Big Picture Skiing Podcast

From the legendary Crazy Canucks to the evolution of chairlifts, skiing is full of stories and people who shaped the sport we know today. In this episode, I sit down with Blake (@oldbaldskier on instagram) — a passionate ski history enthusiast — to explore some of the most interesting moments and characters that left their mark on skiing.We talk about: • The rise of the Crazy Canucks and their impact on ski racing • How chairlifts changed skiing forever • The personalities and events that defined different eras • How Walt Disney helped shape the green circle to black diamond trail ratings we still use today • Fun facts and historical quirks every skier will enjoyIf you love skiing and want to understand the roots of the sport, this conversation will give you new appreciation for where skiing has come from and where it’s heading.👉 Improve your own skiing with my coaching platform: https://www.bigpictureskiing.comUse Code PODCAST to get 25% off any membership to Big Picture Skiing as a thanks for being a podcast listener.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carv has been listening, and some big updates are on the way. In this episode, I catch up with the team to hear what they’ve been working on over summer — including smarter coaching tools, improved SkiIQ feedback, and new features that actually help you learn, not just track data. If you’re a Carv user or just into ski tech, this is a solid insight into where things are headed.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I chat with Olympian Erik Schlopy about all things skiing—from gear setup to what most people are missing in their carving. We also get into his coaching philosophy, how he’s helping his own son progress, and some great drills you can try to build better balance and control on snow.It’s a deeper, more refined conversation than our last one, and there’s heaps of gold in here for anyone serious about improving their skiing.🎿 Interested in training with Erik in person?He’s running a race camp this August in New Zealand. It’s open to keen ski racers with 5 spots only left.📍 Dates: July 27 Depart USA until August 17Where: Roundhill, Mt. Dobson, Coronet Peak, RemarkablesContact: Dane Spencer wangwong77@gmail.com⛷️ If you’re self driven intermediate to expert skier and also enjoy working at your own pace, Big Picture Skiing is your go-to resource. Inside, you’ll find in-depth tutorials, movement breakdowns, and drills designed to help you make real improvements—whether it’s refining your carving, building better control, or understanding the “why” behind great skiing.“As everyone else has said, Big Picture Skiing is such an awesome resource that makes complex skills really accessible with great explanations, demos and even cue cards to remind myself what I’m shooting for.” - Karolis🎯 Start your journey to better skiing here: https://www.bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I sit down with four-time Olympian Emma Carrick-Anderson for a powerful conversation about skiing, parenting, and coaching at the elite level. Emma shares how her philosophy has shifted from the traditional, form-focused training she experienced as an athlete to a more exploratory, feel-based approach—one that she and her husband, Phil Smith, used to raise their children who are now knocking on the door of the World Cup circuit.We talk about: • Why developing feel and versatility on the mountain trumps chasing a perfect-looking turn • How Emma’s Olympic background shapes her parenting and coaching • Equipment insights, including the flatter vs. supportive footbed debate • Practical takeaways for parents, coaches, and everyday skiersWhether you’re raising young skiers, coaching others, or simply looking to improve your own skiing, Emma’s experience and insight offer something valuable.Links Mentioned: • Previous episode with Phil Smith – https://youtu.be/-7xcCHbiEcA?si=UaAzgJhLtuFalmH7 • Follow the boys at Team Carrick-Smith on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teamcarricksmith?igsh=MTZqOTdlZ2ZrZ3Vzaw== • Learn more at Big Picture Skiing - https://bigpictureskiing.com/catalogAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I sit down with Phil Smith, founder of Snoworks and one of the most forward-thinking ski coaches in the game.Phil shares a powerful shift in perspective around speed control — moving away from rigid technical cues and instead focusing on the concept of snow displacement. This insight alone can change the way you think about skiing steeps, bumps, and variable snow.We also dive into what it really means to become a versatile all-mountain skier. Phil talks about skiing “open,” embracing the mountain, and moving beyond the narrow lens of measured technique. His philosophy is refreshing, especially for skiers who want to break out of the on-piste mindset and truly explore.Whether you’re a coach, instructor, or passionate skier, you’ll walk away from this episode with new ideas to experiment with next time you’re on snow.Enjoyed this discussion? Check out www.bigpictureskiing.com and join the thousands of other skiers improving their skiing like never before.