Joe Ponte, CEO Hotelplan UK (Bonus Episode #12)
Joe Ponte is CEO at Hotelplan UK, the company that own the Inghams, Esprit, Flexiski and Ski Total brands. During our conversation Joe and I talked about a wide range of subjects including: His first experience of the travel industry at Flight Centre in Australia Joe was previously MC at Explore Worldwide Joe joined Hotelplan in November 2020 The challenges of this unusual season Optimism bias The Save Our Summer travel lobbying group 60% of Hoteplan customers carried over their cancelled bookings to next winter Year on year bookings are 100% up Iain went to Crans Montana in December Hotelplan will be offering 32 chalets for winter 2021/22 Find out more about the SBIT campaign here 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.
22 Feb 202121min
68: Skiing the Berlin Wall, Jungfrau Review, Avalanches & Charlotte Bankes
In Episode 68, Iain was joined by Jasmin Taylor, Team GB telemark skier, and friend of the show Alex Irwin. We chat about Courchevel, avalanches and foldable skis, plus Iain speaks to newly crowned world snowboard cross champion Charlotte Bankes. We have a report by Charlie Rees from the Jungfrau region in Switzerland and we also find out about how Dan Egan skied off the Berlin Wall! 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 · Jasmin has over 30 World Cup podiums and you can listen to a more in depth interview in our podcast special recorded last year · Alex is based in Courchevel and runs the YouTube channel 150 Days of Winter · The lifts were meant to start to turning in Italy on 15 February, but this has now been delayed · Since our last episode we’ve seen avalanches in Zermatt, Méribel and Val d'Isère · These dogs barking saved their owners who’d been buried in an avalanche · We've reported before on how the press mispresented the situation in Verbier in Episode 65 and also in Wengen (in Episode 66) · There has been some great reporting by Abi Butcher (who appeared in Episode 65), with a deep dive into the 'super spreader' story about British instructors in Jochburg, Austria · The tourist office in St Anton also confirmed that reports of 96 people arrested and fined was also incorrect · Mike Richards told us about skiing in Wales in Episode 65 · Neil Bradshaw reported from Sun Valley ski resort in Idaho · There are pistes open in Courchevel · Meanwhile Meribel stopped running their buses due to the number of people using them to ski · Jasmin has been training and racing in Plaine-Joux in France · Charlotte Bankes won the Snowboard Cross World Champs last week · We interviewed Charlotte in Episode 25 about her switch from the French team · Dave Ryding will be racing in the slalom at Cortina 2021 on 21 February · We featured the new Eiger Express lift in Grindelwald in Episode 61 · You can listen to Iain’s review of his trip to Crans Montana in Episode 65 · Sasha Gainullin is CEO at Battleface · Listen to the full interview with Dan Egan in our Ski Podcast Special published last week · It’s not pretty, but we found the Intersport ‘yodel’ videos bizarrely addictive… · Find out more about the foldable award-winning Elan voyager Reviews "Keeping the skiing spirit alive when we need it most" Ged Ainsworth "Thanks for doing the podcasts. I've been listening over the last year and have enjoyed dreaming of being on the slopes at a time when we can't" Nick Taylor "Loving your podcast, although it 'feels me sad' not to be in Chamonix this winter" Sarah Owen Hughes "Keep up the great work with the podcast" Jeffrey Fantl "I love listening to your show all the way over in Australia” Nicole Clark BuyMeACoffee If you enjoy the podcast you're very welcome to buy me a cuppa at BuyMeACoffee.com/theskipodcast Thanks to Luke Sipson, Ged Ainsworth, Suzi Jones, Scott Newsom, Christian Bowden, Chris Rose, Christian Cobley and Nicole Clark for supporting the show. Coming Up Watch out for interviews with Martin Bell, Joe Ponte at Hotelplan and a special podcast on how to become a pisteur, all coming up soon. Make sure you subscribe and never miss an episode...
17 Feb 20211h 4min
Dan Egan, Extreme Skiing Pioneer (Bonus Episode #11)
This Ski Podcast Special features Dan Egan - one of the extreme skiing pioneers back in the new world of the 80s when VHS revolutionised demand for ski footage. Apart from leading the MTV generation of skiers, he's a familiar name to anyone who's watched a Warren Miller movie, or visited the Vermont stand at the London Ski Show over the years. Dan was part of the original freeride scene, back when it was better known as 'extreme' skiing. We talked to him about his carerre and new book, Thirty Years in a White Haze, his story of worldwide adventure and the evolution of extreme skiing. Dan is based in Big Sky, Montana Check out Big C couloir Mt Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe Dan was on a Degre 7 shoot Dan featured in 12 Warren Miller movies Future Retro is available digitally https://youtu.be/prEWB3vfZRA Mark Shapiro, John Faulkner were part of the Verbier posse John Egan first starred for Warren Miller in 1979, with Dan joining in 1985 Both John and Dan started off in Sugarbush "If everybody skied, there'd be no wars" Hannes Schneider Dan skied on the Berlin Wall "Say yes, before you say no!" Warren Miller Dan's steep ski courses are in Big Sky "Skiing from the head down, not the feet up" Dan Egan 'Thirty Years in a White Haze' is out on 20 Feb The book features Nick Lyon's cartoons 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.
6 Feb 202122min
67: Behind the Scenes at 'Ski Sunday' with Chemmy Alcott, Inside The Snow Centre & James Blunt Tour Secrets
In Episode 67, we go behind the scenes at 'Ski Sunday', on tour with James Blunt, inside The Snow Centre, discover craft beer in the Alps and reveal the results from our survey. Iain's guests for this episode where BBC Ski Sunday presenter Chemmy Alcott and Ian Brown, Managing Director at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. 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 was skiing chest-deep powder in Laax The group denied boarding at Eurostar was on their way to Verbier to do a training course with Peak Leaders They started the time in Europe in Vallorcine where some of the group tested positive Graham Bell is in Dancing on Ice 2021 Chemmy took part in the Inferno in Murren in 2020 Laax uses an app system to control Covid and numbers in resort Iain travelled to Crans Montana in December Chemmy has tried cooking for Ed! Dougie and Chemmy are coaching Giselle Gorringe Graham would probably have been very hot in his outfit Betony Garner appeared in Episode 65 when we discussed cross country skiing Her report was recorded in Les Contamines Charlie Rees took the Mammut backcountry course in Andermatt The avalanche danger is very high in Switzerland We've previously discussed skiing in Wales and in Scotland Ian is MD at the The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead Sadly, the Swindon project will not be going ahead You can listen to the full interview with Peter Hardy here Listen to our podcast special about Erna Low here Peter is the author of ‘Different Country, Same State’ – the inside story of being on tour with James Blunt You can watch Peter’s video of skiing with Graham Bell on old kit here Find out about the Sapaudia brewery here Jan Farrell has retired from his career as a speed skier Reviews Suzi Jones: "Just to say I love the Podcast not being able to ski at the mo is made easier by your interviews and discussion thanks!" Chris Filey: "With not much chance of getting on the slopes, the Ski Podcast brings some relief to us all" Skibum70: "Often copied, never surpassed" Jill Taylor: "Keep it up, it’s very enjoyable" James Hawkins: "Another great listen" Matt Hayes: "Love this pod, keeps me entertained in many a commute, lockdown workout or when I'm simply missing the mountains" Eggfried100 on Snowheads: "I’ve listened to quite a few other podcasts but ‘The Ski Podcast’ is by far the best for me. Great content, interesting guests, plus it has really kept us informed through the shall we say an ‘interesting’ last twelve months." Please do review us on iTunes as it helps other people find us Tips on Car Hire at Geneva: Hire from the Swiss side and don’t wait for the bus, just walk (it’s only 5 mins) Don’t return the car empty – it’s expensive! Iain recommends booking via Holiday Autos Chemmy suggests renting from Super U on the French side for long-term rentals (but don't take too much meat!) You can read the results of our recent survey here If you’d like some The Ski Podcast stickers then please contact us with your address and we'll drop a few in the post to you Thanks to Matt Hayes, Michael Gold, Mark McGarry, Julie Slaughter, Doug Newman, Rachael Westbrook and Joanna Yellowlees-Bound for buying me a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast You can follow Iain and the show on Twitter and Facebook @skipedia and @theskipodcast
29 Jan 20211h 4min
Peter Hardy, Ski Journalist (Bonus Episode #10)
This Ski Podcast Special features an interview with industry veteran Peter Hardy, co-editor of WeLove2Ski and co-presenter of Action Packed Travel. Peter Hardy, award-winning ski journalist and a man who has been skiing longer than many of us have been alive. SHOW NOTES - Peter started skiing in 1960 in Lech on 2m10cm skis - The Marshall Plan pumped money into Europe after WWII - You can read Iain’s article about Haus Falch and St Anton here - Erna Low organised their own ski train to the Alps in the 60s - You can listen to our special podcast about the life of Miss Erna Low here - Many skiers were fans of Lillywhite’s in London and bought all their ski gear there - Idi Amin was president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979 - Peter has visited around 500 ski resorts in his career - The Hardy Ski and Snowboarding Guide segued into WeLove2Ski.com - You can watch Peter’s video of skiing with Graham Bell on old kit here: - Peter is the author of ‘Different Country, Same State’ – the inside story of being on tour with James Blunt - Peter and Felice present the Action Packed Travel Podcast 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.
25 Jan 202134min
66: Mega snow in St Anton, Verbier Truth, Jasmin Taylor & Graham Bell
In Episode 66, Andy joins us direct from St Anton with all the latest news from a very snowy Austria. We’re also joined by journalist Abi Butcher who reveals the truth behind the alleged ‘Escape from Verbier’. There’s an update from Graham Bell on his final preparations for ‘Dancing on Ice’, during which he reveals what music he’ll be dancing to, plus GB Telemarker Jasmin Taylor lets us know how her season preparations are going. 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 Thanks to all of our new listeners – up almost 20% on this time last year Andy Butterworth is a director at Kaluma Travel and is based in St Anton Polish resorts could open soon This guy tried to travel with Eurostar to go skiing The Brits have been getting a bashing again, this time in Wengen ‘We do not blame the British’, apparently It is far from clear however, if the blame is correct: We interviewed Alex Moore in Wengen while she was quarantining in Episode 65 Ultimately these headlines were classic clickbait and lies Abi wrote this excellent article looking into what actually happened Lifts in St Anton have been open since 24 December, albeit only to ‘locals’ The Austrian lockdown has been extended to 07 Feb, when it will be reviewed again The Jochberg outbreak appears to be concentrated in a group of British instructors Alf Alderson appeared in Episode 64 and reports from Les Arcs Al Judge from AliKats featured in our Electric Vehicle special and reports from Morzine Alex in Courchevel been ski touring again We reported on the fire in Courchevel season worker accommodation in Episode 33 Congratulations to Dave Ryding and Laurie Taylor (guest in Episode 55) Jasmin Taylor has over 30 World Cup podiums – listen to our Ski Podcast Special This is what ski hire in the ‘new normal’ with Intersport will be like: Please complete our survey to let us know what you’d like more of and less of in the podcast. You’ll also stand the chance of winning this bag of swag… So if you do like the show, you can now show your appreciation by buying me a cuppa Graham Bell is taking part in Dancing on Ice 2021 (his first dance is on Sunday 24 January) You can listen to our Ski Podcast Special interview with Graham which was released last week Big snow in St Anton Reviews “Love this podcast, keep them coming!” Matt Hayes“ "Great work Iain. Keep it up.” Dan King “Love the podcast. It’s great to hear ski talk, especially at this frustrating time when we should all be enjoying the slopes but can’t” Luke Sipson Please do review us on iTunes as it genuinely helps people find us Alpine Cooking by Meredith Erickson received another endorsement from Deborah Stevenson: “It’s a great book: much more than just the recipes. Lots of interesting insight into the regions and history.” Find out more about TTG’s Mental Health Hub here #GetTravelTalking Coming up next time We have an interview with industry veteran ski journalist Peter Hardy interview and we’ll be talking to the team at Sapaudi Brewing Don’t forget you can support us by buying me a cuppa at buymeacoffee.com Thanks as always to Switzerland Tourism
18 Jan 202155min
Graham Bell 'Dancing on Ice' (Bonus Episode #9)
Graham Bell tells us about 'Dancing on Ice 2021', including - how he rates his chances - who he sees as his main competitors - how his training is going - whether he'll get to ski this season - and of course, whether he'll try the 'Headbanger'! Dancing on Ice 2021 starts on Saturday 16 January on ITV. A shorter version of this interview first appeared in Episode 64 of The Ski Podcast (www.theskipodcast.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. If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee…
12 Jan 202121min
65: The 'Great Escape' from Verbier, Skiing in Wales, Cross Country & Crans Montana
In this episode we discuss skiing in Wales, the 'Great Escape' from Verbier, the challenges of cross-country skiing, ski touring in Crans Montana and plenty more. Iain was joined by guests Betony Garner in the Chamonix valley and regular 'friend of the pod' Mike Richards in Wales, as well as down the line by Alex Moore in Wengen and Dom Turner in Morzine. 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 finished 10th in Alta Badia Andrew Young took 2nd in the Cross Country at Dresden Mia Brookes took a podium on her debut in Snowboard Slopestyle in the Europa Cup Reece Bell is the daughter of Martin Bell and niece of Graham Bell The Brexit ‘deal’ has been done Passports must be at least six months in date SBIT will let us know the impact on British workers soon Did Brits really escape from Verbier? This article by Abi Butcher looks at the facts Alex Moore has been reporting on quarantine in Switzerland for The Telegraph The French have been stopped from skiing at border Iain visited the ‘Rando Parc’ in Crans Montana Iain travelled to Crans Montana by train Adam Bonvin is the owner and founder of the Alaia Chalet Find out more about the Hotel Pass in Crans Montana Iain tried cross country with his guide Christian on the Plaine Morte glacier in Crans Montana You have two options for cross country: Classic or Skating Betony bought the Haute Savoie Nordic Pass Mike skis in the Brecon Beacons area of Wales Check out some of his recent great pics You can follow Mike on Instagram at @mikethesnow Evidently word has got out already… Iain interviewed Dom Turner from Skiology We noticed his Christmas story in an email from Montagne Verte Les Arcs have been awarded the Flocon Vert label Reviews Janet Barnett “A big thank you for your very informative and entertaining ski podcast which I look forward to every few weeks” Andrew Brannan “Thanks for another great podcast. Red Mountain...top of my list too!” Terry “I was delighted not only to find the podcast. They have a good mix of interviews, friendly banter, background info and general chit chat and ski news. It's been great to get an insight, through the many interviews, of people's backgrounds, their passions for the sport and how they got to where they are.” Please complete our survey here and tell us what you’d like more of and less of in The Ski Podcast and you could win this great prize Matt Hayes recommends ‘Alpine Cooking’ by Meredith Erickson, especially the Herdsman macaroni and tartiflette (“The best I've ever come across”) If you enjoy The Ski Podcast, you always can buy us a coffee…
31 Dec 20201h 5min
