72: Pat Sharples, Swisstainable, Chill Factore & Touring in the Binntal

In Episode 72, there's an exclusive interview with Pat Sharples from GB Snowsport; we learn about the new 'Swisstainable' programme; find out about the acquisition of the Chill Factore indoor snow slope; and talk ski touring and all things Switzerland; plus there's our usual round up of resort reports from around the Alps.

In this episode Iain speaks with Alex Herrman from Switzerland Tourism, freelance journalist Katy Dartford, Ian Brown from The Snow Centre and Pat Sharples, Head Coach for GB Snowsports.

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SHOW NOTES

• The new traffic light system should be confirmed later this week, before it starts on May 17

• We discussed the cost of testing in Episode 71 with Katie from Battleface
• Steve Angus from Fresh Chalets reported from Val d'Isère
• Jim Duncombe reported from La Clusaz
• Ed Mannix from Matterhorn Chalets reported from Zermatt
• Katy Dartford visited Binntal in Switzerland on a ski touring adventure

Katy ski touring in the Binn Valley, Switzerland

• Iain tested skiing in the ‘new normal’ in Saas Fee in July 2020, reporting for InTheSnow Magazine
• Larger resorts in Switzerland were more affected than smaller resorts

https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1381547175763718144

• Iain reported on cross country skiing in Crans Montana in Episode 65
• We discussed the number of different activities this winter’s visitors to French ski resorts have tried in Episode 69

https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1364518040247951360

• Charlie Rees reported on snow shoeing in Engelberg in Episode 71
• There is no quarantine on arrival into Switzerland for British citizens. You can check the latest travel and lockdown status here.
• Crans Montana has extended its ski season into June
• Check the latest resort and snow info at the MySwitzerland website
• You can find out more about the 'Swisstainable' programme here

• Switzerland is currently 3rd in the World Economic Forum sustainability rankings, and the goal is to make CH 'the world’s most sustainable destination'
• Train travel to Switzerland is very easy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw38LXhMJL0&list=PLnWt0xPp4oTqPp0n4Ke3ULgU8IAVy8kSv

• Iain visited the Valsana Hotel in Arosa in March 2020. The hotel prides itself for its sustainability credentials, which Iain tested out for Skier and Snowboarder Magazine.
• Potato is a new restaurant in Zermatt
• Ian Brown, MD of The Snow Centre, was on the show in Episode 67
• The Chill Factore indoor snow slope is in Manchester

• Pat Sharples is head coach of GB Snowsports
• His Salomon ‘Grom Camps’ started in 2005
• His first sponsored athlete was James ‘Woodsy’ Woods
• Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss the full interview coming soon as a Ski Podcast Special

Reviews

I'd like to thank all of these guys who've bought me a cuppa since our last episode. If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you can buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

Nicole Clark: "The podcast just keeps getting better and better, thank you for all your hard work"

Suzi Jones: “Just listening to the podcasts makes you feel in touch so when we are lucky to go back it won’t feel as alien. Thanks again you’re our lockdown ski saviour.”

Jonny Goldsborough: "Thanks for getting us through the winter"

Michael Gold: "The podcast is something that I look forward to and I appreciate the work you put into it"

Michael: "Great podcast, cannot wait to return to Chamonix someday"

Also thanks to Paul Findlay and Michael Greenland for your support.


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• Follow Iain on social media @skipedia and the show @theskipodcast – now on Instagram as well.