Today we look at the iconic resort of Jackson Hole, find out how Saas Fee are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ and learn about ‘The Last Ride’ film project.

We also have snow reports from Verbier, Les 2 Alpes and La Plagne, an update on the latest ski racing action from Matt Garcka and your feedback.

Host Iain Martin was joined by Jess McMillan from Jackson Hole and Jon Moy from ‘The Last Ride’ project.

Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code
If you’re heading to the Alps this winter, then you can 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

Jon was skiing on sand dunes in the Atacama Desert in Chile (2:00)
Iain will be in Tignes for Christmas (3:00)
He will be travelling in a luxury minibus from Vans For Bands (3:15)
Jen Tsang from That’s La Plagne reported from La Plagne (4:00)
Dave from SnoPros Ski School was in Verbier (6:40)
Alexandra Armand from TipTop Snow Coaching in Les 2 Alpes (8:45)
Find out more about the new Jandri 3S gondola (9:15)
Matt Garcka is host of from the ‘Skiing is Believing’ podcast (10:00)
It is the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ (12:30)
‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! is #1 in the UK charts right now
Laila Zurbriggen is from the Saas Fee Tourist Office
The Capra offers a special ‘Last Christmas’ package for CHF 1170 (16:00)
Email ‘Whamtastic!’ to [email protected]
Catherine Murphy had just done the WhamWalk (17:30)
Did you meet your partner on a ski holiday or doing a ski season, and do you fancy sharing your story? Drop me an email to [email protected] (21:00)
Jess McMillan is Director of Events & Partnerships at Jackson Hole (21:30)
Jackson is located in the Grand Teton National Park
Find out more about the Mountain Collective pass (28:45)
Corbets’ Couloir is perhaps the most famous couloir in the world (25:00)
Check out Doug Combs taking it on
Jackson Hole has a limit on ski ticket sales (26:45)
The Golden Ticket means that if you have a season pass you get a 50% discount (27:30)
Jackson has featured in ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘The Last of Us’ (28:45)
Jackson Hole recent broke the world record for the most skiers in jeans (29:30)
Our Twitter poll was NOT in favour of ‘double denim on the mountain’ (30:15)
Jon Moy is the Director of ‘The Last Ride’ project (32:30)
The team have climbed and skied Mt Elbrus, Denali, Aconcagua & Mt McKinley (33:00)
Listen to Iain’s interview with Arnie Wilson (35:45)
Next on the list is Puncak Jaya in Western Papua (36:00)
Has altitude sickness been an issue? (37:30)
How to keep camera equipment working at low temperatures (39:00)
‘The Last Ride’ are using offsetting to counter the carbon footprint of the project (40:15)
Amie Henderson is a co-founder of the ‘Piste X Code’ (44:30)

Feedback (43:00)
I enjoy all feedback about the show, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] 

Jane Michotte: "Love the podcast, the range of topics and different types of people interviewed. My 12-year-old son (just getting into racing) really enjoys the updates from the Carrick-Smiths." 

Sean Burton: "Thank you Iain for your amazing podcast. I only got back into skiing last January after a 35-year gap! and I cannot get enough of it. Your equipment specials are particularly informative.” 

Andrea Dalton: “Just listened to this week’s episode and loved it as always.”

There are now 240 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: 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

In this episode we discuss how to ski safely on the slopes, and why that’s important. Plus we find out about the opening weekend of the season in Les 3 Vallées and take a look at the new venue for the London Snow Show.

Host Iain Martin was joined by Kimberley Kay and Dr Carol Porter, authors of the ‘Project Fear’ study and Louise Paley and Amie Henderson, co-founders of the ‘Piste X Code’.

Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code
All podcast listeners can 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

Betony Garner reported from Verbier (4:00)
Floss from FreeFloSki is based in Tignes and Val d’Isere in the Espace Killy (5:00)
Tim Hudson from Inspired Italy is based in the Dolomites (6:15)
Mia Brookes won the snowboard Big Air in China (8:15)
Lyndsey Vonn returns to World Cup action at Beaver Creek (8:30)
Marcel Hirscher’s return is over due to injury (8:45)
Follow the latest racing news with Matt Garcka on the Skiing is Believing podcast
The 2025 London Ski Show is returning back to its old home of Olympia
James Gambrill is founder of Mountain Trade Network, organisers of the show (9:30)
Iain was in Les 3 Vallées for the opening of the season (16:30)
Read Iain’s review of the weekend on Welove2Ski.com
The new Saulire cable car opened on 12 December (17:00)
Landry Tirard is head of ski for the lift company S3V
Listen to Iain’s interview with Peter Landsman from liftblog.com in Episode 181 (19:45)
The Cime de Caron cable car in Val Thorens is currently out of action (20:00)
Read the main findings of ‘Project Fear’ (20:45)
62% of UK female respondents said fear or anxiety impact on their enjoyment of snowsports (21:15)
The main fears are of injury and other skiers/snowboarders going too fast (22:15)
Find out about the ‘Piste X Code’ project (25:00)
A British five-year-old died in an accident in Flaine in 2022 (25:15)
Watch the ‘Piste X Code’ video (27:45)
Take the ‘Piste X Code’ quiz (31:30)
Find out about the Snow Angel Foundation (39:00)
Take a look at Kimberley’s illustration of the FIS code of conduct for skiers

Feedback
I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] 

Alexander Summers: “The best ski podcast I have heard”

JustPat: "Episode 226 was fantastic. I could listen to Mike for hours: he has total knowledge about skiing in Japan."

Lee Thompson "It’s a really interesting podcast: there’s something informative in every episode."

There are now 238 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. 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. 

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 Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today’s episode celebrates the release of the new film from The North Face, ‘Of A Lifetime’, featuring Xavier De Le Rue, his brother Victor and his daughter Mila. 

The film covers an expedition the three of them took to Antarctica. Not only is the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, but you will be gripping your seat when you see some of the insane faces that Xavier and Victor take on. 

The trip was also a rite of passage for Xavier’s daughter Mila, who turned 18 while they were in Antarctica.

Watch the movie ‘Of A Lifetime’ on YouTube here

In my extended interview with Xavier (previously released as Episode 208), we discuss his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and, of course, Antarctica. 
 
 We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about his views on sustainability and the future of our sport.

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 (7:30)
FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (9:30)
Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (11:00)
Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (12:30)
The trip involved crossing Drake’s Passage (15:00)
The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (17:30)
Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (20:30)
Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (21:30)
Xavier’s daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (21:15)
Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (23:30)
Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (25:30)
Watch Xavier’s ‘How to’ videos on YouTube (26:45)
Learn how to ski on ice! (27:15)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34
We discuss Xavier’s avalanche experience (29:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU
“Paranoia can be a good thing” (30:30)
Xavier has clear views on air bags (33:00)
Listen to Xavier’s sustainability podcasts (38:00)
Find out about the Audi Experience camps (38:30)

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 [email protected] 

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

In this special episode, Iain speaks with Lucy Aspden-Kean, Ski & Snowboard Editor at The Telegraph. 

We discuss Lucy’s journey from the Blackpool Gazette to an MA in Journalism and how she beat 300 other applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph. 

Lucy shares her advice for aspiring travel journalists, what it was like working on the travel desk during Covid, plus we also discuss how a trip to Nepal was prompted by an interview with Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Intersport Ski Hire
You can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’. To make it even simpler you don’t even need to use the code, just take the link in the Show Notes and your basket will automatically be reduced. 

SHOW NOTES 

The London Snow Show will take place on 18/19 October 2025 at Olympia (1:00)
Lucy previously shared her experiences of Gausta in Norway and heliskiskiing in Chile (3:00)
Lucy was also on the show in the dark days of lockdown (3:00)
A trip to Nepal started from an interview with Ranulph Fiennes (4:00)
Lucy walked to Everest Base Camp and then the 6119m peak of Lobuche East (6:30)
Her training was mainly in the Lake District (9:00)
Read about Lucy’s trip in this Telegraph article (13:15)
Is Everest suffering from overtourism (15:00)
There are significant dangers of climbing Everest (16:30)
Are too many climbers under-trained? (16:30)
We discuss ‘overtourism’ more generally (17:00) 
Lucy has skied in the Lakes (18:30)
Her first ski holidays were to Rauris in Austria (20:00)
Listen to Iain’s interviews with ski journalists Peter Hardy, Arnie Wilson & Frank Baldwin (21:00)
Lucy did an English literature degree, followed by an MA in Magazine Journalism at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) (22:30)
Lucy beat 300 applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph (24:00)
She won ‘Best Social Media Campaign of the Year’ in the PPA awards in 2017 (30:00)
Covid was a ‘career defining moment’ as a travel journalist (31:45)
Telegraph model has shifted to subscription (34:45)
Longer form content is becoming more popular (35:15)
The role of a commissioning editor (36:45)
Do journalists need to have video editing skills as well as writing? (39:00)
Advice for freelance journalists (40:30)
Is AI a threat to journalism? (42:00)
The impact of the climate crisis on skiing (43:15)
Lucy’s favourite trip was to Chile (46:30)

