270: St Anton & Lech and the rise of the ‘Slow Skiing’ movement

This special episode of The Ski Podcast featuring Val d'Isère legend John Yates-Smith.  John is just starting his 50th winter in the resort. He started in the 70s in the early years of the British ski industry and went on to run Bladon Lines’ operations in Val d'Isère for a decade.  In 1991, he co-founded his own chalet company, YSE Ski, which has now been offering ski holidays in VDI for over 30 years.  SHOW NOTES Read Iain’s article about Bladon Lines (2:00) YSE is a Val d'Isère specialist founded in 1991 (2:45) “YSE is run by hyper-efficient ladies” (3:00) Fiona Easdale is the ‘E’ of ‘YSE’ “Brexit has been a nightmare for us” (4:00) John’s first ski season was with John Morgan in 1975/76 (8:00) “The best skiing in the world and a lot of very pretty chalet girls” (8:15) Is being a KP the best job in the Alps? (9:00) John’s brother opened ‘Dick’s Tea Bar’ (12:30) In 1982, John started working for Bladon Lines (16:00) The company was founded by Mark Lines and Simon Bladon in 1978 (16:30) Bladon Lines staff jackets were so colourful they became known as the ‘Parrots’ (18:00) “I hated my parrot jacket and refused to wear it!” (18:15) Telex was the typical mode of communication (21:00) Transfers before the Geneva-Albertville motorway could take up to 13 hours (26:00) In 1991 John started YSE with Fiona Easdale after Bladon Lines sacked her (33:00) In 1995, Inghams bought the brand for next to nothing (35:30) “I was absolutely delighted to see Bladon Lines go” (35:30) John set up the Bladon Lines summer operation in Corsica (37:00) The Hotel Valinco was built with sand from the beach (38:00) John had some attention from the Corsican mafia? (39:15) “There are no honest people in Corsica!” (39:45) John’s car was set on fire… (41:00) “What gun have you got?” (42:30) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I’m always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Dave Mills: "Great podcast and adds to the excitement of another ski season" Adam Fisher: "Good work with the podcast. I really enjoyed the Japan and Joanna Lees episodes.” Mike Greenland: "Always entertaining!” There are now 241 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our previous episode, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  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 Cover Photo courtesy of Felice Hardy, Action Packed Travel

27 Joulu 202450min

Our special Christmas Episode is the present of snow reports for you from across the Alps, including Tignes, Les 2 Alpes, La Plagne, Courchevel, Combloux, Val Gardena, St Anton, Grimentz…and the Brecon Beacons in Wales! SHOW NOTES Iain is currently in Tignes (0:30) Alex Armand, Tip Top Ski Coaching, Les 2 Alpes, France (1:30) Jen Tsang, That’s La Plagne, La Plagne, France (2:00) Alex Irwin, 150 Days of Winter, Courchevel, France (3:50) Betony Garner, Combloux, France (5:20) Tim Hudson, Inspired Italy, Val Gardena, Italy (6:55) Andy, Kaluma Ski, St Anton, Austria (8:25) Simon Burgess, Grimentz, Switzerland (10:30) Dave Burrows, SnowPros Ski School, Les Crozets, Switzerland (12:00) Mike Richards, Brecon Beacons, Wales (13:50) If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  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

