The Best Skis of 2026: Piste | All Mountain | Freeride

There’s a sustainability focus this week as we look at the new Eurostar Snow Train, find out what Les Arcs is doing that sets them apart, plus Chemmy Alcott tells us about her experience of driving an electric car 5000 miles across the Alps. Iain was joined by Helen Coffey, Travel Editor at The Independent. 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 Watch Iain’s snow report from Les Arcs (2:00) Elena reported from Tirol in Austria (3:30) Vanessa Fisher was in Les Menuires in France (5:00) Dave Burrows from Snow Pros Ski School was skiing in Villars (6:00) Was last weekend the best ever in British snowsport history? (8:30) Mia Brookes won the  Snowboard Big Air Crystal Globe and was voted BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Jasmin Taylor took first place at the Telemark Sprint in Pinzolo Andrew Musgrave was second in the Cross Country in Trondheim – a career-best result Listen to Iain’s interviews with Andrew, Jasmin and also Kirsty Muir and Zoe Atkin Read more about the ski slope in the desert in Saudi Arabia (10:30) Read Iain’s review of the new Eurostar Snow Train on The Telegraph (11:30) Iain has also written up a review on Ski Flight Free Seats had been set aside on Eurostar for baggage (14:00) Buy tickets on the Eurostar Snow Train here (16:00) The funicular to Les Arcs connects directly from the station in Bourg St Maurice (17:00) Flying represents 50-80% of the carbon cost of a ski holiday (23:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Helen Coffey in this special episode (23:30) Iain is taking the Flight Free Challenge in 2024 (24:00) Anna Hughes founded Flight Free UK (24:30) Helen is author of the book “Zero Altitude: How I Learned to Fly Less and Travel More” (27:00) Les Arcs have recently been accredited as a B Corp company (28:00) Les Arcs was one of the first resorts in France to be given ‘Flocon Vert’ accreditation (29:20) Find out about the Mountain Animal Museum in Les Arcs (31:45) Marie Clemence Vallier is Head of Quality, Safety & Environment at ADS (32:30) Chemmy Alcott travelled 5000 miles last winter in her Skoda Enyaq EV (37:30) At Easter, Iain will be travelling to the Alps in a van from ‘Vans for Bands’ (45:00) 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  Neil Howlett: "Thanks for the pod, really enjoying the content and we have a shared passion for trains" APNorthfields: "Loving the frequent podcast drops as we enter the new season! Keep up the great work" wiigman: "Loved 192. You don't get quality chat regarding coach chassis lengths, and the best Italian rifugios anywhere else!" Peter S: "Great interview with Lou about the Dolomites (in 192). She certainly knows her stuff." Mike Greenland: "Always a good show" Peter Til: "Thank you for the podcast. It has gotten me more and more excited for my first trip" Martin Walliman: "I only recently discovered The Ski Podcast and really love it! I've been working my way slowly through the older 180+ episodes in the last few weeks and it’s such a pleasure on my daily commutes." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or taking this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast.

22 Dec 202351min

Iain and Al pick the best new ski boots for winter 2024, plus we explain the difference between the cuff, shell and liner, demystify ‘Flex’, powerstraps and GripWalk, and cover why you shouldn’t buy ski boots to match your outfit!   This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists.   They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES Listen to our Ski Boot Special Episode with Al and Colin Martin (2:00) Don't buy to match your outfit (“They’re tools not jewels”) Work with a bootfitter “Like a wand in Harry Potter, the ski boot chooses your foot" (3:00) What is the difference between the cuff and the shell? (3:45) What is the liner? (4:30) Why is a footbed important (5:00) How important are the buckles and what is BOA? (7:00) Find out more about the BOA system in Episode 187 (7:30) What is a powerstrap? (9:00) What is ‘walk mode’? (10:00) What is ‘Gripwalk’? (11:00) What is ‘Flex’? (12:00) Sustainability trends in ski boots (13:45) How are men’s and women’s ski boots designed differently? (19:15) What is a hybrid ski boot? (33:00) THE BEST SKI BOOTS OF WINTER 2024 Nordica Speedmachine 3 85 GW (18:00) A women’s boot with excellent technical features for just £320. A perfect first boot for an aspiring skier. Nordica HF 110 GW (20:00) Nordica have nailed with this ‘rear entry’ boot, making it so easy to get in and out of (the HF stands for ‘hands free’), but without compromising on performance. £430 Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA 95 (23:30) Al’s pick as the ‘best looking ski boot out there’, but using the new BOA cable system to cinch your feet in place perfectly. £430 K2 Recon 120 BOA GW (25:30) K2 ‘puts a lot of fun into skiing’, according to Al. The positioning of the BOA has made a big difference, making this a great option for advanced skiers. £550 Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 (29:00) The ultimate option for ski touring. £700 There are links above to all the boots we mentioned here today, all of which are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now – however, please note that we do not recommend you buy ski boots online. Please do go to a store and get fitted properly.  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 two things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us 2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

15 Dec 202337min

Discovering Innsbruck in the Tirol, Austria, plus is heliskiing in Chile the ultimate bucket list trip?  Host Iain Martin was joined by Elena Protopopow (Tirol Tourist Board) and Lucy Aspden-Kean (Ski editor, The Telegraph) for this 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 We covered skiing in the Lake District in Episode 73 (3:00) Tim (Inspired Italy) reports from the Dolomites, Italy (5:30) Andy Butterworth (Kaluma Ski) reports from St Anton, Austria (7:00) Alex Armand (Tip Top Ski Coaching) reports from Cervinia, Italy (9:45) You’d need a Ski IQ of 153 to top the Carv Leaderboard in Italy this week ( Iain spoke to Charlotte Bankes about her World Championships win with Huw Nightingale in Episode 188 (11:45) Kirsty Muir was 2nd in the Big Air in Beijing Listen to Iain’s interview with Kirsty in Episode 174 Iain interviewed XC skiers Andrew Musgrave & Andrew Young in December 2021 (12:25)              Vail Resorts are buying Crans Montana (13:00) Lucy travelled to Chile with Eleven Experience (16:00) Heliskiing is not like this (from Ski Sunday) (29:30) Take a look at the beautiful Zaha Hadid station designs in Innsbruck (32:00) The Bergisil Ski Jump hosts the ‘Four Hills Ski Jumping’ competition in January (34:00) Ski above Innsbruck at Nordkette, or nearby at Kuhtai, Stubai or Seefeld (36:00) Listen to Hannah talking about the NightJet train via Amsterdam in Episode 176 (39:00) The Ski Plus City Pass covers all 13 resorts around Innsbruck plus local attractions (42:00) 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  Lou Pode: "You do really innovative, interesting podcasts!" Andrew Dollery: "I just wanted to compliment you on recent episodes: you're on fine form!" Andy A: "Really enjoying your podcasts over the last month and so looking forward to this winter." Tim Raglan: "As an avid listener I wanted to thank you for the work you do. It was your podcast that gave me the push to work in Verbier last winter and it was one of the best decisions of my life!" If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe so you never miss a podcast  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link There are now 195 episodes to catch up with: just go to www.theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest.  You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

8 Dec 202345min

Iain and Al pick the best new skis for winter 2024, plus help you understand what length skis to buy, what 'rocker' and 'side cut' mean and why lighter bindings aren't always better.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES What’s the difference between different types of skis? (2:00) Skis like the Line Blade, Black Crows Mirus Cor and Salomon Addikt Pro are bringing the fun back to ‘Piste’ skis (2:15) What’s the difference between Big Mountain and Freeride skis? (3:00)  How important is the width under your foot? (3:45) What are ‘All Mountain’ skis? (4:30) What is a ‘rocker? (6:00) What is ‘side cut’? (7:15) How long should your skis be? (8:30) ‘Nose to forehead’ level is a good guideline for length (10:15) What are the latest sustainability initiatives in skis (11:00) Is the Rossignol Essential the most sustainable ski ever produced? (14:00)  Only 8% of a traditionally ski can be recycled, but the Essential is 77% recyclable and it is made from 34% recycled materials (14:15) Al tested these skis at the SIGB Ski Test in February 2023 (17:15) How much are bindings? (25:15) Why lighter touring skis aren’t always the best option (33:30) THE BEST SKIS OF WINTER 2024 Salomon Addikt Pro (19:00) A ‘Piste’ ski for upper intermediates to experts. £780 including bindings. Nordica Belle 75 (21:30) A ‘Piste’ ski for women, ideal to those just getting into skiing and for intermediates. £385 including bindings K2 Mindbender 90 C W (23:45) An ‘All Mountain’ women’s ski that’s perfect for performance on the groomers, but with a freeride feel.  Great for intermediates wanting to go off the side up to more advanced and expert skiers. £455 without a binding. Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti (26:15) A true do-it-all ‘Freeride' ski that suits advanced and expert skiers. £580 without a binding. Elan Ripstick Tour 104 Glen Plake (30:00) A ‘Touring’ ski that’s 104mm underfoot but works on piste. £720 without a binding. All of these skis are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, ideas for features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us 2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode

4 Dec 202336min

A special interview with Jamie Grant - the founder of a great British skiing success story: the Carv device. We discuss how Jamie took his original idea of a ‘digital ski coach’ via China, some help from Dave Ryding and a record Kickstarter campaign to an award-winning multi-million dollar business with a database of over 340 million turns. And it all started with a poster on a wall in Imperial College asking for help with coding... 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 interviewed Tony McWilliam, founder of Faction Skis Iain interviewed Jim Adlington, founder of Planks Clothing Iain reviewed the Carv in Episode 171 Carv has over 20,000 members across 58 countries (0:40) Jamie was studying for a PhD at Imperial PhD (3:00) Only 8% of skiers take a lesson in any year (6:00) The first version of Carv was trialled with students on Varsity ski trip (8:00) In 2015 Jamie moved to China to join an incubator fund (11:00) Dave Ryding helped test the prototype (12:45) The 2016 Carv Kickstarter was the biggest in sports to date, raising US$275,000 (16:00) Carv was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2021 (17:45) The Carv insole uses a magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope and over 30 pressure sensors, measuring data 20 times per second (20:00) Iain had custom insoles and the Carv fitted at the same time at Profeet in Fulham, London in Episode 161 (22:00) Metrics recorded include Edge Similarity, Pressure Smoothness and Edge Angle (24:45) Carv has a database of 348 million turns to work with (26:45) The gamification means you can look at the Leaderboard at any time (28:00) The Carv costs £200 for the hardware and then £179pa subscription David Lindsay in Episode 190 spoke of using the Carv in his Masterclasses (33:30) Off-piste measurement is coming to the Carv this winter (36:00) FEEDBACK If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us  2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link There are now 193 episodes to catch up with and 134 were listened to in the last week. There is so much to listen to in our back catalogue, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around - you’re bound to find something of interest.  You can follow Iain on social media @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

1 Dec 202342min

We find out about the Dolomites in Italy, the days of ski trips by coach and discuss booking trends in the UK market. Iain was joined by Lou Anderton from Inspired Italy and Dan Fox from Ski Weekends. 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 Irwin of the YouTube channel 150 Days of Winter skied in Val Thorens (3:20) Betony Garner was in Verbier (4:30) Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Glacier 3000 (5:30) Dan will be skiing in Verbier this weekend (7:30) Listen to our interview with Warren Smith (8:00) Dave Ryding finished 4th in Obergurgl by just 0.01s (9:00) The Speed Opening races in Zermatt & Cervinia were cancelled again (9:30) For a  20% discount on the best available rate at Banff Sunshine Village listeners should email hotelmanager@skibanff.com (10:15) The Dolomites are in the north-east of Italy (11:30) Fly to Innsbruck, Verona, Munich, Venice or Milan (12:00) The Dolomiti Superski claims 1200km of skiing on one ski pass (14:00) The Sella Ronda is the ‘Circle Line’ of the Dolomites (15:30) The next Winter Olympics will be in Milan-Cortina in 2026 (18:00) Inspired Italy offer ‘ski safaris’ across the region (21:30) The Ikon Pass now includes Dolomiti Superski (25:00) Harris Holidays were the original coach holidays specialists (26:00) Dan took over Ski Weekends in 2007 (27:30) Ski Weekends stopped offering the coach in 2016 (29:45) Dan is based in St Gervais for the winter (37:00) Ski Weekend’s chalet in Les Gets sleeps up to 38 people Listen to Iain’s full episode interview with Eddie The Eagle (40:30) Eddie will be on ‘Dancing On Ice’ on ITV this winter (41:00) Feedback (44:00) 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  Thanks to everyone who contacted me about why Canadian airports start with a 'Y BobinCH: "The Bode Miller interview was great! Super interesting guy & unbelievable skier." Liv: "I’ve been listening to your amazing podcast and especially loved the episode with the ski companies talking about sustainability" Ruth: "Thank you for all the great content which has been keeping me sane on many long drives recently. I really appreciate the work that goes into all the episodes." Michael Oxley: "I've been absolutely loving your podcast, your guests, reviews and stories are fantastic and make for a really informative listen." Joe Childs: "Thanks again for all the info you share on The Ski Podcast. I am still working my way through the earlier recordings and finding great stuff." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe so you never miss an episode 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or taking this link You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