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 [email protected] 

Andre As: “Thank you for making another enjoyable podcast! It really shines through that you enjoy skiing and nature.”

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 take this link

There are now 237 episodes of The Ski Podcast. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com and search the tags and categories.

All our Equipment Special episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel

You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today we find out what it’s like skiing down Mont Blanc, learn about skiing in Hokkaido in Japan, plus we cover a drugs bust in Verbier, a cable car crash in Val Thorens and get an update on the Alpine World Cup.

Host Iain Martin was joined by Floss Cockle, from FreeFlo Ski Coaching in Tignes and ski journalist and photographer, Mike Richards.

Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code
All podcast listeners can 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

Mike last appeared reporting from the Northern Ski Show in Episode 224
Mike skied in Wales this month (3:30)
Listen to Mike talking about skiing in the Brecon Beacons in Episode 65 (4:30)
Alex Irwin from ‘150 Days of Winter’ reported from Tignes and Val Thorens (6:00)
We discussed drug dealers in ski resorts back in Episode 33 (8:00)
Police have arrested 15 dealers in Verbier (8:30)
The Cime de Caron cable car in VT was damaged in an accident (8:45)
Lyndsey Vonn has announced that she plans to return to the racing circuit (9:30)
Matt Garcka is host of the ‘Skiing is Believing’ podcast (10:00)
Mikaela Shiffrin is chasing down her 100th World Cup win (11:45)
Listen out for Iain’s interview with British half-pipe skier Zoe Atkin later this winter (13:00)
All of our equipment episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel (13:45)
The winners of our listener survey competition are Oliver Rutman & Faye Morton (14:00)
Follow ‘The Ski Podcast’ on our WhatsApp channel (14:30)
Floss has 5000 followers on her YouTube channel (15:00)
In 2021, Floss climbed and skied down the North face of Mont Blanc (21:00)
Watch Floss’ playlist about the climb (31:45)
Mike told us about Rusutsu in Japan in Episode 170 (32:15)
Find out more about the JR Train Pass in Japan (35:00)
Mike suggests Hakodate as possible first base in Hokkaido (36:00)
Mike’s favourite base in Japan is Otaru  (41:00)
Asahikawa in the centre of Hokkaido is another option (44:15)
Excellent article from Fall Line magazine about train travel in Japan
More info about Omo Hotels Asahikawa (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 [email protected] 

Rob Smith: “Episode 225 was a great listen, really enjoyed it. I’m aiming for Austria with the kids, so that advice on skiing for families was great.”

Judy Matthews: “Thank you for continuing your fantastic podcast. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the mountains or skiing. Think I live in the wrong country.”

Ella Purvis: "I’ve been loving the podcast - it’s getting me hyped for the season ahead! I was just listening to the interview with Chemmy Alcott — it was such an inspiring, uplifting episode for women in snowsports, she is just incredible!”

RichB: “There's been some great content recently. The interview with Chemmy Alcott was really interesting, I didn't know her backstory. Wow what a woman!”

There are 236 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: 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

In our fifth of this winter’s equipment specials, Iain is joined by equipment expert Al Morgan to look at two vital areas of your winter wardrobe – ski gloves and socks.

Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis, Ski Boots, Jackets and Helmets and Goggles for winter 2025. 

This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham.
Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 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 where you can buy online now.

