250: Is Ski Ballet back? Plus Perisher, Cardrona & Australia/NZ news

Episode 92 features Andermatt, LISTEX, the Nevis Range and The Mighty Coe event. Plus we have snow reports from around the Alps, and we find out when accidents on the piste are most likely to occur.  Iain Martin was joined ‘live’ by Babsi Lapwood from the Mountain Trade Network, Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo and Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and down the line by Chris O’Brien from Nevis Range. 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 Ski Podcast has been voted ‘Best Wintersports Podcast’ in the Sports Podcast Awards. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. Thanks to Switzerland Tourism for supporting the The Ski Podcast 2022 marks the 175th anniversary of the Swiss railway - 1847 marked the opening of the first Swiss train route between Zurich and Baden.  Simon Burgess told us about skiing in the Lake District in Episode 73 Babsi skied in Sud Tirol In Episode 81, we discussed what length skis to get We discussed the wearing of helmets in Episode 88 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hXal2dl-fsA   Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Morgins, Switzerland Alex Armand from Tip Tip Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes, France Steve Angus is a private instructor in Val d’Isere, France Elena Protopow reported from Tirol in Austria Iain was in Andermatt when the lifts closed in Switzerland at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 Read about Iain’s journey by train on Ski Flight Free Samih Sawaris was the Egyptian responsible for the renaissance of Andermatt Iain’s guide was Florian Tresch You can take a look at Iain and Florian’s route here:  Find out more about Swisstainable  Vail Resorts seen potential too:  https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1503295056089960449   Iain spoke with Chris O'Brien, MD at Nevis Range, re sustainability  Nevis Range worked with carbonfootprint.com  Listen to our interview with The Mighty Coe organiser Neil Dalgliesh in Episode 89 Al was in Aviemore for the Glenmore Lodge Wild Weekend  Check out ‘The Escalator’ here You can find out more about LISTEX here Iain visited the new Vallandry gondola in January https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnJKwcjLYTQ   Reviews/comments wherever you leave them always welcome, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media or via email.   If you’d like some stickers, please email us with your address.  Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast. All cuppas are much appreciated.   I also enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do email. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

4 Huhti 202253min

In Episode 91 we discuss the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland, the Altitude Comedy Festival, the art of boot fitting and of snow forecasting, as well as going behind the scenes at the UK's 2023 ski test.   Iain was joined by Janine Winter from Winter World Connect and Nick Russill, founder of snow-forecast.com as well as down the line by Andrew Maxwell & Marcus Brigstocke from the Altitude Comedy Festival, as well as regulars Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance, 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 Read Iain’s report of his train journey from London to Andermatt https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1504865863245172750 All of Europe has been coated in Saharan sand this week https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1504488335330488320 Nick visited Davos Janine is based in Kaprun For your ski insurance, make sure you go along to Battleface Travel Al reported from Stubai and Kuhtai in Austria Stephen Spiers reported from Glencoe in Scotland Find out more about The Mighty Coe event in Episode 89 Iain visited the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland The connection from train to resort is so well designed https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1502917513700589569 Iain stayed at the Hotel Eggishorn in Fiescheralp at 2212m  Try the dish cholera when you come to Aletsch https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1502970059886678016 Kids u20 can ski for free on Saturdays in Aletsch Arena Nick Russill is one of the co-founders of Snow-Forecast.com  Membership of Snow Forecast is available from £3.99 per month Janine’s website is called Winter World Connect Al was at the SIGB Snow Test in Kuhtai SIGB also organise the Slide industry trade show Iain rents his skis from Intersport Ski Hire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4_dTnPE1RI The Altitude Comedy Festival takes place in Mayrhofen later this month  Listen to our special episode with Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke Listen to our interview with medal-winner Millie Knight in Episode 90 We were delighted to see Ukraine so well in the medal table Jasmine Taylor has had a superb finish to the season https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1503755457831346190 Charlotte Bankes won the overall World Cup Snowboard Cross Mia Brookes also finished the season on a high https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1503737006622490630   Voting for the Sports Podcast Awards are now closed: we’ll bring you the results in the next podcast. Thanks so much if you did vote for us.  If you’d like to give your feedback on the show, just drop us an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com   Thanks to Peter S: "Iain is a great ambassador for our sport. Really enthusiastic." If you'd like some stickers to plaster over the next resort you visit, then please drop us an email with your address to theskipodcast@gmail.com    You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

22 Maalis 202257min

Want to know more about the Altitude Comedy Festival in Mayrhofen? Founders Marcus Brigstocke and Andrew Maxwell joined Iain for this bonus episode to discuss why they decided to run a comedy festival in a ski resort. 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 Andrew loves his lederhosen (and wears them all week!)  The first editions of the Altitude Festival took place in Meribel The pandemic restrictions mean that this will be the first Altitude Festival since 2019 Iain first saw Marcus perform at the Bearcat Club in Twickenham (and loved the David Blaine routine!) Marcus featured in The Jump in 2015  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLnFkoRVgrU Andrew had his own reality show experience on ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ in 2019 Previous comedians appearing at the Festival include Jimmy Carr, Bill Bailey, Eddie Izzard, John Bishop and Sean Lock German comedian Michael Mittermeier is a regular at the festival Apparently Joel Dommett is the best comedian around on skis Altitude Comedy Festival takes in Mayrhofen from March 28 to April 01 – tickets are available from their website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e9qUHDwhkc

16 Maalis 202227min

In Episode 90 we discuss skiing in Turkey, the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, taking the train to Austria and how to choose your rental ski boots. Iain was joined ‘live’ by regular guest Mike Richards, Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo and ‘down the line’ by Paralympian Millie Knight and Yvonne Rosenstatter from Salzburgerland. 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 Iain is travelling to Andermatt and Aletsch Arena in Switzerland You can buy Iain a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast There’s still the chance to vote for us in the Sports Podcast Awards Find out more about skiing in Wales in Episode 65 You can buy your ski travel insurance at Battleface Travel Insurance Check the latest FCO rules on travel using their Sherpa travel tool All fully-vaccinated British travellers will be allowed into the European Union without tests Children 6-18 who have not been fully vaccinated will also be allowed to travel into EU countries provided that they have a negative pre-departure PCR test Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, is pressing to scrap the UK PLF by the Easter holidays Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Travel reported from St Anton in Austria Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Morgins in Switzerland Mike travelled to Turkey in January and stayed at the Ovit Mountain Lodge You can view all of Mike’s excellent photos on his Instagram account Mike moved on to the ski resort of Palandoken and Ejder 3200 He also skied in Sarikamis Yvonne Rosenstatter is from SalzburgerLand Tourism Board You can find out about the direct Malmo to Austria service here Iain is the founder of Ski Flight Free Find out about the Nightjet train service from Paris to Austria Intersport Ski Hire is Iain’s go-to ski hire company You can buy a Superfeet footbed here Millie Knight’s racing guide is Brett Wild Check Millie’s impressive record on her website Kirsty Young finished 5th in the Big Air at Beijing Mia Brookes is a young talent – look out for her in 2022/23 GB Snowsport are still publicly hoping to become a ‘Top 5 Nation in snowsports’ Dave Ryding took 2nd in the Slalom in Garmisch Listen to our Dave Ryding lockdown interview               You can buy Iain a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast There’s still the chance to vote for us in the Sports Podcast Awards   Reviews Reviews/comments are always welcome via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media or email to theskipodcast@gmail.com Nick D: "Great work, best ski podcast”   I also enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do email. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

4 Maalis 20221h 2min

In Episode 89 we discuss Crans Montana and Gstaad in Switzerland, plus The Mighty Coe event in Glencoe, Scotland. We also find out more about Dewerstone, the climate neutral UK clothing brand and Morzine’s latest step to sustainability. Iain was joined by freelance journalist Katy Dartford, Dewerstone founder Rory Atton and regular contributors Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and equipment expert, Al Morgan from skikitinfo.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 ·       Katy was last on the show in December in Episode 85 after her own visit to Crans Montana ·       Gavin Foster from Ski Weekend skied on the Vallee Blanche in great conditions on 12 February   https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10160047784945903&set=pcb.10160047785240903   ·       There has been no day 2 test for vaccinated travellers since 11 Feb  ·       The NHS Covid Pass for 12-15 year olds is now available  ·       France have dropped requirement for a negative Covid test for vax travellers from outside EU ·       Switzerland removed the mandate on mask-wearing on 17 February. There are also no tests or entry form required ·       Please check the latest situation on booster requirements: from Feb 15 in France, adults need to have had a booster within 4 months of their second vaccination to use lifts/restaurants ·       Austria requires boosters after 180 days ·       easyJet have added 50,000 more ski flights for this winter ·       Don’t forget, if you need ski insurance, then go to Battleface.com ·       We interviewed Battleface founder Sasha Gainullin in Episode 68 of The Ski Podcast ·       Iain first reported from Crans Montana in December 2020 in Episode 65 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQUuPmhCvbk   ·       Iain stayed at the Hotel de la Foret in Crans Montana ·       Find out more about the Hotel Pass in Crans Montana ·       Check out the amazing Alaia Chalet, which featured in Episode 65 as well ·       Babsi Lapwood from MTN reported from 3 Zinnen in the Italian Dolomites ·       Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel in France ·       Stephen Spiers reported from Glencoe ·       Neil Dalgleish has created The Mighty Coe event, being held in Glencoe on 26-27 March ·       Andy Meldrum told us about summer skiing in Glencoe in Episode 75 If you enjoy the podcast, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a couple of mins to vote for us at sportspodcastawards.com https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1495730130815262724  ·       Katy was in Gstaad, Switzerland ·       Prada are becoming more visible in ski resorts ·       This ruling on a Prada snowboard at Beijing 2022 was also interesting https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1494636654090506241 ·       Rory Atton is the founder of Dewerstone  ·       The company have recently achieved the B Corps accreditation# ·       They have a new partnership with Protect Our Winters ·       Al Judge was previously on our Electric Vehicles in Ski Resort special episode ·       Morzine is offering discounts to vistors travelling by train with the AlpinExpress Pass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdGwK-rK4I4  Reviews Reviews and comments wherever you leave them always welcome, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, via social media and email to theskipodcast@gmail.com Simon C (Twitter): “Keep up the great work on the podcast” Richard_sideways (Snowheads): “Nice interview with Graham Bell” Andrew Brannan (Facebook): "I really enjoyed the Beijing Special: where else could you ever hear that? Brilliant" Stephen (Twitter): “I enjoyed your chat about Yad Moss”  Anon (Buy Me a Coffee):  "Thanks for the great listening, your campaigning for greener travel and re-engaging me in all things skiing. As an ‘MBO’ & minivan driver for Snowtime in Meribel in the late 80’s I can relate to your time with Bladon Lines!”   We have been nominated as Best Wintersports Podcast. It’s very easy to vote - just go to www.sportspodcastawards.com. Would really appreciate it if you could take a minute or two to vote as it would really help me and the podcast.   I also enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do email. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

22 Helmi 202257min

Iain was joined by 5-time Olympian and BBC Ski Sunday presenter Graham Bell and Skier Cross athlete & Eurosport presenter Emily Sarsfield to discuss all the talking points so far from Beijing 2022. 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 Charlotte Bankes was eliminated at the Quarter Final stage of the Snowboard Cross  https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1491313791447019520  Kirsty Muir finished 5th in the Skier Big Air The Men’s Downhill was won by the Swiss Beat Feuz Makayla Gerken-Schofield finished 9th in the moguls – a best by a Briton Emily bumped into Dave Ryding and Billy Major on their way to Beijing  https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1490220620247928834  Events are not meant to take place if the temperature falls below -20C The Mixed Snowboard Cross will debut at the Games on 12 Feb The Team GB uniform has attracted a lot of attention This was Graham's 'Argentinian suit from 1984 https://twitter.com/skigrahambell/status/1486412384382169095 Look out for the Izzy Atkin and Kirsty Muir in the Women’s Ski Slopestyle on Sunday 13th (qualifying) and Monday 14th (finals) and Dave Ryding in the Men’s Slalom also on Sunday 13th

9 Helmi 202233min

In Episode 88, special guest Chemmy Alcott takes us behind the scenes of ‘Ski Sunday’ and the BBC’s Beijing Olympics coverage. We also discuss Grindelwald, Yad Moss, how to choose a ski helmet and there’s our usual round up of snow reports from across Europe. Iain was joined by 4-time Olympian & BBC Ski Sunday presenter, Chemmy Alcott and industry expert Rob Stewart, as well as regulars, Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and equipment guru Al Morgan from SkiKitInfo.com.  Thanks to Switzerland Tourism for sponsoring the podcast. Switzerland remains the simplest country to go to if you have kids in tow, with no extra rules in place for the u16s and no tests required (for fully vaccinated passengers) on arrival. 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 last joined us in a year ago in Episode 67 Rob joined us last in Episode 51 Did you know that the Dutch call drag lifts 'pancake lifts'? The Day 2 return test on its way out for double-vaccinated skiers from February 11, although children are still required to take it The NHS pass is now available for 12-15 year olds Check the Battleface Travel website for current restrictions and for your ski insurance Vanessa Fisher reported from the Dolomites in Italy Stephen Spiers was in Verbier Switzerland Elena tells us about fresh snow in the Tirol in Austria You can order Caroline Eliot’s book ‘Fjord’s Mission’ here and listen to our interview with Caroline in Episode 82 Iain was in Les Arcs. You can watch his video snow report here.  Iain travelled by train on the inaugural Travelski Express Ski Train Listen to our Bonus Episode all about the Ski Train  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oScG28dQkQ Iain spoke with Peter Stockton about Yad Moss Ski Club  https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1489177129132642305 Dave Ryding became the first Briton to win a World Cup Alpine ski race Watch Marcus Eder's incredible run on YouTube here You can catch up with all the ‘Ski Sunday’ episodes on the BBC iPlayer This is Chemmy’s great quote:  "Skiing is a perfect sport for this type of personal growth: everyone falls; it is the picking oneself up & trying again that is the win" Rob was in Grindelwald where he tried out the new Eiger Express We intereviewed Remo Kaser from the Jungfrau region about the lift in Episode 61   You can read Al’s review of the season’s best new ski helmets here Reviews and comments are always welcome, whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, social media or by email.  Paul Bond: “Your podcast is a danger to my pocket, it makes me book more trips than I sensibly should, great stuff!”The Ski Podcast has been nominated as Best Wintersports Podcast. It’s very easy to vote - just go to www.sportspodcastawards.com. We would really appreciate it and would like to thank the many people who have voted for us already.   I also enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do email. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Thanks again to Switzerland Tourism for sponsoring the show. In our next episode we'll be discussing Crans Montana and Gstaad.

4 Helmi 202259min

This bonus episode of The Ski Podcast is all about the new Travelski Express Ski Train – which goes direct and non-stop from London to the Alps. Iain travelled on the inaugural service on 28 January and reports on that and the background behind how and why the new service started in this short special episode. 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 ·       Eurostar took the decision to stop running their direct ski train service to the French Alps in April 2020 ·       Iain founded the Ski Flight Free campaign in 2019, with the goal of encouraging more skiers and snowboarders to travel to the Alps by train (or in a full car) instead of flying ·       Changing trains in Paris isn’t that difficult – this video might be helpful ·       The lobbying group ‘Save The Ski Train’ was formed in autumn 2020. It was created by train expert Daniel Elkan from Snowcarbon, working with Iain and representatives from the environmental organisation Protect Our Winters. ·       In September 2021, the French travel company Travelski confirmed that would be reviving the service. You can listen to Iain’s full interview with Guillaume de Marcillac, the Travelski CEO, in Episode 79 of The Ski Podcast ·       Six resorts were initially offered by Travelski: Meribel, Les Menuires, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d’Isere with packages including accommodation, train travel, transfers to resort and lift passes. ·       France introduced a travel ban on UK citizens on 18 December 2021 ·       The inaugural service of the Travelski Express took place on Friday 28 January.  ·       Iain travelled to Bourg St Maurice, from where he took the funicular to Les Arcs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKjUGLZAuLA Watch Iain’s video report on the train here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oScG28dQkQ&feature=youtu.be

30 Tammi 202217min