The Ski Podcast

The Ski Podcast

Want to know more about the world of skiing and snowsports? The Ski Podcast is an award-winning podcast with over 300 episodes covering all aspects of the world of skiing and snowboarding, from resorts to racing, Ski Sunday to slush. Host Iain Martin is joined by guests from the world of snow in episode to chat about wintery stuff and probe around the avalanche of ski news. Listen to our back catalog at www.theskipodcast.com The Ski Podcast was voted 'Best Wintersports Podcast' in the 2021 Sports Podcast Awards and nominated for 'Best Broadcast Programme' in the 2023 Travel Media Awards. Iain is a freelance journalist specialising in snowsports. He is also the founder of Ski Flight Free - a campaign to encourage skiers to take the train or drive to their ski holiday.  If you want to get in touch or take part you can email us: theskipodcast@gmail.com Music: www.purple-planet.com Logo: www.vexels.com

  1. 318: Chemmy Alcott on Lindsey Vonn & Dave Ryding, Pila in Italy & Oz/NZ Snow Reports

    6 hr ago

    318: Chemmy Alcott on Lindsey Vonn & Dave Ryding, Pila in Italy & Oz/NZ Snow Reports

    Today we go behind the scenes of the BBC’s Olympics coverage with Chemmy Alcott, hearing what it was like to be on location for Lindsey Vonn's awful accident, as well as Dave Ryding's final race, plus we find out about the ski resort of Pila in Italy.  We also have the latest from the start of the season Down Under in Australia and New Zealand and updates from GB Snowsport’s new generation of alpine racers, Luca, Zak and Freddy Carrick Smith.  Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by four-time Winter Olympian and BBC Ski Sunday presenter, Chemmy Alcott, as well as freelance journalist, Rob Rees. SHOW NOTESRob was last on the show in in Episode 262 discussing the Skiwelt in Austria (2:00) Rachael Oakes-Ash runs the website snowsbest.com and the expert on Australia and New Zealand skiing (5:00) There has been fresh snow in Australia on Friday 03 July (5:30) Episode 312 is a special interview with Rachael (7:30) Guy Beatson is based in Whakapapa, NZ (8:00) Alex Irwin from the YouTube channel 150 Days of Winter skied last week in Tignes (10:00) Kendra Scurfield reports from Sunshine Village in Canada (12:00) “Too many of us life in our comfort zones” (13:45) Chemmy on Mia Brookes (14:15) Chemmy on Lindsey Vonn and her awful accident (16:30) Will Vonn ever ski again, or even race again? (23:15) Watching GB Snowsport win their first Gold medal (24:30)Dave Ryding’s last race…with champagne on ice (25:45)Dave gatecrashing Chemmy’s piece to camera? (26:15) Listen to Iain’s interview with Dave Ryding in Episode 199 (27:00) Recent FIS elections: Johan Eliasch beaten by Alexander Ospelt (27:15) GB Snowsports’ Vicky Gosling election to the FIS council (28:45) Luca Carrick-Smith (29:45) Freddy Carrick-Smith (31:45) Chemmy on what Luca, Zak and Freddy need to do to take it to the next level (32:45) In Episode 311, Katie Bamber discussed Champoluc in the Aosta Valley (35:15) Where is Pila and Aosta? (35:30) Staying in Aosta (36:30) Aosta’s Roman history (37:30) Staying in Pila (39:00) Pila’s new lift (40:15) Who is Pila suitable for? (42:15) Other resorts in the Aosta Valley (43:00) Which were the first rocker skis? (48:15) Feedback (47:00)You can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp. Alastair Yule: "Loved listening to Victoria in Episode 309. Gotta have her back with her daughter Mila who has qualified for the Freeride World Tour" Colin Tierney: "Episode 314 about Zag Skis was really interesting.” Neil Landon: "Thoroughly enjoying your podcasts, especially Episode 313 on Chamonix. It’s nearly 40 years since I skied there and it brings back fond memories." There are now 318 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. If you’d like to keep your snow fix going over the summer, then just go to theskipodcast.com, have a search around and you’re bound to find something you’ll find something you’ll enjoy listening to.  If you do enjoy the podcast and you want to help out you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

    50 min
  2. 317: Chamonix Stories #4 | David Webster (aka 'ChamonixSkiBum')

    26 Jun

    317: Chamonix Stories #4 | David Webster (aka 'ChamonixSkiBum')

    In the third in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories’, we meet David Webster, better known on YouTube as “ChamonixSkiBum”.  David has almost 10,000 subscribers and 1.7 million views on his channel, where he publishes snow reports, reports on his high mountain skiing and more Chamonix valley adventures. 📸 @olajaniak SHOW NOTESFirst ski experiences (2:30)Skiing at Gloucester Dry Slope (3:00)Ski seasons in Courchevel (4:30)David has a PHD in Geology (5:15)Favourite runs in Les 3 Vallées (7:00)Moving to Chamonix (8:00)Background in mountaineering (8:30)Skiing with a guide? (10:00)Putting on skis in steep terrain (10:45)The Jager couloir (12:00) Col de Plan, North Face of the Aiguille du Midi (12:30) Cunningham Couloir / Passarelle Couloir (14:00) ‘By Chamonix standards’ (14:45) Glenn Plake skis the Passarelle Couloir in ‘Blizzard of Aaahs’ (15:00) The Vallee Blanche & the Mer de Glace (15:00) The danger of crevasses (18:00) Deciding to become a 'YouTuber' (18:45) Snow reports (22:30) Cameras used (23:00) 360 view of going down the arete at the Aiguille du Midi (25:00) Wild swimming and cycling (25:45) Wearing shorts for the Vallee Blanche (26:00) “It’s like Disneyland for adults” (27:15) FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp. James Rice: "Love the podcast. It's absolutely indispensable for me and a ‘must listen’ every week." Louise Cotter: “I am really enjoying the Chamonix series. The Oak app is awesome.” Max Martin: "High quality and high interest on all things skiing. Just listened to the Chamonix special. Well worth a subscribe."There are now 317 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find an episode of interest to listen to. If you did enjoy this episode and you’d like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

    30 min
  3. 316: Chamonix Stories #3 | Oak (“Tinder for the Mountains”)

    19 Jun

    316: Chamonix Stories #3 | Oak (“Tinder for the Mountains”)

    In the third in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories’, we meet Emil Wittrup Præstbrogaard, founder of the Oak App.  Oak was launched in 2024 to bring together the mountain community, including skiers, climbers, trail runners, mountaineers and more.  SHOW NOTESWhat is Oak? (2:00) Like ‘Tinder for the Mountains’ (3:15) Emil’s background (4:00) Why Emil started the Oak app (7:00) Going live in December 2023 (9:00) Features within the app (10:30) Making booking guides easier (11:00) The LinkedIn for mountain people (12:30) Why ‘Oak’? (13:30) FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp.   Nicky Webber: "I really enjoyed listening to Episode 313. Your love of Chamonix is evident."Erin Flynn: "Episode 314 was a great listen! Loved testing Zag skis at the ski test!"  Judy Swens:“I’m spending part of my time off this July in Chamonix and loved your podcast episode about it.”There are now 316 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with at www.theskipodcast.com – have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something of interest to listen to. If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

    17 min
  4. 12 Jun

    315: Chamonix Stories #2 | Silent Sessions

    In the second in our series of ‘Chamonix Stories’, we meet Katy McInnes from the ‘Silent Sessions’ project in Chamonix.  ‘Silent Sessions’ is a unique experience that blends stunning natural locations in Chamonix with mindfulness and dancing. SHOW NOTESKaty is a ‘musician, dancer, restaurant owner and events planner turned yoga teacher’ (2:30)She previously ran restaurants in Chamonix (4:00)Mountains and Valleys Retreats (5:00) What is Silent Sessions? (6:00) Sourcing locations for Silent Sessions (7:15) “A cross between a mindfulness session and a rave” (8:30) Dance like no one’s watching (11:00) Connecting with nature (11:45) FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp.  Louise Cotter: “Episode 312 was a fabulous listen."Susie Burt: “Episode 312 was excellent. Rachael was so interesting and funny to listen to. Keep up the good work."Jeremy Gibbon: “I absolutely LOVED your most recent episode on Chamonix. Thanks for all the time and effort that goes into putting together such an informative podcast. Can’t wait for the special interviews with different people from the valley.”Jay: “Great podcast, all year long! Please keep it up”There are now 315 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with at www.theskipodcast.com. If you’d like to keep winter in your mind through the northern summer, then just have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something of interest. If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

    17 min
  5. 314: Chamonix Stories #1 | Zag Skis

    5 Jun

    314: Chamonix Stories #1 | Zag Skis

    Episode 314 is the first in our series of Chamonix Stories, today featuring Zag Skis. Iain spoke with head of marketing Alan Lemasson and head of R&D Bastien Saillard from the Chamonix-based freeride ski brand at their Argentiere 'Zag Lab' - where they make and test prototypes.  We discuss the origins of Zag, the process of creating and testing new lines, sustainability and plans for the future.  Zag has always been one of the most innovative ski brands, full of ideas and enthusiasm and I think that comes across in this interview. SHOW NOTESAlan Lemasson and Bastien Saillard from Zag Skis joined Iain for this interview (1:30)Why Zag test at the 'Zag Lab' in Chamonix (2:00)“Every ZAG model is smashed, thrashed, and put through the wringer” (3:00)The lead time for new models (6:00)Origins of the brand (7:00)Were Zag the first skis with rockers? (8:00)Winning the ISPO award (8:15)Julien Lopez won the Freeride World Tour on Zag Skis in 2009 (8:45)Topsheet designs (9:30)              Planned growth markets (10:30)‘ZAGreen’ sustainable construction (11:00)AROC is a the ‘brother of the Mata’ (13:00) FEEDBACKIf you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp.  Mandy Gourley: "Really interesting and packed with information! I definitely need to return to Chamonix as I’ve never seen the mural!"David Spendlove: "Great episode. Very informative."Millsy1976: “Loved the interviews with Tony McWilliam and Victoria Jamieson in Episode 309”EmmaintheGlens: “I just spent 6.5 hours binging old episodes of the podcast on my way from Perthshire down to the Manchester Snow Centre. The Erna Low and Bladon Lines episodes were fascinating.”There are over 300 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll find something of interest. If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

    16 min
  6. 313: Chamonix Mont-Blanc | More Than a Ski Resort

    29 May

    313: Chamonix Mont-Blanc | More Than a Ski Resort

    Today we focus on one of the most famous resorts in the world – Chamonix Mont-Blanc.  Host Iain Martin talks with Chamonix locals to get behind what makes this resort so special, from history to high mountain, glaciers to guides.  Thanks to everyone who contributed to this episode, including Bernadette Tsuda, Brad Carlson, David Webster, Sam Haddad, Sasha Rayazantsev, Benoit Borrell, Sam Morton and Iona Halley, as well as Nathalie Tortora. SHOW NOTESBernadette Tsuda is a heritage guide in Chamonix William Windham and Richard Pococke ‘discover’ the Mer de Glace in 1741 (2:00)The statue of de Saussure and Jaques Balmat (5:00)The statue of Michel Paccard (7:40)The mural at Place des Alpes (12:00)Marie Paradis was the first woman to summit Mt Blanc in 1808 (12:30)How to qualify as a mountain guide, with Brad Carlsson (17:30)ENSA is the École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme (19:00) How to become a member of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix (21:30) The ski areas (24:00) The Aiguille du Midi (27:00) Changes to the Vallee Blanche over the years, with David Webster (29:30) Dangers of crevasses, with Sam Haddad (31:00) The kit you need for glacier skiing, with Brad Carlsson (34:00) The Haute Route is a hut-to-hut ski touring route from Chamonix-Zermatt (37:00) The effects of climate change on the Vallee Blanche route (41:00) Visit the Glacorium (41:15) The impact of global warming on guides (41:45) The new Grands Montets lift, with Benoit Borrell (46:00) The Tour de Mont Blanc, with Sam Morton (49:30) Sam runs the Adventure Running Company (50:00) Changes in Chamonix from season workers to ‘daytrippers (51:00) Iona Hally runs Mountain Massage (53:00) Chambre Neuf and Elevation are both popular with locals (54:00 FEEDBACKThere are over 300 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll find something of interest. If you enjoyed this episode, or if you have any comments, please let me know. You can do that by leaving a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp. If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to support the podcast, then you are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastAs well as this special episode, The Ski Podcast is going to run a series of ‘Chamonix Stories’, which will feature extended versions of some of the conversations featured here, plus others that I wasn’t able to include here.  Look out for the first of those – a chat with Chamonix-based brand Zag Skis - coming up next week.

    58 min
  7. 312: Rachael Oakes-Ash, Founder Snowsbest.com

    22 May

    312: Rachael Oakes-Ash, Founder Snowsbest.com

    Today’s special episode is an interview with Rachael Oakes-Ash – founder of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading snowsports website, Snowsbest.com.  Rachael – aka Miss Snow It All – is also a best-selling author, publicist, documentary producer, social media guru and podcaster.  In this interview, we speak about her experiences reporting from the Winter Olympics in Italy, raising $200,000 for Snow Aid Australia, her work to promote women in the snow industry and her journey from novice to ski expert.  This episode is the latest in an ongoing series of interviews with high-achieving women in the world of snowsports. Previous episodes in this series have included conversations with Vicky Gosling, CEO of GB Snowsport, BBC Ski Sunday’s Chemmy Alcott, the first person to ski the seven summits, Kit DesLauriers, founder of YSE Ski, Fiona Easdale, as well as the Team GB freestyle skiers Zoe Atkin and Kirsty Muir.  SHOW NOTESWinter Olympics mention-itis (2:30)Comparing Livigno with Pyeongchang in 2018 (4:30)Empty slopes in Livigno (7:30)Working alongside Team Australia (10:00)Why were Australia so successful at the Winter Olympics? (14:00) Working with Dame Edna Everage (17:00)In 2000 Rachael wrote the book ‘Good Girls Do Swallow’ (19:00) Rachael’s second book was ‘Anything she can do, I can do better (19:00) Skiing with the prime minister of New Zealand (24:00) Becoming Miss Snow It All (26:00) Starting Snowsbest.com (26:45) Running consumer webinars (30:00) ‘Women of Winter Snow Australia’ working group (30:30) Advice for anyone wanting to get into ski journalism (32:30) ‘Snow Aid Australia’ (34:00)            Selwyn Snowfield burnt down during the 2020 bushfires (34:30) Snow Travel Expo (37:00) The threat of climate change (38:30) Thredbo and Coronet Peak have added ‘Snowfactory’ facilities (39:00) Will ‘Snowtunnel’ open at some point? (41:30)  Will Australia see a post-Olympics bump attendance (44:00) FeedbackYou can leave a comment on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook – our handle is @theskipodcast – or drop me an email to theskipodcast@gmail.com. We’re also on WhatsApp. Mike Greenland: “Listened for years. Always excellent.”You are very welcome to buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcastWe have over 300 episodes in our back catalog – all available at theskipodcast.com. Just have a search around the tags and categories and you’re bound to find something you’ll find something of interest.

    48 min

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About

Want to know more about the world of skiing and snowsports? The Ski Podcast is an award-winning podcast with over 300 episodes covering all aspects of the world of skiing and snowboarding, from resorts to racing, Ski Sunday to slush. Host Iain Martin is joined by guests from the world of snow in episode to chat about wintery stuff and probe around the avalanche of ski news. Listen to our back catalog at www.theskipodcast.com The Ski Podcast was voted 'Best Wintersports Podcast' in the 2021 Sports Podcast Awards and nominated for 'Best Broadcast Programme' in the 2023 Travel Media Awards. Iain is a freelance journalist specialising in snowsports. He is also the founder of Ski Flight Free - a campaign to encourage skiers to take the train or drive to their ski holiday.  If you want to get in touch or take part you can email us: theskipodcast@gmail.com Music: www.purple-planet.com Logo: www.vexels.com

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