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Find out more about what’s coming in next year’s ski boot designs! Tom Gellie chats with boot fitter Brent Amsbury about the trends and innovations he’s noticing. And it’s more than just adding another BOA adjustment to ski boots.Stay tuned later in the episode for Brent’s tips on boot cuffs. He and Tom both emphasize how crucial it is to get the cuff to fit your lower leg properly.If you enjoyed this episode, check out the extensive library of podcast episodes on the Big Picture Skiing Podcast. You can listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgVxParu1F2dJVGrE5Leg) or Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-picture-skiing-podcast/id969434674)Thanks,TomAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is for all the ski coaches and instructors out there, because let’s be honest—we all get a huge thrill from seeing our students progress and improve. With that goal in mind, I invited two experts on the topic of task-based learning to help us refine our teaching techniques. John Shedden and Richard Barbour share some incredible wisdom, built on years of experience teaching skiers and coaching others to do the same.If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll definitely want to check out the Locked in Shed Podcast with Richard Barbour interviewing John Shedden. It’s packed with more insights for ski coaches.Find it on Spotify here:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/369NT9JdpmCcFIvju9J6mpAPPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/locked-in-shed-ski-coaching-podcast/id1518316563For ski coaches—and keen skiers—looking to solve their skiing challenges, check out my online learning platform, Big Picture Skiing.I’ve created a massive library of videos covering everything from improving your mogul skiing to follow-along body prep workouts, and even setting up your ski boots properly. I share everything I’ve learned over the years striving to become the best skier I can be, along with insights I’ve picked up from the industry’s smartest minds.Special offer for podcast listeners: Get 25% off any membership using the code PODCAST. Plus, you can try out the platform free for 7 days to see if it’s right for you.👉 https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, three Carv team members – Charlie, lead data scientist; Alex, head of marketing; and John, head of product – reveal how Carv is transforming skiing with real-time feedback technology. From its beginnings as a pressure-sensing insole, Carv has evolved into a powerful device that attaches to ski boots, now able to deliver precise, terrain-specific feedback across groomers, moguls, and powder. Join us as we uncover the technical breakthroughs that made this possible, from sensor fusion to machine learning, and hear each guest’s unique perspective on how Carv’s innovations bring skiers at all levels closer to mastering their craft. Whether you’re a recreational skier or chasing high performance, Carv is reshaping the way we learn and improve on the slopes – making skiing a continuous journey of discovery.👀 Checkout CARV https://getcarv.com/⛷️ Become a student of Tom Gellie’s through the Big Picture Skiing learning platform. Podcast listeners can use code PODCAST to take 25% off a membership! There is a 7 day free trial to let you find out if its for you.https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and former Australian demo team member, Demelza Clay, to dive into the often-overlooked topic of inside leg mechanics during carve turns at high edge angles. Demelza shares her recovery journey from an ACL injury, explaining how it forced her to relearn movement patterns and ultimately ski better than ever.We explore how her skiing mechanics shifted post-rehab, particularly the "whipping" sensation she felt in high-edge turns. Video analysis revealed a stance wider than her hips, sparking adjustments in her balance and stability. This led to valuable insights into how the relationship between the inside knee and hip can impact performance.We challenge conventional skiing norms and discuss how experimenting with technique can lead to breakthroughs. The episode wraps with practical drills like crab walks and "in-rigger" exercises to help listeners refine their inside leg movements and improve their overall skiing performance.🎦 Videos mentioned in the podcast on the Big Picture Skiing App/WebsitePodcast listeners can claim a 25% off coupon on any membership to Big Picture Skiing:- The Pistol Squat in Your Ski Turns https://bigpictureskiing.com/programs/the-pistol-squat-ski- Rolling The Inside Knee https://bigpictureskiing.com/programs/rolltheknees- Activation Of The Inside Foot https://bigpictureskiing.com/programs/insidefootactivationJoin a Big Picture Skiing Camp with Demelza and Tom https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/skicampsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I sit down with veteran boot fitter and former ski shop owner Lou Rosenfeld to dive into the art of customizing ski boots for the perfect fit. With years of experience, Lou shares expert insights on how the right boot adjustments can significantly enhance your skiing experience.We debunk common misconceptions, like opting for larger boots to relieve pressure points, and explore why starting with a snug fit is key. Lou discusses essential modifications for bunions, toe length discrepancies, and heel spurs, showing how professional adjustments can boost both comfort and performance.From reshaping the forefoot to solving calf issues, Lou explains how custom fitting can transform high-performance boots for any skier. This episode is packed with tips on achieving the perfect ski boot setup for a comfortable day on the slopes.A big thanks to Ski West, Calgary for letting us use their Big Press for the video examples. https://www.skiwest.caWant to see the recording where Lou shows the modifications? Checkout the YouTube version of the podcast here https://youtu.be/VCz5NyVUqKg?si=xJbLnItXdQG7asMx⭐️ Links:-Contact Lou about buying a press or any questions: lou@lous.ca-IAESS https://iaess.org-Big Picture Skiing Merchandise https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com-Big Picture Skiing Boot Fit Guide https://bigpictureskiing.com/pages/bps-boot-guide⛷️ 25% off coupon code! Want to Join the most comprehensive ski improvement platform for skiing? Big Picture Skiing? Tom curates all videos to make the learning experience as good as him coaching you in person, but at a fraction of the cost! Improve all types of ski turns making you a master of the whole mountain. And podcast listeners can claim 25% off ANY membership plan using code PODCAST making the annual deal great value and a fraction of the cost of a private lesson. Plus you can utilise the strength and mobility videos in the pre season period and off season to stay mobile and strong.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I speak with Christian Haas, Fischer's product manager, about the complexities of ski design and construction. We explore how material combinations, thickness, and profile shape define a ski's performance, with differences between racing and rental skis. Christian discusses the Fischer RC4 CT ski (a favorite of mine), highlighting its advanced construction for stability and edge grip. We also delve into bending lines and their impact on stiffness and ski responsiveness.Christian emphasizes the companies open mind attitude and passion for innovation. You will hear first hand about Fischer's noise technology, designed to reduce vibrations for smoother skiing at the end of the episode.About Big Picture Skiing and Tom Gellie:Big Picture Skiing is about sharing insights from experts in the ski industry. Helping skiers discover the missing pieces to what will help them realise their best skiing. I share these insights through a free Podcast, YouTube Channel and for those wanting to dive deeper, a video library membership containing hundreds of tutorials and lessons that solve your skiing problems. If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast please consider subscribing to help us continue to talk with other interesting guests. Or take a look at the continually growing Big Picture Skiing website https://bigpictureskiing.com/I can offer podcast listeners 25% off any subscription using the code PODCAST at checkout.“Big Picture Skiing offers a vast and varied video library that is on the one hand so comprehensive in its breadth and depth of information, but on the other surprisingly easy to learn from and retain given Tom and teams exceptional teaching style and well curated videos. I’ve been a member of the community for a couple of years, and have seen such drastic improvements not only in my own skiiing, but in my fundamental understanding of technique, equipment and tactics in any given terrain. For those who want to improve, have a thirst for knowledge, and quite simply for those who enjoy watching brilliant skiing demonstrations, I can’t recommend Big Picture Skiing highly enough.” Andy, New ZealandAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I chat with Sasha Rearick, former World Cup coach of the US ski team and head coach at Apex 2100. We explore Sasha’s innovative ecological approach to ski coaching, focusing on how athletes adapt their techniques based on environmental constraints. Sasha shares insights on regional skiing styles, the importance of separating movements like "counter" and "anticipation," and the value of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. This conversation is packed with valuable lessons for both skiers and coaches looking to refine their techniques.We discuss a drill Sasha likes to use called “Evers” Drill named after Andy Evers. This is a link to an Instagram video of that drill performed by AJ Ginnis https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8kpKbfoTIH/?igsh=MXczdTNnZDM3cXkweQ==CHAPTERS:00:00:00 introduction00:02:11 What is the ecological approach to learning?00:11:15 Degrees of freedom00:18:15 Constraints and tasks for learning00:28:11 The importance of mistakes in learning00:31:35 Overcoming embarrassment 00:37:39 Upper and lower body separation 00:43:24 “Evers” Drill Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, my good friend Demelza Clay takes over the hosting duties to dive into my background and experiences. We kick things off by talking about my shift from ski instructing to studying body