24 Nov 202346min

Lesley Mckenna is a legendary snowboarder in the UK scene. She was the first British snowboarder to compete at the Winter Olympics and the first to win a World Cup Half-Pipe. She went on to become coach of the most successful GB Park and Pipe team ever, plus she’s a filmmaker, ski tourer and much more. 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 Lesley’s parents were both ski instructors (4:00) Her grandfather was one of the original Scottish pioneers of skiing (5:30) Lesley’s cousins are Alain and Noel Baxter, who both skied slalom for Team GB (8:00) First ski season in Jackson Hole (8:30) Racing on pair of 224cm skis (13:30) Moving on to Breckenridge (16:00) Kirsteen McGibbon tragically died during a training run in 1996 (17:45) H&R Insurance were the main sponsors of Lesley’s early career (18:30) Becci Malthouse helped Lesley’s transition to snowboarding (18:45) The 1996 Brits took place in Meribel Lesley started off racing slalom before moving onto freestyle (23:30) The challenges of funding (28:00) Listen to Iain’s interview with Bode Miller (30:30) What was it like being with Alain Baxter when he won his Olympic medal (31:00) Coaching at the British Ski Academy and for Roxy (35:00) Lesley Worked through the 2014 & 2018 cycles as a coach (36:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Pat Sharples (38:00) Jenny Jones won Britain’s first ever medal on snow at Sochi (39:00) Billy Morgan won bronze in the Big Air at PyeongChang (40:00) Wandering Workshops (43:30) The Kendal Film Festival takes place from 16-19 November (46:00) Patagonia’s film ‘Thrawn’ is about the cultural significance of snowsports in the Cairngorms (46:30) Is haggis the Scottish version of ‘hygge’? (48:00) The 2023 Brits took place in Scotland (50:30) Listen to Iain’s interview with Kirsty Muir (51:30) Watch ‘Dropstitch’ on YouTube (52:15) Lesley won Sport Scotland Coach Developer of the Year (53:00) If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe, so you don’t miss another episode 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or by taking this link   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

16 Nov 202355min

We explore the history of Méribel and discover Banff Sunshine Village in Canada and Killington in the States.  Host Iain Martin was joined by Kendra Scurfield (Banff Sunshine Village), Kristel Killary (Killington) and David Lindsay (ESF Méribel and son of the resort’s founder Sir Peter Lindsay).  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 Killington opened on 03 November (1:30) Andy Butterworth from Kaluma Ski is in St Anton (5:00) Robin Shah has already been skiing in Verbier (8:45) Jen Tsang is from That’s La Plagne (9:30) Save money this winter when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ (11:30) The first ever cross-border Alpine World Cup races take place this weekend in Zermatt and Cervinia (13:00) You can read more about the debate about use of diggers on the course (13:15) Sir Peter Lindsay is recognised as the founder of Méribel (14:30) Jean-Marie Choffel is author of the book ‘Méribel since 1938’ (15:45)~ Lindsay’s business partner was the French Count, Jean Gaillard de la Valdenne (17:45) In 1936 Lindsay and two guides climbed La Saulire on skins and skied down to Brides-les-Bains (21:00) ESF Méribel are launching their ‘Master Classes’ for January 2024 (26:00) Iain tested the Carv in Episode 171 (29:45) Kendra has her own podcast: 'For The Love of Winter' (30:00) Ski Big 3 is a joint venture between Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay (34:00) Find out about Banff Sunshine Village (35:00) Kendra skied with Robin Williams at Sunshine Village (39:00) Killington is the largest resort in Eastern North America (41:00) Killington’s partner is Pico Mountain (42:00) Listen to Iain’s report on skiing in Australia in Episode 182  Over Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov 25/26) Killington is hosting the Women's World Cup (47:30) Discover Cow Power in Killington (48:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQlsLiDjc_4 Feedback Amy Stewart: "I’ve been a long time listener and got to listen to Episode 182 about Perisher and Thredbo. I love it, as a long time instructor over here it's awesome to finally hear about this unique ski area on an international level. This podcast was great through the pandemic when I was over here to keep me in touch with the winter season back in Europe!" Oli: "It was great to meet you at London Snow Show. Great talk. Looking forward to listening to more episodes this winter!" James: "I really enjoy the podcast, with the wide range of topics. Keep up the good work." Hans Weeren: "I just started listening to your podcast. Nice work!" Miranda Slater: "Very big congrats on being honoured with a finalist position. Keep up the good work as you are a great channel." Matt Hayes: "Congratulations on a great achievement for the pod. Hopefully it serves as some compensation and recognition of the time, dedication and quality that you put in." If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe, so you don’t miss another episode  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or by taking this link   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

10 Nov 202352min