SHOW NOTES

Try before you buy (3:00)
If you’re a skier, go grab a ski pole (4:30)
Glove v. mitt v. lobster claw (6:00)
How does sizing work for gloves? (8:30)
Will my glove work with a touch screen? (9:30)
Will wearing a liner keep your hands warm? (10:45)
What is a ‘Shell mitt’? (12:00)
What is the little strip of fabric across the back of one finger on each glove for?
Wool is sustainable, natural and works (15:00)
Smartwool are collecting old socks and reclaiming yarn (15:30)
For snowboarding gloves, head to The Snowboard Asylum (16:30)
Tube socks! (32:30)
Do thicker socks keep your feet warmer? (34:00)
Is natural better than synthetic fibres? (35:15)

THE BEST SKI GLOVES FOR 2025 (17:00)

• Therm-ic Heat Boot Boost Glove (men and women), £300 (18:00)
  The ultimate in warmth
• Black Diamond Guide Gore-Tex glove, £160 (19:45)
  If you want the best in foul weather protection for big powder days, the Guide is hard to beat
• Hestra Fall Line Women’s Glove, £120 (22:16)
  The white women’s glove looks stunning
• Reusch Storm R-Tex XT Men’s Glove, £100 (23:45)
  Traditional racing-inspired ski glove aesthetic with foam knuckle and finger protection
• Salomon Propeller Gore-Tex gloves, £75 (25:00)
  A superb unisex glove with a clean aesthetic, for piste and all-mountain skiing
• The North Face Montana Kids Ski Gloves, £45 (26:00)
  Gives kids superb hand protection and features you often don’t get on kids’ gloves

Ellis Brigham’s Choice (28:30)

Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham’s Glove buyer. She chose the Men’s Hestra Army Leather GTX Glove and the Women’s Reusch Cozy Down Mitt.

THE BEST SKI SOCKS FOR 2025 (36:30)

• Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT - £280 (36:45)
  If you suffer from cold feet, these are a total blessing
• Smartwool Targeted Cushion Women's Ski Socks - £28 (39:30)
  Padding where you want a little extra protection, but still thin, so they work in well-fitted, snug boots.
• Sidas SUREfit Ski Sock - £25 (40:15)
  Padding for the shin, toes and heel, in a specific right and left anatomy.
   
• Ellis Brigham Wintersport Ski Socks - Twin Pack - £20 (41:00)
  Two pairs of socks for less than one of the others above. Outstanding value.

This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has very kindly been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now.

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 [email protected]

Adam Matthews: "Love the podcast. Many thanks for all the content! I’ve especially enjoyed episodes with Al about kit."

Colin: “Goggles and Helmets was another great podcast. I use Zeiss anti-fog spray for my glasses to stop them fogging up while skiing."

If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:

1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us
2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode
3) Or you can Buy Me A Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast

Andrew Brannan: "Through your podcast I blagged a Snow Show ticket for my daughter who is studying down in London. She met Dave Ryding, our household hero. Unbelievable, really can't thank you enough.”

Paul Bond: “Thanks for the Helmet & Googles episode with Al’s expert reviews. I went to Ellis Brigham, good service. Got home to a comment of ‘What? More ski kit?’

We now have 235 episodes to catch up with. 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 me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast 

In this episode we discuss how to get more families skiing and how resorts can help parents, plus we look at what’s coming up on the World Cup ski racing circuit this winter. 
 
We have our first snow report of the season and there’s an update from the Carrick-Smith boys as their first race of the season gets closer. 

Host Iain Martin was joined by Nicole Feliciano from the Ski Moms podcast and Matt Garcka, host of the Skiing is Believing podcast.

Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code
All podcast listeners can 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

Nicole was in Aleyska in Alaska in April (3:00)
Matt was skiing at the Chill Factore in Manchester (5:00)
White Stuff – sold for £40m (6:00)
La Plagne and Courchevel feature in the 2025 Tour de France (6:30)
Our Equipment Episodes for the best skis, boots, jackets, helmets and goggles are now available as podcasts or on YouTube (7:00)
The survey has now closed and the winners will be announced in Episode 226 (7:30)
Dave Burrows from SnowPros Ski School reported from Glacier 3000, Switzerland (8:20)
Nicole set up momtrends.com in 2007 (11:30)
“Our site is the girlfriend you always look forward to bumping into at yoga class; she always makes you feel better about yourself”
Nicole published the inaugural Ski Moms 'Happiness Survey' earlier this year (13:15)
The median age of US skiers is 35 (15:00)
94% would have skied/boarded more often with better access to affordable kids lessons (16:00)
There’s a need for more on-mountain childcare and space for children (18:00)
"We don’t need more high-speed lifts. We need toilets that are close to the learning areas"
The survey shows only 44% of moms thinks the industry cares about supporting families (21:00)
Matt is host of the Skiing is Believing podcast (26:15)
The first slalom races of the World Cup season take place in Levi this weekend (27:45)
How will British skiers Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor get on? (29:00)
Will Marcel Hirscher and Lucas Braathan podium this year? (30:00)
Marc Giradelli was recently on Matt’s podcast (32:00)
The Ski Podcast and the Skiing is Believing podcast are teaming up to form ‘The Ski Podcast Network’ (33:45)
Carrick-Smith Boys update (34:00)
Listen to our episode focussing on Killington (38:00)

Feedback (39:30)
 
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 [email protected]

Sebastian Forsberg: "I wanted to send some feedback from Sweden. I've listened to all your episodes and love the show! You have some great conversations and features, especially during the off season. I love that in Episode 221 you spoke about skiing in Sweden. We got some great ski resorts here, so there’s plenty more to cover. Keep up the good work.”
 
Billy Mohan: “Amazing work Iain, you’ve had some epic guests recently!”
 
Chris Howie: “I think you do a fabulous job - your enthusiasm and drive is to be applauded!”

Sarah Lewis: "May I commend you on your podcast; I’ve listened to most of the episodes and really enjoy the variety of interviews"

There are now 234 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: 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

In the fourth of this winter’s equipment specials, Iain is joined by Al Morgan to look at two really important areas of your winter wardrobe – helmets and goggles. 

Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis, Best Ski Boots and Best Ski Jackets for winter 2025.  

This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. They are the winter sports specialists, with 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 where you can buy online now.’

SHOW NOTES

‘Fit is King’
 Safety Standards (6:00)
 ‘Multi norm’ helmets (6:30) 
 EPS foam (8:45)
 MIPS (9:30)
 Fidlock buckle (11:45)
 Venting (12:00)
 Visor Helmets (14:15)
 Sustainability features (16:00)
 UV Protection (28:45)
 Fogging (29:45)
 How to use a lens cloth (30:45)
 When to change your lens (32:30)
 Photochromic lenses (33:45)
 Colour handling (34:30)

The Best Ski and Snowboard Helmets for 2025 

·       Giro Tor Spherical Helmet, £250 (17:45)
·       Atomic Savor Visor Helmet, £180 (19:15)
·       Bern Watts 2.0 MIPS, £160 (21:15)
·       Salomon Brigade Index Helmet, £110 (23:15)
·       Oakley Mod1 Helmet, £85 (24:30)
 
ELLIS BRIGHAM’S CHOICE (26:30)

Chrissy from Ellis Brigham in Braehead Garden chose the Smith Method Pro MIPS helmet 

The Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles for 2025

·       Julbo Launcher Reactiv, £280 (36:30) 
·       Oakley Line Miner Pro, £259 (39:30)
·       100% Snowcraft, £179 (41:30)
·       Smith Squad S, £125 (42:45)
·       Bloc Boa Recycle, £48 (44:30)

ELLIS BRIGHAM’S CHOICE (45:30)

Chrissy from Ellis Brigham in Braehead chose the Dragon DX3 Plus 

Feedback (48:15)

Please contact us on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]
 
James Rice: "Just listened to the Ski Boot episode: excellent, as always. Keep up the great work"

Colin: "I got all excited after the ski boot episode and bought my first pair of ski boots: a pair Nordica Speedmachine 3s"

David Faller: "Enjoyed Episode 219 about the history of Ellis Brigham" 

Andrew Greenwood: "Great show guys, very informative about Ski jackets"
Try the Picture Organic Naikoon for as a men’s version of the Haakon

Stephen Street: “I can’t believe that the subject of ‘pit zips’ were not brought up in the description of these jackets! They are one of the most important ways of controlling heat!”
 
If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:
 
1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us
2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode
3) Listen to 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 also view these equipment specials on the Skipedia YouTube channel
 
You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In this special episode Iain and Al look at the best ski jackets for 2025. It’s the third in our series of looking at the best snowsports equipment available for winter 2025. 

