257: Innsbruck in Tirol, Northern Snow Show & the UK’s first employee-owned ski company

In this special episode we look at the rise and fall of Bladon Lines – a British chalet company who in the mid-80s were the biggest ski company in the UK, but by the mid-90s had completely disappeared. It’s the story of two young men, who met at university and were sure that they could do ski holidays better. It’s about how their company rode the 80s boom and grew exponentially to become ‘the’ name in British skiing. Then new competitors came in and the market changed. The last glass of ‘Parrot Claret’ was served over 30 years ago now, but the Bladon Lines continues to hold a special place in the hearts of British skiers… SHOW NOTES Mark Lines died in a car crash in 1990 (2:00) Simon Bladon met Mark Lines on his first day at Exeter University in 1971 (3:15) In July 1978 Simon was sacked from his job, leading to the start of ‘Bladon Lines’ (6:00) In year three, the company made a profit of £80,000 (9:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with John Yates Smith in Episode 231 (9:30) The famous red, yellow and blue Bladon Lines jackets led to the parrot logo (11:00) Bladon Lines offered ‘Parrot Claret’ and ‘Parrot Vin’ wines in their chalets (12:00) Alastair Scott from the Sunday Times, found the jackets ‘hideously recognisable’ (12:30) Amin Momen founded Momentum Ski – a corporate ski specialist (12:45) The dotted Ski West jackets were also famous (13:30) Ed Mannix is now owner of the Zermatt specialist, Matterhorn Chalets (13:40) Nick Morgan founded the chalet company Le Ski in 1982 (15:15) What are ‘Sloane Rangers’? John Yates-Smith: “It was the days of glorious amateurishness” (17:30) ‘The Bladon Lines Chalet Girls Cookbook’ is occasionally available on ebay (22:00) The standard of chalets in the 80s… (22:45) Simon Hoskyns worked for Bladon Lines before going on to co-found Alpine Answers (24:00) There were no mobile phones in the 80s… (23:30) Gareth Crump is now Sales and Marketing Director at VIP Ski (26:30) The days of the Telex… (27:00) Ed Mannix was the only member of staff with a ‘mobile phone’ (28:15) Simon Bladon sold his 50% share to family friend Christopher Needler (29:00) Christopher Needler kept Bladon Lines afloat as the market changed (29:45) Crystal Ski were an aggressive new competitor (32:00) Chalet rents went ‘out of control’ (32:30) In 1991, the company sacked Fiona Easdale as managing director (33:15) John Yates-Smith and Easdale formed their own chalet company, YSE Ski (33:30) Inghams bought Bladon Lines in 1995 (36:00) Simon Bladon offered to come back to help run the new Bladon Lines division of Inghams (37:15) The skills you develop when working ski seasons… (38:30) The Bladon Lines community… (42:00) In 2020 Crystal Ski announced it was cancelling its entire chalet programme (44:00) Seasonal Businesses in Travel report a 50% reduction in chalet capacity this decade (44:00) The Bladon Lines ‘Chalet Girl’ races (45:00) Credits This episode was written, narrated and edited by Iain Martin.  Thanks go to Andy Wadsworth for reading the additional clippings, quotes and excerpts and to everyone who contributed to this episode including Simon Bladon, John Yates-Smith, Amin Momen, Ed Mannix, Gareth Crump, Nick Morgan and Simon Hoskyns.  Share this episode If you enjoyed this episode and you know someone who worked or took holidays with Bladon Lines back in the 80s or 90s, or simply likes a good ski industry story, then I would really appreciate it if you shared this episode with them.  Feedback  If you want to share your own memories of Bladon Lines or just let me know what you thought about this episode, then please contact me via Facebook or Instagram @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on WhatsApp. There are over 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – just go theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you like. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code   If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com. That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied.

25 Juli 46min

Today we discuss ‘Homeland’ – a ski touring only ‘resort’ in Italy, we ask what should be on Rob Katz’s ‘to do’ list as he takes up the reins again at Vail Resorts, plus we find out about skiing along the Mississippi. Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by freelance journalist Sam Haddad and host of the Storm Skiing Podcast, Stuart Winchester, as well as down the line with snow reports by Rachael Oakes-Ash in Australia and Guy Beatson in New Zealand. SHOW NOTES Sam was last on the show talking about La Grave in Episode 214 (1:15) Stuart was last on the show in Episode 235 (1:30) Find out about La Sarenne in Alpe d’Huez (4:00) Stuart’s last day of skiing was at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado (5:00) Guy Beatson reported from New Zealand (9:30) Rachael Oakes-Ash from Snowsbest reported from Australia (11:00) Homeland is a ski touring ‘resort’ in Italy (13:00) Read Sam’s Substack ‘Climate and Board Sports’ (14:00) Read Sam’s article for the Guardian We featured Madesimo in Episode 165 (18:00) Read Stuart’s Storm Skiing Journal Substack (23:30) ”Everyone’s searching for skiing’s soul. I’m trying to find its brains” We covered the Ikon Pass, Indy Pass, Mountain Collective & Epic Pass in Episode 265 We discussed how the Epic Pass is making a difference in Australia in Episode 250 (25:45) Vail launched the Epic Pass in 2008 (26:00) Sales of the Epic Pass were down for the first time in 2024/25 (28:30) The ski patrol strike in Park City was a PR disaster for Vail Resorts (30:00) The CEO of Vail Resort Kirsten Lynch resigned in May 2025 (32:00) She was replaced by Rob Katz (32:30) What should be on Rob Katz's 'to do' list (32:45) “Walk-up lift ticket prices that would embarrass a luxury handbag store!” “Wait, There's a Limit to What People Will Pay to Ski 7 Hours on a Tuesday in a Highly Competitive Market?” Skiing in Alabama (37:00)  Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback. Please leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram and Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  Guy Beatson: "I really enjoy the podcast – it helped prepare for my trip to Big Sky and Grand Targhee in late January"  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.  If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the podcast, there are three things you can do:  -          Follow us, or subscribe, so you never miss an episode -          Give us a review on Apple Podcasts or leave a comment on Spotify -          ‘Buy me a coffee’ at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

11 Juli 44min

Today we focus on the new ski season in Australia and New Zealand, especially the new chairlift in Perisher and ski area extension in Cardrona. Plus could ski ballet be making a comeback? We find out about this iconic sport from the 80s Host Iain Martin was joined by the expert on skiing in Australia and New Zealand, founder of the Snowsbest website, Rachael Oakes-Ash, and the founder of MGG clothing, and the man single-handedly behind the ski ballet revival, Tom Bata.  SHOW NOTES Rachael enjoyed great conditionsat the Australia opening weekend (1:30) Iain skied all five of the UK’s indoor snowdomes in May (2:45) Big Sky featured in Episode 235 of The Ski Podcast (3:00) Svalbard featured in Episode 218 of The Ski Podcast (5:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Xavier De Le Rue (7:00) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter reported from the opening weekend in Tignes (8:00) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (9:15) The new AUD26 million chairlift in Perisher (10:45) Listen to Iain’s report from Australia in Episode 182 (12:45) The Epic Pass in Australia (15:00) The new 4 day pass in in Australia (17:00 The Thredbo Alpine Coaster (19:30) The Soho ski area in Cardona will make it the largest NZ ski area (21:20) Cardrona is opening a new freestyle training centre (23:20) Mt Dobson and Ohau are for sale (27:00) MGG (Mont Gele Gear) is based in Verbier (28:45) MGG incorporate a Radical Transparency Label (30:45) Take a look at one of the RTL labels (32:00)  What is ‘ski ballet’? (33:30)  Watch MGG’s film about ski ballet (34:45) Did Tanner Hall made his start in ski ballet? (35:00) Will ski ballet ever come back into the mainstream (40:00) Feedback (41:30) I love to hear what you think about the show – what you like, or don’t like – just leave me a comment on Spotify or Instagram and Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com  skiiingPostie (on Episode 249): “I get people’s apprehension (about starting skiing)…I started learning at 47 and the main thing I was worried about was hurting myself or others” Alex: “I've recently got into listening to your podcast and am really enjoying all the skiing chat.”  There are now 262 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 229 of those were listened to in the last week. Go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around our back catalog - you’re bound to find something of interest. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

27 Juni 43min

This week we look at how to inprove diversity within the ski industry and ways that under-representation is being addressed. Iain was joined by Amirra Blackwood and Dan Keeley from Snow Camp, Zahia Shaw from Skimigos and Burhan Ali from the Muslim Ski Club. SHOW NOTES Dan was last on the show in Episode 98 (1:20) Find out about Dan’s epic run to Rome (2:20) Amirra and Dan were at the AJ Bell Three Valley Challenge in Val Thorens (4:00) Dave Ryding has announced that he will retire at the end of the 25/26 winter (6:15) Listen to Iain’s interview with Dave in Episode 199 (8:00) Find out how Iain’s ’25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge went (8:30) You can donate at Iain’s JustGiving page (9:00) Around 1000 inner city young people join Snow Camp each July (10:45) Amirra’s journey with Snow Camp started in 2001 (12:00) Snow Camp are taking on 16 apprentices this year Amirra’s first placement was with Ellis Brigham She has just finished working at the Ski Club of Great Britain (14:45) Skimigos took 100 people to Les 2 Alpes in March (18:00) Zahia (Zee) Shaw set up Skimigos in 2019 (19:45) Zee uses the Skimigos Instagram to tackle objections people come up with (22:00) Addressing “it’s not for people like us” (22:45) Skimigos apres ski is off the charts… (25:00) Burhan is the founder of the Muslim Ski Club (27:30)  This year the club travelled to Erciyes in Turkey (30:00) “Apres-tea over apres-ski” (30:25) The club is organising ‘Eid in the Alps’ in Avoriaz in 2026 (32:30) Snow Camp has been organising indoor taster sessions for young Muslims (34:00) Feedback I always enjoy listener feedback. Couple since our last episode. Ben: "Love the podcast" Pete: “248 was a great episode...loving the grass roots vibe" You can contact me with your feedback via our social channels @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  There’s so much to catch up with in our back catalog just to theskipodcast.com and have a look around the tags and categories.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

13 Juni 37min

Today we look at a new project to help first-time skiers, find out about the Women’s World Snowsports Summit and learn about plans to reopen of the UK’s most iconic dry ski slopes, Sheffield Ski Village. Host Iain Martin was joined live by guests Kimberley Kay and James Gambrill and down the line by Tim Justice, Alex Armand and Luca, Zak and Freddy Carrick-Smith. SHOW NOTES  Kim was last on the podcast in Episode 229 (0:30) James Gambrill is COO of the Ski Club of Great Britain The Mountain Travel Symposium took place at Aspen Snowmass this year (4:00) Find out more about Iain’s ‘25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ (5:00) He will be skiing all the UK’s indoor snow centres in a single day to raise funds for Snow Camp You can sponsor Iain on his JustGiving page (7:45) Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reported from Les 2 Alpes (8:20) Listen to our Ski Jobs Special Episode to find out more about the ‘Youth Experience Scheme’ (9:30) The Ski Podcast sponsors ‘Team Carrick Smith’ (10:00) Iain spoke with Luca, Zak and Freddy on their end of season surfing break (10:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Team GB skier Molly Butler (19:15) Tim Justice is chairman of the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club (22:20) Sheffield Ski Village closed in 2012 (23:00) There are plans to redevelop Sheffield Ski Village (25:00) Find out more about the Revive Sheffield Ski Village campaign (29:00) Find out more about the new ‘Way2Snow’ initiative (31:00) Kimberley’s ‘Ski A-Z book’ is a great intro for newcomers to the sport (39:30) James Gambrill is also organiser of the London Snow Show (40:00) The show takes place at Olympia in West London in October (41:00) Iain will be presenting at the show with our equipment expert Al Morgan (43:00) Find out about apres-ski at the show (44:00) Kimberley was at the inaugural World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWS0) Summit (45:30) It was held at Kitzsteinhornin Austria, near Kaprun in April 2025 54 women from 12 countries attended (47:00) We covered 'Project Fear' in Episode 229 – looking at the extent to which fear is a factor in snowsport gender imbalance  (50:00) You can sponsor Iain on the ‘25in25’ on his JustGiving page (58:00) Feedback You can contact me with your feedback via our social channels @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  gordymission1035: "Thank you for a great episode (#247). So much great info." There are now 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. If you’re missing your skiing over the summer, then this is the perfect time to go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around our back catalog.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

30 Maj 59min

This episode is an equipment special, tackling essential questions about kit such as the best way to carry skis, the ‘right’ way to do up your ski boots and how to store your gear through the summer?  We also look at the effect of tariffs on the US retail market and discuss the latest developments in BOA ski boot technology.  Host Iain Martin was joined by our equipment expert, Al Morgan. Watch this podcast on video on the Skipedia YouTube channel This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by them. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for next winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com and you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Al was last on the show in Episode 235, reporting from the SIGB Ski Test in La Clusaz (0:50) This episode is also available on the Skipedia YouTube channel Al last skied in Tignes (1:10) Find out more about Iain’s ’25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ (4:30) Listen to Dan Keeley explaining more about the work that Snow Camp do in Episode 246 Sponsor Iain at Just Giving How are tariffs going to affect prices in the States & exports from Europe? (7:00) What are multi-BOA ski boots? (10:00) How much does BOA affect the cost of a ski boot? (13:30) [Video] How many BOAs does a skier need? (14:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-inNniPEpRQ How should you do up ski boots? (14:45) Phaenom suggest putting the liners on first outside the boot (17:30) How to take out and put back liners (19:45) Find out about Boot Bib (23:00) Listen to our Ski Boot Special Episode #161 (24:00) How to store skis over the summer (26:30) Wind down your DIN settings (27:30) How to carry skis (33:00) How to attach skis to a backpack (37:15) How to attach skis to an airbag (40:45) How to avoid the helmet gap? (49:00) How to clean and re-proof outerwear? (51:30) Listen to our Arcteryx ReBird episode #218 (53:45) Feedback If you’ve found this episode helpful, or you have any feedback on other episodes, please do let me know. You can contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  LJ@99 (Apple Podcasts): "Just the best ski and snow sports podcast going. Always listen and learn something new from the interviews and reports from all over the world. Plus there's a great back catalog." Sarah Lewis (LI): “Lots of interesting and valuable information for listeners!” There are now 260 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. This is the perfect time to go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

16 Maj 58min

We look at how to make your dreams come true and find a ski job, including what jobs are available, what skills you need, when to apply and how the market has changed in the last few years.  We also consider the ski instructor qualifications available and where they entitle you to work, and we also find out more about the possible new ‘Youth Mobility Scheme’.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Jenny Greenwood, HR Director at Skiworld, George Gray, co-founder of ski job recruitment specialists SZN and Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School in Switzerland.  SHOW NOTES Alex Armand from Tip Top Ski Coaching reports from Les 2 Alpes (5:45) Floss Cockle  from the FreeFloFloss YouTube channel is in Tignes (6:45) Find out more about Snow Camp (8:45) Iain is trying to raise £2500 in the ‘25 for 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ to give 25 inner-city young people the chance to experience snowsports for the very first time in 2025 (9:00) Dan Keeley is community and events director for Snow Camp (9:20) You can sponsor Iain on his JustGiving page here (11:30) George Gray is co-founder of SZN (12:15) Iain founded the recruitment website Natives in 1999 (15:30) What ski jobs are available? (16:00) Skiworld is the UK’s largest chalet company, recruiting almost 200 staff (18:15) SBiT’s reseach shows that since Brexit there are 56% fewer chalets & 69% fewer workers Last winter, Skiworld had 5000 applications How do you make your application stand out? (21:30) When do interviews happen? (23:30) Do you need an EU passport? (25:15) How does an employer secure a visa for you? (26:00) Charlie Owen is the MD of SBiT and European Pubs (29:30) Find out more about developments in the Youth Mobility Scheme When should people apply for jobs? (36:00) When do staff go out to resort? (40:00) Can people still apply during the season? (41:00) Dave did his instructor qualification via the Warren Smith Ski Academy (44:15) Are instructor qualifications portable across countries? (46:45) How to qualify as a French ski instructor (49:15) Dave hosts the Ski Instructor Podcast (54:45) Feedback (55:00) I really enjoy finding out from listeners what you think of the show. I’m always interested to hear from you, so please do contact Iain on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Robbie Milne: “Great recent episodes - keeping the stoke well and truly alive! I’m getting married this summer meaning I couldn’t get out for spring skiing but this podcast makes it not so bad” Steve from York: “Love the variety of topics covered in this podcast. It really gets you revved up for your next trip to the mountains” Paul1608: “I’ve recently found the podcast and am working my way through the back catalog. I can’t make it to the mountains this year, but the podcast is the next best thing” Rob Olliff: “I’ve enjoyed listening to The Ski Podcast since lockdown when it helped me keep going during those dark days…I recently found the episode on taking an EV to the Alps particularly useful. We drove to Les Menuires in an EV in Feb and Iain’s advice and tips definitely helped smooth the journey and calmed the nerves about charging in France. Keep up the great work.” There are now 258 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 127 of those were listened to in the last week. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, have a search around and there is so much in there you’re bound to find something to keep your snow fix going over the summer.  You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

2 Maj 57min

We find out about this year’s ‘Brits’ – the GB freestyle champs in Mayrhofen, get to know Jibworx and their new community for girls in snowsport, and learn about the Italian ski resort of Passo Tonale.  We also have our regular snow reports, we announce the winner of our Vallon sunnies competition and Iain reveals a new UK snow challenge for May. Host Iain Martin was joined by Amelie Cockburn from JibWorx, regular guest Mike ‘The Snow’ Richards and Stu Brass, co-founder and organiser of ‘The Brits’. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code You can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com. Alternatively, simply take the link in the Show Notes and your discount will automatically be applied.  SHOW NOTES Listen to Iain’s deep-dive interview with Stu Brass in Episode 213 (2:30) Alex Irwin from 150 Days of Winter YouTube channel reported from Courchevel (5:45) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (7:30) Floss Cockle from the FreeFloFloss YT channel reports from Tignes (10:00) Find out about Iain’s ’25 in 25 Snow Camp Challenge’ (12:30) Find out more about Snow Camp (13:15) There was success for Team Carrick Smith at the British Alpine Ski Championships (13:20) Team Carrick-Smith are sponsored by The Ski Podcast The Brits 2025 took place in Mayhofen, Austria (19:30) The last person under 12 to win a Brits title was Mia Brookes (21:00) Riley Sharp won the Slopestyle and big air titles at just 10 years old (24:00) Riley won’t be eligible for the Winter Olympics the 2034 Games (24:45) Listen to Iain’s interview with Lesley McKenna (26:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Ed Leigh (26:30) What is Jibworx? (29:00) They put on 30-40 events each winter (29:30) Amelie’s dissertation was about women in snowsports (33:30) Find out about The Girls’ Archive (34:00) Sandra Caune won gold at the European Winter Olympic Festival (37:30) The Jibworx event vehicle is an adapted American school bus (38:00) Mike was in Passo Tonale (40:00) Presena Glacier offers skiing up to 3069m (43:15) Listen to our ‘Best Ski Boots of 2025’ episode (46:00) Night skiing is possible in Passo Tonale (47:00) Vallon’s End of Season Ski Sale is on right now with 25-35% off their ski eyewear range (51:15) Feedback (49:00) I really enjoy finding out from listeners what you think of the show. I’m always interested to hear from you, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com  Skiing Postie: "Episode 243 was very interesting combining my two loves - skiing & train travel. You definitely need to be organised for a trip like that!" Nigel Winters: "Episode 243 was another great podcast. I loved the story behind this epic trip: train travel, skiing, different out of the way places even a skiing cat!" Elizabeth Rose: “This is a lifesaver podcast getting me through to my next ski trip. I’m enjoying listening to the back catalog. I love the snow reports, specials, features and the equipment reviews. Thanks also for raising awareness of climate change and the focus on women in snowsport.” Brae Estate: “I’ve been a follower since the pandemic. It kept my passion for skiing going through the restrictive years and has added to my knowledge ever since. There’s always something new and interesting.” The winner of the Vallon competition was NorsKSarah on Apple Podcasts: “I have been a listener for the last year or so and love it when a new episode drops. Topics strike a good balance between the most experienced and newcomers to the sport.” There are now 257 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and 140 of those were listened to in the last week. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not to go theskipodcast.com, look around the tags and categories – there is so much in there you’re bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast. You can also follow us on WhatsApp for exclusive material released ahead of the podcast.

18 Apr 53min