movement, inspired by a session with Claudia. This led me to explore structural integration therapy, which I started sharing with ski instructors, and it was amazing to see their movements and performance improve.We also chat about how I started sharing content online through videos and how that has evolved over the years. Our conversation touches on the impact of timing and unique educational experiences, like my time at a Steiner school, on shaping our views in the ski industry. It's all about giving you a deeper understanding of how I blend skiing and bodywork.Reflecting on my journey of seeking out-of-the-box learning experiences, we talk about the importance of following your curiosity and exploring different teaching methods. I share how I draw inspiration from various sources and stress the value of collaboration and continuous learning to refine my coaching techniques. Plus, I talk about my plans to create more focused instructional videos and improve my mogul skiing skills, with conversations with industry experts and launching this podcast being key parts of that.We also discuss starting the podcast to share ideas, even though the audio quality was pretty rough at first. It's been a great way to broaden my understanding of the ski industry and appreciate diverse viewpoints. I emphasize the importance of goodwill when approaching others and how the podcast helps spread valuable information. Balancing free content with the need to generate income is a big topic, and I draw inspiration from industry leaders like Carve and those pushing technological boundaries in skiing. We even consider the idea of introducing beginner mogul runs and obstacle courses at resorts to enrich skiing experiences, encouraging skiers to embrace all aspects of skiing with intention and a focus on improvement.Further into the discussion, we explore the benefits of skiing in varied conditions and how it can boost your skills. Mastering diverse techniques like moguls and bumps can really elevate your overall skiing. We stress the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation in skiing, trusting your body, and exploring resources like books and studies on body movement. Topics like footbeds, boot setups, and pattern recognition in skiing highlight the value of a holistic approach to skiing and making informed decisions to optimize performance.00:00:00 Flipping the Chairs00:01:09 A Break from Skiing00:35:31 Shortening Video Content00:38:35 Mogul Skiing Motivation00:41:56 Starting the Podcast00:51:42 The Power of Podcasts and Sharing Ideas00:55:16 Enhancing Coaching with Technology01:01:40 The Evolution of Online Ski Classes01:02:37 The Importance of Mogul Skiing01:06:19 Maximizing Skiing Enjoyment on Any Day01:09:52 Using Legs as Shock Absorbers01:14:10 Uncovering Hidden Insights in Skiing01:16:06 Trusting Your Body in Skiing01:17:27 The Importance of Ski Boot Setup01:19:13 Recognizing Patterns in SkiingWant a session with Claudia Sorenson the lady who changed my life with Structural Integration: https://www.claudiasorensen.com/Like the Skiing Skeleton cap Tom is wearing? You can get your own here: https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com/Want access to the biggest library of ski technique videos designed to make you a better skier, click here: https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meet Joe Dunn a former ski racer and coach turned Ski Dad and Instructor at Deer Valley Ski resort. In this podcast we learn how Joe made more progress by “watching what the best skiers did” instead of just listening to what people “told him to do”. There are some great insights into high end carving that you may not hear elsewhere and Joe shares these through his own experiences on the slopes.For aspiring skiers and ski racers there are some great technical takeaways you can try when next on snow.For the ski instructors and coaches there are a few important lessons around language and the words we use when coaching.Joe and I hope you find this chat ignites a fire of curiosity around your skiing and the way you coach skiing.You can checkout Joe’s YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@skidadtvLike the Skiing Skeleton cap Tom is wearing? You can get your own here: https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com/Want access to the biggest library of ski technique videos designed to make you a better skier, click here: https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

All ski boots have a flex rating but what exactly does this mean for you and your skiing. In this podcast chat with expert boot fitter Brent Amsbury, we find out some important facts about boot flex. - What changing the bolts in the back of the boot does and why it’s possibly not the best place to make permanent changes to flex from.- How U cuts have a better impact on the ski boot flex range.- That you should always try and get within the right flex rating to begin with. ie dont buy a stiff boot and expect to soften it considerably. - How a skinny leg vs a thicker leg will alter a boots flex.- A look at an innovative ski boot design from UPZ that takes ideas from snowboarding!If you have enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe to the channel. It helps us bring on great guests whcih in turn helps us all learn more If I have peaked your interest in learning to ski better check out the Big Picture Skiing video library and app. You can get a free video to see what it’s all about. Follow this link for your free video 👇https://bigpictureskiing.com/zen/perpendicularIf you want to own a Skiing Skeleton hat like the one Tom is wearing or a “Skellie” t shirt you can buy it here 👇https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Everyone loves new ski gear. But how do you know what type of ski gear is right for you? This podcast episode will help you be a little more savvy when you go through the process of testing and finding your next pair of skis. Gain insights from experienced gear reviewer Phil Pugliese, Co-founder of SkiTalk. There are some great pieces of advice in this podcast like ensuring you are considering varibales like ski tune and type of binding when you test a ski. If this discussion is helpful please leave a comment below on why.LINKSSkiTalk Website: https://www.skitalk.comSkiTalk Ski Selector: https://www.skitalk.com/forums/product-reviews.120/ski-selectorSkiTalk Binding reviews: https://www.skitalk.com/forums/gear-reviews-and-comparisons.11/👇 Would you like a free video tutorial from Big Picture Skiing that has changed the way skiers view balance when skiing? Click the link below 👇 https://bigpictureskiing.com/zen/perpendicularAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Learn some great tips and advice from Mogul and Free Ride Ski Coach, Ben Chapman. Ben shares some valuable advice on:- setting up your ski boots to be more mogul friendly- pursuing athleticism not only mogul technique- skiing different lines in the bumps- mogul specific training ideas and how to build your own mogul course. Links Ryuji Kywabara the mogul skier we mention https://www.instagram.com/ryujikuwabara?igsh=NGFlemJtdWdwY211Video of Ryuji showing different lines https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0biU3Evz3y/?igsh=aDV6ZDV4cTJrM2kzGuy Hetherington Mogul Tips video on YouTube https://youtu.be/DUlYznYkEyw?si=6dyeKFOl_gmzfG2UYou can learn to ski with me via the Big Picture Skiing app and website. Join the many others finding new skills and enjoyment from self driven learning. 7 day free trial means you can test it out risk free. “This was the season to get better. I joined tom’s Big Picture Skiing. I made every turn with purpose and skied 99% of the time in my own. I got people to video me. Result. I had three different Instructors come up to me saying I’m skiing totally different or better. I feel totally different and I’m not done yet!”BPS member, April 2024https://bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Tom Gellie and Lou Rosenfeld in this enlightening episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, where they delve into the intricacies of ski boot selection. Discover why Lou recommends specific boot types, from beginners to seasoned experts, and the surprising benefits of opting for a "race boot." Explore the crucial role angles play in ski boot design, and how they can significantly impact your skiing technique and performance on the slopes. Plus, gain insights into the often-overlooked aspects of kids' ski boot design and the potential pitfalls of excessive ramp angle. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this episode promises valuable insights to elevate your skiing game.Ready to take your skiing skills to new heights? Unlock exclusive online learning resources by subscribing to our YouTube channel! Check out some of our top-notch content for free by clicking the link below:https://bigpictureskiing.com/yt/154-seethebigpictureAnd hey, why not show off your love for skiing with our trendy "Skellie" T-shirt? Grab yours today at:https://big-picture-skiing.myshopify.com/?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Discover practical methods for finding your ideal boot alignment using everyday items in this episode. Join the conversation between master boot fitter Brent Amsbury from Park City Ski Boot and Tom Gellie of Big Picture Skiing. Gain insights into the BOA system’s effectiveness in tightening ski boots – is it a gimmick or here to stay?Explore the Big Picture Skiing Boot Fit Guide for more details: BPS Boot GuideBook a personalized appointment with Brent at Park City Ski Boot💡 Elevate your skiing with Big Picture Skiing! Access 5 pieces of FREE content designed for YouTube Subscribers. Click here: See the Big PictureAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There is a new instructor training and certifying body in Canada. The Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC). The organisation was founded with the goal of starting a fresh when it comes to how ski instructors are trained and certified in Canada. “Can we do things better given the modern world we live in today?”. Find out about what they do differently and how they approach training and certifying instructors.GuestsMark SedgwickJeff MarksGuy HetheringtonLinks:PSIC https://www.psic.pro/⛷️ Improve your skiing intermediate to expert from the comfort of your home https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy