101: Skiing in Greece, 'Frontside' skis & the 'Parablack'

In this episode, we cover all the latest rules about travel, we look at a new way of booking ski lessons and discuss how to get your kit ready for the season.  Iain was joined by Lucy Aspden, Online Ski Editor at The Telegraph and Nick Robinson, founder of Maison Sport, a portal for booking ski lessons, as well as regulars Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and equipment expert Al Morgan from SkiKiIinfo.  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 Lucy was on the show a year ago in Episode 60  Austrian lockdown will be until 13 Dec at least Switzerland quarantine for UK passengers started on Sat 27 November and was reversed on Friday 03 December In France, all skiers need to show the Pass Sanitaire to use ski lifts, and the non-vaccinated must show daily negative Covid tests The Super Green Pass (meaning skiing would be restricted to only the vaccinated and recovered) in Italy has been deferred unless the situation worsens The UK has introduced a compulsory PCR test and quarantine onreturn to the UK as well as pre-return negative test requirement.  The definition of what 'fully vaccinated' means is changing by country (and the day) to as little as 7 months before a booster is required  Battleface offer specialised winter sports cover We had so many snow reports this week, we had to put them into a separate episode:  https://audioboom.com/posts/7991317-a-ski-podcast-special-latest-snow-news-from-around-the-alps Thanks to Charlie Rees (Diavolezza), Andy Butterworth (Kaluma Travel, St Anton), Steve Angus (Val d’Isere), Keith Webb (Kaprun), Dave Burrows (Glacier 3000) and Luca Caruso (Cervinia) Alex Armand runs Tip Top Ski Coaching in Les 2 Alpes Lucy has been live reporting on the travel changes for The Telegraph The situation re transit at Geneva airport ran and ran. Don’t forget to follow Skipedia on Twitter for real time updates on big issues such as this https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1465943758235750400 Lucy interviewed the French Minister of State for Tourism ("Closing is not an option Nick is one of the founders of Maison Sport Maison Sport is offering a refundable deposit on bookings made for this winter Caroline Eliot was on the show in Episode 47 You can find out about her new book here The new London Ski & Snowboard Festival will take place from 27-30 October 2022 at Evolution Battersea Charlotte Bankes won silver in Snowboard Cross in China Jon-allan Butterworth took 3rd in the Para Snowboard event at Landgraaf You can listen to our interview with Jon-allan here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7948841-a-ski-podcast-special-jon-allan-butterworth-paralympic-snowboarder 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 to theskipodcast@gmail.com

6 Des 202159min

We had so many snow reports for this week’s podcast, rather than edit them down, we thought we’d release them as a one-off special.  We cover six resorts in four countries – so it’s time to get excited and hear about the great conditions out in the Alps right now. SHOW NOTES Charlie Rees reported from Diavolezza/Engadin in Switzerland https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1467551739062673414 Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School was in Glacier 3000, Switzerland Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Travel is in St Anton, Austria https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1467466717894959109 Keith Webb was reporting from Kaprun in Austria. Find out more about his apartments on Instagram Luca Caruso is  based in Cervinia, Italy Steve Angus is a ski instructor in Val d'Isère in France  We release regular episodes every two weeks, covering all aspects of the world of skiing and snowboarding, from resorts to racing, Ski Sunday to slush.  Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Ski Podcast.

