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

We discuss Les 2 Alpes in France, Trysil in Norway and find out more about a great new way of travelling to the snow on your ski holiday. Iain was joined by freelance journalist, Rebecca Miles and Tarrant Anderson, founder of Vans For Bands. 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 David George joined me to discuss the impact of climate change on ski resorts in Episode 206 (3:30) Simon Burgess was in Flaine (3:45) Steve Angus reported from Val d'Isère (4:45) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel (6:20) Iain took part in the X3 Triathlon in Courchevel in 2022 (7:00) It was the warmest start to April ever in France, hitting 29C in Grenoble & 27C in Albertville (8:15) This winter was already the third warmest winter in France (8:30) Lobbying is underway for a direct Train from London to GVA (8:45) Take a look at this year’s ski April Fools in this Skipedia blog post (9:15) Vail Resorts themed April Fools including Disney buying Vail Resorts &  Vail buys Alterra(12:30) Les 2 Alpes is a great trip for older teens looking for apres-ski! (13:30) Highly recommended is the Umbrella Bar (14:00) Anthony Guzman is Sales & Marketing Director at Les 2 Alpes lift company AEON (14:15) SATA has rebranded as AEON (15:15) You can find out more about the new Jandri 3S lift here (17:00) Iain drove to Les 2 Alpes in a 9-seater luxury splitter minivans from Vans For Bands (23:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tYRSizJYAE Vans For Bands was founded in 2006 (23:15) The VFB coaches are like ‘hotels on wheels’ (26:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Bode Miller (27:00) There is SO MUCH storage space (31:00) Vans cost from £145pd to rent, including insurance, breakdown cover & snow chains You can drive a splitter van on a regular driving licence (33:15) Read Bec’s article about Trysil in The Telegraph (34:30) Becs flew into Scandinavian Mountain Airport (35:30) Find out more about Trysil ski resort (39:00) Have a look at the piste map for Trysil (40:30) Is Salen the closest ski resort to an airport? (42:15) Find out more about train travel to ski resorts at Ski Flight Free (46:00) Becs booked group train travel with Eurostar and SNCF at a good discount (46:45) Feedback (43:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Adam Fisher: "Really enjoy listening to the podcast, you're doing a great job. It helps me out with a bit of research. I'll just let you know that I am your English but Mexican listener as I spend a bit of time over there" Michael Hart: "Enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast as usual. I appreciate the work you do both on sustainability, but mindful of the difficulties that skiers in the north/Scotland have with train travel. I have taken the decision to offset my carbon to mitigate air travel, but the lack of economically viable train option from Manchester and similar areas remains a problem." Andy Aitkenhead: "I found the recent episode on Andermatt and Vail Resorts of interest - I was in Andermatt just before the deal was announced. I'm heading to Engelberg in just over a week. I'm currently wrestling over travel - given my concerns around climate change. Currently my calculations are that it will be cheaper to fly. I wondered whether you have any tips for reducing the cost over the Eurostar and SNCF published prices. Keep up the good work with the podcast." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

12 Apr 202451min

This episode is a special interview with professional snowboarder Xavier De Le Rue. We speak about his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and Antarctica.  We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about sustainability and his Audi Experience Camps taking place in Verbier this winter. 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 Xavier broke his ribs while taking time off from filming in Lobufen (1:00) FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (3:00) Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (4:30) Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (6:00) The trip involved crossing Drake’s Passage (8:30) The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (11:00) Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (14:00) Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (15:00) Xavier’s daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (15:45) Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (17:00) Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (19:00) Watch Xavier’s ‘How to’ videos on YouTube (20:15) Learn how to ski on ice! (20:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34 We discuss Xavier’s avalanche experience (22:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU “Paranoia can be a good thing” (24:00) Xavier has clear views on air bags (26:30) Listen to Xavier’s sustainability podcasts (31:30) Find out about the Audi Experience camps (32:00) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

5 Apr 202436min

We find out more about Val Cenis and the Haute Maurienne area of France as well as discoving what the skiing in Slovenia is like.  Iain was joined by freelance journalists Katja Gaskell and Rob Rees. 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 Katja was last on the show in Episode 197, sharing her tips on skiing with children (0:30) Rob was last on the show in Episode 186, discussing glacier skiing in Austria (1:00) Find out more about the Dolomites in Episode 192 (1:30) Tim from Inspired Italy reported from the Italian Dolomites (3:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching is in Les 2 Alpes (5:20) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (5:30) Team GB telemarker Jasmin Taylor was last on the show in Episode 200 (8:30) Jasmin won two Crystal Globes at the World Cup Finals - with 11 podiums and 5 wins this season British Slalom Champion Reece Bell is Martin Bell’s daughter and Graham Bell’s niece (9:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Martin Bell here Freddie Carrick-Smith (just) beat twin brother Zac Carrick-Smith the Junior Slalom and Senior GS (9:45) Iain interviewed Zac in Episode 200 about his double gold at the Youth Olympic Games (10:15) Katja was in Val Cenis in the Haute Maurienne area of France (10:30) Bonneval-sur-Arc has lots of ski touring options for both novice and advanced (12:30) Bessans is a centre for biathlon and cross-country skiing (15:00) Iain travelled to Orelle by train from Paris to Modane and covered this in Episode 165 (20:15) Rob flew to Lublijana in Slovenia (22:15) Rob skied at Krvavec, Vogel and Rogla ski resorts (24:30) Listen to Iain’s experience of skiing in Abruzzo in Episode (29:00) Rob visited the Elan Skis museum (31:15) Elan introduced the first ‘parabolic’ ski in 1993/94 (33:00) Find out more about the Julian Alps International Ski Pass (34:15) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Andrew Brannan: "I enjoyed today's interview with Frank Baldwin. I am sure you could get him back on, sounds like he has a hundred more stories in him." James: "Love the podcast. I was keenly interested in your interview with Mike Goar from Vail Resorts. I also found the two recent episodes discussing the resorts in Norway fascinating. Keep up the good work." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

28 Mars 202439min

In this episode, we discuss Verbier, Saalbach Hinterglemm and the impact of climate change on ski resorts. Plus we have a lot of feedback on Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass, which we covered in Episode 204.  Iain was joined by freelance journalist and regular guest Catherine Murphy and David George, founder of the PisteHors.com website 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 Catherine was last on the show in Episode 173, when she was telling us about Pays de Gex Jen Tsang from ‘That’s La Plagne’ reported from…La Plagne (3:00) Betony reports on the latest conditions in the Mont Blanc valley (5:45) Alex from 150 Days of Winter covered the latest conditions in Courchevel (7:15) Iain rented skis from Philippe Roux Intersport on his Verbier trip (8:45) Charlotte Bankes has taken 5 consecutive podiums in World Cup Snowboard Cross (9:00) Dave Ryding finished 7th overall in the World Cup slalom rankings Jasmin Taylor picked up 3 more podiums in Telemark and goes into the Finals in 1st place (9:15) Catherine was in Saalbach Hinterglemm Saalbach will host the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2025 (10:15) Read the case study on train travel to Saalbach on Ski Flight Free (14:00) Iain’s guides in Verbier were Anthony Voute from European Snowsport and Bertrand Lovey from ski school La Fantastique (18:00) Try the ‘Canadian Trees’ in the Bruson sector of Verbier (18:15) Verbier has so many backcountry options off the back of Mont Fort (19:30) Victor de la Rue clinched the snowboard Freeride World Tour title for the third time (20:30) Iain spoke with older brother and three-time champion Xavier de la Rue (21:00) Iain travelled by train to Verbier – a very straightforward journey (21:30) Protect Our Winters research shows that ski kit represents 12% of the carbon footprint of a ski holiday (22:00) Cirkel Supply is a new ski clothing rental company, founded by Anders Bergenstrand (22:45) Anna Smoothy has done some research that shows renting clothing has a 76% smaller carbon footprint than buying Josh Speller is the founder of Verbier Green (30:00) David founded PisteHors.com in 2004 (34:00) You can read David’s blog about the effect of climate change on ski resorts here (44:00) 66% of the carbon footprint of a ski holiday comes from the your flight (45:30) Find out more about low-carbon ski holidays at Ski Flight Free (46:00) More than half of American skiers buy an Epic or Ikon pass (49:00) The Magic Pass has seen a 9% increase in sales this winter (49:00) Laurent Vauchet, CEO of Televerbier, is equivocal that Vail Resorts is not buying Verbier (49:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Mike Goar, MD of Andermatt in Episode 204 (51:00) Find out more about the Ikon Pass (52:00) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Adam Horsfield: "I have been an avid listener of the ski podcast since 2018. After 6 years of listening, I’ve finally taken the decision to take the train to the Alps and am very much looking forward to it."  Episode 204 about Vail Resorts prompted a LOT of feedback: Simon Burgess: "Really enjoyed the last episode on the Epic Pass. As someone who has used it a lot it’s exciting what’s on offer and what could develop. I still think some of the partner agreements are a rip off with special lodging needed to get a pass, but for Andermatt, 3 Valleys and the Dolomites it’s been brilliant. It was fantastic in Andermatt: show the Epic Pass and they give you a season pass which I’m pretty sure is sold for more” Andrew Brannan: "Eye watering ticket prices, all the top management jobs taken out of resort, all teh restaurants and hotels, shops and even estate agents bought up by the same monopoly, aggressive property development, workers forced to live down the valley" Chris Howie: "It feels as if Vail Resorts are trying to wring every last penny out of resorts while providing the very minimum in return. In most of the Vail Resorts-owned resorts prices have gone sky high so only the rich can ski. Ski passes are almost three times the price of a European ski resort. Lift lines are unbelievably long. The local staff are removed to bring in centralised American staff, ripping the heart out of the resort. I will do my best to never ski at a resort owned by the Vail Resort organisation" Jane Henderson: “You should've given him a bit of a grilling on the negative impact of Epic/Ikon passes” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