24 Joulu 202415min

Today we look at the iconic resort of Jackson Hole, find out how Saas Fee are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ and learn about ‘The Last Ride’ film project. We also have snow reports from Verbier, Les 2 Alpes and La Plagne, an update on the latest ski racing action from Matt Garcka and your feedback. Host Iain Martin was joined by Jess McMillan from Jackson Hole and Jon Moy from ‘The Last Ride’ project. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you’re heading to the Alps this winter, then you can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Jon was skiing on sand dunes in the Atacama Desert in Chile (2:00) Iain will be in Tignes for Christmas (3:00) He will be travelling in a luxury minibus from Vans For Bands (3:15) Jen Tsang from That’s La Plagne reported from La Plagne (4:00) Dave from SnoPros Ski School was in Verbier (6:40) Alexandra Armand from TipTop Snow Coaching in Les 2 Alpes (8:45) Find out more about the new Jandri 3S gondola (9:15) Matt Garcka is host of from the ‘Skiing is Believing’ podcast (10:00) It is the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ (12:30) ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! is #1 in the UK charts right now Laila Zurbriggen is from the Saas Fee Tourist Office The Capra offers a special ‘Last Christmas’ package for CHF 1170 (16:00) Email ‘Whamtastic!’ to reservation@capra.ch Catherine Murphy had just done the WhamWalk (17:30) Did you meet your partner on a ski holiday or doing a ski season, and do you fancy sharing your story? Drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com (21:00) Jess McMillan is Director of Events & Partnerships at Jackson Hole (21:30) Jackson is located in the Grand Teton National Park Find out more about the Mountain Collective pass (28:45) Corbets’ Couloir is perhaps the most famous couloir in the world (25:00) Check out Doug Combs taking it on Jackson Hole has a limit on ski ticket sales (26:45) The Golden Ticket means that if you have a season pass you get a 50% discount (27:30) Jackson has featured in ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘The Last of Us’ (28:45) Jackson Hole recent broke the world record for the most skiers in jeans (29:30) Our Twitter poll was NOT in favour of ‘double denim on the mountain’ (30:15) Jon Moy is the Director of ‘The Last Ride’ project (32:30) The team have climbed and skied Mt Elbrus, Denali, Aconcagua & Mt McKinley (33:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Arnie Wilson (35:45) Next on the list is Puncak Jaya in Western Papua (36:00) Has altitude sickness been an issue? (37:30) How to keep camera equipment working at low temperatures (39:00) ‘The Last Ride’ are using offsetting to counter the carbon footprint of the project (40:15) Louise Paley is a co-founder of the ‘Piste X Code’ (44:30) Feedback (43:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Jane Michotte: "Love the podcast, the range of topics and different types of people interviewed. My 12-year-old son (just getting into racing) really enjoys the updates from the Carrick-Smiths."  Sean Burton: "Thank you Iain for your amazing podcast. I only got back into skiing last January after a 35-year gap! and I cannot get enough of it. Your equipment specials are particularly informative.”  Andrea Dalton: “Just listened to this week’s episode and loved it as always.” There are now 240 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

20 Joulu 202447min

In this episode we discuss how to ski safely on the slopes, and why that’s important. Plus we find out about the opening weekend of the season in Les 3 Vallées and take a look at the new venue for the London Snow Show. Host Iain Martin was joined by Kimberley Kay and Dr Carol Porter, authors of the ‘Project Fear’ study and Louise Paley and Amie Henderson, co-founders of the ‘Piste X Code’. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code All podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Betony Garner reported from Verbier (4:00) Floss from FreeFloSki is based in Tignes and Val d’Isere in the Espace Killy (5:00) Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy is based in the Dolomites (6:15) Mia Brookes won the snowboard Big Air in China (8:15) Lyndsey Vonn returns to World Cup action at Beaver Creek (8:30) Marcel Hirscher’s return is over due to injury (8:45) Follow the latest racing news with Matt Garcka on the Skiing is Believing podcast The 2025 London Ski Show is returning back to its old home of Olympia James Gambrill is founder of Mountain Trade Network, organisers of the show (9:30) Iain was in Les 3 Vallées for the opening of the season (16:30) Read Iain’s review of the weekend on Welove2Ski.com The new Saulire cable car opened on 12 December (17:00) Landry Tirard is head of ski for the lift company S3V Listen to Iain’s interview with Peter Landsman from liftblog.com in Episode 181 (19:45) The Cime de Caron cable car in Val Thorens is currently out of action (20:00) Read the main findings of ‘Project Fear’ (20:45) 62% of UK female respondents said fear or anxiety impact on their enjoyment of snowsports (21:15) The main fears are of injury and other skiers/snowboarders going too fast (22:15) Find out about the ‘Piste X Code’ project (25:00) A British five-year-old died in an accident in Flaine in 2022 (25:15) Watch the ‘Piste X Code’ video (27:45) Take the ‘Piste X Code’ quiz (31:30) Find out about the Snow Angel Foundation (39:00) Take a look at Kimberley’s illustration of the FIS code of conduct for skiers Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Alexander Summers: “The best ski podcast I have heard” JustPat: "Episode 226 was fantastic. I could listen to Mike for hours: he has total knowledge about skiing in Japan." Lee Thompson "It’s a really interesting podcast: there’s something informative in every episode." There are now 238 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 like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  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

13 Joulu 202442min

Today’s episode celebrates the release of the new film from The North Face, ‘Of A Lifetime’, featuring Xavier De Le Rue, his brother Victor and his daughter Mila.  The film covers an expedition the three of them took to Antarctica. Not only is the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, but you will be gripping your seat when you see some of the insane faces that Xavier and Victor take on.  The trip was also a rite of passage for Xavier’s daughter Mila, who turned 18 while they were in Antarctica. Watch the movie ‘Of A Lifetime’ on YouTube here In my extended interview with Xavier (previously released as Episode 208), we discuss his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and, of course, Antarctica.     We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about his views on sustainability and the future of our sport. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Xavier broke his ribs while taking time off from filming in Lobufen (7:30) FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (9:30) Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (11:00) Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (12:30) The trip involved crossing Drake’s Passage (15:00) The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (17:30) Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (20:30) Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (21:30) Xavier’s daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (21:15) Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (23:30) Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (25:30) Watch Xavier’s ‘How to’ videos on YouTube (26:45) Learn how to ski on ice! (27:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34 We discuss Xavier’s avalanche experience (29:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU “Paranoia can be a good thing” (30:30) Xavier has clear views on air bags (33:00) Listen to Xavier’s sustainability podcasts (38:00) Find out about the Audi Experience camps (38:30) 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  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

11 Joulu 202442min

In this special episode, Iain speaks with Lucy Aspden-Kean, Ski & Snowboard Editor at The Telegraph.  We discuss Lucy’s journey from the Blackpool Gazette to an MA in Journalism and how she beat 300 other applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph.  Lucy shares her advice for aspiring travel journalists, what it was like working on the travel desk during Covid, plus we also discuss how a trip to Nepal was prompted by an interview with Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Intersport Ski Hire You can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’. To make it even simpler you don’t even need to use the code, just take the link in the Show Notes and your basket will automatically be reduced.  SHOW NOTES  The London Snow Show will take place on 18/19 October 2025 at Olympia (1:00) Lucy previously shared her experiences of Gausta in Norway and heliskiskiing in Chile (3:00) Lucy was also on the show in the dark days of lockdown (3:00) A trip to Nepal started from an interview with Ranulph Fiennes (4:00) Lucy walked to Everest Base Camp and then the 6119m peak of Lobuche East (6:30) Her training was mainly in the Lake District (9:00) Read about Lucy’s trip in this Telegraph article (13:15) Is Everest suffering from overtourism (15:00) There are significant dangers of climbing Everest (16:30) Are too many climbers under-trained? (16:30) We discuss ‘overtourism’ more generally (17:00)  Lucy has skied in the Lakes (18:30) Her first ski holidays were to Rauris in Austria (20:00) Listen to Iain’s interviews with ski journalists Peter Hardy, Arnie Wilson & Frank Baldwin (21:00) Lucy did an English literature degree, followed by an MA in Magazine Journalism at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) (22:30) Lucy beat 300 applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph (24:00) She won ‘Best Social Media Campaign of the Year’ in the PPA awards in 2017 (30:00) Covid was a ‘career defining moment’ as a travel journalist (31:45) Telegraph model has shifted to subscription (34:45) Longer form content is becoming more popular (35:15) The role of a commissioning editor (36:45) Do journalists need to have video editing skills as well as writing? (39:00) Advice for freelance journalists (40:30) Is AI a threat to journalism? (42:00) The impact of the climate crisis on skiing (43:15) Lucy’s favourite trip was to Chile (46:30) 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  Andre As: “Thank you for making another enjoyable podcast! It really shines through that you enjoy skiing and nature.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link There are now 237 episodes of The Ski Podcast. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com and search the tags and categories. All our Equipment Special episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

6 Joulu 202450min

Today we find out what it’s like skiing down Mont Blanc, learn about skiing in Hokkaido in Japan, plus we cover a drugs bust in Verbier, a cable car crash in Val Thorens and get an update on the Alpine World Cup. Host Iain Martin was joined by Floss Cockle, from FreeFlo Ski Coaching in Tignes and ski journalist and photographer, Mike Richards. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code All podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Mike last appeared reporting from the Northern Ski Show in Episode 224 Mike skied in Wales this month (3:30) Listen to Mike talking about skiing in the Brecon Beacons in Episode 65 (4:30) Alex Irwin from ‘150 Days of Winter’ reported from Tignes and Val Thorens (6:00) We discussed drug dealers in ski resorts back in Episode 33 (8:00) Police have arrested 15 dealers in Verbier (8:30) The Cime de Caron cable car in VT was damaged in an accident (8:45) Lyndsey Vonn has announced that she plans to return to the racing circuit (9:30) Matt Garcka is host of the ‘Skiing is Believing’ podcast (10:00) Mikaela Shiffrin is chasing down her 100th World Cup win (11:45) Listen out for Iain’s interview with British half-pipe skier Zoe Atkin later this winter (13:00) All of our equipment episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel (13:45) The winners of our listener survey competition are Oliver Rutman & Faye Morton (14:00) Follow ‘The Ski Podcast’ on our WhatsApp channel (14:30) Floss has 5000 followers on her YouTube channel (15:00) In 2021, Floss climbed and skied down the North face of Mont Blanc (21:00) Watch Floss’ playlist about the climb (31:45) Mike told us about Rusutsu in Japan in Episode 170 (32:15) Find out more about the JR Train Pass in Japan (35:00) Mike suggests Hakodate as possible first base in Hokkaido (36:00) Mike’s favourite base in Japan is Otaru  (41:00) Asahikawa in the centre of Hokkaido is another option (44:15) Excellent article from Fall Line magazine about train travel in Japan More info about Omo Hotels Asahikawa (45:00) 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  Rob Smith: “Episode 225 was a great listen, really enjoyed it. I’m aiming for Austria with the kids, so that advice on skiing for families was great.” Judy Matthews: “Thank you for continuing your fantastic podcast. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the mountains or skiing. Think I live in the wrong country.” Ella Purvis: "I’ve been loving the podcast - it’s getting me hyped for the season ahead! I was just listening to the interview with Chemmy Alcott — it was such an inspiring, uplifting episode for women in snowsports, she is just incredible!” RichB: “There's been some great content recently. The interview with Chemmy Alcott was really interesting, I didn't know her backstory. Wow what a woman!” There are 236 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link

29 Marras 202453min

In our fifth of this winter’s equipment specials, Iain is joined by equipment expert Al Morgan to look at two vital areas of your winter wardrobe – ski gloves and socks. Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis, Ski Boots, Jackets and Helmets and Goggles for winter 2025.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Try before you buy (3:00) If you’re a skier, go grab a ski pole (4:30) Glove v. mitt v. lobster claw (6:00) How does sizing work for gloves? (8:30) Will my glove work with a touch screen? (9:30) Will wearing a liner keep your hands warm? (10:45) What is a ‘Shell mitt’? (12:00) What is the little strip of fabric across the back of one finger on each glove for? Wool is sustainable, natural and works (15:00) Smartwool are collecting old socks and reclaiming yarn (15:30) For snowboarding gloves, head to The Snowboard Asylum (16:30) Tube socks! (32:30) Do thicker socks keep your feet warmer? (34:00) Is natural better than synthetic fibres? (35:15) THE BEST SKI GLOVES FOR 2025 (17:00) Therm-ic Heat Boot Boost Glove (men and women), £300 (18:00) The ultimate in warmth Black Diamond Guide Gore-Tex glove, £160 (19:45) If you want the best in foul weather protection for big powder days, the Guide is hard to beat Hestra Fall Line Women’s Glove, £120 (22:16) The white women’s glove looks stunning Reusch Storm R-Tex XT Men’s Glove, £100 (23:45) Traditional racing-inspired ski glove aesthetic with foam knuckle and finger protection Salomon Propeller Gore-Tex gloves, £75 (25:00) A superb unisex glove with a clean aesthetic, for piste and all-mountain skiing The North Face Montana Kids Ski Gloves, £45 (26:00) Gives kids superb hand protection and features you often don’t get on kids’ gloves Ellis Brigham’s Choice (28:30) Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham’s Glove buyer. She chose the Men’s Hestra Army Leather GTX Glove and the Women’s Reusch Cozy Down Mitt. THE BEST SKI SOCKS FOR 2025 (36:30) Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT - £280 (36:45) If you suffer from cold feet, these are a total blessing Smartwool Targeted Cushion Women's Ski Socks - £28 (39:30) Padding where you want a little extra protection, but still thin, so they work in well-fitted, snug boots. Sidas SUREfit Ski Sock - £25 (40:15) Padding for the shin, toes and heel, in a specific right and left anatomy.   Ellis Brigham Wintersport Ski Socks - Twin Pack - £20 (41:00) Two pairs of socks for less than one of the others above. Outstanding value. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has very kindly been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. 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 Adam Matthews: "Love the podcast. Many thanks for all the content! I’ve especially enjoyed episodes with Al about kit." Colin: “Goggles and Helmets was another great podcast. I use Zeiss anti-fog spray for my glasses to stop them fogging up while skiing." If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Or you can Buy Me A Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast Andrew Brannan: "Through your podcast I blagged a Snow Show ticket for my daughter who is studying down in London. She met Dave Ryding, our household hero. Unbelievable, really can't thank you enough.” Paul Bond: “Thanks for the Helmet & Googles episode with Al’s expert reviews. I went to Ellis Brigham, good service. Got home to a comment of ‘What? More ski kit?’ We now have 235 episodes 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 to you. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

22 Marras 202448min