5 Des 202117min

In this episode, we take a look at women’s skis and women’s skiing, plus Graham Bell tells us about his new ski training app. We look at the latest travel news and have snow reports from around the Alps. Iain was joined by ‘Ski Goddess’ Katie Dobson, Graham Bell and Sam Lynch, co-founders of the Perfect Turns app, as well as regular contributors Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and equipment expert 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 ·       Alex Hermann spoke about the Swisstainable project in Episode 72 ·       The Swiss flags were out in Chatel last winter ·       Graham interviewed the Gerken Schofield mogul skiers siblings for Ski Sunday ·       The good news is that no Covid pass will be required to ski in France ·       Usefully the NHS pass is now accepted throughout the EU ·       To be considered 'fully vaccinated' you will soon need a booster ·       Quarantine if you don’t have a booster on return to UK looks possible ·       Over 65s will require a booster for the Pass Sanitaire in France  ·       Austria has gone into lockdown until at least 12 December ·       You can buy travel insurance for this winter from Battleface Travel  ·       Val Thorens opened last weekend   https://twitter.com/3Vallees_france/status/1462714564731092995   ·       Dave Burrows, Ski Instructor Podcast and SnoPros Ski School reported from Glacier 3000 ·       Alex Armand, Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes ·       Keith Webb reported from Kaprun. Find out more about apartments there on Instagram ·       Graham talked about his appearance on Dancing on Ice this time last year ·       You can listen to his thoughts on the Olympic experience in our special episode ·       Graham and Sam’s new app is called ‘Perfect Turns’ Katie Dobson from Ski Goddess made an impression at the National Snow Show in Birmingham https://www.facebook.com/skipedia/photos/a.4381176131932295/4381172021932706 ·       Ski Goddess is based in Chatel in the Portes du Soleil ·       Find out more about sophrology ·       And yes, you can practice sophrology with tree therapy too ·       Al Morgan from skikitinfo.com joined us to discuss women’s skis ·       Mia Brookes won the first snowboard slopestyle of the season at Landgraaf  ·       You can listen to Simon Burgess’ report from Landgraaft in Episode 82 ·       Dave Ryding won in his season’s racing debut this weekend in Sweden ·       Kirsty Muir recorded a 4th in the World Cup Slopestyle in Stubai  ·       Greg Rutherford is racing in Bobsleigh for Team GB this winter ·       If you’d like to win a copy of Billy Morgan’s auto/biography, please tag us on social saying you'd like to win the book, or drop me an email https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg9NoHj9TtI    Reviews  richb67 (Snowheads): "Started listening to these and enjoying them"  mikepow (Snowheads): "Another great listen"  sofatoslopes: "Want to get excited for the winter ahead: listen to The Ski Podcast. Gets me through some long bike rides"  Paul Findlay:"Thanks for the kids ski holiday travel advice and of course the continuing podcasts!”  Jonny Goldsborough: “Really enjoyed hearing Henry on the podcast. Getting excited for the season! (fingers crossed)” Nigel Winters: "Do love the show, only started listening just prior to lockdown, has been great to keep up with what is going on in the ski world, out in resorts, the travel restrictions, the interviews, and what’s new in equipment etc" 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  if you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts.  We also have a few stickers left, so if you'd like some for your skis, board, helmet or phone, pls drop us an email or contact us via social with your address.

22 Nov 202152min

In this Ski Podcast Special, Iain speaks to GB snowsports athletes Izzy and Zoe Atkin as they prepare for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Izzy was Britain's first skier to win a medal at the Olympics, when she won the Bronze in Slopestyle at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.  Zoe is Izzy's younger sister and competes in Ski Half Pipe. In this interview we talk about their background in the sport; why they chose to join Team GB and how their preparations are going for 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 Izzy has been training in Stubai, Austria Zoe was in Saas Fee, Switzerland Izzy and Zoe are based in Park City, Utah, USA Pat Sharples is Team Manager of the GB Park and Pipe team If you'd like to find out more about GB Snowsports then why not listen to our Ski Podcast Special interview with team manager Pat Sharples Izzy won the Bronze medal in Slopestyle at PyeongChang Zoe won Bronze in the World Champs in March 2021 Wind conditions in PyeongChang were 'challenging' at times The sisters love skiing in Snowbird and Park City in Utah Catch up with all of our Olympian interviews at The Ski Podcast

15 Nov 202117min

In Episode 82, we discuss avalanche safety, what a ‘rocker’ is and have interviews with Olympic medal winners Billy Morgan and Izzy Atkin.  There are snow reports from Italy, Switzerland and…the Netherlands, plus you can find out how to win a copy of Billy Morgan’s new book, ‘Drop in!’ Iain was joined by Henry Schniewind from the eponymous Henry's Avalanche Talk, plus Megan Hughes, Deputy Editor at InTheSnow Magazine, as well as regular 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 Find out about e-quad biking in Andermatt Iain reported on his ski touring in Andermatt in Episode 52 Battleface offer travel insurance for skiing regardless of FCO rules on travel The PCR Day 2 test for fully vaccinated travellers was replaced with an antigen lateral flow test on 24 October The NHS Covid Pass is now accepted across Europe For children this winter, it looks like regular tests in resort will be required in Italy & Austria, although it’s less likely in France and Switzerland Covid boosters may be required for travel https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1457233120965521408                 Dave Burrows from The Ski Instructor Podcast reported from Cervinia  Simon Burgess was in Landgraaf in the Netherlands  Listen to Simon’s report from the Lake District in Episode 73  Rob Rees was reporting from Switzerland  The early November snow has been very good so far  https://twitter.com/FrenchMountains/status/1455941744210624519 Listen to our 'How to become a Pisteur' Special with Tom Greenall Caroline Elliot talked about avalanche rescue dogs in Episode 47 You can catch up with Avalanche Safety Special Episode with Jim and Dave Burrows Find out about Henry’s UK ‘Off Piste Awareness’ Tour on his website Iain regularly contributes video snow reports to InTheSnow https://www.facebook.com/inthesnow/videos/134822691302566 This is a useful graphic from Wagner Skis on rockers Listen to our Ski Podcast Special with Tony McWilliam, founder of Faction Skis Billy Morgan won Bronze in the Snowboard Big Air at PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics Graystone Action Sports is a superb training facility in Manchester GB Snowsport have a huge airbag in Livigno, Italy for practising on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJoU0kV3rg To win a copy of his book all you have to do to go in the draw is tell us why you listen to The Ski Podcast You can enter on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (just make sure you tag us) or by dropping us an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com and I'll pick a winner at the end of November https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1457259032218116097   Izzy Atkin won Olympic Bronze in the Ski Slopestyle at PyeongChang  Younger sister Zoe competes in Ski Big Air Listen to the full interview in our Special Episode coming soon   Reviews  Leon Butler: “It was cool to watch 'The Ski Podcast Live' Al Morgan (LinkedIn): "Superb episode of The Ski Podcast" sofatoslopes (Instagram): "Fab morning endurance training while listening to The Ski Podcast"   Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast and all cuppas are much appreciated. This episode I'd like to thank Kimberley Kay and Mike Greenland, who also said: "Love the podcast. I have skied at least twice a year ever since 1970. Started on wooden skis and lace up leather boots. Things have changed...missed my first season this year due to covid but hope to keep the calendar annual record going as I am off in Dec” I really do appreciate reading all feedback about the show, so please do email me theskipodcast@gmail.com & if you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts   We also have a few stickers left, so if you'd like some for your skis, board, helmet or phone, pls drop us an email or contact us via social with your address.

8 Nov 202158min

In Episode 81, we find out about Disability Snowsport UK is changing lives, plus we have the story of how one company in the Alps has survived both Brexit and Covid.  We find out how the National Snow Show in Birmingham went and answer the question “How long should my skis be?" plus much more. Iain was joined by Rachel Davies, Head of Snowsport from Disability Snowsport UK, and Noel Miles who tells us his DSUK story. From Bourg St Maurice in the French Alps, Tania Casey from Huski joined us, as well as regular equipment expert Al Morgan. 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 ·    Battleface offer travel insurance for skiing regardless of FCO rules on travel ·    The PCR Day 2 test for fully vaccinated travellers was replaced with an antigen lateral flow test on 24 October ·    For children this winter, it looks like regular tests in resort will be required in Italy & Austria, although it’s less likely in France and Switzerland ·    We recommend you create your 'Travel Folder of Dreams' by printing out all documents, in case this happens ·    Jenny Nicholls from Inghams Ski reported from Hintertux, Austria ·    Tania Casey from Huski was on the glacier in Tignes ·    Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching skied in Les 2 Alpes this weekend ·    The National Snow Show took place at the Birmingham NEC last weekend. The dates for 2022 are 15-16 October ·    Iain was joined by Mike Richards and Simon Burgess for ‘The Ski Podcast Live’ https://twitter.com/theskipodcast/status/1452530423154757632 ·    Rachel Davies is Head of Snowsport from Disability Snowsport UK ·    You can help raise funds for DSUK by joining in with the Alpine Lunch and find out about other ways to give here  ·    Huski is a food & drink delivery company operating in the French Alps Tania’s favourite meal on offer is the ‘Lapin a la moutarde’ ·    Our equipment expert Al Morgan is from SkiKitInfo where you can read reviews of all the latest skis and boots ·    Neil McQuoid is editor of Racer Ready Magazine You can read his interview with Alex Tilley here. ·    Alex Tilley finished in an equal best 13th place in the GS in Solden Reviews Keith Webb: "Really enjoy the show, I listened to old episodes for 10 hours one day....yeah, I know pretty intense but I was driving Chatel to Zell am See and needed to stay awake." I really do appreciate reading all feedback about the show, so please do email me theskipodcast@gmail.com and if you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes it helps other people find us. Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast and all cuppas are much appreciated. We also have a few stickers left, so if you'd like some for your skis, board, helmet or phone, please drop us an email or contact us via social with your postal address. The Ski Podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism For full Show Notes, please go to www.theskipodcast.com

26 Okt 202154min

This episode was recorded in September 2021 at the 'Ski Launch' event in London. Iain hosted this special panel with Olympians Graham Bell and Emily Sarsfield. Please note that the sound quality on this broadcast is not ideal. This is not typical of The Ski Podcast (have a listen to our other 100+ episodes), but having played a clip in Episode 80, listeners asked to hear more - hence this 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. Topics discussed include: - What snow conditions can athletes expect at Beijing 2022? - What will the Covid regulations be? - How does that compare to Tokyo 2020 and what was the experience of working there a a broadcaster like? - What impact will all the changes have on the athlete experience? - How do athletes deal with adversity, such as when they are injured? - How are Team GB persuading athletes from other countries (such as Charlotte Bankes and Gus Kenworthy) to join the team? - What other athletes are crossing over from other sports to join?

18 Okt 202121min

We have lots of ski-related chat in this episode, including a St Anton update, how to find the right ski boot for you, Graham Bell on Beijing 2022, the latest update on Covid rules and whether it's possible to take all your holidays flight free. Iain was joined by Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Travel, first time guest Helen Coffey, travel editor at The Independent, as well as regulars Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and equipment expert Al Morgan. 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   ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed in Murren, Switzerland The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant was the location for Blofeld's base in 1969 Find out more about James Bond in Switzerland  Listen to our special episode focussing on the Inferno downhill race Andy hopes to ski in Hintertux, following their fresh snow last week https://twitter.com/Chaletline/status/1446030206603571201    Helen skied in Sierra Nevada  Iain was joined by Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance   There is no pre-return test required for double vaccinated travellers from 04 October  The Day 2 PCR test will be replaced by a Lateral Flow test by the end of this month  Travel to the USA should start again soon  It looks like the Pass Sanitaire will not be required to ski in France this winter  The situation for children in Austria is less clear  Find out about 'Trav-min'  Helen recently took a mega-trip to Morocco by train, having signed the Flight Free UK pledge  Iain is a signatory to Tourism Declares and founded the Ski Flight Free campaign Find out about The Independent's policy on travel coverage  Google are now including carbon emissions totals for flights:  https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1446387406618386445   Ruka ski resort is in Finland Listen to our Travelski interview in Episode 79 Andy is based in St Anton Kaluma Ski are facing some challenges of recruiting post-Brexit  Iain hosted the Olympics sessions at the recent Ski Launch event in London. Please let us know if you’d like to hear more of this by emailing me at theskipodcast@gmail.com Non-vaccinated athletes will have to quarantine for 21 days to compete at Beijing Listen to our Ski Podcast Special with Jon-Allan Butterworth about his conversion to snowboarding and his time on The Jump The Jump was our lead story in Episode 1 of The Ski Podcast four years ago in 2017 Beth Tweddle is sueing the show.  Read and watch more equipment reviews from Al Morgan at SkiKitInfo.com Al mentioned the Lange XT3 Tour ski boot I spoke to author Kimberley Kay about her new book: Ski A-Z: An Illustrated Guide to Skiing  Alex Irwin reported from Courchevel on the damaged Saulire cable car https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1446031205976186886   Reviews Joe McHugh: "Thanks Ian for keeping the skiing vibe on life-support during Covid times" Inside Morzine: "Well worth a listen.. Iain’s #podcast are ALWAYS essential listening" Greg Hilton: . Thanks also to Mike Greenland, who pointed out Lauterbrunnen is part of Jungfrau (I was confusing it with Adelboden) I really do appreciate reading all feedback about the show, so please do email me theskipodcast@gmail.com and if you can give us a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes it helps other people find us. Don't forget you can listen to The Ski Podcast on Spotify as well, and if you know someone else who's getting excited about the ski season then please do share it. Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast and all cuppas are much appreciated.    We also have a few stickers left, so if you'd like some for your skis, board, helmet or phone, please drop us an email or contact us via social @theskipodcast with your postal address.   Thanks again to Switzerland Tourism for sponsoring The Ski Podcast.  XGHWeR2fMsQjvfoQn8Ae

11 Okt 202158min