Hy.  This is a fabulous downhill ski boot, with excellent lateral response, impressive power, it’s smooth with great damping and superb heel hold.  Scarpa 4 Quattro GT Woman (45:45) £580                                  SIZES (MP):  22.5 – 27.0 WALK MODE: Y, 61° ROM  VOLUME: Medium LAST (mm): 101 FLEX: 90 / 110  WEIGHT (per boot): 1,510g (25.0MP)   The 4-Quattro range has been an incredible success, especially the XT model which has been a benchmark freeride touring boot in recent seasons. Scarpa’s dropped the XT for this winter, but they’ve updated the SL, they still have the 4-Quattro Pro, which Nikolai Schirmer uses and helped develop, and they’ve added in a new GT model in a woman’s and man’s version.  The GT has a roomier fit, has a new 4Pro Flex GT Intuition liner, and is the warmest 4-Quattro model. You get a Velcro power strap, rather than a claw version seen on the others, and it’s made using Desmopan plastic for the shell and cuff, rather than Pebax Renew, although all Quattro models have a Pebax tongue. The Desmopan CQ MBC uses bio-circular TPU, enhancing the sustainability, and reducing the CO2 footprint. You don’t get the Carbon Core construction of the SL or Pro, but the GT skis better.    They’re an easier flex for lighter or less aggressive riders, and the fact these are such great value is a bonus. PROFEET’S CHOICE Technica Mach1 LV 130, £550 (48:30) Updated for this season with a fully redesigned shell and liner, offering a touch more instep depth but still an excellent low volume fit. From a boot fitter point of view, they are also a pleasure to work on with design features allowing for easier customisation of the shell. Feedback (51:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, so if you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any questions about skis we didn’t cover, then please let us know by leaving a comment at Instagram or Facebook – we are @theskipodcast – or by dropping me an email theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Adam Matthews on Instagram enjoyed our ‘Best Skis’ episode: “Great podcast. Been looking forward to this since last year’s episode” Rick on YouTube loved Al’s choice of the Volkl V.Werks 100: “I rode this a lot last winter, so much that I crashed and busted my knee. But seriously, it´s an absolutely amazing ski.” There are now 276 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. You can do that too, 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.   If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:   -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you’re booking ski hire this winter, don’t forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. 

Today we meet Reece Bell - one of the rising talents in British alpine ski racing - plus we find out about Armana, a new company that see a future where ski lifts are autonomous vehicles and have no cables.  Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Reece Bell and Dennis Hettema, and down the line by Rachael Oakes-Ash in Australia and Guy Beatson in New Zealand. --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we’ll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life’ there. --------- SHOW NOTES Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (5:30) Guy Beatson, who finished off his season with a week at Whakapapa in NZ (6:30) Listen to our ‘Best Skis of 2026’ episode (7:30) You can also watch this episode on YouTube (7:45) The London Snow Show is at Olympia on 18-19 October (8:00) See the full agenda for the show here Use the code ‘TSPSSLMTN25’ for free tickets to the London Snow Show (8:30) Martin Bell recorded the best ever GB Olympic alpine ski result (8th at Calgary 88)(8:45) Ski Sunday’s Graham Bell took part in 5 Winter Olympics (9:00) Reece finished 20th at the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach (10:00) Find out about Big Sky resort (11:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Zoe Atkin (12:00) Dealing with ACL injuries (12:30) Cardio and Conditioning training (14:00) Coaches (15:30) Reece is sponsored by APEX 2100 in Tignes (16:00) Dave Ryding acts as a mentor to Reece (17:00) How to break through into the top 30 (19:00) Take a look at this photo of the proposed Armana prototype (22:30) Find out more about Armana The Armana timeline (23:30) Robert Redford starred in ‘Downhill Racer’ in 1969 Feedback (32:30)   Please do let us know your feedback on the podcast. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  Mark Thomasson: “I enjoyed Episode 256 and was ski touring in Tromsø in June. Great snow, amazing views.” James Rice: “I really enjoyed Episode 257, as always. I was glad to hear you mention Robert Redford’s recent death and his role in Downhill Racer. However, Redford’s influence on American skiing extends beyond that film…He bought Sundance ski resort and set up the film festival there. I’ve had the chance to stay and ski at Sundance, and it truly is a distinctive and special place.”  John: “Loved the Innsbruck in Tirol episode” Mary Frazer: “I enjoyed listening to Episode 257 this morning, particularly the sections on Innsbruck (thank you for reminding me how much I enjoyed the series The Jump!)” There are now 275 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find plenty more to listen to. If you’d like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you’re booking ski hire this winter, don’t forget that you save money on your ski hire with an additional discount by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. Simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. 

We review the Best Skis for the new 2026 winter season, covering the best piste skis, best all mountain skis and freeride skis. Host Iain Martin was joined by The Ski Podcast’s equipment expert Al Morgan.  Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life’ there.  SHOW NOTES Iain and Al will be at the London Snow Show in October (3:00) Best Skis of 2026 means the best skis of winter 2025/26 (4:00) What are the different types of skis (4:15) How important is that figure for width under your foot? (7:45) What is meant by ‘side cut’? (10:00) What is a ‘rocker? (12:00) How long should your skis be? (15:15) Is sustainability still important in ski production? (18:45) The Ski Sustainability Forum is organised by POW, Atomic and FESI (21:00) When and where did testing take place? (22:15) SIGB is the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (22:45) Most testing takes place at SIGB’s annual ski test in La Clusaz (23:15) How much do bindings cost? (25:00) THE BEST PISTE SKIS OF WINTER 2026  K2 Blur 74 W (women) (26:30) £600 / 148cm-169cm Blur is K2’s new piste ski range for winter 25/26. The 74W has a little lift through the front and back, is built around their aspen wood core and uses Flax with channels milled into it.  They only do this in this ski and the Blur 79W to enhance agility. It should also save a little weight, although the 74 is about performance and a perfect partner for advanced and expert female skiers shredding the groomers.   It has a 13.9m radius in the longest length and testers reported it as silky smooth, easy to ski yet snappy, with great boost turn-to-turn. It’s super reactive underfoot, quick to pivot and rotate for short turns.  Nordica Dobermann Multipista DC FDT (29:00) £930 including binding, 160cm-185cm The Multipista is new for this season, focussed equally on fun and performance. It may look similar to the Steadfast skis in its outline, but there’s a lot more going on than simply a curvy figure.  It has Dobermann in the name, which hints at this ski’s powerful drive, and when you open the throttle you’re rewarded by the bucketload!  The rise though the front and back, paired with the taper at each end, means you never feel like your locked into a turn. It can lay trenches on the groomers, but if you want to nip off the side, take on some slush or get a little airtime, it's as composed as you could ask for.   It’s built around their Energy 2 Ti Double Core (DC) construction. An elastomer layer is sandwiched between two beech and poplar wood cores, beefed up by two layers of Titanal metal, one above the wood-elastomer sandwich and one below.  Even though Nordica states the ski as having a Full Camber Profile, it has a longer rise through the shovel and tail than a regular full camber ski. This rocker profile is part of the Multipista’s magic, bringing a delightfully versatile nature. The tapered profile through the shovel and tail further adds to its performance across a range of conditions. The 74mm waist width, in all lengths, partners with their race on-piste shape underfoot for confidence-rocketing grip. This width is bang-on the money, with plenty of punch through the edge and enough float and stability to tackle a broad array of terrain and snow conditions. THE BEST ALL MOUNTAIN SKIS OF WINTER 2026 Völkl V.Werks 100(32:00) £1,750 flat, 170cm-186cm Völkl has taken all they’ve learnt from ski manufacturing and turned the dial up to eleven with this ski! The company was founded in 1923, and in honour of this they have made exactly 1923 of these skis, with a retail price of €1923.   This ski is see-through. If you place your hand behind the ski, when holding it up to the light, you can see where your hand is. It’s quite spectacular. It also highlights the complex structure they’ve perfected for the fibre placement.  They combine carbon and natural flax fibres, which work in harmony with the superb 3D H-Woodcore. This is made of two enviro friendly FSC-certified poplar and beech cores, with a central reinforcement, and this all has a very noticeable and technical 3D shape.  The fibres, translucent layer and wood core allows the designers to transfer the movements and forces from the skier through the ski and to the edges, for a ridiculously intuitive control. You get a regular camber underfoot but enough rocker in the shovel and tail for a mega-versatile shape. Atomic Maven 88 CTI (Women) (35:00) £570 without bindings, 147cm-172cm   This ski is based around an ash and poplar wood core, boosted by the addition of carbon and Titanal. These laminates add greater damping and energy to the ski, whilst helping to keep the ski light.  The change of shape through the shovel, as we saw in the wider Maverick and Maven models last season, keeps this ski incredibly playful. This HRZN 3D Maverick/Maven tech sees the wood core extend right up to the very front of the ski, designed to improve stability and smoothness when charging hard.  These skis can certainly be skied fast, but the thing you notice most with all skis with HRZN tech is just how much it enhances the fun nature of the skis. They are not twin-tips, and have a directional shape, although the rise in the back means you can ski switch if you really want to. Atomic builds in a 15% rocker through the shovel and a 10% rocker at the back, with standard camber in the middle of the ski. Salomon Stance Pro 86(Unisex) (38:00) £640 flat, 151cm-185cm   Salomon’s Stance range sees significant change, taking what were already great skis and making them industry leading.  It has a full poplar wood core, with the Powerflex Ti metal layer sitting full width underfoot and tapering out in front of and behind the binding. The metal edge is made thicker to aid grip and power, and will endure more services, therefore lasting longer. The base has a 50% recycled content. The profile delivers regular camber underfoot with a 15% rocker through the front and a milder 12% rocker at the rear. THE BEST FREERIDE SKIS OF WINTER 2026 (40:00) Head Kore 99 Ti W(Women) (40:30) £650 without bindings, 156cm-177cm   The Kore skis are redesigned for this season. This 99mm underfoot model has the same length options as the women’s Kore 97 of last season, but otherwise it’s a very different ski.  Where the men’s new Kore skis use beech and karuba, the women’s Kore models combine poplar with PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is a thermoplastic polyester polymer. Think of your favourite fleece, and the chances are it’s made of the same material.  This is complimented by a layer of Titanal, using at least 40% recycled material, above and below the core, along with a Graphene layer between the metal and top of the core. They add a damping layer between the bottom metal layer and the edges of the ski, to further smoothen the ride.  Again, as in the men’s, they add flax to the boundary of the topsheet to improve durability. Rocker front and back, with standard camber underfoot, gives the ski it’s undeniable freeride profile.   Salomon QST 100(Unisex) (43:30) £570 without bindings, 148cm-188cm   New for this season in widths ranging from 92 through to 106, the 100 is an incredible freeride ski and was a hit with everyone at testing. It’s a unisex model, offered in a choice of two colours.  The new QST’s have full poplar wood cores with basalt and glass fibres, as well as Salomon’s proven Cork Damplifier, where they inlay a cork and TPU border at the tip and tail to dampen vibrations. The 106 has a 22% rocker up front and 18% rocker in the tail. As you step down in width to 100 then 94, they reduce the rocker proportion by 1% at each end, for each drop in width.   FEEDBACK I enjoy all feedback about the show, so if you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any questions about skis we didn’t cover, then please let us know by leaving a comment at Instagram or Facebook – we are @theskipodcast – or by dropping me an email theskipodcast@gmail.com There are now 273 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. 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.   If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:   -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          Help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

Iain speaks with ‘Repair Claire’, who heads up the excellent repair service at outdoor brand Montane.  This continues the discussion from Episode 255 about sustainability and the importance of extending the life of our outdoor kit. Rather like Arcteryx’s ‘Rebird’ project, featured in Episode 218, it’s important to highlight the great work on sustainability that brands like Montane are doing. In this chat, Claire tells us which are the most common repairs, what happens if a garment is beyond help and why she doesn’t like patches in different colours! --------- Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we’ll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life’ there. --------- FEEDBACK Why not let me know what you think by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop Iain an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you enjoyed this episode, why not follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Or if you’re booking ski hire this winter, don’t forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com.  You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. 

We find out all about Innsbruck in Austria, look at the Northern Snow Show and learn why ski company Peak Retreats is handing over ownership to its staff.   Host Iain Martin was joined by journalist Catherine Murphy; MD of The Snow Centre, Ian Brown; founder of the UK tour operator Peak Retreats, Xavier Schouller; and the company’s new MD Alison Willis. Tirol in Austria sponsors The Ski Podcast, which means that this winter we'll be able to find out more about some of the great destinations in Tirol, and how you can connect with the wonderful ‘feeling of life’ there.  SHOW NOTES Catherine joined us in Episode 232 to discuss the new Jandri 3S lift in Les 2 Alpes (1:00) Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (6:00) Robert Redford starred in ‘Downhill Racer’ in 1969 (7:30) Chill Factore in Manchester and The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead are the same company (8:30) The Northern Snow Show takes place in October at The Snow Centre Manchester (9:45) Listeners to the podcast can get free tickets for the show here (13:00) Iain visited Innsbruck in 2017 after a trip to Kuhtai (13:30) There are many sites to see in Innsbruck (14:00) The most famous site is the Golden Roof (14:45) Catherine loved the Hofkirche (15:45) British architect Zaha Hadid designed the spectacular funicular stations in the city (18:00) Hadid also designed the Bergesil ski jump (19:15) Rob Rees reported in Episode XX on the ‘Four Hills Ski Jumping Competiiton’ (21:15) Innsbruck serves 12 ski areas (21:20) You can go night skiing in Kuhtai (22:00) Find out about the ‘SKI plus CITY Pass’ (23:00) Find out about Axamer Lizum (24:00) Nordkette ski area is immediately above Innsbruck, with amazing views (24:30) Peak Retreats are becoming the only UK ski company to be employee-owned (25:30) The company was set up in 2002 (27:00) The decision to pass on the company to the employees rather than sell it (29:30) Listen to ‘The Rise and Fall of Bladon Lines’ (31:00) Find out about the Alpe d’Huez bike challenge (35:00) Feedback (36:00)   I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Colin Slater: "Just discovered the podcast and listened to loads now, loved the Bladon Lines one!” Glenn Westrup: “I’ve really enjoyed Rachel’s snow reports from Australia and NZ” There are now 272 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll want to listen to too. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          And, if you’re booking ski hire this winter, don’t forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

Today we find out what it’s like to ski - and surf - in Nova Scotia, Canada. We discuss the new Valléen lift in Saint-Gervais, learn about Tromsø in Norway and we have all the latest news about the London Snow Show. There’s also snow reports from Down Under, your feedback and we exciting news about a new sponsor. Host Iain Martin was joined by Betony Garner and James Gambrill, CEO at SCGB and organiser of the London Snow Show. SHOW NOTES Betony was last on the show in Episode 65 (0:45) James was based in the White Haus in London for the recording of the show (2:45) Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (4:30) Guy Beatson reported from New Zealand (6:00) Tirol in Austria will be sponsoring The Ski Podcast this winter (7:00) Find out more about Ski Launch 2025 (8:45) Peak Retreats is now employee-owned (11:30) Is season four of The White Lotus going to be filmed in Megeve? (12:00) Find out more about Le Valléen gondola – the new lift connecting St Gervais (13:00) Find out about the spa – Les Thermes – in Saint-Gervais Le Fayet (15:00) The Thermes lift is powered by wastewater (17:00) James visited Nova Scotia (18:20) How about surfing in water that’s zero degrees? (23:00) Find out more about the London Snow Show Look out for Dave Ryding on the Saturday and the Carrick-Smith brothers on Sunday (26:30) Equipment expert, Al Morgan, and Iain will be talking about this year’s new kit (27:00) Iain will also be presenting on driving an EV to the Alps and what it’s like to ski on a live volcano Listeners to the podcast can get free tickets for the show using the code here (27:45) Betony went ski touring in Tromsø (28:00) Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Joseph Childs: "I also caught up on the Bladon Lines episode and really enjoyed it. Seems like it was an amazing time to be in the industry." There are now 271 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 143 of those were listened to in the last week. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll want to listen to too. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          Save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com 

We find out what it’s like walking to the Alps in ski boots, plus we have a focus on sustainability, looking at how different ski businesses are working together; what the UTMB are doing to reduce their impact; plus we have an interview with ‘Repair Claire’ from Montane. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Heather Davies from the Re-Action Collective and by Reuben Gray and Matt Brinkley from King of the Hill, and down the line by Rachael Oakes-Ash in Australia.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you’re booking ski hire this winter, don’t forget that you can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the Snowsbest.com website (3:30) Details of the apres ski bands for the London Snow Show have been announced (5:15) Iain and our equipment expert, Al Morgan, will be talking about this year’s new kit on Saturday Listeners to the podcast can get free tickets for the show (6:00) Iain took part in the OCC ultra marathon (6:30) UTMB have introduced some impressive new policies on sustainability (7:00) Iain spoke with Fabrice Perren, head of sustainability at UTMB (7:00) Find out about The Green Runners (7:45) UTMB are introducing a new system of compulsory offsetting (8:15) Iain used a Minimus Lite running jacket from Montane at the OCC (9:00) Listen to Episode 218 for more on Arcteryx’s repair work (9:45) Iain spoke to ‘Repair Claire’ from Montane (9:45 Heather is a co-founder of the Re-Action Collective (13:15) One Tree at a Time was set up by Gavin Ferney-Jones (13:30) Check out back catalog for interviews with Cirkel Supply, Montagne Verte, EcoSki and Whitestorm Find out about Tentshare (21:30) Find out about the new film ‘Actionism’ (23:00) Reuben and Matt walked in ski boots to the Alps (25:30) Look out for their new app King of the Hill (27:00) The boys used Sidas Boot Traction to protect their boots (31:30) It took them 50 days to walk 690 miles (32:15) Follow the boys on Instagram(36:30) They have raised money for Snowcamp and McMillan Cancer Research (37:00) Feedback (37:00) I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Lynsey: "Always listen to the podcast and it's been a lovely escape in the recent hot weather! Bring on the winter!" Adam Fisher: "Keep up the good work!" Dennis: “I'm a big fan of your podcast and I thoroughly enjoyed your appearance on Stuart Winchester’s Storm podcast.” Comment on Spotify: “Hi, I'm 13 and love skiing. This podcast is helping me get through the summer. I’m from Germany by the way!” David Musson enjoyed my interview with Mark Smith, The Man in Seat 61, in Episode 233 There are now 270 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 136 of those were listened to in the last week. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, then why not go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll want to listen to too. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          you can follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          (both of those actions help other listeners to find us) -          Or you can book your ski hire at Intersportrent.com using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’

In this ‘flashback’ episode, Iain speaks with ‘ski instructor to the stars’ Warren Smith, from the Warren Smith Ski Academy.  We talk about how Warren got into skiing and his journey to Verbier via the Hemel Hempstead dry ski slope and Seefeld in Austria. There’s plenty about the early days of the UK freestyle scene, working with many of the youngsters who have now become Olympians, as well as the celebrities that he’s taught over the years, including Laurence Dallaglio, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Louis Smith, Bradley Wiggins and more. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code As we are looking ahead to this winter, don’t forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES   Warren learned to ski at the Hemel Hempstead dry ski slope, before it was recreated as The Snow Centre – an indoor snow slope His first snow experience was on a school trip to Saalbach in Austria, when the coach broke down Phil Gordon presents the ‘Legends of the Brand’ podcast (3:30) Warren’s first qualification was as a UK dry slope instuctor (4:45) He first taught on snow in Seefeld in Austria, before moving to Verbier in 1994 (5:00) Joyce Read from Ski Verbier was an early mentor (6:00) You can watch ‘Blizzard of Aaaahs’ – the famous ‘extreme’ ski movie – on YouTube Jamie Strachan designed top sheets for Volkl and brought Warren on their team in winter 1998/99 (8:45) Strachan also designed many of the legendary ChamJam posters (9:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with GB Snowsports coach Pat Sharples in this bonus episode of The Ski Podcast (10:15) Stu Brass and Spencer Claridge were behind the AIM Series of events and built the freestyle features for events like the London Ski Show and The Jump (11:00) Iain launched Natives.co.uk in April 1999 (12:00) Other early freestyle projects that Warren set up were the British Freestyle Camps and the Ride Series  Pat talks about the impact of the Salomon 1080 on the freestyle scene in this interview, as does Jim Adlington (founder of Planks) in our bonus episode with him (14:00) Paddy Graham came out of the Sheffield dry slope scene and is still producing award-winning movies with the ‘Legs of Steel’ crew (17:30) Warren also produced movies such as the ‘Snow’s In The House’ series and ‘Snow Odyssey’ featuring a 16-year-old Candide Thovex (19:00) Warren’s ‘Go Ski’ technique book and DVD is available online (25:00) Rob Sawyer from the Farinet Bar in Verbier recommended Warren to England rugby player Laurence Dallaglio (28:00) Other celebrities that Warren has skied with or instructed in Verbier include James Blunt, Princess Eugenie and Prince Harry (33:00) Listen to Peter Hardy’s anecdotes about James Blunt in our special episode Louis Smith, Spencer Matthews and Jason Robinson were among the quickest learners that Warren coached for the wintersports reality show ‘The Jump’ (35:00) The Warren Smith Ski Academy now has a team of 15 instructors with key focus on biomechanics (39:00) Find out about the Carv device here (45:00) The Academy also offers ‘Gap Year’ Instructor Qualification courses, having changed from BASI to the Irish IASI qualification in 2013 (45:30) The Warren Smith Ski Academy will be at the National Snow Show at the Birmingham NEC on 15/16 October 2022 (48:00) Courses start in Cervinia from 06 November for five weeks, then on to Verbier. Warren will be leading a trip to Japan in February (50:00) Listen to how Iain got on in Verbier in March 2023 in Episode 172 If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          ‘buy me a coffee’ at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

We look at Les Arcs in summer, find out about La Plagne’s new lifts and the ‘Flocon Vert’ – the sustainability award for ski resorts in France. There’s snow reports from Australia and New Zealand, as well as a special report on the new Soho Basin area in Cardrona from Ski Sunday’s Ed Leigh, plus we find out what it was like when the Tour de France came to the Alps.  Host Iain Martin was joined by La Plagne expert, Jen Tsang and Claire Tollis from the Mountain Riders association in France. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code We haven’t quite started up winter yet in Europe, but I know people are booking their holidays, so if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Find out more about SnowCamp in Episode 249 (2:15) Miss SnowItAll, Rachael Oakes-Ash from Snowsbest.com reported from Down Under (3:45) Guy Beatson sent in his snow report from New Zealand (5:45) Listened to Iain’s interview with Ed Leigh in Episode 236 (7:15) Ed has been riding the new Soho Basin ski area at Cardrona, NZ (7:30) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter was in Courchevel for the Tour de France (10:15) Stage 19 went from Albertville to La Plagne (12:00) A new gondola has been proposed from Aime to La Plagne (19:15) The 2030 Winter Olympics will be held in France (20:00) The new Roche de Mio gondola will open this winter (24:30) Iain was in Les Arcs for ‘Le Trail des Arcs’ (27:30) There’s a lot to do in Les Arcs in summer, including chilling at Nama Springs (28:30) Find out about the ‘Hero Pass’ and ‘Hero Camp’ (28:45) Everyone loves the sound of cow bells (30:30) Iain stayed at the Refuge du Mont Pourri (32:00) 25% of all visitors to Les Arcs come by train (33:45) Les Arcs is the only ski resort in Europe with B Corp status (34:00) Visit the 'Mountain Riders' website (34:30) Find out more about the 'Flocon Vert' (36:30) and Montagne Zero Dechet (38:45) Feedback (42:00) I always enjoy listener feedback and I love to hear what you think about the show. You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you haven’t listened to Episode 252 yet, I strongly recommend that you do. It’s the story of Bladon Lines – in my opinion it’s the best episode I’ve ever produced (42:30) Thanks to all of the following for their kind words about it: Nicola Anderson, Debbie Marshall, Jilly Hooper, Nico Stanford, Victoria Clay, Kirsten Nicholl, Matt Hayes Lesley Glass, Fiona Parkhurst, Colin Barnett, Craig Mayhew, Giles Helbert, Diane Palumbo, Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, Martin Carver, Alex Irwin, Andrew Brannan, Mike Greenland, James Buist and Snowheads MikePow and Kenzie. I was most touched to receive this message from George Lines, son of co-founder Mark Lines, who tragically died in a car accident in 1990: "I very much enjoyed this, Iain. I still ski each year in my dad’s parrot onesie and regularly get pulled over by people keen to share fond BL memories. A couple of years ago in Val D’Isere, one group told me that they are all friends because their parents had met doing seasons with BL and they still all ski together now. You and the contributors captured that sense of community so well." There are now 268 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you enjoyed this episode, then go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll want to listen to too. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. Look in the Show Notes for that link. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          Book your ski hire at Intersportrent.com using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’

In this special ‘Flashback’ episode, Iain speaks with Tony McWilliam - founder of one of the world's leading snowsports brands - Faction Skis.   We find out what inspired Tony to start Faction, how he smuggled his first batch of 44 skis across the Swiss border to Verbier, meeting freeski legend Candide Thovex when he was just 16 years old and how he grew Faction to become one of the most famous ski brands in the world. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Tony designed my first brochure for my first business, Natives.co.uk You can listen to our Ski Podcast Special with Pat Sharples here Faction skis started in 2003 BoardX took place in Battersea for several years You can listen to our Ski Podcast with Jim Adlington here Other key contacts for Tony in the early years were Phil Martin, Gordy Hughes and Matt Reardon He worked closely with Peter Bauer, founder of Amplid The first range of Faction skis had a waist of 80-110mm Initially the skis were made in Annecy before production moved to Austria Skis like the Seth Pistol were an inspiration Jamie Strachan’s designs for Volkl were another influence The first run of Faction skis was just 44 pairs – they now sell 35,000 pairs every year globally Sam Smoothy is a NZ freeride skier Ski Service in Verbier was the first store to stock Faction Skis Tony first met Candide Thovex as a 16-year-old rider in Les Arcs Check out Candide in China here (he took 27 pairs of skis with him for that shoot!) Tony launched an eco-friendly outerwear brand, GHOSTS, on Kickstarter in 2019 He also worked with Eric Pollard – ex-Line Skis – on the launch of the new ski and snowboard range Season Eqpt Find out about Candide’s outerwear brand Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code You can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com. Alternatively, simply take the link in the Show Notes and your discount will automatically be applied.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe –it every episode will automatically be downloaded for you, so you can catch up at your leisure 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast or WhatsApp

In today’s episode Iain speaks with Fiona Easdale, managing director and co-founder of the Val d’Isere chalet specialist YSE Ski.  She was racing downhill in the Winter Olympics at just 16 years old, then worked in sports management with World Cup winning footballers, before her return to the ski industry with Bladon Lines.  There, she rose through the ranks to become managing director, before going off on her own to set up YSE Ski with John Yates-Smith – a company that’s now been in business for over 30 years.  This episode is the latest in a series of podcasts I’ve been publishing focussing on women in the snowsports industry. Previous episodes have included BBC Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy Alcott, GB Snowsport CEO, Vicky Gosling and former-Erna Low MD, Joanna Yellowlees-Bound. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Listen to Iain’s interview with John Yates-Smith in Episode 231 (3:45) Read Iain’s summary of the latest Mountain Trade Network research (5:45) Fiona competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics at just 16 years old (7:00) Seba Johnson is the youngest Alpine skier to compete in the Olympics at 14 (7:30) Fiona joined the Downhill Only Ski Club in Wengen (8:30) Fiona finished 34th in Downhill, 37th in GS, 18th in Slalom and 10th in the Combined (11:30) “Nobody gives us a chance. Why should they against the Alpine countries? But we’re having a go!” (13:30) Konrad Bartelski was also at Innsbruck (15:00) John Curry won gold for Team GB in the ice skating (16:00) Fiona was injured in an Europa Cup race in Flaine (18:30) IMG is a sports management agency (20:15) Listen to Episode 252 about the Rise and Fall of Bladon Lines (21:45) Fiona rose from Contracts Manager to MD (23:00) How did it end at Bladon Lines? (29:00) The founding of YSE (30:00) Of 30 resorts offered by Bladon Lines, 60% of profits were in Val d'Isere (31:00) YSE is a Val d’Isere specialist (33:45) Dealing with global crises (35:00)  Feedback 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 theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe –it every episode will automatically be downloaded for you 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast or WhatsApp

In this special ‘Flashback’ episode, Iain speaks with Tom Greenall, one of the few British members of the ski patrol in France. Tom explains the long journey he had to go through to qualify as a ‘pisteur’ (ski patroller in France), starting off with racing against 11-year-olds (having had some training from Glenn Plake!) to learning how to ski with a blood wagon in his hands.  Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.  SHOW NOTES Tom Greenall is founder of Idris Skis He ran a cat skiing operation in Japan for three years The first qualification required to become a ski patroller is a Fleche Vermillion Glen Plake has been coming to Chamonix since 1987 Tom passed the Test Technique on his fourth attempt at Puy St Vincent ‘Premiere Secours Equipe Niveau 1 & 2’ is the rescue industry first aid course Tom’s Pisteur Course cost €3000 and took place in Les Orres The course included knowledge of middle mountain environment; weather and snow awareness; Rules and Regulations; taking the PSE2 first aid to the ski patrol environment; sled (‘bloodwagon’ practice); avalanche practice The course concluded with exams on rescue sleds; an avalanche beeper search; and first aid cases Listen to our interview with the producers of ‘Ski A&E’ in Val Thorens in Episode 43 Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Don’t forget that if you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money…all you need to do is to use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. So simply use that code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do: Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify ‘Buy me a coffee’ at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast on Facebook and Instagram  @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

In this special episode we look at the rise and fall of Bladon Lines – a British chalet company who in the mid-80s were the biggest ski company in the UK, but by the mid-90s had completely disappeared. It’s the story of two young men, who met at university and were sure that they could do ski holidays better. It’s about how their company rode the 80s boom and grew exponentially to become ‘the’ name in British skiing. Then new competitors came in and the market changed. The last glass of ‘Parrot Claret’ was served over 30 years ago now, but the Bladon Lines continues to hold a special place in the hearts of British skiers… SHOW NOTES Mark Lines died in a car crash in 1990 (2:00) Simon Bladon met Mark Lines on his first day at Exeter University in 1971 (3:15) In July 1978 Simon was sacked from his job, leading to the start of ‘Bladon Lines’ (6:00) In year three, the company made a profit of £80,000 (9:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with John Yates Smith in Episode 231 (9:30) The famous red, yellow and blue Bladon Lines jackets led to the parrot logo (11:00) Bladon Lines offered ‘Parrot Claret’ and ‘Parrot Vin’ wines in their chalets (12:00) Alastair Scott from the Sunday Times, found the jackets ‘hideously recognisable’ (12:30) Amin Momen founded Momentum Ski – a corporate ski specialist (12:45) The dotted Ski West jackets were also famous (13:30) Ed Mannix is now owner of the Zermatt specialist, Matterhorn Chalets (13:40) Nick Morgan founded the chalet company Le Ski in 1982 (15:15) What are ‘Sloane Rangers’? John Yates-Smith: “It was the days of glorious amateurishness” (17:30) ‘The Bladon Lines Chalet Girls Cookbook’ is occasionally available on ebay (22:00) The standard of chalets in the 80s… (22:45) Simon Hoskyns worked for Bladon Lines before going on to co-found Alpine Answers (24:00) There were no mobile phones in the 80s… (23:30) Gareth Crump is now Sales and Marketing Director at VIP Ski (26:30) The days of the Telex… (27:00) Ed Mannix was the only member of staff with a ‘mobile phone’ (28:15) Simon Bladon sold his 50% share to family friend Christopher Needler (29:00) Christopher Needler kept Bladon Lines afloat as the market changed (29:45) Crystal Ski were an aggressive new competitor (32:00) Chalet rents went ‘out of control’ (32:30) In 1991, the company sacked Fiona Easdale as managing director (33:15) John Yates-Smith and Easdale formed their own chalet company, YSE Ski (33:30) Inghams bought Bladon Lines in 1995 (36:00) Simon Bladon offered to come back to help run the new Bladon Lines division of Inghams (37:15) The skills you develop when working ski seasons… (38:30) The Bladon Lines community… (42:00) In 2020 Crystal Ski announced it was cancelling its entire chalet programme (44:00) Seasonal Businesses in Travel report a 50% reduction in chalet capacity this decade (44:00) The Bladon Lines ‘Chalet Girl’ races (45:00) Credits This episode was written, narrated and edited by Iain Martin.  Thanks go to Andy Wadsworth for reading the additional clippings, quotes and excerpts and to everyone who contributed to this episode including Simon Bladon, John Yates-Smith, Amin Momen, Ed Mannix, Gareth Crump, Nick Morgan and Simon Hoskyns.  Share this episode If you enjoyed this episode and you know someone who worked or took holidays with Bladon Lines back in the 80s or 90s, or simply likes a good ski industry story, then I would really appreciate it if you shared this episode with them.  Feedback  If you want to share your own memories of Bladon Lines or just let me know what you thought about this episode, then please contact me via Facebook or Instagram @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp. There are over 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – just go theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you like. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code   If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

Today we discuss ‘Homeland’ – a ski touring only ‘resort’ in Italy, we ask what should be on Rob Katz’s ‘to do’ list as he takes up the reins again at Vail Resorts, plus we find out about skiing along the Mississippi. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by freelance journalist Sam Haddad and host of the Storm Skiing Podcast, Stuart Winchester, as well as down the line with snow reports by Rachael Oakes-Ash in Australia and Guy Beatson in New Zealand. SHOW NOTES Sam was last on the show talking about La Grave in Episode 214 (1:15) Stuart was last on the show in Episode 235 (1:30) Find out about La Sarenne in Alpe d’Huez (4:00) Stuart’s last day of skiing was at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado (5:00) Guy Beatson reported from New Zealand (9:30) Rachael Oakes-Ash from Snowsbest reported from Australia (11:00) Homeland is a ski touring ‘resort’ in Italy (13:00) Read Sam’s Substack ‘Climate and Board Sports’ (14:00) Read Sam’s article for the Guardian We featured Madesimo in Episode 165 (18:00) Read Stuart’s Storm Skiing Journal Substack (23:30) ”Everyone’s searching for skiing’s soul. I’m trying to find its brains” We covered the Ikon Pass, Indy Pass, Mountain Collective & Epic Pass in Episode 265 We discussed how the Epic Pass is making a difference in Australia in Episode 250 (25:45) Vail launched the Epic Pass in 2008 (26:00) Sales of the Epic Pass were down for the first time in 2024/25 (28:30) The ski patrol strike in Park City was a PR disaster for Vail Resorts (30:00) The CEO of Vail Resort Kirsten Lynch resigned in May 2025 (32:00) She was replaced by Rob Katz (32:30) What should be on Rob Katz's 'to do' list (32:45) “Walk-up lift ticket prices that would embarrass a luxury handbag store!” “Wait, There's a Limit to What People Will Pay to Ski 7 Hours on a Tuesday in a Highly Competitive Market?” Skiing in Alabama (37:00)  Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback. Please leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram and Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Guy Beatson: "I really enjoy the podcast – it helped prepare for my trip to Big Sky and Grand Targhee in late January"  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          ‘Buy me a coffee’ at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

Today we focus on the new ski season in Australia and New Zealand, especially the new chairlift in Perisher and ski area extension in Cardrona. Plus could ski ballet be making a comeback? We find out about this iconic sport from the 80s Host Iain Martin was joined by the expert on skiing in Australia and New Zealand, founder of the Snowsbest website, Rachael Oakes-Ash, and the founder of MGG clothing, and the man single-handedly behind the ski ballet revival, Tom Bata.  SHOW NOTES Rachael enjoyed great conditionsat the Australia opening weekend (1:30) Iain skied all five of the UK’s indoor snowdomes in May (2:45) Big Sky featured in Episode 235 of The Ski Podcast (3:00) Svalbard featured in Episode 218 of The Ski Podcast (5:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Xavier De Le Rue (7:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from the opening weekend in Tignes (8:00) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (9:15) The new AUD26 million chairlift in Perisher (10:45) Listen to Iain’s report from Australia in Episode 182 (12:45) The Epic Pass in Australia (15:00) The new 4 day pass in in Australia (17:00 The Thredbo Alpine Coaster (19:30) The Soho ski area in Cardona will make it the largest NZ ski area (21:20) Cardrona is opening a new freestyle training centre (23:20) Mt Dobson and Ohau are for sale (27:00) MGG (Mont Gele Gear) is based in Verbier (28:45) MGG incorporate a Radical Transparency Label (30:45) Take a look at one of the RTL labels (32:00)  What is ‘ski ballet’? (33:30)  Watch MGG’s film about ski ballet (34:45) Did Tanner Hall made his start in ski ballet? (35:00) Will ski ballet ever come back into the mainstream (40:00) Feedback (41:30) I love to hear what you think about the show – what you like, or don’t like – just leave me a comment on Spotify or Instagram and Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  skiiingPostie (on Episode 249): “I get people’s apprehension (about starting skiing)…I started learning at 47 and the main thing I was worried about was hurting myself or others” Alex: “I've recently got into listening to your podcast and am really enjoying all the skiing chat.”  There are now 262 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 229 of those were listened to in the last week. Go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around our back catalog - you’re bound to find something of interest. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast. 

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 (1:20) Find out about Dan’s epic run to Rome (2:20) Amirra and Dan were at the AJ Bell Three Valley Challenge in Val Thorens (4:00) Dave Ryding has announced that he will retire at the end of the 25/26 winter (6:15) Listen to Iain’s interview with Dave in Episode 199 (8:00) Find out how Iain’s ’25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge went (8:30) You can donate at Iain’s JustGiving page (9:00) Around 1000 inner city young people join Snow Camp each July (10:45) Amirra’s journey with Snow Camp started in 2001 (12:00) Snow Camp are taking on 16 apprentices this year Amirra’s first placement was with Ellis Brigham She has just finished working at the Ski Club of Great Britain (14:45) Skimigos took 100 people to Les 2 Alpes in March (18:00) Zahia (Zee) Shaw set up Skimigos in 2019 (19:45) Zee uses the Skimigos Instagram to tackle objections people come up with (22:00) Addressing “it’s not for people like us” (22:45) Skimigos apres ski is off the charts… (25:00) Burhan is the founder of the Muslim Ski Club (27:30)  This year the club travelled to Erciyes in Turkey (30:00) “Apres-tea over apres-ski” (30:25) The club is organising ‘Eid in the Alps’ in Avoriaz in 2026 (32:30) Snow Camp has been organising indoor taster sessions for young Muslims (34:00) Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback. Couple since our last episode. Ben: "Love the podcast" Pete: “248 was a great episode...loving the grass roots vibe" You can contact me with your feedback via our social channels @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  There’s so much to catch up with in our back catalog just to theskipodcast.com and have a look around the tags and categories.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

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 the podcast in Episode 229 (0:30) James Gambrill is COO of the Ski Club of Great Britain The Mountain Travel Symposium took place at Aspen Snowmass this year (4:00) Find out more about Iain’s ‘25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ (5:00) He will be skiing all the UK’s indoor snow centres in a single day to raise funds for Snow Camp You can sponsor Iain on his JustGiving page (7:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (8:20) Listen to our Ski Jobs Special Episode to find out more about the ‘Youth Experience Scheme’ (9:30) The Ski Podcast sponsors ‘Team Carrick Smith’ (10:00) Iain spoke with Luca, Zak and Freddy on their end of season surfing break (10:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Team GB skier Molly Butler (19:15) Tim Justice is chairman of the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club (22:20) Sheffield Ski Village closed in 2012 (23:00) There are plans to redevelop Sheffield Ski Village (25:00) Find out more about the Revive Sheffield Ski Village campaign (29:00) Find out more about the new ‘Way2Snow’ initiative (31:00) Kimberley’s ‘Ski A-Z book’ is a great intro for newcomers to the sport (39:30) James Gambrill is also organiser of the London Snow Show (40:00) The show takes place at Olympia in West London in October (41:00) Iain will be presenting at the show with our equipment expert Al Morgan (43:00) Find out about apres-ski at the show (44:00) Kimberley was at the inaugural World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWS0) Summit (45:30) It was held at Kitzsteinhornin Austria, near Kaprun in April 2025 54 women from 12 countries attended (47:00) We covered 'Project Fear' in Episode 229 – looking at the extent to which fear is a factor in snowsport gender imbalance  (50:00) You can sponsor Iain on the ‘25in25’ on his JustGiving page (58:00) Feedback You can contact me with your feedback via our social channels @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  gordymission1035: "Thank you for a great episode (#247). So much great info." There are now 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you’re missing your skiing over the summer, then this is the perfect time to go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around our back catalog.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

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. Watch this podcast on video on the Skipedia YouTube channel This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by them. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for next winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com and you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Al was last on the show in Episode 235, reporting from the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz (0:50) This episode is also available on the Skipedia YouTube channel Al last skied in Tignes (1:10) Find out more about Iain’s ’25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ (4:30) Listen to Dan Keeley explaining more about the work that Snow Camp do in Episode 246 Sponsor Iain at Just Giving How are tariffs going to affect prices in the States & exports from Europe? (7:00) What are multi-BOA ski boots? (10:00) How much does BOA affect the cost of a ski boot? (13:30) [Video] How many BOAs does a skier need? (14:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-inNniPEpRQ How should you do up ski boots? (14:45) Phaenom suggest putting the liners on first outside the boot (17:30) How to take out and put back liners (19:45) Find out about Boot Bib (23:00) Listen to our Ski Boot Special Episode #161 (24:00) How to store skis over the summer (26:30) Wind down your DIN settings (27:30) How to carry skis (33:00) How to attach skis to a backpack (37:15) How to attach skis to an airbag (40:45) How to avoid the helmet gap? (49:00) How to clean and re-proof outerwear? (51:30) Listen to our Arcteryx ReBird episode #218 (53:45) Feedback If you’ve found this episode helpful, or you have any feedback on other episodes, please do let me know. You can contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  LJ@99 (Apple Podcasts): "Just the best ski and snow sports podcast going. Always listen and learn something new from the interviews and reports from all over the world. Plus there's a great back catalog." Sarah Lewis (LI): “Lots of interesting and valuable information for listeners!” There are now 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. This is the perfect time to go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

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 Jenny Greenwood, HR Director at Skiworld, George Gray, co-founder of ski job recruitment specialists SZN and Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School in Switzerland.  SHOW NOTES Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reports from Les 2 Alpes (5:45) Floss Cockle  from the FreeFloFloss YouTube channel is in Tignes (6:45) Find out more about Snow Camp (8:45) Iain is trying to raise £2500 in the ‘25 for 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ to give 25 inner-city young people the chance to experience snowsports for the very first time in 2025 (9:00) Dan Keeley is community and events director for Snow Camp (9:20) You can sponsor Iain on his JustGiving page here (11:30) George Gray is co-founder of SZN (12:15) Iain founded the recruitment website Natives in 1999 (15:30) What ski jobs are available? (16:00) Skiworld is the UK’s largest chalet company, recruiting almost 200 staff (18:15) SBiT’s reseach shows that since Brexit there are 56% fewer chalets & 69% fewer workers Last winter, Skiworld had 5000 applications How do you make your application stand out? (21:30) When do interviews happen? (23:30) Do you need an EU passport? (25:15) How does an employer secure a visa for you? (26:00) Charlie Owen is the MD of SBiT and European Pubs (29:30) Find out more about developments in the Youth Mobility Scheme When should people apply for jobs? (36:00) When do staff go out to resort? (40:00) Can people still apply during the season? (41:00) Dave did his instructor qualification via the Warren Smith Ski Academy (44:15) Are instructor qualifications portable across countries? (46:45) How to qualify as a French ski instructor (49:15) Dave hosts the Ski Instructor Podcast (54:45) Feedback (55:00) I really enjoy finding out from listeners what you think of the show. I’m always interested to hear from you, so please do contact Iain on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Robbie Milne: “Great recent episodes - keeping the stoke well and truly alive! I’m getting married this summer meaning I couldn’t get out for spring skiing but this podcast makes it not so bad” Steve from York: “Love the variety of topics covered in this podcast. It really gets you revved up for your next trip to the mountains” Paul1608: “I’ve recently found the podcast and am working my way through the back catalog. I can’t make it to the mountains this year, but the podcast is the next best thing” Rob Olliff: “I’ve enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast since lockdown when it helped me keep going during those dark days…I recently found the episode on taking an EV to the Alps particularly useful. We drove to Les Menuires in an EV in Feb and Iain’s advice and tips definitely helped smooth the journey and calmed the nerves about charging in France. Keep up the great work.” There are now 258 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 127 of those were listened to in the last week. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, have a search around and there is so much in there you’re bound to find something to keep your snow fix going over the summer.  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.