In our first two episodes, we looked at the best skis and the ski boots. In later episodes, we’ll look at the best helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, plus there will be a special episode focusing on ski touring equipment.

This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham.

Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 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 and you can buy online now.

SHOW NOTES

Waterproofing (3:00)
Taping (7:30)
Breathability (8:30)
MVTR (9:30)
Gore-Tex (10:15)
3-layer (shell) v. 2-layer jackets (11:00)
Membranes and Insulation eg PrimaLoft, Thinsulate (13:00)
What is a ‘powder skirt’? (15:15)
What is ‘Recco’? (16:45)
What is DWR? (19:40)
Gore-tex EPe (20:00)
Mono-material garments (20:30)
Find out more about the danger of PFCs (21:00)
Iain visited the Arc’teryx repair shop in Covent Garden (22:00)
Listen to Iain’s interview with Arc’teryx in Episode 218
Al recommends NikWax for cleaning your technical clothing
Find out more about Patagonia’s donations to fight climate change (35:30)
Listen to Iain’s interview with Picture Organic Clothing (37:45)
 
THE BEST SKI JACKETS OF 2025 (25:00) 

• Descente Women’s Welded Down Jacket, £789 (25:45)
   
• The North Face Men’s Summit Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket, £630 (28:00)
   
• Henri Duvillard Women’s Alicia Ski Jacket, £539 (30:15)
   
• Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket, £449 (32:45, available for men & women)
   
• Picture Women’s Haakon Jacket, £350 (36:30)

ELLIS BRIGHAM’S CHOICE (38:00)

Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham’s skiwear buyer. Her choice for the Best Ski Jacket of the year is the Goldberg Women’s Porter Jacket, £530

Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now.

FEEDBACK (42:30)

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 [email protected] 

Chalets Direct:“Very good overview of the design and material technology of the latest skis and how they perform on the mountain. Fun to listen too.”

n-da-bunka2650: “Custom bootfitters sometimes focus on what they have in stock rather than a boot the client may have been interested in.” 

chrisbristol: “Thanks Iain, enjoying the podcast”

If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:
 
1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode
3) Share with your friends

You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

This episode is a Snow Show special, including interviews with Dave Ryding, Chemmy Alcott and others at the 2024 London Snow Show, Northern Snow Show and the industry event LISTEX. 

We discuss the upcoming World Cup season, the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, the growth of the Magic Pass and there’s big news about the future of the London Snow Show itself. Plus we have a new competition where you can win some great prizes.

Host Iain Martin was joined in the studio by Jamie Grant – the founder of Carv. 

Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code
If you are heading to the snow, listener, then don’t forget that you can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ 

You’ll get a guaranteed discount for ski hire in France, Austria and Switzerland and to make it even simpler you don’t even need to use the code, just take this link and your basket will automatically be reduced.

SHOW NOTES

Jamie was first on the podcast in Episode 193 (1:00)
The Carv team were testing the Carv 2 in Valle Nevado, Chile in September (1:30)
Glencoe is planning a new £26 million gondola (3:00)
Listen to Iain’s report from Glencoe earlier this year in Episode 203
GB Snowsport athlete Mia Brookes came 5th in the Snowboard Big Air at Chur (3:30)
The new GB Alpine Foundation has already raised over £160,000 (4:00)
Listen to Iain’s interview with GB Snowsport CEO Vicky Gosling in Episode 222
Dave Ryding chat (5:15)
Dave has moved to Head Skis (6:00)
Chemmy Alcott chat (7:00)
Marcel Hirscher is back representing the Netherlands (8:15)
Could Lindsey Vonn make a comeback (8:45)
Ski Sunday schedule for 2025 (9:00)
Neil McQuoid, Racer Ready Magazine (11:00)
Julia Eder, Salzburgerland (13:45)
The World Champs will take place from 04-16 February in Saalbach (14:15)
The Ski Podcast sponsors the Carrick-Smith brothers – Zak, Freddy and Luca (16:15)
Zak Carrick-Smith (16:30)
Luca Carrick-Smith with Phil Smith (18:30)
Freddy Carrick-Smith (21:20)
Iain presented at the London Show about ‘How to Ski Flight Free' (22:15)
Iain has taken a Flight Free Pledge for 2024 (22:30)
Dom Winter, Protect Our Winters (23:00)
Find out about POW’s Carbon Literacy Courses (25:00)
Inghams are celebrating their 90th anniversary this year
Helen Taylor, Inghams (25:30)
Listen to Iain’s special interview with Lesley McKenna
Lesley McKenna, Wandering Workshops, Aviemore (27:45)
Mike Richards reported from the new Northern Snow Show (31:00)
LISTEX is a B2B event that took just before show, organised by MTN (32:30)
Iain moderated a panel on how the industry can help skiers make better choices (33:00)
The Mountain Travel Network is taking over the London Snow Show (33:15)
James Gambrill from MTN (33:45)
Jamie Grant, founder of Carv (37:00)
Carv 2 launched on 14 October (37:15)
Buddy Passes mean that the Carv can now be shared with friends (41:45)
Carv uses data from over 500 million turns (43:00)
The algorithm for 24/25 is 6% more accurate than last year (45:45)
Ski IQ is now different values for different terrains (46:30)
Carv 2 is available at £159 until 28 October (51:00)
Sebastien Travelletti, Vice President at Magic Pass (52:00)       

