206: Verbier, Saalbach & the impact of climate change on ski resorts

In Episode 99 of TSP we find out about La Plagne in France with Jen Tsang and all about the growing ski scene in Ireland with journalist Catherine Murphy. 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 ·       Jen previously reported from La Plagne in Episode 93 ·       Catherine last skied in Tignes, with Guerlin Chicheret ·       Chicheret is known for being a FWT winner, but also as an extreme driver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqxlBBTgn08 ·       The freezing point in Switzerland reached 5184m ·       Zermatt is hosting the ‘SpeedOpening’ downhill races in October and November ·       Team GB telemarker Jasmin Taylor has been based in Mt Hotham in Australia  ·       Pick up free tickets to the National Snow Show for free using the code ‘2months’ ·       Iain will be hosting ‘The Ski Podcast Live’ at the show ·       Jen is based in La Plagne, where she runs a marketing consultancy ·       The Vanoise Express link between La Plagne and Les Arcs opened in January 2003 ·       The 6000D is one of the Alps’ most famous trail running races ·       You can try the bobsleigh run yourself in La Plagne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X_ylHbwV1o ·       Catherine learned to ski at the Kilternan dry slope in County Dublin ·       Listen to our feature about snow skiing in Ireland in Episode 77 ·       Topflight and Directski are specialist Irish ski companies ·       Catherine estimate that the Irish market is about 100,000 skiers ·       Soll in Austria celebrates St Patrick’s Day every year   Feedback Please do get in contact with your feedback on social or by email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for all the survey feedback. Some highlights: "Less inane wittering from industry PR types please" "Iain handles the interviews really well. Precision informality. I look forward to every edition" "Can you get Lindsey Vonn on?" "I've spent the past season as a rep and I learn a lot from the podcast." "Love what you are doing promoting the ski industry & sustainable skiing" Finally special thanks to Rob from Northwich for this poetic and kind feedback via BuyMeACoffee.com:  “As a child I had my head in the clouds. Now, with your help I can keep my head in the mountains. Much appreciated” You can follow Iain on social media @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

22 Elo 202235min

In Episode 98, we find out what it's like to jump out of a helicopter above the Eiger and learn about a new event in Val Thorens raising funds to turn young lives around.  Presenter Iain Martin was joined by Olympic Skier Cross athlere Emily Sarsfield-Power, Dan Keeley from Snowcamp and journalist Felix Milns.  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 & TIME CODES A new record for the longest women-only rope chain was set on Breithorn in Zermatt in June 2022  Listen to more conversation about gender representation in Episode 97 Episode 97 was a Down Under special, featuring Australia and New Zealand The snow down under is still very good Jasmin Taylor is a Team GB telemarker and is currently working in Hotham, Australia (7:00) At the time of recording only Zermatt, Hintertux and Passo Stelvio were open to the public for summer skiing (9:30) Read Felix’s article about freefalling above the Eiger in The Telegraph (10:45) Watch Shane McConkey’s double front flip into base jump straight off the Eiger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w18wl-HQuH8 The AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally will take place in Val Thorens in April 2023 (21:00) Find out more about Snowcamp charity and their Switch 180 campaign (25:00) https://youtu.be/Z15pIQSfeJk  Feedback BobinCH: "Enjoyed Neil English's stories about Villars [in Episode 96]. Slightly depressing to hear about the Mer de Glace situation but reminder to go back and enjoy it while we can!"   We enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do get in contact. Reviews and comments wherever you leave them are always welcome, whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media or via email to theskipodcast@gmail.com You can follow Iain at @skipedia and The Ski Podcast @theskipodcast If you enjoy the podcast, you can always buy me a coffee…

25 Heinä 202232min

Episode 97 is a Down Under special covering skiing in Australia and New Zealand. Iain was joined by Rachael Oakes-Ash, founder of snowsbest.com and Paul Anderson from NZski.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. SHOW NOTES Rachael previously appeared on the podcast in Episode 56 in July 2020 Paul was last on the podcast in Episode 73 in May 2021       Europe has been experiencing a serious heatwave https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1539557332144758787        Tignes only opened for two weeks for summer skiing, closing on 01July  Sonnblick in Austria reported no snow a month earlier than usual https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1544622531730149378 You can read about the tragedy in the Dolomites due to the glacier collapse  Selwyn Snowfield was not able to open due to too much snow (preventing construction work Dunedin airport reported its coldest day ever in June Mt Hutt was hit by huge early season snowdrifts NZski.com represent Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and Mt Hutt in the Canterbury area When Paul was on the podcast in May 2021 the feeling was very positive, but then the Delta lockdowns started The UK and NZ have announced a new bi-lateral deal on visa  Tourism Minister Stuart Nash advised that 71% of international tourists skiing in NZ are Aussies, generating NZD211 million  The number of Aussies on the slopes in NZ was recently up 30% YoY Read Rachael’s post about gender representation here Cardrona/Treble Cone have made their own commitment to equal representation Watch Cardrona’s documentary ‘All In’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWSsU6m-NNk The winners of Atomic goggles in our survey were Chris Waters & Nicole Clarke.  Neil English spoke about how his father founded the London Ski Show in Episode 96 Caroline Eydallin: “I worked on first shows for Sauze d’Oulx! Sir David always stopped to say hello, I was at school with his daughters, so nice he remembered me”       Ann Bennett: “Sir David English was a great guy & pioneered skiing in mass media. I worked at first shows on Inghams’s stand”       Gethin: "The Podcast is great" I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do get in contact. You can leave reviews/comments wherever you prefer, whether Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media, email. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast You can buy Iain a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

8 Heinä 202235min

In Episode 96, we discuss skiing royals, the cancellation of the London Ski Show, new lifts in Chamonix and preloved skiwear.    Iain was joined by ski journalist Neil English, Claire Burnet from the Chamonix tourist office, Whoski.com founder Sally Warren and Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo. 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 Geraint Thomas became the first Briton to win the Tour de Suisse We can exclusively reveal that the British royal family were skiing at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead (although we can’t tell you who there were!)  Shortly after announcing start of ticket sales, the organisers of London Ski Festival announced its cancellation  The National Snow Show at the Birmingham NEC will be going ahead as planned on on 15-16 October The Travelski Express is back for 2022/23 Listen to our special episode about the Travelski Express, recorded when Iain travelled on the inaugural service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oScG28dQkQ&feature=youtu.be Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Tignes Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching was in Les 2 Alpes Jasmin Taylor reported from Mt Hotham in Australia Jasmin was last on the show in Episode 94 Episode 97 will be an Australia/New Zealand special Our 2022 Survey is now live – it only takes a couple of minutes to complete and you could win one of two pairs of Atomic Four Q HD goggles to give away, plus other prizes   https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1538190097631281152 You can read Neil’s article about Matt Hancock in Villars here Other celebrities seen in Villars include Jacques Villeneuve and Mike Tindall Iain travelled to Chamonix by train https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1536951851899359233 The Chamonix Film Festival took place earlier this month  The Charamaillon lift is being redeveloped and there is work going on at Montenvers to improve the cable car to the glacier https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1539326038433583105 Love Island is being supported by ebay Jemma Tadd (Head of Fashion Buying at eBay) believes Love Island has power to change consumers’ perceptions around secondhand clothes Whoski.com is a platform for selling pre-loved skiwear Iain spoke to Par Johan Astrand about his 3000km cycle ride to bring awareness of climate change You can follow Par's journey on Instagram Feedback & Reviews I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do get in contact - Reviews/comments wherever you leave them are always welcome, whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media or via email. Old Fartbag: "I listened to what Al said with interest. I'm not sure I have ever heard him be so enthusiastic over a ski" Andrea Dalton: "Loved listening to Diane, another fab episode! Found it interesting but also a shame for our English young people that want to do a season.” BobinCH: "Enjoyed that! The Diane from Skiworld lady was funny. Great work!" Anon: “Thank you so much Iain for keeping going during the last two years, your podcasts helped more than you probably know (for me at least) during challenging times. I love hearing about everything related to the mountains, long may it continue.” Ryunis: "Great to put a voice to LaTania.co.uk It's a fantastic website and a really great source of info. Keep up the great pods. They help me still feel tuned in to the mountain community." You can follow Iain at @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

21 Kesä 20221h

In this episode Iain speaks with Arnie Wilson, one of the UK's most respected and experienced ski journalists. Arnie has visited over 740 ski resorts in 30 countries, and is perhaps most famous for his exploits in 1994, when he and the late Lucy Dicker skied on every single day of that calendar year. This phenomenal achievement, which included 240 ski resorts in 13 countries, was recognised in the 'Guinness Book of World Records'. Arnie was the ski correspondent for the Financial Times for 15 years and also edited 'Ski+Board', the Ski Club of Great Britain’s magazine for 12 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Arnie and I'm sure you will too. --------- 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.

6 Kesä 202228min

In Episode 95 of The Ski Podcast we discuss La Tania, Chamonix in summer, and the challenges facing the UK ski industry. Plus we talk to Arnie Wilson - the man who skied every single day for a year – and reveal our pick of the best new skis for next winter. Iain was joined live by Diane Palumbo (Skiworld), Toffa (LaTania.co.uk) and Al Morgan (SkiKitInfo), as well as down the line by Claire Burnet from Chamonix. 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 ·       Congratulations to Dave and Mandy Ryding who were married earlier this month https://www.instagram.com/p/CdoPSjfIphu/ ·       You used to be able to ski in Chamonix in summer ·       Iain competed in the UTMB in August 2021 ·       Claire Burnet previously appeared on the podcast in Episode 73 ·       Chamonix offered free ski lessons at certain dates last winter ·       A visit to the Aiguille du Midi is a must if you’ve never done it before ·       Iain saw a photoshoot with freeskier Vivian Bruchez https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1527911324994396160 ·       Take a look at some of Iain’s videos from his visit on the Skipedia YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSDggtpzk4Y ·       Diane is Sales and Marketing Director at Skiworld ·       She is also a founding member of the SBIT lobbying group ·       Charlie Owen from SBIT has previously appeared on the podcast in Episode 8 and Episode 20 ·       Find out about La Tania at LaTania.co.uk  ·       Arnie Wilson is most well-known for his exploits in 1994 when he skied every day for a year. We covered his book 'Ski The World' Ski Book Group in Episode 20 ·       Al loved the Volkl Deacon 72 – it’s expensive, but an incredible performer ·       His other favourite was the Salomon QST 106 – a wide, freeride ski Our 2022 Survey is now live – it only takes a minute or two to complete and we would really appreciate your feedback - and you could win a pair of Atomic goggles worth £200 FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS Please leave your comments and reviews either on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media or email to theskipodcast @ gmail.com Alex Crump (YT): "Great to listen to the Mayor of Les 2 Alpes and his plan for a green future" Mark Thommason (YT): “Was surprised to see the UTMB cap…so impressed!” You can follow Iain on social media @skipedia (Facebook/Twitter/YouTube) and the podcast @theskipodcast (Instagram/Twitter/Facebook)

27 Touko 202254min

In Episode 94, we find out about skiing in Svalbard, Narvik in Norway and how Team GB got on in this winter’s Telemark World Cup.  We also have snow reports from Japan…and Hemel Hempstead, plus we discuss new lifts in Les 2 Alpes and find out about the spring edition of industry networking event LISTEX.   Iain was joined by Jasmin Taylor, Team GB Telemark skier, freelance journalist Rob Rees and Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo. 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 The Plaine Morte glacier in Crans Montana remains open for skiers until 05 June.  Jasmin was in Hintertux, Austria LISTEX took place last week at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead Babsi Lapwood told us about LISTEX in Episode 92 https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1521791925023563776 Iain spoke to Vanessa Fisher, Colin Matthews (Meriski), Stephen Morgan (National Snow Snow), Nick Williams (Mountain Heaven), Phil Brown (Impulse Racing) and Ian Brown (MD, The Snow Centre/Chill Factore) Jasmin Taylor has her best season ever with 8 World Cup podiums including 2 wins (giving her 7 in total across her career) https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1523615325396340738 She finished second in the world behind Swiss skier Martina Wyss Team GB had their best season overall ever with Tim Gough recording his first top 10 result Jasmin will be working in Hotham in Australia this summer https://twitter.com/_hotham/status/1522461592419733504 Rob Rees went to Narvik in Norway ‘Home of Skiing’ You can see Rob’s photos on Instagram He will be writing up his adventure for Skier and Snowboarder Magazine~ Chris Howie travelled to Svalbard in the Arctic Circle https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1523614627929726978 Chris booked his trip with Base Camp Explorer Listen to Chris’ experiences of heliskiing in Iceland in Episode 38 Christophe Aubert is mayor of Les 2 Alpes The Jandri lift is being upgraded to an ultra fast 3S lift Al explained about how PIN touring bindings Listen to Iain’s report on ski touring in Morocco here Find out more about the Shift binding here Jasmin uses customised versions of the Meidjo binding REVIEWS   Please do get in contact with your feedback and reviews whether via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media (@theskipodcast) or email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  make_love_not_warz (IG): "Keep up the good work with the podcasting and tweets" Andrea Dalton (FB): "Another great episode"   Don't forget there are 145 episodes to catch up on, 93 listened to in the last week.  Coming up in Episode 95 we’ll be talking to Di Palumbo from Skiworld, Chris Brown from LaTania.co.uk and Arnie Wilson – the first man to ski every single day of a calendar year. If you'd like to make your own small gesture to say thanks, you are very welcome to Buy Me A Coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

9 Touko 20221h 1min

In Episode 93 of The Ski Podcast we discuss Ischgl, Les 2 Alpes, Vallandry and a unique mountain triathlon in Courchevel.  Iain was joined ‘live’ by Lynsey Devon from Heaven Publicity and Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo. 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 There are 65,000km of waymarked trails in Switzerland Listen to Iain’s from the Via Valais trail hike last summer in Episode 76 Al travelled to Vallandry in the Paradiski ski area Lynsey stayed in Le Chable below Verbier James Gambrill reported from Baqueira Beret in Spain Jen Tsang reported from La Plagne If you are travelling either for a late ski holiday or summer holiday then make sure you go to battleface.com for a quote and also to check their Sherpa Travel Tool Iain skied in Les 2 Alpes from 09-16 April, benefitting from glacier skiing up to 3600m He travelled there and back in a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle. Watch out for his article on this appearing in The Telegraph in due course Listen to our bonus episode about Electric Vehilces in Ski Resorts https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1513419865117319170  Christophe Aubert is the mayor of Les 2 Alpes and discusses the resort’s bid for ‘Flocon Vert’ status.  https://www.instagram.com/p/CcgbE7hs9T3/  Ischgl was criticised as being a ‘super-spreader’ location in 2020 The Spring Blanc is a end of season celebration that is running all through April and features live performances from Simply Red and Kings of Leon Previous headline acts have included Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Sir Elton John Al reviewed the new Atomic ‘Bent’ family of skis, as well as the new Strive bindings Iain used the Dewerstone wooden sunglasses while in the Alps. Listen to our interview with Dewerstone founder in Episode 89 Iain took part in the Dynastar X3 triathlon in Courchevel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVw6U9iMbCM Listen to Iain’s interview with Yvonne from Salzburg about train travel from Sweden to Austria in Episode 90 REVIEWS We enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do email us to theskipodcast@gmail.com or leave your reviews/comments at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via social media. Jen (via Instagram): “Really enjoy the podcast - thanks for creating it and congrats on the award!” Michael (via email): "Congrats on podcast award, it is well deserved"  Also thanks to all the following for their congratulations on the Sports Podcast Award win: Cathy Paget, Jon Sheehan, Adam W, Rachael W, Megan, Betony, Vanessa, Jon Walton, Abi B, Oli Russel-Cowan, Krystelle, Chris Thompson, Paul Glynn, Dan Fox, James Hawkins, Greg Hilton, Stephen S, Iain MacIntosh, Martin Bell, Sara B, Rob S, Neil D, Paddy & Chemmy Alcott   Coming up in E94 - Jasmin Taylor on her best season ever, plus Rob Rees in Narvik Norway and Svalbard   If you've enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast, you can make your own small gesture, by going to buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast - all contributions welcome (thanks to Andrew B for your contribution!) You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

25 Huhti 20221h