22 Mars 202455min

This episode is a special interview with Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin - one of the leading ski journalists in the UK. Frank is best known as editor and publisher of Skier & Snowboarder Magazine.  After over three decades in the industry, he knows more the world of skiing than almost anyone else and so I was delighted to find out more about his career and the history of UK ski magazines. SHOW NOTES On the Les Arcs – La Plagne link (1:30) Sale of ‘Skier & Snowboarder’ Magazine (2:15) On becoming editor of the mag (3:30) Skiing with a broken foot (6:45) The founding of ‘The Skier’ magazine (9:00) When WH Smith had a ‘Ski Magazines’ section (12:00) Early days in Fleet Street (12:45) First ever ski holiday (15:30) Buying an apartment in Les 2 Alpes (17:15) Buying the magazine (19:00) Becoming ‘The Skier and Snowboarder’ (20:15) Becoming a free magazine (21:45) What about new mediums like podcasts (26:00) What advice would you give to a budding ski journalist (27:00) How many resorts have you skied in? (28:00) Frank’s favourite resort (29:00) Favourite celebrity interviewee (29:30) Feedback I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest to you.    You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

14 Mars 202434min

In Episode 204, we discuss Vail Resorts - the company that owns over 40 ski destinations, including both Andermatt and Crans Montana in Switzerland. We look at their Epic Pass and their future expansion strategy in Europe. We also find out about skiing in Geilo, Norway.  Iain was joined by Katie Bamber, Online Editor at Fall Line Magazine and Mike Goar, MD of the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area. 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 Andermatt has had 80cm of new snow in the last week (3:30) Dave Burrows from Snow Pros Ski School reported from Villars in Switzerland (4:00) Tim from Inspired Italy reported from the Dolomites in Italy (5:15) Al Judge from AliKats Mountain Holidays reported from Morzine in France (6:45) Charlotte Bankes won gold at the Sierra Nevada Snowboard Cross World Cup (9:00) Laurie Taylor recorded a career PB of 8th at Aspen (9:15) Listen to Iain’s interviews with Laurie and Dave after their race in Chamonix in Episode 200 (9:30) The audio in our Scotland Special was like Scotland itself, not always perfect, but worth it! (9:45) Mike Goar is MD at Andermatt Sedrun He has worked for Vail Resorts for 40 years (10:30) ‘Vail Resorts’ was formed in 1997 (11:15) The Epic Pass launched in 2008 (12:15) Vail Resorts went international with the addition of Perisher and then Whistler in 2016 (16:30) The first European resort to join the Vail Resorts group was Andermatt (17:30) Iain reported from Andermatt in Episode 92 (19:45) In 2023, it was announced that Crans Montana would be joining the next acquisition (22:15) What changes can we expect to see in the Swiss resorts? (25:15) Will Verbier be the next acquisition? (27:45) Vail Resorts hit their goal of 100% renewable electricity for the 2nd year in a row (29:00) Episode 201 was a Norway Special (31:00) Katie was in Geilo in Norway (31:15) Geilo is known for its apres-ski reputation (34:45) Night skiing in Geilo (36:30) The Ski Podcast was recently no.1 in the Apple Podcast chart (42:45) Feedback (40:30) Kostas Doudoulakis: "Thank you for the inspiring content. I first started listening to the podcast during lockdown. We’re now ready to take our first skiing holiday with our 4-year-old and I partly attribute this to the enthusiasm you manage to convey with each episode of the podcast. It is brilliant listening to someone who has such passion - please keep up the good work!" Grant (Apple Podcasts): “Love this podcast! It covers a wide range of ski subjects in lots of detail! It’s a must listen! Keep up the good work.” Anon (Apple Podcasts): “I am a listener from the United States, and I follow several ski-oriented podcasts. I enjoy The Ski Podcast due to its wide geographic areas of focus, and I'm fascinated to hear the perspective of the primarily British and European hosts. Having had an opportunity to ski in Switzerland, I greatly enjoy and celebrate the differences in the ski culture there versus what I have grown up with here in the United States, just as I enjoy the wide range of topics covered by the podcast.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

8 Mars 202444min

This episode is a Scotland Special, looking at resort skiing and backcountry options, some of this season’s events, as well as how to travel there by train. Iain was joined by Amy Marwick, a freelance journalist, marketing consultant and qualified Ski Instructor. SHOW NOTES Amy was on the show in Episode 198, in conversation with our equipment expert Al Morgan at the Ski Test Listen to Katie from Ski Goddess in Episode 183 (2:15) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (2:30) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski reported from St Anton (3:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from Courchevel (5:00) 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. Zoe Atkin took 2nd & 3rd at the women's Halfpipe WC Calgary (6:30) Jasmin Taylor was 3rd in Aal, Norway – her 51st podium (6:45) Listen to my interview with Jaz in Episode 200 I was based in Killin in Perthshire (7:00) My mother learned to ski on the slopes of Ben Lawers (8:00) The first Scottish Ski Club hut was built there in 1932 (8:45) Helen Cole is the Senior Ranger for the National Trust, who own the Ben Lawers Nature Reserve (9:00) Iain interviewed Blair Aitken in Episode 202 (11:30) The clouds parted to give us some exceptional views (12:00) Iain skied at Glencoe when it was pretty windy! (14:45) Andy Meldrum is the MD at Glencoe Mountain Resort (15:45) Amy previously raced on the Scottish Freeride circuit (21:00) The ‘Flypaper’ at Glencoe is steep! (22:30) Watch Amy’s ski movie ‘LATE’ The Wild Ski Weekend is at Cairn Gorm on 16/17 March (23:45) The event is based at Glenmore Lodge (24:15) The clouds parted on Ben Lawers to offer some superb views (27:44) The Brits took place at Aviemore in April 2023 (28:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Kirsty Muir (29:45) The Mighty Coe takes place on 01 and 02 March (31:00) The Brits will place place at Tamworth Snowdome Iain travelled to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper (32:00) Blair Aitken has seen more customers taking the Caledonian Sleeper (33:30) The Upbattle – a snowboarding touring event takes place in Cairngorm on 16/17 March (34:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Jamie Grant, founder of Carv, in Episode 193 (37:30) Al Morgan shared his thoughts on audio options for helmets (37:45) Feedback (36:00) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Anne Pedersen: "The Norway episode (201) wasexcellent" Borre Wickstrom: "Great podcast about Norway, but Beitostolen is amazing. We had a week there in Jan: super slopes, amazing for families. They been having an influx of happy British skiers this year.” Robin: "Enjoyed the Norwegian episode! Sunmore is certainly on the ski touring list after seeing some of the terrain in films by Jacob Webster and Nikolai Schirmer" Mark Woods: "I have now listened to every past episode, and am finally up-to-date. This is great content Iain, with excellent contributions from interesting guests (special mention to Al). Please keep up the great work." Grant Adam: "Love the podcast! Discovered it late last year and I’m working my way through the episodes. Keep up the good work.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   There are 208 episodes to catch up with and 166 were listened to in the last week. That even includes some of our Olympic Specials from PyeongChang 2018 The Ski Podcast is almost always in the Top 10 in the Apple Podcast charts – that’s in the ‘Wilderness’ category.  There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest to you.    You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

1 Mars 202442min

Episode 202 is a special interview with Blair Aitken, British Backcountry ski expert.  Blair is a former alpine national ski champion who has been backcountry skiing in Scotland since the mid-nineties. He now offers British skiers guided courses, introducing them to the Scottish highlands through his business British Backcountry. He is also the author of the book ‘Ski Touring in the Northern Cairngorms’. SHOW NOTES Blair was previously on the podcast in Episode 173 when we discussed the film ’10 in a Weekend’ (2:00) Blair skied on Hillend as a junior racer (4:00) Listen to our Dave Ryding special episode (5:00) Iain spoke with Zak Carrick-Smith in Episode 200 (5:45) Blair ran the New Generation Ski School in Val d'Isère (6:45) Starting British Backcountry (14:15) Gav Carruthers is Blair’s business partner (14:30) The impact of global warming on Scottish skiing (16:00) Cairngorm have introduced a ski touring pass (16:45) Watch Iain’s windy, raining ski touring experience at Glencoe (18:30) Travel by the Caledonian Sleeper to the Scottish ski fields is more popular (19:15) Blair’s book ‘Ski Touring in the Northern Cairngorms’ (20:45)  Find out more about Iain’s trip to Scotland in Episode 203, going live on 01 March (25:45) If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. Alternatively send your feedback about the show to theskipodcast@gmail.com

23 Feb 202426min