COMPETITION – WIN A CARV 2 and more (57:45)

Simply complete our short survey to be included in the draw to win prizes including a Carv 2, Vallon Aviator Sunglasses, Wild Caper underlayer, Atomic Atom Hydrogen water bottle, Verbier beanie, Val d'Isère Opinel and more.

The survey is open until the end of November, so just take this to get your name in the draw.

Feedback
I enjoy all feedback about the show so please contact us on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] 

Ed Parkinson: "Thanks for the pod. I find it brilliant and very informative. I’m an avid skier and I love gear."

Rachel: "Great podcast, thanks guys! Just moved to Revelstoke from the UK for my first season and now feel way more prepped to go buy my first pair of skis’"

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 Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Joanna Yellowlees-Bound joins Iain for this special episode as we cover her 40-year career in the ski industry, graduating from resort rep to managing director of Erna Low - one of the oldest ski companies in the UK.
 
Joanna is one of the most experienced professionals in the UK ski industry, with a career that spans the first halcyon days of the ski business in the 80s to our post-Brexit world today, including a key role in the development of Arc 1950.

We also discuss her new role working with her husband, Mensun Bound, the marine archaeologist who discovered the wreck of Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’ under the Antarctic ice.
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 
Currency restrictions applied on foreign holidays (2:30)
Club Med beads are back! (3:00)
Joanna started working for Erna Low in 1982 (7:00)
It was the days of the Telex (12:45)
Erna Low’s original advert appeared in The Times in 1932 (15:00)
Erna Low represented La Plagne in the UK market in the 1980s (21:00)
Joanna became MD of the company in 1996 (23:30)
The ERM collapse led to large currency losses (24:30)
Joanna took over ownership of Erna Low in 2002 (27:00)
In 2003, Joanna founded Erna Low Property (27:30)
The Arc 1950 project was developed by Intrawest (29:45)
In 2023, Joanna sold Erna Low Property to Francois Marchand in a MBO (31:00)
2012 was the 80th anniversary of Erna Low (31:30)
Listen to our special podcast episode on Erna Low with Mark Frary (31:45)
Take a look at some of Erna Low's vintage film footage (34:30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5B02thqhkQ
In 2019, Joanna sold Erna Low Travel to NUCO Travel (35:30)
Mensun is a marine archaeologist who found the ‘Endurance’ in March 2022 (37:30)
Look out for ‘Endurance’ coming out on Disney+ later this year (39:15)
Mensun’s book is called ‘The Ship Beneath The Ice’ (39:45)
Feedback (41:30)

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 [email protected] 

robsmith0179 (IG): “Listened to Episode 217 this morning...I’m now adding St Martin to my visit list!”

mattmglx: “I finally got round to clicking 5 stars on Spotify! Thanks for keeping me sane on my commute to work”

Pat from Ireland (BMAC): “I really enjoy the podcasts. I mix current episodes with those from your back catalogue. As someone who found skiing in middle age I am completely hooked. Keep up the brilliant work and here's to winter.”

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 take this link

There are now 230 episodes of The Ski Podcast. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com and search the tags and categories.

Our equipment specials are being published on the Skipedia YouTube channel.

You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast