8: Brexit and the Ski Industry, Helmets and Snowstorms

In Episode 67, we go behind the scenes at 'Ski Sunday', on tour with James Blunt, inside The Snow Centre, discover craft beer in the Alps and reveal the results from our survey. Iain's guests for this episode where BBC Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy Alcott and Ian Brown, Managing Director at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. 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 Chemmy was skiing chest-deep powder in Laax The group denied boarding at Eurostar was on their way to Verbier to do a training course with Peak Leaders They started the time in Europe in Vallorcine where some of the group tested positive Graham Bell is in Dancing on Ice 2021 Chemmy took part in the Inferno in Murren in 2020 Laax uses an app system to control Covid and numbers in resort Iain travelled to Crans Montana in December Chemmy has tried cooking for Ed! Dougie and Chemmy are coaching Giselle Gorringe Graham would probably have been very hot in his outfit Betony Garner appeared in Episode 65 when we discussed cross country skiing Her report was recorded in Les Contamines Charlie Rees took the Mammut backcountry course in Andermatt The avalanche danger is very high in Switzerland We've previously discussed skiing in Wales and in Scotland  Ian is MD at the The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead Sadly, the Swindon project will not be going ahead You can listen to the full interview with Peter Hardy here Listen to our podcast special about Erna Low here Peter is the author of ‘Different Country, Same State’ – the inside story of being on tour with James Blunt You can watch Peter’s video of skiing with Graham Bell on old kit here Find out about the Sapaudia brewery here Jan Farrell has retired from his career as a speed skier    Reviews   Suzi Jones:  "Just to say I love the Podcast not being able to ski at the mo is made easier by your interviews and discussion thanks!" Chris Filey: "With not much chance of getting on the slopes, the Ski Podcast brings some relief to us all" Skibum70:  "Often copied, never surpassed" Jill Taylor: "Keep it up, it’s very enjoyable" James Hawkins:  "Another great listen"   Matt Hayes: "Love this pod, keeps me entertained in many a commute, lockdown workout or when I'm simply missing the mountains"    Eggfried100 on Snowheads: "I’ve listened to quite a few other podcasts but ‘The Ski Podcast’ is by far the best for me. Great content, interesting guests, plus it has really kept us informed through the shall we say an ‘interesting’ last twelve months."  Please do review us on iTunes as it helps other people find us   Tips on Car Hire at Geneva: Hire from the Swiss side and don’t wait for the bus, just walk (it’s only 5 mins) Don’t return the car empty – it’s expensive!  Iain recommends booking via Holiday Autos Chemmy suggests renting from Super U on the French side for long-term rentals (but don't take too much meat!) You can read the results of our recent survey here If you’d like some The Ski Podcast stickers then please contact us with your address and we'll drop a few in the post to you  Thanks to Matt Hayes, Michael Gold, Mark McGarry, Julie Slaughter, Doug Newman, Rachael Westbrook and Joanna Yellowlees-Bound for buying me a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast   You can follow Iain and the show on Twitter and Facebook @skipedia and @theskipodcast

29 Tammi 20211h 4min

This Ski Podcast Special features an interview with industry veteran Peter Hardy, co-editor of WeLove2Ski and co-presenter of Action Packed Travel. Peter Hardy, award-winning ski journalist and a man who has been skiing longer than many of us have been alive. SHOW NOTES - Peter started skiing in 1960 in Lech on 2m10cm skis - The Marshall Plan pumped money into Europe after WWII - You can read Iain’s article about Haus Falch and St Anton here - Erna Low organised their own ski train to the Alps in the 60s - You can listen to our special podcast about the life of Miss Erna Low here - Many skiers were fans of Lillywhite’s in London and bought all their ski gear there - Idi Amin was president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979 - Peter has visited around 500 ski resorts in his career - The Hardy Ski and Snowboarding Guide segued into WeLove2Ski.com - You can watch Peter’s video of skiing with Graham Bell on old kit here: - Peter is the author of ‘Different Country, Same State’ – the inside story of being on tour with James Blunt - Peter and Felice present the Action Packed Travel Podcast 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.

25 Tammi 202134min

In Episode 66, Andy joins us direct from St Anton with all the latest news from a very snowy Austria. We’re also joined by journalist Abi Butcher who reveals the truth behind the alleged ‘Escape from Verbier’. There’s an update from Graham Bell on his final preparations for ‘Dancing on Ice’, during which he reveals what music he’ll be dancing to, plus GB Telemarker Jasmin Taylor lets us know how her season preparations are going. 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 Thanks to all of our new listeners – up almost 20% on this time last year Andy Butterworth is a director at Kaluma Travel and is based in St Anton Polish resorts could open soon This guy tried to travel with Eurostar to go skiing The Brits have been getting a bashing again, this time in Wengen ‘We do not blame the British’, apparently It is far from clear however, if the blame is correct: We interviewed Alex Moore in Wengen while she was quarantining in Episode 65 Ultimately these headlines were classic clickbait and lies Abi wrote this excellent article looking into what actually happened Lifts in St Anton have been open since 24 December, albeit only to ‘locals’ The Austrian lockdown has been extended to 07 Feb, when it will be reviewed again The Jochberg outbreak appears to be concentrated in a group of British instructors Alf Alderson appeared in Episode 64 and reports from Les Arcs  Al Judge from AliKats featured in our Electric Vehicle special and reports from Morzine Alex in Courchevel been ski touring again We reported on the fire in Courchevel season worker accommodation in Episode 33 Congratulations to Dave Ryding and Laurie Taylor (guest in Episode 55) Jasmin Taylor has over 30 World Cup podiums – listen to our Ski Podcast Special This is what ski hire in the ‘new normal’ with Intersport will be like: Please complete our survey to let us know what you’d like more of and less of in the podcast. You’ll also stand the chance of winning this bag of swag… So if you do like the show, you can now show your appreciation by buying me a cuppa  Graham Bell is taking part in Dancing on Ice 2021 (his first dance is on Sunday 24 January) You can listen to our Ski Podcast Special interview with Graham which was released last week Big snow in St Anton Reviews “Love this podcast, keep them coming!” Matt Hayes“ "Great work Iain. Keep it up.” Dan King “Love the podcast. It’s great to hear ski talk, especially at this frustrating time when we should all be enjoying the slopes but can’t” Luke Sipson Please do review us on iTunes as it genuinely helps people find us Alpine Cooking by Meredith Erickson received another endorsement from Deborah Stevenson: “It’s a great book: much more than just the recipes. Lots of interesting insight into the regions and history.” Find out more about TTG’s Mental Health Hub here #GetTravelTalking Coming up next time We have an interview with industry veteran ski journalist Peter Hardy interview and we’ll be talking to the team at Sapaudi Brewing Don’t forget you can support us by buying me a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com  Thanks as always to Switzerland Tourism

18 Tammi 202155min

Graham Bell tells us about 'Dancing on Ice 2021', including - how he rates his chances - who he sees as his main competitors - how his training is going - whether he'll get to ski this season - and of course, whether he'll try the 'Headbanger'! Dancing on Ice 2021 starts on Saturday 16 January on ITV. A shorter version of this interview first appeared in Episode 64 of The Ski Podcast (www.theskipodcast.com) 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. If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee…

12 Tammi 202121min

In this episode we discuss skiing in Wales, the 'Great Escape' from Verbier, the challenges of cross-country skiing, ski touring in Crans Montana and plenty more. Iain was joined by guests Betony Garner in the Chamonix valley and regular 'friend of the pod' Mike Richards in Wales, as well as down the line by Alex Moore in Wengen and Dom Turner in Morzine. 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 Dave Ryding finished 10th in Alta Badia Andrew Young took 2nd in the Cross Country at Dresden Mia Brookes took a podium on her debut in Snowboard Slopestyle in the Europa Cup Reece Bell is the daughter of Martin Bell and niece of Graham Bell The Brexit ‘deal’ has been done  Passports must be at least six months in date SBIT will let us know the impact on British workers soon Did Brits really escape from Verbier? This article by Abi Butcher looks at the facts Alex Moore has been reporting on quarantine in Switzerland for The Telegraph  The French have been stopped from skiing at border Iain visited the ‘Rando Parc’ in Crans Montana Iain travelled to Crans Montana by train Adam Bonvin is the owner and founder of the Alaia Chalet Find out more about the Hotel Pass in Crans Montana Iain tried cross country with his guide Christian on the Plaine Morte glacier in Crans Montana You have two options for cross country: Classic or Skating Betony bought the Haute Savoie Nordic Pass Mike skis in the Brecon Beacons area of Wales Check out some of his recent great pics  You can follow Mike on Instagram at @mikethesnow  Evidently word has got out already… Iain interviewed Dom Turner from Skiology We noticed his Christmas story in an email from Montagne Verte Les Arcs have been awarded the Flocon Vert label Reviews Janet Barnett   “A big thank you for your very informative and entertaining ski podcast which I look forward to every few weeks” Andrew Brannan   “Thanks for another great podcast. Red Mountain...top of my list too!” Terry   “I was delighted not only to find the podcast. They have a good mix of interviews, friendly banter, background info and general chit chat and ski news. It's been great to get an insight, through the many interviews, of people's backgrounds, their passions for the sport and how they got to where they are.” Please complete our survey here and tell us what you’d like more of and less of in The Ski Podcast and you could win this great prize Matt Hayes recommends ‘Alpine Cooking’ by Meredith Erickson, especially the Herdsman macaroni and tartiflette (“The best I've ever come across”) If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee…

31 Joulu 20201h 5min

In this special pre-Christmas mini-podcast, listen to updates from friends of the show around the Alps, including: - Alex Irwin in Courchevel - Steve Angus in Val d'Isère - Mark Seaton in Chamonix - Katy Dartford, reporting from the Jura mountains - Ed Mannix in Zermatt Matterhorn - Charlie Rees, reporting from Andermatt Merry Christmas everyone. We look forward to sharing more ski chat with you you in 2021! If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee…

23 Joulu 202012min

In Episode 64, Iain was joined by Jane Peel (Chief Reporter, Planetski.eu) and Alf Alderson (author and freelance journalist). We discuss the latest on resort openings, have snow reports from Courchevel and Engelberg, and we talk favourite ski areas. Graham Bell updates us on his preparations for 'Dancing on Ice', while the Chalet Shop team tell us what it was like working for Richard Branson. Plus we have Xmas pressie recommendations and there's even more in this episode of The Ski Podcast. 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 Jane last skied in Les Menuires (before injuring her ACL) Alf last skied at Castle Mountain in Alberta It was suggested today that Brits might not be able to travel to the EU The town hall in Chatel has added Swiss flags There have been demonstrations across French ski resorts against the lift closures It's been suggested that the Chamonix border could move slightly to allow lifts to open There are limits on the French going to ski in other countries (but will it be enforceable?) Switzerland is currently open but are there restrictions on the way?   Social distancing was not being observed on Verbier's first day Austria skiing will open from 24 Dec, but for locals only  Jasna in Slovakia is planning to open Ski Amis ceased trading (adding to VIPSki, overed in Episode 63) Alpine Elements have gone into pre-pack administration You can read Jane's interview with James Hardiman here 'Test & Release' starts on 15 Dec, reducing quarantine on return to UK to 5 days Alex Irwin reported on ski touring in Courchevel Alex previously appeared in Episode 61 Charlie Rees reported from Engelberg in Switzerland Listen to Charlie's previous reports from Andermatt (E61) and Engelberg (E62) Craig Glennie reported from Lake Louise Mark Frary talked about 'Aiming High: The Life of Ski Pioneer Erna Low' in this special episode We talked to Jon Trigell, about his book Cham in Episode 20 Alf has written 'Ultimate Skiing Adventures' - 100 Epic Adventures in the Snow'. There is a 30% discount for podcast listeners with code 'SKIBK' if you buy before 31.3.21    Jane's favourite resort is Tavascan in the Spanish Pyrenees Alf's favourite resort is Red Mountain, BC Star Wars-loving ski younglings will enjoy this Mandolorian onesie from Columbia for Christmas Graham Bell told us about his Housenkamm viral video from Lockdown 1 in Episode 52 Graham is taking part in the new season of 'Dancing on Ice', which will start in January 2021 You can find out more about Chalet Shop on their website Sally and Hannah first job was kitting out Richard Branson's property in Verbier Intersport Ski Hire offer a free Cancellation guarantee on all bookings Podcast listeners can save an extra 10% using the Discount Code 'WINTER2020' (France only) Coming Up Our next episode will be out towards the end of December - in the meantime there are over 80 episodes you can catch up with over the festive season.  And please do give us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts as it helps people find us. Thanks to Switzerland Tourism and Intersport Ski Hire for their support. If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee…

14 Joulu 20201h

In conjunction with Ski Flight Free, this is a Ski Podcast Special all about Electric Vehicles in ski resorts. Find out more about driving to the Alps and in ski resorts from four EV owners in the ski industry. Iain was joined by Richard Sinclair (Sno.co.uk), Rob Forbes (CoolBus.co.uk), Al Judge (AliKats) and down the line by author Jonathan Trigell. - Find out more about the Ski Flight Free campaign - Up to 75% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated from a ski holiday come from your journey to resort - According to the Ski Club of Great Britain 35% of skiers plan to drive to their ski holiday this winter (twice the numbers for last year) - There are now 164,000 EVs in the UK - Registrations for pure-EVs in 2020 to date are up 158% YOY - You can find out more about Tesla vehicles here - AliKats have a Renault Kangoo Z.E. - Jon owns a Renault Twizy (and previously appeared in Episode 20) - This page on the Sno website has some great advice about driving an EV to the Alps - You can see the full Tesla charging map here - Montagne Verte is an excellent community environmental organisation in Morzine - President Macron has pledged green subsidies for France - Excellent options for a family EV are the Hyundai Kona and Kia eNero - Have a look at EV-Pow.com for fitting charging points in France (a great idea for a tour operator looking for a competitive advantage) Enjoy your skiing this winter and if you do want to reduce your emissions, please remember to Ski Flight Free If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee… 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.

8 Joulu 202052min