The Ski Podcast

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 Mar 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 Mar 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 Feb 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 Feb 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 Feb 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 Jan 202217min

In Episode 87 we discuss the Swiss Magic Pass, the best new kit for next winter, plus we find out about skiing from Allenheads in England to the Aosta Valley in Italy.  Iain was joined by Simon Burgess and Martina Diez, from The-Ski-Guru.com as well as regulars Katie Crowe from Battleface Travel Insurance and equipment guru 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 ·       Dave Ryding become the first British skier to win an Alpine World Cup race ·       Listen to our interview with Dave Ryding from May 2020 ·       Thanks to Switzerland Tourism for sponsoring the podcast ·       Switzerland remains the simplest country to go to if you have children, with no extra rules in place for the u16s ·       Try this great 'Bucket List' of experiences you can try in Switzerland ·       The Ski Podcast has been nominated as 'Best Wintersports Podcast' in the Sports Podcast Awards ·       Katie Crowe joined us from Battleface Travel Insurance for the travel update ·       The Day 2 return travel test looks like it will end on February 11 ·       The French travel ban ended on 14 January ·       Italy now requires a ‘Super Green Pass’ to go skiing ·       Abi Butcher was nominated in the TravMedia awards for her exclusive on the Verbier fiasco last year. You can listen to Abi talking about that story in E66 ·       Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from the Jura mountains in Switzerland ·       Babsi Lapwood from the Mountain Trade Network was in Serfaus ·       Jim Duncombe is based in La Clusaz ·       Nigel Sanger spoke on behalf of the Allenheads Ski Club  ·       Simon Burgess spoke to us from Vercorinin the Val d’Anniviers region ·       Find out more about the Swiss Magic Pass ·       Simon stayed in Anzere ·       Simon previously told us about the Raise ski area in the Lake District in Episode 73 ·       Iain went trail running in Zinal in July 2021, reporting in Episode 76 ·       Iain was ski touring in Crans Montana in December 2020 (Episode 65) ·       Martina has skied throughout the Aosta Valley, including in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila ·       Interski specialise in school ski trips to Pila ·       Both Martina and Simon have skied in Bariloche in Argentina ·       Listen to Rob’s report on the Stockli factory in Episode 86 ·       Artilect were one of the award winners ·       Smartwool offer plant-based dye on their Merino underlayers ·       Find out about Intersport’s BootDoc service in Episode 86 ·       There's been some great success at the Paralympic World Champs ·       Iain previously interviewed Jon-allan Butterworth who represented GB for the first time ·       Charlotte Bankes too a Double 1st in Snowboard Cross at Krasnoyarsk ·       Katie Ormerod was 4th in Snowboard Slopestyle in Mammoth ·       Kirsty Muir took 5th in Ski Slopestyle at the same event ·       Charlie Guest took a career best 13th in the Slalom in Schladming Slalom  ·       Team GB athletes have been given 'burner phones' to avoid being spied on Reviews Doug Newman: 'Great podcasting' Janet Barnett: "Have been listening since The 2018 Olympics and still very much enjoying every episode"   Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast. All cuppas are much appreciated. Coral (BMAC): "The only thing to cure a pining for the mountains when you can't otherwise be on them!” Paul Sonn (BMAC): "I've been enjoying your really useful program” I mentioned earlier that TSP has been nominated as BWP. Very easy to vote - just go to www.sportspodcastawards.com. Would really appreciate and would like to thank the many people who have voted for us already, including Fran Lambert and Martin Constable. I also enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Thanks go to Switzerland Tourism for sponsoring the podcast.

24 Jan 20221h 1min

Welcome to this special 'Good News' episode of The Ski Podcast. Regular listeners will know that in our 'normal' episodes we cover the latest travel rules and so it is absolutely a pleasure to report on some good news for a change. I know it's been possible to travel to Switzerland, Austria, Italy and other ski nations - albeit with various restrictions - but more British skiers travel to France every winter than any other country and for that reason the travel ban that's been in place since December 18th has been hugely depressing. It affected many family ski holidays (let alone family reunions that would have taken place) over Christmas and New Year and businesses as diverse as large tour operators to cafes, restaurants and even individual ski instructors. But here's the good news - the travel ban will be lifted on Friday 14 January. You'll have to pass through the now usual hoops of vaccination and testing, but French ski holidays are now back on. https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1481553508063141891 Was there ever any justification for the ban in the first place? Probably about as much as when the UK created the 'Amber+' category for France last summer. Undoubted 'tit for tat' policking, but from this weekend, it's over and let's hope it stays that way to the end of the season. And here's your bonus good news - it may not mean as much to you as it does to me, but I'm so pleased to let you know that The Ski Podcast has been nominated for 'Best Wintersports Podcast' in The Sports Podcast Awards. The Ski Podcast has grown to become my full-time, part-time job and, quite frankly, got me through last winter when we couldn't ski at all. My mental health was a mess, but the podcast kept me, more than anything, connected, in a winter that never happened. There's now 134 episodes available and I love the fact that around 100 get listened to every week, all around the world. I'd like to sign off this good news special by asking that if you've enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast, whether it's just this episode or since we first started over four years ago, that you consider voting for us in the Sports Podcast Awards. It's very easy and only takes a minute: simply to go sportspodcastawards.com, register, go to the 'Best Wintersports Podcast' in the Categories, click the 'Vote for your favourite' button and vote for 'The Ski Podcast'. Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it.  Our next regular episode will be out on 24 January, so until then, thank you for your time and goodbye. -----   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.

13 Jan 20223min