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Podcast episode 9, season 2

DOM: Welcome back to the 9th episode of the white out podcast, my name is Dom Killinger and I’m here with my co-host what can i say which of santas helpers are you rob Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, maybe Dopey.

ROB: Yes hi Dom, great to be back and I’m glad you kept the intro short this week because I think you’d describe me as grumpy anyway.

DOM: why’s that then?

ROB: because it’s now well into December and I have not been skiing yet and all I see coming out of social media, all day long, every day, all the time, in my dreams which are now basically nightmares, is snow.

DOM: don’t complain Rob, I mean you’ll get your fair share and I haven’t been skiing yet either although I am starting to feel the same as you and I might just sneak off this week to get a fix otherwise it will be a case of FOMO for sure.

ROB: yes FOMO and maybe a chance to so a quick shout out to our friend James Palmer Tomkinson who every Friday sends out a lovely little email with a picture from his base in Klosters, Switzerland called Friday Mountains. Every week I get this, gives me FOMO, but I still like it. I think you can sign up if you go to his website ptski.com and email the address on there. James runs a ski school in the resort…

DOM: oh I’ll check that, not that I need more FOMO when I work for a skiing magazine and get 100 emails a day with snow on them.

ROB: Yep, even in the middle of summer. I was recently at the World Travel Market in London and discovered a whole world full of travel that didn’t involve any snow – but in the end I thought, nah, that boring, I’m happy in the mountains, but actually that could be at any time of the year…

DOM: well agree and with that in mind it’s time to look at what we have got in store this week and as it’s now into winter officially, there’s a lot going on.

ROB: yep we have our usual news roundup, weather report, gear review, resort focus and bucket list trip plus some listener questions – one of our more recent additions. Do you want to start with the news this week Dom

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Time to mention today’s sponsors, Ski Independence & Canada’s Alberta.

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Visit ski-i.com/alberta to find out more about booking Canada’s Alberta with tailor-made specialists Ski Independence. Lift tickets in Jasper’s Marmot Basin are half price until the end of November.

A quick reminder listeners - your review really counts, its not vanity its about being found by other like minded skiers, please quickly leave a review, it really does make a difference and really does show a sign of support…oh and if you didnt like it, lets keep it a secret 🙂

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NEWS:

Vail buys Crans-Montana

DOM: Yep well first off it’s the big news that Crans-Montana in Switzerland has been bought by the American ski resort company, Vail Resorts. It’s the second skiing resort the company has bought in Europe, Andermatt being the first. They will own and operate the lift system plus a number of restaurants both on and off the mountain, and they have invested in a ski school too. Rob, you know the place well, what are your thoughts?

ROB: yes well firstly, full disclosure here because I do work with the tourist office in Crans-Montana and therefore I have an interest. Yeah it’s big news and of course it is in part controversial when any large corporation comes along and purchased a European ski area. What I can say is that locally it has been well received – that is partly down to sort of ‘no love lost’ from the previous owner (just saying!) but also enthusiasm for the investment to come. There’s definitely a certain section of people in North America that aren’t big fans of Vail Resorts but Andermatt saw 10,000 American skiers visit last winter! Not bad and those skiers would have benefited from the Epic Pass that Vail Resorts operate.

DOM: okay interesting but I guess the big question is, will the prices go up and the quality go down? That is to be seen.

ROB: Maybe, but I don’t think quality will go down, absolutely the opposite and in regards to price, they need to remain competitive with the huge amount of other ski areas in the region. Yes they will likely see an increase in US skiers, but it’s still a tiny number compared to overall visitors.

DOM: well I have always enjoyed skiing there so let’s see what happens, will definitely be interesting.  WHATS NEXT

ROB - Winter Olympics 2030 and 2034

Yes quick news story really but this seems to have slipped under the radar a bit. The IOC announced just over a week ago that the French Alps region, basically stretching from the Savoie down to Nice, would be the sole candidate for the 2030 Winter Olympics, essentially handing it to them before the actual official announcement in Paris next year. It means Sweden and Switzerland both lose out and then for 2034 there’s the same Fait Accompli situation for Salt Lake City too. Last time it was held there was 2002. It does appear that the bidding process for these games is changing as countries essentially don’t seem to be putting as much into these bids as before – that’s how I read it anyway.

Yeah I guess the Olympics can be a political minefield and it takes so much infrastructure now to make a modern games work, but maybe one day we’ll see Saudi Arabia take it on?

Ha, yes you never know stranger things have happened and if they can create a ski slope long enough to host a downhill race then it’s possible. And of course if anyone can do that, they can. 

What have you got dom

DOM - Edinburgh Ski Centre gets a makeover

(note: this worries me slightly because this news has happened several times in the past and nothing has ever happened!)

Edinburgh Ski Centre, otherwise known as Midlothian Ski Centre and normally just called Hillend, is having a complete makeover of its base lodge that will be powered completely on renewable energy. They are also going to add other features including a climbing wall, zip wire, mountain biking and a mountain coaster.

It’s such a great facility – you know you can see the slope from the car park in Edinburgh Castle, it’s a great view. I worked there myself for a short time years ago and it’s such a fantastic slope but it takes a lot to keep it upgraded. There’s a lot of ski matting!

But it’s still very popular as many dry slopes across the country don’t have it that easy because people want the indoor snow domes…true, but I like the dry slope too. okay you don’t want to fall hard on it but it’s outdoors and in terms of learning to ski, it’s great.

What is not clear is when this will be completed but we think it will be sometime in 2025, so a trip to Edinburgh Rob?

ROB First ski cable car in France turns 90

This is the kind of story we like! I mean it’s clearly a smart bit of PR coming out of the Megeve Tourist Office if we’re going to be really cynical about this, but actually this is the kind of story that makes you think about the history of this fantastic sport and leisure activity we’re involved with right?

Yes well we have fallen for it…ha ha. So the first ski cable car in France was opened 90 years ago, in 1933, in Megeve. Obviously that cable car is no longer in operation but it does highlight how long a resort such as Megeve has been operating.

Do you know Megeve?

Yes a little bit. Great place for short break, especially for a special occasion because it’s literally an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport. Very pleasant not overly demanding ski area that links into Saint Gervais, Combloux and then with the Mont Blanc unlimited pass you can ski Chamonix too.

Definitely planning a visit to the area this winter – I’ve now got a number of friends based in Saint Gervais, it seems like it has become a little secret hub for discerning British ex pats, shall we say. Yes great area.

Happy birthday cable car!

Weather report

ROB - So Dom, now is the time to bring this weeks snow report and where is best to ski now brought to our listeners in association with our friends at  Ski Weekends.

We’re getting well into December now and I know often enough at this time of the year over the past few seasons we have had these conversations that go something like this: “what’s the snow looking like? Yes, I think it’s going to be okay, I mean there’s some snow and a few places opening up, there does seem to be some fresh snow in the forecast too…etc, etc”

Although I have got to say that every December around the middle of the month (Covid years aside of course) I have run a press trip to the Alps and every single time we’ve had a huge dump of snow and skied powder. Every time, no kidding. Ok, maybe not every time but definitely more times than not!

But this season the conversation is different again right? Because I have been trailing the internet’s ski resort webcams and I can happily say that without doubt, without accusations of being overly positive that the cameras do not lie and all I see is white, white, white….

DOM: yes Rob you’re absolutely right and I think it’s quite correct of us to shout and celebrate the fact that we have fantastic snow conditions across most of the Alps right now, with cold temperatures looking pretty much set to stay for the foreseeable future too, although there will be a little bit of warming early part of this coming week and lower altitudes in the western Alps might see a bit of rain up to around 2,000 metres but this is not going to affect the snow conditions because it’s short lived and heavy snow is forecast around that. Temperatures and then set to get colder again very quickly.

ROB: yes it’s quite normal at this time of the year for that to happen – for me the key is this year is that we have those fronts piling in again with temperatures remaining cold enough for snow. No high pressure, which to be honest is fine now because it brings cold weather and they can make snow, but still, love to see those fronts coming.

DOM: yes if this continues it should…should, be a very good season for snow in the Alps.  I know i have a colleague at the new club med in valdisere right now and shes said its snow snow snow since she arrived…so thats feet on the ground.

I also have somebody just arrived in whistler and will let you know what thats like as soon as i hear

ROB: okay Dom let’s look at some specific highlights then…

DOM: sure, so a round-up of resorts around the Alps and further afield

We’ll start in Switzerland with Verbier – it looks fantastic there, great conditions on piste, the off-piste looks a bit tracked out now but as more of the area opens up through the month there’ll be opportunities. It’s very good for this time of the year and that is the same across the Valais region. In Verbier there’s already 130cm’s of snow in Lac de Vaux and 50 cms in the village.

ROB: yes that’s great I’ve been in Verbier many times through December and I would take that for sure. what about Austria?

DOM: yes also great. the resort of Kitzbuhel which actually has a relatively low altitude is looking very white indeed. There’s already a number of lifts operating and more opening up this weekend. great start to the season. It’s going to warm up a little at the start of next week but then get cold again – don’t have any concerns about snow remaining good as we head towards Christmas.

ROB: I mean ski resort must be breathing a sigh of relief because the snow is there and the forecast is pretty cold, cold enough so would you say that by now we can guarantee a white Christmas in the Alps?

Dom: well there’s nothing in the forecast I can see up until December 20th that suggests any major issues. It does look like sunny and cold conditions will persist a little, with a bit of snow top up here and there, but as we already have decent snow, then yes, I think it’s highly unlikely that Christmas won’t be anything other than a white one in Alpine towns.

ROB: okay how about Italy, France…

DOM: yes the southern side of the Alps has now had some snow after a slower start and although the quantities might not be hitting the heights of the northern Alps just yet, you could easily say that conditions are good for this time of the season. Cortina in the Dolomites has 25 cms of snow on its slopes and of course they continue to make lots of artificial snow as the temperatures will remain cold enough over the next couple of weeks, despite the weather showing lots of sunshine.

The French Alps are mostly in a very good situation right now. even down to the lower level there’s snow and again, there’s a little bit more in the forecast, a slight warming for a day or two next week but we are talking a maximum of 3 degrees down in Morzine, hardly tropical and then unlikely to see positive temperatures again this side of Christmas and I’m sure beyond.

Fantastic Dom, it is what we want to hear. I mean ok not huge amounts of snow in the forecast right now but we don’t need it and it’s staying cold. Good news…what about further afield?

DOM: yes Scandinavia is a great situation right now, Norway and Sweden both have very good conditions across the board with cold temperatures and regular snow falls to come. There’s nothing to see here, well, apart from a lot of snow.

Andorra is a slightly mixed bag but they have had some recent snow now and resorts are open. There’s not a ton of snow lower down but some snow forecast this weekend. it will warm up a bit next week but it doesn’t look like there’s any rain so that is good news as the temperature is set to get cold again. They can make a lot of snow and they are looking set for Christmas and new year. they haven’t had the start the Alps had, but it’s still okay for this time of the season.

ROB: yes well the Pyrenees generally has a good snow record so I’m sure with the base they have it can build from there….right any more news from North America? I know it wasn’t the best start in some parts of the Rockies.

DOM: big improvements here with recent snowfall and cold temperatures in Colorado – the downhill and super G races in Beaver Creek cancelled because of bad weather. Conditions are set to see a bit more snow over the next few days and then sunny and cold for the week ahead.

Up in Montana, Big Sky hasn’t really got going yet, there’s skiing available but warm temps haven’t helped. But it’s snowing heavily right now and temperatures and getting much colder again.

Over in Canada, Whistler is looking pretty good with below freezing temperatures and snow in the forecast. And interior BC, places like Kicking Horse, have good snow with more to come.

Japan is still not looking too good right now, it’s still mild and rain is forecast. But the good news is that will change into next week, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snow forecast in Niseko, and it could be a lot of snow. It looks like winter will start properly next week in Hokkaido. Unfortunately further down south in Hakuba it’s still not looking too good, they are getting a bit of snow but temperatures aren’t set to drop until around the 18th of December – it’s hard to get a true picture, it looks like there’s some skiing available but it is very limited right now.

ROB: thanks Dom, well yes I’m sure things will change there but overall a very good start to the season, especially in Europe. It will be interesting to see if this start means we’ll get lots of accumulating snow in the Alps this winter, I hope so.

Do we expand on climate change and our thoughts on this? NOOOO

DOM - so just to note for listeners, we update more than once a week where is best to ski now at inthesnow.com its well worth keeping an eye on as it essentially rounds up…

Where is best to ski now…

DOM -  now for one our favourites, Gear Reviews, nobody does it better than us eh

ROB - Too right dom we def have our finger on  the pulse when it comes to gear

DOM - Over to you rob what have you got first

Dope Pile fleece sweater

Love this really warm looking fleece from Dope.

It’s chunky, it’s cosy and designed to keep you very warm. It’s made from a super soft 285gsm 100% polyester Hi-loft fleece, the Pile offers exceptional warmth and breathability, making it “ideal for exploring snowy resorts or braving colder days on the slopes”. Says Dope…who then describe it saying:

“Featuring a chimney-style collar and a convenient quarter-zip design, the Pile allows you to easily adjust your comfort level. Warm up or cool off effortlessly as needed during your winter adventures”

I’d like a bit of winter adventure right now…

Yep, and they also say: “The elasticated cuffs ensure that the sleeves stay in place under your ski jacket, guaranteeing maximum cosiness. Plus, with its spacious, double-zipped hand warmer pocket, you can keep your essential items secure throughout the day. Complete with a drawstring hem and our signature touch of Dope styling, the Pile fleece will undoubtedly become your favourite companion for the winter season. Stay snug and stylish with the Pile this Christmas.”

RRP £79 but from ridestore.com

Well they are piling on the spiel there aren’t they! Seriously though this fleece looks amazing. so warm, a proper fleece I’d say but I can see it dancing on tables après ski style too.  WHAT HAVE YOU GOT DOM

DOM  - Mons Royale Arete Merino Insulation Hood

I always think base layers with Mons Royale but this grabbed my attention.

It’s the Mons Royale Arete Wool Insulation Hood, a lightweight layer that keeps you warm in any conditions, apparently, although I think I’d caveat that slightly by saying, most cold weather! Anyway, It has an ergonomic cut and merino fleece panels that let you move freely. It is filled with 100% merino wool insulation that adjusts to your body temperature, even when wet, and fits under your shell. It also has a PFC-free water repellent (DWR C0) finish.

It looks really cool actually and very warm, it costs £275 so pretty high end but we know Mons Royale quality, it will do exactly what it says it will on the tin.

Buy from futureproof.life

ROB WHATS NEXT

ROB - Duvillard Morgane women’s Baselayer

Spotted this and it’s a bit different from the brand Duvillard, from the former French ski racer, Henri Duvillard – he last won a world cup ski race in 1973 but I can tell you his brand is very much 2023.

It’s very French, very stylish and it will keep you warm too.

With Climstretch poly microfleece that wicks moisture away from the skin and intricate après ski embroidery…yeah very cool.

£119 from Ellis-Brigham.com

Fantastic round up of gear there – just check out the InTheSnow Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for a full round up of lots of new kit for this winter

DOM - yep a lot of very cool things out there for xmas gifts, also to quickly plug, we have out best piste skis and best all mountain skis youtube videos and podcast, we also have best ski helmets for this season as well as how to get comfy ski boots sio plenty to watch while you are tucking into your mince pies pre xmas…

Resort focus:

ROB: right Dom this week our resort focus is technically three resorts in one!

DOM: okay three in one, sounds good when you put it like that but I know whilst most skiers have probably heard of one of them, they might not know the other two.

ROB: yes true. So we were looking for a resort that was firstly popular with British skiers but also a little, let’s say different, and we’ll get to that later. Talking to our friends at Peak Retreats and we got talking about Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski which comprises Alpe d’Huez, Oz 3300 that used to be referred to as Oz-en-Oisans oz en wezons and Vaujany being amonhg their most popular destinations.

DOM:  so a quick name check as we obv just skip over these things as if  everyone already knows, but Peak Retreats a tour op specialising in french alps, they are total experts in their field, you can obv book book Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski  with them:

They are Winners of Telegraph Travel Awards Best Ski Operator 2023

They feature loads of  quality apartments, self catered chalets and hotels across the french alps and Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski 

So rob , I think we have both been there?  And funnily enough totally coincidentally i ahve literally just had a call from a colleague in alpe dhuez talking about something totally different but the good news is we were on facetime and its snowing there too!!

ROB: I have been there Dom, but to be honest it was a number of years ago so I’m happy to add my bit but I know that you have been there far more recently and know the place well so perhaps you can cover this one off.

DOM: absolutely and very happy to, it’s a fantastic ski area, large, often pretty sunny and has a great snow record as it’s got altitude and generally it’s pretty good on its price point, it just feels a little easier on the pocket sometimes than some of the large ski areas.

ROB: yes I do remember that. I spent a bit of time there way back, both on a holiday but also working there too. had a lot of fun in Alpe d’Huez and I think it still has that youthful vide to it right?

DOM: it does but this is an opportunity to mention those other two resorts because they are all very different and can appeal to a very different crowd.

Firstly there’s Vaujany, a very pretty, rustic village that is much quieter than neighbouring Alpe d’Huez so great for families or people that don’t want that larger, buzzing atmosphere. And the great thing is that there’s a huge cable car that takes skiers right into the heart of the ski area very quickly. A lot of the time you can actually access the ski area faster than from Alpe d’Huez. Most of the accommodation here is apartment based, but it’s easy to find something close to the centre.  Its nice there its not super busy but theres a few restaurants and a couple of bars and nice place for crepes, there also a sports centre that has pool gym, ice skate bowling, but be clear this is a quieter resort but great if you wnat very quick access up the big ski area without the fuss and better prices.  

Then wedged in between you’ve got Oz 3300, as we said formally known as Oz-en-Oisans oz en wezons. It’s purpose built but again, very pretty and nestled in the forest. Very convenient ski-in-ski-out and accommodation there varies between apartments and a very smart club hotel right on the slopes.

ROB: ah yes that’s an all-inclusive hotel right with full board?

DOM: exactly, and again there’s a choice of lifts here taking you right into the skiing area but whilst I’d say Vaujany is probably more suited to experienced skiers, Oz 3300 is great for beginners with its nursery area right by the accommodation.

Before we talk about the wider ski area I’ll mention the town of Alpe d’Huez itself. It is a large resort, it sits at 1860 metres above sea level. Its snowing there right now as we speak, So nice and high but it’s on a large plateau that’s south facing too. It is purpose built but it was founded in 1936 and has a nice eclectic mix of buildings. I wouldn’t say it was the prettiest town in the Alps, but is has a huge amount to offer – 45 restaurants, loads of bars and cafes, 4 nightclubs and a Folie Douce too, the views are spectacular and it feels very French, in a very good way.

ROB: yes I agree with all of that. I need to go back Dom! Right, the skiing…because from what I remember, it is actually very good.

DOM: yes but first it’s worth mentioning the fact there’s a really good choice of accommodation, for all budgets and across apartments, hotels and chalets – from 5* to smaller, more affordable options…and peak retreats can really guide you on this front, this really is their expertise.

ROB: great yes of course...okay the skiing.

DOM: so Rob, the area is known as Alpe D’Huez Grand Domaine, which basically means it’s big. There’s 250 kms of piste and 81 ski lifts. That is a significantly large skiing area and there’s quite a lot of off-piste too. it’s also very high, with the top lift at Pic Blanc reaching 3330 metres – that’s one of the highest ski lifts in the Alps and on a clear day you can see Mt Blanc to the north.

From Pic Blanc though, it’s black run or…..black run. In fact they have the longest black run in the Alps, the Sarenne, which is 16 km’s long.

ROB: yes I remember skiing it. I mean it’s not technically the hardest black run but then again it’s very long and in some parts fairly steep and narrow. Don’t attempt unless you’re 100% confident, but I would say a confident or technically strong intermediate skier could manage it if they were with an instructor – well that’s what we’d advise anyway.

DOM: yes agree and definitely a nice pub story to tell your mates you have skied the world’s longest black run.

ROB: ha yes true, but the tunnel which also starts from basically the same place is way tougher. Seem to remember that was a very hairy run and in the mould of a steep mogul classic.

DOM: yes it’s an intimidating slope – but the good news is that out of the 111 slopes in the area, 96 of those are green, blue or red so despite these very tough black runs, it’s actually an intermediates paradise really.

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I like the style of this bit very editorially nice just not sure they will be ok with it i think lets record and we can always take out

ROB: we are bigging this place up Dom – so you think that it’s worthy of being in the same sort of category as the Three Valleys, Val d’Isère, La Plagne – those very well-known ski resorts that are so popular with British skiers?

DOM: ummm, well yes I mean it’s obviously not as big as the three valleys when it comes to the skiing but it is big. I think it depends on what you’re looking for. I’d say yes but it’s not as upmarket as some of those places can be or at least the likes of Courchevel and Val d’Isère anyway.

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ROB: okay, so who is the Alpe D’Huez Grand Domaine best suited for then?

DOM: good question – what I’d say is a lot of people! and what I mean by that is let’s say a group of people asked me what ski resort I should go to and that group has a mix of ability levels and maybe some that don’t have the big budget that others might have, and they might want a bit of apres too, then it does cover a lot of those bases. Then with Oz3330 and Vaujany you have the chance to plug into this great skiing area but in a quieter, more kind of cosy way.

ROB: and what about getting there DOM?

DOM: the closest airport is Grenoble but then Chambery can work, Geneva is a bit further away. It’s around 1.5 hours transfers time from Grenoble so pretty good.

It’s also around 580 miles from Calais, about 8.5 hours driving and of course the very last part means driving up the 21 hairpin bends that are so famous for that Tour de France section that often finishes in Alpe d’Huez.

If you did want to take a train then it would be London-Paris-Lyon-Grenoble and then by road.

ROB: great thanks Dom and this also started by that conversation with Peak Retreats so we should say that they offer skiing holidays to all three of the resorts we’ve mentioned. I did a quick look on their website and I could see a really nice two bed apartment – categorised as luxury, really smart, very comfortably sleeping 4 but could go up to 6, for around £2,000 for 7 nights, that’s for the whole apartment, not per person, and includes a return Eurotunnel crossing (Flexiplus ticket, standard car). So £500 each, obviously your extras on top but a pretty decent deal.

DOM: yep okay so check out peakretreats.co.uk for that right?

ROB: yes

Bucket List:

Beaver Creek

Listener question

I’d like to experience a multi-day ski tour this season, any ideas? Brian Warner, Herts

What are your guys take on the best ski resort to take the family at Easter this year? Laura Bettingfield, Notts

ROB: So that’s it for this weeks episode of The white out podcast

DOM - yes rob before we go, a quick mention of the fact that in january we are doing a 24 resorts in 2024

ROB - okay whats that about….

Well rob 

There's ski holidays and there's ski safaris, then there's InTheSnow’s 24 in 24.  

Two Lucky individuals, Ben Haver and Clau De Cesaris sculpted this trip of a lifetime and will visit and compare 24 resorts starting in January 2024.  Whilst doing so, InTheSnow bring you all the freshest content across our social channels this winter, and watch out for 24 brand new resort reviews on our YouTube channel.  

This has to be the ultimate ski trip of a lifetime.  Starting in the Italian Alps in mid January, Ben and Clau will travel up towards the French Alps where they will knock off their first ten resorts ranging from Serre Chevalier, Les2Alpes, Alpe d’Huez and the huge Les 3 Valleés area before ending their French leg in Chamonix, where the couple were engaged just a year ago.  With no time to waste, they then head into Switzerland to take in the luxurious resorts of Crans Montana and St Moritz before embarking on a 3 weeks Austrian fest hitting it's finest resorts of St Anton, Ischgl, Kitzbuhel, Saalbach, Mayrhofen and Soelden.  Finally they will head back towards the Italian Dolomites to end their 7 week ski-marathon in Livigno, Bormio and Madonna di Campiglio.  Phew !

How would you like to see us compare 24 resorts across 4 countries?  

(maybe just logo these with handles underneath makes it look slick and add youtube too inthesnowmag

Then follow us on on Instagram @InTheSnow_Magazine TikTok@inthesnowmag and The White Out Podcast available on all Podcast directories including Spotify and Apple.  

And thats it from me rob, what a great episode even though i do say so myself…

What have we got next week rob

ROB - well next week we have an entire episode dedicated to Les 2 Alpe where we talk to Amanda Sanchez who went to resort 18 years ago to work a season….and never came home…

DOM - crikey rob, im looking forward ot that.

In the meantime happy skiing everyone and speak next week

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Ski boots video

How to get comfy ski boots

The most important thing is to find a really good, professional boot fitter

Then the first step is to get your feet measured - there’s special tools for this that any good ski shop will have. It’s not just about finding your normal size - yes you might be a size 8 but there’s lots of other things going on too.

Flat feet, high arches, wide feet, narrow feet, they are all different.

There’s also the matter of how much movement and flex you have in your knees and ankles. This needs to be measured, especially the ankles - again there are some pretty good tools and apps to help a boot fitter look at this.

Because when you get new ski boots you must also get custom insoles. Don’t skip on this, it makes a huge difference and the cost is well worth it.

Socks are the same - don’t skimp on this.

Then it’s time to try pout some of the shells. You will get your feet on those empty shells without the liner. This gives the boot fitter the idea of what kind of shell suits you.

Different manufacturers have different shell sizes and shapes.

Then it’s time to get the liners in and try them on

Do them up

Walk around in them

If they aren't right or not perfect then try different boots, a different brand. Sometimes it's worth doing this anyway.

After this it’s time to get the custom foot soles moulded and there's special machines that do this

You literally stand on pads and your feet sink into them creating the mould of your foot

And there you go!

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Intro to episode 7

DOM: hello listeners and welcome to our seventh episode of this seasons White Out podcast – yes that is 7 episodes and the ski season hasn’t even properly started yet.

As always I am here with my co-host, the marvellous, wonderful and talented Mr Rob Stewart – hi Rob how are you?

ROB: Hi Dom, well I’m glad you’re back on track with the intros after the last two which were, let’s say, less complimentary but thank you. Actually I think the past two were way more honest and accurate but I’ll take the compliments anyway.

DOM: the big question is, have you managed to get out on the snow yet?

ROB: errr, no. Not yet, a few opportunities have passed me by and I am stuck in deepest darkest Herefordshire. I was even watching the England – North Macedonia football match earlier this week (lucky me) and the city of Skopje has snow on its surrounding mountains, which is a great sign for the start of the Balkan ski season – some great skiing just an hour’s drive away from there. maybe a little shout out for our friends at Shar Outdoors. 

But that’s how desperate I am now – I’ll take any little bit of snow I can, even in an England football match. What about you Dom?

DOM: Not yet either but I have some fantastic things starting to line up and plans are coming together, but it will likely be a New Year trip to the Aosta Valley to start things off for me. But I’ve been monitoring snow conditions closely too and it’s still looking like a great to start to the season…

ROB: yes and we’ll get to that snow report soon, but what else have we got in store Dom?

DOM: out usual news Rob and we have a lot to talk about there, lots going on. Then our weather report as you say and now skiing areas are starting to open up there’s tons to talk about, our usual gear round up too and then we take a look at the resort of Courmayeur for our resort focus piece and finally, our bucket list destination, the fabled, the mythical, the frankly crazy mountain rammed in between Les Deux Alpes and Serre Chevalier, La Grave.

ROB: sounds good Dom, okay let’s get stuck into the news then.

DOM

Before the news rob

Time to mention today’s sponsors, Ski Independence & Canada’s Alberta.

The team at Ski Independence have been sending customers to Alberta’s ski resorts for almost 30 years. With oodles of personal experience, they know all about the best places to stay, the best travel options… and everything in between: from Banff’s best après-ski locations, to breathtaking scenery at Lake Louise, or how to get the best out of a multi-centre itinerary – they highly recommended road-tripping up the spectacular Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper for an experience like no other.

Visit ski-i.com/alberta to find out more about booking Canada’s Alberta with tailor-made specialists Ski Independence. Lift tickets in Jasper’s Marmot Basin are half price until the end of November.

Dom 

to mention one of first ski hols booked to whistler with ski indy…and not only might i have a return visit to whistler booked but i might also have a bucket list trip in the pipeline with them

ROB 

Ok dom enough of you bragging about all the great trips you’re gonna have this year lets get on to the news

News

DOM

A new rail strategy has launched intending to increase train services from the UK to the French Alps. There’s been a lot of news and discussions around train travel this year for obvious reasons and we can see from recent data that skiers do want more train services but right now they are limited a bit, especially direct ones. But Compagnie des Alpes, that owns several ski areas in France but also owns the tour operator Travelski – who already operate a train service to Bourg St Maurice (was direct from London but not this year, another story) is launching a European request for bids to offer its customers a recurring low-carbon transport service, they say, by train from France, the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium (from Paris, London, Amsterdam and Brussels) to the French Alps over the three-year period 2024 - 2027.

Now basically what I think this means is that it’s a shout out to train operators to say, ‘look we can get trains booked up if you can offer the services’. The demand is there and growing but we need more trains and ideally direct ones. This tender means other operators can come along and presumably compete with each other to offer skiers and snowboarders more, better and possibly cheaper travel by train. It’s not an easy thing to achieve. In the UK we are also restricted by customs issues post Brexit – although in fact because we were never in Schengen then actually we had issues before Brexit too. For example, a direct train to Geneva from London would be great and I am sure it would prove popular but despite Geneva Railway Station having its own customs area, it would need upgrading (I believe) for it to work for a direct Switzerland to London service.

But anyway this sounds like a very positive and proactive development from Compagnie des Alpes and we shall keep an eye on how things progress.

You can already book a ski holiday that includes train travel through Travelski.com or through agents such as Skiline 

*****

ROB

Alpine World Cup season start update.

It has been an exciting and controversial start to the winter’s Alpine World Cup ski racing calendar. But let’s kick off with the Zermatt – Cervinia double downhills, two weekends of downhill racing for men and then women on a new course that crosses from Switzerland into Italy with the Matterhorn or Cervin as it’s known on the Italian side, as a backdrop. Last season, a lack of snow forced the cancellation of all four races – this season….both too much snow (for the men) and then strong winds (for the women) forced the cancellation of all four downhills. That’s four races this year and four last year. It’s fair to say it’s a disaster for FIS, the international ski federation, for the racers, for the fans and for the sponsors. Of course nobody can control the weather and these decisions weren’t easy but they had no choice at all. But there’s obviously big questions about the viability of holding a race like this so early on in the season and then also so high up, the start point is at 3,800 metres! It could be the most spectacular downhill ski race but zero – 8 to the weather, ummm, it doesn’t bode well for the long term future.

And I managed to catch up with legendary British skier Konrad Bartelski and he was pretty opinionated about the whole thing and he said:

“That the Zermatt debacle happened is absolutely no surprise. Who ever thought that one could run 2 downhill races, let alone 1 downhill race, up at high altitude, in the middle of November? Certainly that crazy idea has been an awfully huge waste of money and also of the athletes time.

The FIS talked about reducing the travelling for the athletes by holding this event in the Alps, instead of flying over to Lake Louise, yet now the Swiss one’s squad are heading over to Copper Mountain to do their training…the insanity of the Zermatt experiment is a sad refection of the questionable thought processes within the ski racing bureaucracy.

The sport was extremely well served by having the November downhills in Lake Louise and it is sad that the changes were made and that have proved to be an abject failure”.

So yes, I can hear what Konrad is saying and the future of this race is in serious doubt that’s for sure.

Then we had another new ski race in the Austrian resort of Obergurgl and wow, didn’t that start with a bang. The course looked spectacular and proved to be just a little bit tougher than some were predicting – this was a men’s slalom race run in usual format with the top 30 from the first run going in reverse order in the second. Manuel Feller from Austria stormed ahead in the first run but all three British skiers, Dave Ryding, Laurie Taylor and Billy Major all made qualification and the second run.

Not a first for British ski racing and again Konrad reminded me a similar thing happened last season in Madonna di Campiglio, but still, amazing.

Unfortunately Laurie blew out in the second run despite the fact he was in the lead at that point – he was flying. Billy ended up in 16th place, a personal best and Dave missed out on the podium by 1/100th of a second in what is his ‘second home’ as he calls it. Congrats to the Austrian triple, 1, 2 and 3 with Manuel Feller taking top spot, then Marco Swartz and Michael Matt pipping Dave to that third place spot.

It currently places Great Britain in the overall number 4 world rankings spot for Alpine skiing – that won’t last too long but still it’s an incredible achievement.

Unfortunately just before the final five racers were about to start, climate activists run into the finish area spraying orange paint across the snow. This obviously disrupted the race – they were dragged away by security and police but it was not a nice scene to watch. In the middle of that, Norwegian skier Henrik Kristofferson – who we interviewed last year – decided to take on some the activists himself. It was an impressive display of attempted violence against these people (when I say impressive I am not condoning violence in any way!) it’s just he tried to take them on single handily and had to be held back by security. He was clearly angry and frustrated. I think I would be too – obviously we understand there’s a huge climate challenge but there’s probably better ways to voice this than putting people in danger which is what this group did one way or another. They obviously got attention so I don’t know, but it’s not great to see. Anyway, let’s hope we don’t see any more of this through the winter.

Also a quick mention for Luca Carrick Smith, the 18 year old rising star that won a national junior Austrian race last weekend and his two brothers Freddy and Zak are hot on his heels too. Molly Butler managed a 10th place in the girls race too. So really encouraging results for British ski racing this weekend.

DOM

Black Friday deals

Right ok, this is the time when we mention some of the deals that are around right now and there’s loads, so really a good time to jump in and book a ski trip. We can’t mention them all but these operators have a number of offers on right now and we have selected one from each but then just check them out online…

Peak Retreats: 10% off perfectly located Alexane in Samoëns, £473pp including Eurotunnel crossing for a car. offer ends November 30

Heidi: they have a number of holidays with a straight £50 off per person flying out on January 13th for a week with prices including flights and transfers.

Sunweb: has several deals with £100 off per booking starting from £553pp in 2 Alpes for a week self catering including flights and transfers.

IGLU: up to £1,000 off a booking, so now £1,600 for a 4* hotel in St Anton B&B including flights and transfers. So apparently £1,000 discount on that.

All of these offers can be found on InTheSnow.com/deals/black-Friday

There’s also deals with Mark Warner, skibeat, F&P Travel, Pierre et Vacances, SNO and VIP ski

Other operators and agents that have Black Friday deals include:

Skiline.co.uk with 20% off Club Med holidays and up to 43% off others

and skiweekends.com have up to 40% off selected chalet holidays.

We’ve checked these out and they are all genuine deals, but they do change and they do get sold out sometimes, fairly quickly.

And its worth mentioning here, keep an eye on inthesnow.com we keep an eye of great value ski holidays, gear reviews and updated news 24x7 

ROB

Wham – 40 years since Last Christmas video

This is a nice story. So almost 40 years ago Wham – of course George Michael and Andrew Ridgley, filmed the video to the song Last Christmas in the Swiss resort of Saas Fee. They needed somewhere high that would get snow in the autumn and wow, didn’t they get it.

I just watched the video, probably for the first time since 1983 on Top of the Tops when the glamour of visiting a ski resort seemed like a distant dream for most of us. I think it sparked something in me. the opening scene though reminded me of a bunch of seasonaire’s turning up at the start of winter – making friends, maybe a little bit more! But blimey, with the clothes they were wearing they wouldn’t have got too far on the slopes, it would have been their last Christmas that’s for sure!

Anyway Saas Fee remembers the crew fondly and it’s a great memory. I’ve been there myself a few times over the years and occasionally stayed in some of those cosy chalets – didn’t get the incredibly good looking models to go with it unfortunately. But hey ho, first world problems and all that.

DOM

Club Med indoor dome in China

Yes Club Med has opened an insanely huge hotel and sports complex close to Shanghai in China with its very own indoor snow dome and ski slope attached. I’m sure it has everything you’d expect from Club Med, great food, high standard of accommodation and great service. There’s now 50 indoor slopes in China, but this one has been Taicang Alps – it’s big it’s bold and it’s super blingey too.

Club Med is actually owned by a Chinese company called Fosun and Guo Guangchang, the Chairman of Fosun International, stated: “It is not easy to develop a masterpiece in five years, but like everyone else, we firmly believe that the Chinese people’s desire for a better life is always strong, and we believe that the domestic demand for cultural and tourism consumption is robust”

I’d say normally calling something a masterpiece is reserved for the ones not actually creating the thing in the first place, but I guess it’s hard to argue with Mr Guangchang – it does look very impressive indeed.

ROB

Bad news from Swindon

It was on, then it was off, then it was maybe on, they it was on (spades in the ground we were told), then there was silence, now it definitely off, apparently. The dream of a snow centre at Oasis in Swindon that would have been operated by the team from the highly successful Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is over as The legacy of Covid 19 on visitor numbers and increased energy costs are the official reasons for the projects cancellation as well as moving on from Brexit issues as the reasons given for construction not starting back in the late 2010s.  Planning permission was granted in 2018 at which point it had a £270m price tag.

Plans being considered by Swindon Council are that the current lease holders of the site, Seven Capital, will be given the exclusive rights to buy it for a minimum £6m once the swimming pool element has been refurbished and re-opened.

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Weather

ROB: So Dom what has been happening on the weather front? Literally!

Well rob a quick plug, this is getting rather awful isnt it, but i do i think its  a very helpful page, we update a regular blog about where is best to ski now and it just means if you do have that flexibiity you can keep an eye on inthesnow.com and make last minute decisions on where you wnat to go skiing :)  v cool

DOM: firstly it’s getting cold across Europe into this weekend and beyond so it great news. Easily cold enough to make snow plus many ski resorts across the Alps are forecast around 10cm of snow over the next few days too. Some areas could get significantly more than this.

ROB: yes it’s looking fantastic, so where is open right now?

DOM: right now it’s mainly the high glacier areas that are open for skiing, but conditions are very good. the likes of Hintertux and Sölden in Austria and Tignes and Val Thorens in France that opened early and are experiencing good snow.

The link between Tignes and Val d’Isère is due to open next weekend, which is pretty early, so that means the main ski area will be open for business.

In Switzerland Saas Fee and Zermatt are open and Verbier has been open on the weekends too, but will start opening through the week after next weekend.

So yes a really good start and as we get into December we’ll start to see the resorts opening up their areas with good conditions pretty much across the board. It did warm up a little bit just over a week ago and some of the early lower snow melted, but it’s getting much much colder again and snow is forecast.

ROB: what about Norway? I’ve seen some great pictures coming through from there….

DOM: yes fantastic conditions in Norway and Sweden right now. the resort of Hafjell is open, just a two hour train journey from Oslo Airport. Conditions look incredible and the rest of Scandinavia too with colder weather moving in. Myrkdalen on the west coast is forecasting around 15cm of snow this weekend on top of a base and temps are due to drop to minus 15 or lower and that is the west coast. By next week the maximum temperature in the town of Lillehammer will be minus 10, with sunny skies so yes, great conditions.

ROB: and what about North America Dom, how’s it looking..

DOM: well they have had some snow in Colorado and temperatures are dropping. It’s looking a little dry and sunny over the next week or so with a little bit of snow forecast. Same in Montana – so they are probably looking at getting a bit more snow as we get to the other side of thanksgiving, but the East Coast areas seem to be getting really cold and snowy weather with Killington expecting around 30 cm’s in the next week. It’s really good news for the east coast after a pretty average winter last year.

Up in Canada things are looking pretty good in the Banff area already, but cold and dry conditions again this week. Whistler the same but they are expecting heavy snow by the end of next week.

ROB: and over in Japan? We heard it was very warm there recently…

DOM: Yes it was but the good news is that the north island of Hokkaido has got cold and there’s now snow forecast with more forecast over the coming week so the likes of Niseko will start to look good. It’s still a bit mild down in Hakuba, so they haven’t had the best start to winter yet, but again there is snow forecast for next week and potentially quite a lot.

ROB: okay that’s a great round up thanks Dom. Certainly looking positive in Europe and I was checking the weather maps out myself and it’s good to see those low pressure fronts piling in with cold temperatures as well. feels like this could be a big one!

Gear

So rob we do hundreds of gear reviews each year on inthesnowmag on youtube so this section is dedicated 

Ecoski and plus sizes ski gear

EcoSki, the UK’s leading platform for the very best technical ski apparel from the most sustainable brands, is once again breaking the mould by offering plus-size kit for skiers and snowboarders to rent this winter. 

New to hire — or purchase — for the 2023/34 winter season on EcoSki.co.uk is skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men.

 “By stocking these much-needed, inclusive sizes in skiwear we are cementing our position as a platform that wants to encourage change across the industry,” says EcoSki founder, Rachael Westbrook. “Two in three adults in Britain are larger than the sizes we see on all ski brand models — yet there are limited options available to anyone plus-size, taller or shorter than this for proper, technical ski kit.

“By offering these extensive ranges this winter we are not only changing the way we approach shopping and acquiring/wasting of skiwear but also to be inclusive of everyone. This winter we are stocking plus-size skiwear from Maier Sports and Halti, but haven’t found any other larger sizes in other sustainable ski brands — and want to take this opportunity to call on the ski industry to start

The team, spearheaded by founder Rachael Westbrook and ambassador Chemmy Alcott, is on a mission to help change the ski industry’s current linear system of “Make-Take-Dispose” and pushing the ski industry to become fully circular. 

visit EcoSki.co.uk

Heated Gloves and Socks: The Ultimate Solution for Cold Feet and Hands

Say goodbye to cold feet and hands forever. Imagine having cozy and warm feet and hands in any situation. That’s what HeatPerformance® heated gloves and socks can do for you. Whether you are skiing or just outdoors enjoying the great outdoors, heated socks and gloves are a true game changer anyone who suffers and will keep your toes and fingers comfortable and snug all day!

Heated Ski Socks

Heat Performance ® POWER Ski Sock – 

HeatPerformance® have a collection of 4 different ski socks to suit everyone. We tested the HeatPerformance ® POWER Sock. Overall I was impressed by the quality and design of these socks. They are soft, breathable and stretchy, with good cushioning and support. The heating system is powerful and easy to use, with three temperature settings and a slim battery pack that fits snugly in the pocket on the upper calf. They heat up quickly and evenly, warming my toes, feet, and ankles. The battery life is also pretty decent, lasting for about 6 hours on the lowest setting and 3-4 hours on the highest setting. They are also durable and washable (remember to remove the batteries and follow the washing instructions.)

RRP starting at £99.95

HeatPerformance® CLASSIC heated ski gloves – 

With a wide variety of heated ski gloves to choose from we tested the HeatPerformance ® CLASSIC Ski Gloves.  If you are looking for a pair of heated gloves that are durable, comfortable and effective, you might want to consider taking a look at this range.  These gloves are made of goat leather, which is soft and flexible, and polyester, which is water-resistant and breathable. They have a heating system that covers the back of the hand, the fingers and the thumb, and can be adjusted to three different levels of warmth. The battery life is fairly decent, lasting up to 7.5 hours on low setting and 2.5 hours on high setting.

The gloves also have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you can use your phone or other devices without taking them off!  We found them super easy to use, with a simple button on the cuff that turns the heating on and off. They also come with a charger and a storage bag. We believe these are worth the investment!

RRP £149.95

Heated underwear set HeatPerformance® MOTIVE – 

Maybe you just get cold everywhere! So, if you are looking for a way to keep warm without lots of layers, you might want to try the heated underwear set HeatPerformance® MOTIVE. This set consists of a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of pants that have built-in carbon fiber heating sheets that can heat up to 65°C in only 3 seconds!

The set has nine heating zones that cover your chest, back, abdomen, thighs and knees and you can adjust the temperature to three different levels with a simple button on the tights and top.  The set is made of soft and comfortable fabric that is breathable and moisture-wicking. The set is powered by a USB cable that you can connect to a power bank (not included) or any other USB device.

We regularly review the latest gear on our youtube channel see our Gear Playlist Here, or for the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well as up to date gear reviews, you can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.

RRP £209.96

But from heatperformance.co.uk 

Reusch Gloves

An Icon re-visited! After being a skiers favourite for many years the Down Spirit model has been updated for even more comfort. Featuring a premium natural down insulation, high quality Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof insert, technical soft shell base with resistant goatskin leather, they keep the hands comfortably warm and dry in even the harshest weather conditions.

Membrane: Gore-Tex which is a waterproof and windproof membrane

Insulation: Real down – Natural feather down which offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Soft light and fluffy nature with excellent heat retention capacity. Protected by a breathable and waterproof “down-proof bag”

Palm: Goatskin Leather

Shell: Softshell Premium – Offering maximum wearing comfort and supreme softness. These fabrics are highly breathable and are 4-way stretchable to ensure maximum freedom of movement.

Lining: MicroActive – Very soft polyester lining offering high wearing comfort and prevents skin irritations. Absorbs moisture from the skin and transports it to the surface. Temperature regulating and with anti-static capabilities.

Other features: Powder Cuff / Adjustable wristband strap / Stopper System / Inner Storm Cuff / Reinforced fingertips / Heating Pocket / Ventilation Zip / Comfort Leash

Recommended Retail Price: £150.00

Places to buy: Snow + Rock & Ellis Brigham

Resort focus

Courmayeur

It’s time for our resort focus of the week and we’ve decided to heard to the Aosta Valley to take a look at Courmayeur.

I think we have both been there right?

Dom yep rob i have literally just booked to go for new year, honestly one of my favourite places, 

Yes a few times. And I have either stayed there or skied there by travelling through the Mont Blanc tunnel from Chamonix. It’s literally just the other side.

It is incredible as you pop out of the tunnel and into Italy - you really do feel like you’ve suddenly materialised in another country within that short drive through the tunnel, although it has been closed for several weeks and it’s not sure to re-open until December 18/19 - big warning there for anyone planning to drive before that.

But let’s start with the town itself. It;s very pretty and the long pedestrianised street is full of boutiquey type shops, cafe’s and bars. And of course you’re in Italy so there’s plenty of restaurants - Italian restaurants of course but that’s okay! You’re going to eat well in Courmayeur whether on or off the mountain.

Dom check out the 

Lachaumiere bistro on the mountain its rare i rave about a foodie place this is exceptional with exceptional views

It’s quite a compact town and accommodation is mostly in hotels, although there’s a few hamlets such as Dolonne that you can ski back to at the end of the day. But the normal route to the ski area is via the cable car from town to Plan Checrouit which is also used to get back too. This is the central hub area with restaurants and other lifts spanning out from the area, as well as the ski school and a beginners area. 

There’s another access point to the ski area close to the Mont Blanc Tunnel at Val Veny where a large car park serves anyone coming through from France. This is also close to the Skyway Cable car that goes up the other side of the valley, but more of that in a minute.

So the main ski area, a bit like the town, is compact. With around 40km’s of marked slopes, it’s not the largest ski area in the Alps, but what it lacks in size, it definitely makes up for in character. I’d go so far as to call it a technical ski area - it has some really interesting terrain that is very varied, from wide, mellow runs through the trees to steeper, moguled slopes that can be really challenging. Then there’s the off-piste, which is abundant and in places, very steep and challenging. You’ve got to be careful here and a guide is recommended. The area best suits strong intermediate and advanced skiers - they will get the most of it. 

The Skyway cable car, which opened in 2015 is a two part ride to 3,400 metres making it one of the highest in the Alps. it’s a spectacular journey to the Point Helbronner, literally the other side of Mont Blanc from Chamonix. During the winter it provides access to the Valley Blanch (ski down to Cham and then drive back through the tunnel), or you can, in the right conditions, ski off-piste back down to the middle station. I have never done this but i have been up there in the summer and it’s steep.again a guide here is a must.

The society of Alpine guides based in Courmayeur is the oldest mountain guide organisation in the world, they were founded in 1850, and you can book a fully qualified mountain guide with them, check out guidecourmayeur.com 

So adventurous skiing but Dom, i took my family here once and we had a great time. My daughter must have been about 8 years old and she went to the local ski school and i must say they were very good, very friendly and there’s plenty of blue runs across the mountain. 

And then there’s the food - back to that again but worth mentioning that every mountain restaurant you stop at just seems to ooze this incredible italian food that doesn't cost the world - ok it’s a little higher priced here than in a small village let’s say but it’s still pretty good value. 

A particularly memorable experience for me was the restaurant Chiecco very close to that central hub area of Plan Checrouit. What a place, one of the best meals i have had in the Alps and i have had a lot!! Ha ha 

Okay so some facts and figures:

40 km’s of slopes give or take a few

Resort height is 1200 

The main skiing area goes up to 2,755m - but obviously Skyway is much higher

There’s 18 lifts, 59% of the area is red runs, 27% blue and 14% black

It can take as little as 1.5 hours to drive from Geneva Airport if the tunnel is clear (but it can take longer) and it’s two hours from Turin. 

Lots of tour operators go there, including Flexksi. Momentum run a gourmet weekend there with celebrity chefs….

Bucket list

Yes so today on our bucket list destination we have a relatively easy place to get to, but perhaps not so easy to ski in. it’s the ski ‘resort’ of La Grave in France, in between Les 2 Alpes and Serre Chevalier that for many skiers and snowboarders that like to go off-piste or want big adventure do have this place on the ‘must go to one day’ list and lots of people always ask me what it’s like.

I have only been there a couple of times and I’ll admit I don’t know the place like the back of my hand or anything like that but I can at least share my thoughts and experience.

The first time I went there I got interrogated by the guide at the bottom of the cable car – he checked us out, made sure we had avalanche safety kit on, it was quite funny. He asked me where I normally skied and I said Verbier – he told me I’d be better off going back there.

Then I asked him if he had any recommendations for the best route, waving a ‘piste’ map in front of him. Not much of a piste map to be honest but he pointed out one of two marked routes and told us to head there, but he said: “it’s very steep, very rocky and very dangerous”. Oh, I said, maybe another route then. “yes” he said, “ of course, go here, it is very steep, very rocky and very dangerous”

Well at least we knew what we were in for. He was right – firstly the gondola ride takes at least 40 minutes to the top. Then just getting into the skiing area itself involved jumping over a large cornice onto a very steep slope. The guide wasn’t wrong. There was absolutely nobody around except we saw a family looking perplexed and frightened, clawing their way back to the cable car at the top after realising they should have probably stayed on the nice slopes of Les 2 Alpes.

La Grave is a seriously extreme place to ski. It has seen many casualties over the years, including the legendary extreme skier Doug Coombs, who died in accident on one of the areas famous couloirs.

If you stick to the couple of marked descents then there’s nothing particularly extreme about the skiing compared to say many other off piste type itinerary runs you might find in other resorts know for freeride skiing – think Chamonix, Verbier, Zermatt

But with a 2,000 metre vertical and a huge amount of terrain, using the services of a guide if you want to explore anything beyond that one or two ‘marked’ (expand) routes is an absolute must.

Do not attempt to ski here alone or without someone that knows where they are going, preferably a professional.

The village itself is very small – it’s basically a one bar town although to be honest there might be more than one bar. Accommodation is available, but you might be better off staying somewhere like Serre Chevalier or even Briançon and driving up for a day.

There is an official website for the resort: lagrave-lameije.com, bit complicated but the resort say this:

“Some days you will ski the off-piste routes of La Grave in powder, sometimes in cold and compact snow and sometimes in difficult snow or in changing conditions. In La Grave, the mountain demands respect and you need to know how to deal with the current conditions. Every run down the mountain is a new adventure and every time you stop there are marvellous mountain views galore”.

Basically, If you like tough off-piste skiing then it’s the place for you. if you don’t, then stay away.

Best way to get there is fly to Grenoble or Turin, Chambery could work. there’s a few operators offering the chance to book holidays there including Iglu and Heidi, but you’d need to speak with them because they don’t offer packages. The Ski Club of Great Britain run a few courses there, the Feb one this year is sold out but a few places on the March trip. 

**************

Listeners questions…

I’ve got a 2 year old is it silly to go skiing

Muy hundband  would you recommend for a group of ladies skiing togetehr

Do I have to book early for half term or can i leave relatively last minute

So that’s it for this edition of the podcast….

***************

Best Piste Skis

Dom:

So listeners welcome to our bonus episode of the white out podcast where we are talking about our winter ski testing and this week it’s all about Piste skis.

And of course we have our co-host here, Rob Stewart, to talk a bit about how we test skis and then also delve a bit deeper into what an on piste ski is and who it might be for. 

Rob:

Yes hi Dom – it’s always exciting to talk ski hardware at the start of the season and fantastic for us to get the opportunity to try out all of these skis a season before they even come out in the shops.

Before we get into the thick of it rob, Time to mention today’s sponsors, Ski Independence & Canada’s Alberta.

The team at Ski Independence have been sending customers to Alberta’s ski resorts for almost 30 years. With oodles of personal experience, they know all about the best places to stay, the best travel options… and everything in between: from Banff’s best eateries, breathtaking scenery at Lake Louise and wildlife spotting opportunities, to how to get the best out of a multi-centre itinerary – they highly recommended road-tripping up the spectacular Icefields Parkway for an experience like no other.

Book with tailor-made specialists Ski Independence before the end of October, and under 12s will ski & rent for free in Banff & Lake Louise, and lift tickets in Jasper’s Marmot Basin are half price until the end of November. Visit ski-i.com/alberta to find out more.

Dom:

Okay Rob so give us a quick overview of how we test skis then.

Rob:

Yes so last season we went to the resort of La Clusaz in France and had 18 ski brands to try out over a whole week. We had a team of six skiers, men and women, including members of the British ski team, one Olympian and two world freeride tour skiers. I then organise all the ski lists and we get through as many as we can in that week.

The piste ski category is very important and the second most represented after all mountain skis. There were 428 piste skis to test, although that includes various sizes in the same model. 

Dom:

Ok so firstly who are on piste skis for?

Rob:

Good question and sounds obvious but clearly for anyone that basically stays on the piste or groomed slopes all or almost all of the time. 

But that could mean a complete beginner, or a professional alpine ski racer so it spans the entire width of ability levels.

So within the on-piste category you have skis for beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers and experts. 

Dom:

So why would you choose a piste ski if you’re say an intermediate or advanced skier, over say an all mountain ski?

Rob:

Yes right. that depends! Many of the piste skis we test are aimed towards advanced and expert skiers that love to carve their turns on groomed slopes. They are fairly high performance skis – not in the race category, but pushing towards that sort of performance. 

Let’s face it, if you’re a beginner you’re more likely to rent skis anyway and if you’re progressing as a skier and want versatility, or maybe your first ski purchase, you’re probably looking for an all mountain ski – in my opinion!

But what a dedicated piste ski can bring can really up that level of performance and therefore fun, on those groomed slopes.

Dom:

So makes an on piste ski then, compared to say an all mountain one?

Rob:

Well firstly the sidecut is important and most piste skis that aren’t in the race category have a sidecut between around 70 to 75mm under the boot. Once you start pushing up to 80mm you’re in the all mountain category. 

Dom:

So what’s the right length for a piste ski then?

Rob:

That’s a good question! It depends a bit on what you’re looking for, what kind of turn radius you want and just what feels right to you. 

A ski designed for shorter radius, let’s say slalom type turns, will be shorter. I’m around 175cm tall so I would definitely be going for something smaller than that, say 170cm. if you look at world cup professional slalom skiers, their minimum ski lengths for men is 165cm and for women it’s 155cm and I would imagine most of them stick to that size – only I don’t know that specifically. 

But if you look at the widths of their slalom skis the minimum is 63mm under foot so very narrow. 

But for most skiers they might want more versatility than a pure slalom ski so that’s why the width tends to be between 70 and 75mm and then the length say between 5cm to 15cm below your height depending on the turn radius you want. Personally I normally like a slightly longer ski because I want to have stability at speed and I’m just more used to that.

Dom:

So what about turn radius, what is it?

Rob:

Simply put it’s the radius of the circle that determines the turn shape of the ski. Of course this can vary hugely depending on factors such as how much pressure you put on the ski and the rotation you might use within a turn. 

Typically performance piste skis have a turn radius between 15 and 20 metres, depending on the skis length and sidecut.  

If you look at the minimum turn radius for GS skis in the world cup though, it’s 30 metres. So way longer that any off the shelf piste ski for normal skiers. FIS increased this standard several years ago after WC skiers were just getting a bit out of hand with their turns and it was causing issues. Try skiing on one of the world cup GS skis with a 30 metre radius and it’s a different ball game. 

Just to finish on this – I wouldn’t get too strung up on turn radius unless you’re looking for something very specific. 

Dom:

And a lot of piste skis come with a rocker too right? I mean that makes sense for off-piste because it helps float, but why on a piste ski?

Rob:

Yes right. so on a piste ski there’s often a small rocker on the tip that just helps the turn initiation of the ski. It does work, I certainly don’t like a huge rocker but that little bit extra helps – if Tesco did skis!

Dom:

Anything else people need to consider before buying those piste skis…

Rob:

Well try to get hold of the skis you’re looking to buy first and try them out. Failing that, go into a store and speak to an expert. Unless you know exactly what you want, don’t buy them online and if you do buy them online, go to a website of a UK retailer, whether a national such as Ellis Brigham or an independent like Ski Bartlett. 

*********************

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Intro to episode 5

Dom - so rob, big shout out to our sponsors today Ski Independence and Canada’s Alberta…do you know Ski Independence?

Rob - yep, I know our friends up in Edinburgh, do you know they’ve been helping people holiday in Alberta for almost 30 years

Dom - wow 30 years that’s some serious experience in a fabulous place!!

Rob - yep they know everything from Banff’s après ski locations, to wildlife spotting in Lake Louise, to getting the best out of a multi-centre itinerary – like road-tripping up the spectacular Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper for an experience like no other!

Dom - rob, you know my suggestion?

Rob - no go on Dom

Dom - Book with tailor-made specialists Ski Independence before the end of October, and under 12s will ski & rent for free in Banff & Lake Louise, and lift tickets in Jasper’s Marmot Basin are half price until the end of November. Visit ski-i.com/alberta to find out more.

*****

Welcome back to the 5th podcast of this season – yes the 5th! Just a reminder to our listener’s that we released a special episode last week looking at all mountain skis for this winter.

And as always I am joined by my co-host, the scruffy, disorganised, idiotic and frankly terrible skier, Rob Stewart.

Ah thanks Dom, well finally a bit of honesty, I’m glad you cleared the air. I do agree a bit, I mean this is the time of year I compare to apples – well if you eat an apple in say August just before harvest time they have been in storage for months (let’s forget we can get them from the southern hemisphere for a minute) and it’s same for me right now and skiing. It has been a long time, the longest time, before the season kicks off again. So I’m a bit like a rotting apple. Not that I’m any better at the end of the season to be honest, more like broken and knackered, but happy obviously.

I think there’s a song in that.

What broken and happy? Yes let’s work on that one.

Anyway, back on piste what is happening this week Dom?

We have the usual news roundup, the snow section which seems to have plenty to say, the latest gear and we take a look at Park City in our regular resort spotlight.

Right first up is our packed out news section, what’s happening

News:

dom

New lift and ski area in La Plagne

One of the most popular ski resorts in France, La Plagne, is opening a brand new gondola lift for the start of this season that is the first stage of a huge project linking Plagne Bellecôte with the glacier. This first stage is the 10 seater Glaciers Gondola, starting from Roche de Mio and going up to 3,000 metres. It will open up new terrain for skiers and snowboarders and apparently offer a panoramic view over the Vanoise glacier. The lift will also operate during the summer – it’s a 10 minute journey and the lift will carry 2,700 people per hour. Looking forward to trying it?

Check out Laplagneresort.com for more info

ROB

Dartbus

A British owned and operated company called Dartbus has launched a new service that links Geneva Airport directly with some of the largest ski resorts in the French Alps and operates exclusively to the Tarentaise region. Direct destinations include Val Thorens, Tignes and Val d’Isère with stops in Moutiers (for Meribel and Courchevel), Aime (for La Plagne) and Bourg St Maurice (for Les Arcs) also available.

Fares cost £50 one-way direct to the resort or £90 for a return journey including luggage and ski or snowboard equipment. Tickets are flexible and can be changed up to one week before travel and any passengers that experience flight delays will be moved onto the next available bus.

There is a dedicated Dartbus desk at the arrivals hall in Geneva Airport (Swiss side).

Dartbus.co.uk

ROB

Ski Club survey

The Ski Club of Great Britain has released the results of its 2023 State of the UK Snowsports Market survey in partnership with Snow + Rock and the Mountain Trade Network.

Some of the key findings include:

39% of respondents saying they intend to book two holidays for this winter, up from 33% from last year. But 40% saying the reason why they didn’t book a skiing holiday last season was due to cost.

Apparently though, for around 20% of the market, cost is not an issue at all.

The booking season is becoming more polarised, with more early bookings – 55% of skiers booking more than 6 months before departure compared to 35% pre-Covid. But there’s also an increase in late bookings of less than a month, with 13% saying they intend to do this compared to 7% last year.

More people are planning to stay in apartments versus hotels for this winter with 28% saying they will book a self-catered apartment compared to 25% last winter. And whilst 31% are saying they intend to stay in a 4* hotel this winter, last season only 23% said they did. Suggesting that intent to upgrade doesn’t always become fulfilled.

Whilst last winter 77% took a flight for their skiing holiday, this year 12% of respondents intend to take a train, compared to only 2% taking the train last season. But a combined 92% say that more train services and lowers costs would be the most likely factors in encouraging them to take the train in the future.

There are rising concerns about climate change and the rate at which climate change is becoming a factor in decision making for snowsports is climbing more steeply than any other factor, although the data is more mixed in terms of the significance of individual sustainability related polices on skier decision making. Skiers say they care deeply about sustainability, but other factors - most notably cost - currently rank higher.

UK skiers are getting fitter compared to pre-Covid years when 15% of respondents admitted doing no exercise between ski seasons, this has dropped to only 10%. The most popular off snow activities to prepare for skiing are cycling and hiking.

Skiers are also dreaming about the experiences they would like to have including Heli-skiing and travelling to long haul destinations with Canada and Japan top of the bucket list destinations. But perhaps more realistically over 30% would like to try ski touring at some point, and almost 30% intend to ski tour this winter.

Skiclub.co.uk

DOM

H&M MOVE SNOW COLLECTION

SkiWeekends launch CO2 travel comparison tool

Flexible and short break specialist SkiWeekends has launched an online tool that enables people to check their carbon emissions and compare what they would use against travelling by train or vehicle to the Alps.

For example they use Val Thorens to demonstrate that if you fly and use a transfer bus, your CO2 emissions would be 223.3KG’s. But if you took the train to Geneva and then got the bus, it would only be 15.4KG’s. It’s a huge difference - even if you drove all the way there in a vehicle it would be 104.9 KG’s.

SkiWeekends points out that actually over 70% of the carbon emissions we use on a skiing holiday is through flying. 

Every resort page includes a comparison chart for that resort. So it’s easy to see what you would use with each travel choice you make.

This isnt solving the worlds problems but it’s definitely highlighting the challenges and that is creating awareness which in turn will i’m sure drive demand for train travel which will hopefully increase services and drive down prices. 

SkiWeekends also say that taking the train from London is pretty much the same time as flying - that’s if you’re based in London and taking airport times into consideration obviously. 

To be honest it’s hard to beat the plane for time but there’s not a huge amount in it and i can say from experience that the whole experience is more relaxing and less tiring. Let’s be honest, airports now aren't exactly glamorous places to travel through.

Check it out at skiweekends.com/news/travel-greener-to-the-alps

Weather:

ROB: So Dom, how are things looking out there in the world of snow and mountains as we start to get into the business end of the autumn.

DOM: Well firstly we caught up with our friend in Chamonix, David Robertson, this week and he says: “this is the best snow we have seen at this time of the season in the past 18 years I have been in Chamonix. There’s already a number of tracks up there – the mid station lifts are still open for hikers but it’s skiers that are taking advantage of it.”

ROB: No high pressure then blocking all that snow, yippee.

DOM: yes and the main thing is that the general feeling is that the snow is secure now we are into November, it should just keep building on what is now there, with temperatures looking set to remain cold enough, at least up at the sort of altitudes you’d expect to get snow early on in the season.

ROB: Okay so what’s looking like the best bet for an early season trip then? I’m planning to head to the French Alps on the first weekend of December…

DOM: let’s start in the French Alps then. Tons of snow reports and social media images coming in this week of snow, and lots of it, above around 1500 metres.

Firstly, Tignes has announced that it will open a week earlier than planned, on the 18th November, the weekend after next, rather than the 25th.

Hannah Bolger of France-specialist ski holiday company Peak Retreats, contacted us about this and she said: “They’re opening up the Glacier with an option of a returning slope to Val Claret, via the Double M piste! With the continued ‘progressing-opening’ of the rest of the ski area from 25th November. It’s very exciting news for the start of the season!”

It isn’t only Tignes opening early but a number of resorts have announced early openings over the next few weekends due to all the snowfall in the Alps, including Kitzbuhel and Schladming in Austria this weekend, Madonna di Campiglio in Italy from the 18th and Arosa, Davos and Verbier in Switzerland from this weekend, joining more than a dozen glacier ski areas that have already opened, but Tignes is the first French resort to announce and early opening.

Resorts in the Alps have reported up to 60cm (two feet) of snowfall on high slopes since last Friday and more significant snowfall is forecast for the week ahead, expected to be heaviest in the French and western Alps.

Val Thorens opening weekend is scheduled for November 25 and 26, The Grand Premier and checking the webcams, it looks like the middle of winter already there with snow way below the resort and 45 cm’s of snow is forecast for Val Thorens over the next 7 days on top of what they already have. So I’m thinking we’ll see the lifts cranking up earlier there too. 

ROB: Dom, this must absolutely be the best start to a winter for years.

DOM: it looks like, but either way, it’s a very good start.

ROB: what about elsewhere?

DOM: yep Switzerland is looking pretty good too and Austria – the mountains are looking pretty white in St Anton and although the snow level there isn’t quite down to the resort (1300 metres) it’s pretty close and there’s around 30 cm’s more forecast down to resort level in the next 7 days.

The Dolomites and the likes of Bormio in Italy also have snow, certainly on the higher slopes but in many areas the snow is pretty low down too. Cervinia is all set for the weekend’s downhill race and it is looking spectacular on the course right now – I think it will look like proper winter, if you get the chance to catch it on Eurosport this weekend.

There’s not quite as much snow forecast for the Southern Alps over the next week but there’s still 17cm forecast for Serre Chevalier, so it’s pretty decent down there too.

ROB: what about North America Dom, what’s happening there?

DOM: they are also seeing good early snowfall.

Places such as Arapaho basin and keystone are already reporting around 45cm’s of snow on their upper slopes and there’s up to 10 cm’s forecast for the next week. They have snow all the way down too so it’s a fantastic start to the season in Colorado and the likes of Utah, Montana and Wyoming.

It looks sunny and cold in California this week but again they have had snow and there’s more forecast in the next two weeks.

Over in the east, Killington is starting to open and it’s fairly cold so they can make snow.

It has been very warm over in Japan recently and they even just recorded a record November temperate of 27 degrees in Tokyo but the good news is, it’s turning much colder in Hokkaido and snow is forecast for next week, but temperatures do need to drop further in Hakuba. We know they will and I’ve got a good feeling it will be a big one over there too this season.

It does look like we have a great start to winter. We have been saying that we are due a good winter soon – it does feel like it

Gear:

Helly Hansen – Ski Free initiative

So this is a news story linked to one of our favourite brands, Helly Hansen. It’s called Ski Free and you get a day of skiing in one of over 50 premiere resorts in Europe or North America when you buy a ski jacket or pants from the latest Helly Hansen ski collection.  

And there’s some fantastic world class resorts in the mix too. The likes of Chamonix, Verbier and Gstaad and Hafjell and Kvitfjell in Norway and Kicking Horse, one of my favourites in Canada and Snowbasin, just a couple of the north American resorts on offer. Glenshee is on the list too, so perhaps take that opportunity to ski in Scotland this year with a seriously good bit of kit. You’ll likely need it!

It’s a pretty simple deal and the website is really informative and clear about where you can ski for free and how it works. You either get a full free day’s lift pass or for some areas, it’s a two for one deal. It does a bit of a no brainer if you’re thinking about buying some new kit for this season – I mean, why not get a free days skiing in too?!

Check it out at hellyhansen.com/skifree

Planks on Rainkiss: The freshest recycled poncho drop in time for Xmas

Manchester, UK, November 2023 - Planks, the makers of proper good ski gear (it’s what they say), are buzzing, apparently, to be working in collaboration with the people at Rainkiss, as they release their new recycled ponchos and bucket hats. They say: “As proud Mancunians, we’re all too familiar with non-stop filthy downpours , but you can trust in this gear to keep you dry from Piccadilly to Amsterdam, and all the way to the mountains!”

What Amsterdam has got to do with who knows, although i can fathom a guess. 

They keep on talking in their cool down with the kids way and i kind of like it so in their words: “If your rainy day tunes are ironically drying up, just scan the QR code on the cuff of the poncho for a weather update and fresh new collab playlist from Planks & Rainkiss. This gear won’t just make you look sick, it’ll provide the beats as you stomp through puddles or fly down mountains. At Planks, we champion the versatility of our gear, and this collaboration is no different. This unisex kit blends both functionality and fashion, with the hand-designed print ensuring you’re remaining steezy and dry on any rainy day. Whether you’re hopping between bars in the city or heading to a wet après, this gear will keep you dry and looking fresh .

Jim Adlington, Founder of Planks Clothing, comments: “We’re stoked to finally release this awesome line for our community with our friends at Rainkiss. As a brand rooted in Manchester, we see about 40 inches of rain each year, so we feel that Rainkiss is the perfect partner to embrace our love of the outdoors and celebrate taking it outside whatever the weather.” 

The Planks on Rainkiss poncho is available to purchase from planksclothing.com for £69, whilst the bucket hat can be yours for £37.

Dom fauna

So met this guy at the ski show, young guy, well younger than me! Ha ah

10 years of research,  5 years of developing & testing designs built by his own hands the result

 beautiful, wood finished now factory-produced skis.

These freeskis started out as park skis so dealing with things i know nothig about like the fight between edge cracks of factory-detuned skis  thick edges walls vs high performance and keeping the skis looking good.

Following on from the park they moved into  all-mountain freeride ski, the Pioneer, as the ski is called, was built finding a balance between weight and stability.

All production is in small batches built in a specialist factory, based in the Czech Republic, using the best quality materials available, after extensive development and testing on mountains across the world.

So they have their freestyle skis called the alparka…did you see what theyve done there alpaca, and the omni that are their freestyle skis. Then they have their freeride skis the pioneer and i know they have more in development.

Their skis start at 425 and head up to 1000 but these are very very coo skis that yo arent gonna see on every tom dick and harry

Rob axiski

Resort Spotlight – Park City

DOM: You know when most people think of skiing in the US they don’t always think about Utah, but Park City, which is in Utah, happens to also be the largest skiing area in the USA.

ROB: Don’t think that many people know that!

DOM: Utah’s strapline is ‘the Greatest Snow on Earth’ and yes maybe it is a bit of clever marketing but let’s face it, they aren’t wrong. And the 2022/2023 season was record breaking, with over 600 inches of snow in Park City through the winter. That’s over 15 metres.

ROB: It’s a lot of snow.

DOM: Yes but not only that, because of Utah’s location on the western side of the Rockies, they get huge snow fronts coming in from the Pacific that get the moisture sucked out by the dessert so when it snows, it’s really light. That is why they claim the greatest snow on earth and of course it’s a nice play on words right.

ROB: yes of course, like it really is the greatest show on earth!

DOM: ha, exactly. One of the great things about Park City is the fact there’s Direct flights from Heathrow airport to Salt Lake City Airport, and then it’s just a 35-minute drive to the resort. So yes it’s a longer flight but a very easy transfer once you land.

And of course deer valley and park city are not far apart at all only about 10-15 mins.

Deer valley no snowboarders lyndsey vonn town massive condos super smart loads of cash

Park city more of a cowboy town real saloon bars massive ski area 7300 acres of terrain loads of shops bars and restaurants, easily got to park city as a non skiers and be well occupied known for the sundance film festival every year

Distillery as you get in these old towns and obv based on a gold mining town you can go visit a cool museum there but also they will ski tour you around the mining areas and even see some of the old preserved mine shafts.

Fab sustainability plan with free public transport throughout the area on the trolleys (trams to you and me) but these are zero emissions so thats a real commitment to being as eco friendly as they possibly can be .

Super hotels there The Pendry is the latest big addition super slick hotel there but also plenty of condos too for the more budget conscious and same in deer valley.

DOM: so here’s a few facts and figures – we’ve already mentioned that Park City is the largest skiable area in the US right. okay so there’s over 7,000 acres of terrain with 40 lifts and over 330 trails – yes that is 330. There’s around 1,000 vertical metres too, with the base at around 2,000 and the peak at 3,000 metres. It’s high and the snow is dry! There’s also 7 terrain parks and tons of skiing for all levels – beginners to experts. In fact 50% of the trails are marked black diamond but there’s just tons of room for everyone.

That’s before you even start to talk about close by Deer Valley that is super smart, very upmarket and of course the location for the moguls competition at the 2002 winter Olympic games.

And then there’s the Olympic Park just outside Park City that held so many other events such as the bobsled, skeleton, luge, and the Nordic combined events.

Now Woodpark Park City offers 80 acres of indoor and outdoor action sports too. it’s a huge action sports centre with its own terrain park for skiers and snowboarders.

ROB: And just been checking out the webcams there this week and it’s looking white even down in the town. It must be so exciting for the people there to see that in early November.

Bucket list – Japan 

ROB: Japan - a place that i have never been to Dom but i know you have skied there. It’s certainly on my bucket list and i really need to get myself over that way. There’s no excuse for it, i even have a very good mate that owns a huge ski lodge in Hakuba and i have never been to visit. It’s starting to get silly. 

Thing is, it’s a long way and i guess it is going to be expensive. 

So i sort of know why i want to go - the powder, the food, the cultural experience, the cities, the strange vending machines that sell little plastic things that are totally useless - ok maybe not that. 

And vending machine rob in petrol station  that sell ready made noodles!!

But apart from all that, why i should spend loads more going to Japan that hopping across to the Alps?

DOM: 

So rob i flew heathrow  to haneda which is Tokyos airport, and i have to say it did feel quite daunting. Going to a place where you have zero hope of understanding any word just by staring at it any longer or trying to shout an english word that much louder wasnt gonna help anyone understand it.

So haneda airport the imm ediate thing that hit me was the helpfulness and politeness of the locals and the cleanliness, it felt super organised and super slick, i loved that.

I got myself a cab to a nearby airport as before hitting the jappow as they call it, i wanted to have a couple of days in tokyo itself, and what a massive bonus that is.

I expected everything to be super high tech, but it wasnt, in fact the hotel didnt feel that way at all, however i guess it was pretty much an airport hotel so i guess what do you expect.

I got myself a tube map, that represented a paper form of a bowl of noodles and headed into the centre of the city, i had to maximise my time i didnt feel too knackered after the flight so off i went.

I have to say i did rather feel that i needed to tie a bit of string to myself as looking at the tube map i did rather wonder how on earth i would ever find my way back.

Regardless i had the most fab 2 days in tokyo i totally fall in love with the place, some highlights for me were (please forgive my jap[anes pronunciations):

Senso ji 

Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto, but Senso-ji  is the city’s most popular. The atmosphere here is one for the bucket list. Senso-ji, the temple itself, is at the end of the shopping street, while a recently renovated five-story pagoda stands to the left (ranking in as the second tallest pagoda in Japan). Japanese visitors flutter around a large cauldron in front of the temple where incense burned inside is said to benefit good health. Travelers keen to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even tourists that are remotely interested in Japanese culture will find something to appreciate here., that was a truly epic strat to proiceedings

  Harmonica Yokocho

This is a bunch of narrow alleys, stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the wall eateries. This place is incredible stuffed with (mainly men) bearing in mind this was 9am , they were sitting cheak to cheak in lines eating everything under the sun.  I was too shy to jam myself between them but the street food smelt fantastic, i just wasnt hungry enough yet after my flight!

Moving swiftly on because i know everytone just wants to hear about the skiing but

Tokyo Skytree a 2080 ft tower with 360 degree views of the city

Shibuya crossing the busiest intersection crossing in the world with massive video screens flashing way over head

Shinjuku national garden, absolute glorious blossom trees

Rob i could go on here for hours just about tokyo, but actually what im gonna do is write a proper feature and get it on inthesnow.com all about visiting tokyo before skiing in japan so i will keep listeners informed when that goes live as i know everyone only wants to hear about the skiing here 

Ha ha ha

So

2 days one night later i head back to the airport to fly up to the north island so we are talking tokyo haneda airport, (the international one i fellow into) to fly up to new chitose airport…

Always encouraging when the pilot comes on saying - the snow is heavy in chitose, but we are gonna give it a go!!!

Clasing onto my seat we headed north to hokkaido, experienced quite a landing and i was lucky enough to be collected by a 32 seater gold bus and a translator, very handy and im well aware regular travellers may noit get this luxury, bit but did mean i got to see a bunch of ski resorts in a short space of time…

So i skied in 

Risutsu ski resort 90 mins from the airport and this is the largest all season resort in hokkaido,  With 4 gondolas and 14 lifts servicing the 3 peaks, home to 37 runs that range from gentle, wide slopes where everyone can safely ski and snowboard right up and challenging runs that satisfy advanced skiers.

Then sapporo kokusai, a small but popular resort on the outskirts of sapporo city, well its an hour all said and done but still simple, i have to say the hotels here from what i saw were nothing to write home about the skiing was relatively placid, some lovely tree skiing for even the inexperienced the tree skiing was great fun and i just remember the colours being amazing, it was almost like being in a sepia photo, the colours of ther tress the sun and the fab snow conditions.

I then went into sapporo city for the day and hight as they had the magnificent ice sculptures, these are colossal im talking the size of building fronts and light shows all going in time with fabulous music i have to say a fab experience

Then i went onto sapporo teine, this was where the olympics were held island i was show round by a ancient looking owner of the resort, he was a real character and my gosh he could ski powder.

And also sahoro, again we had a fabulous powder day here with fab tree skiing here, its a relatively low resort but heaps of powder and even a club med resort here

Its a small area but honestly this was really worth the time to go to, the hotel was simple again albeit i didt stay at club  med, and tbh non eof these resorts would keep you entertained for a week, you really want to do a day or 2 at each but obvious;y i didnt tackle the big resorts of niseko furano etc that are much bigger  

On that note dont be put off if you are a novice skier by the big hitting powder images you see coming out of japan, if you are into your bigger backcountry skiing - they are pretty strict there, its heavily rooped off, more so than ive seen anywhere but you cna ski knee deep powder on the piste and thru the trees here and all in a safe environment.  And what better than a japanese beer and noodles in  the base cabin.

Mountain huts like you would get in alpine resort werent as prevalent here, and you dont get that huge mountain view of endless peaks in the distance, BUT the people the experience the constant snowing the food by far make up for that.  

My only regret is i couldnt get niseko and furano onto my itinerary but thats cool because i will be heading back this or next season.,  

So look without this turning into some kind of harry potter endless series of stories, this is a great little hokkaido ski safari, that you could easily build yourself, see some fab smaller resorts honestly great for all levels of skiers, low cost lift passes relatively older style lift infrastructure, cheaper hotels,  superb food, lovely people and generally low cost.

Next time wait to hear what i have to say about the bigger resorts!!!!

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Intro - episode two (26-10-23)

DOM: Welcome back snow fans to our second episode of the season – doesn’t time fly by, it feels like we have just finished recording the first one.

I’m your host Dom Killinger and as usual I am joined by my incredibly talented, fantastically good looking and universally knowledgeable co host Rob Stewart.

ROB: Thanks Dom, that’s very kind of you – maybe a bit OTT but at least factual, apart from the universal bit, I don’t get that.

DOM: It means you know a lot about everything.

ROB: Ah ok, but that’s not true, I know a lot about skiing, but after that it’s all a dark abyss I’m afraid. Whilst you just seem to know everything, which is handy.

DOM: Well, yep, glad to be of help Rob. So let’s get started – it has been a big week in the snow industry. We’re going to be looking at the latest news including the two recent snow shows and anything else that’s happening, the first weather report of the season, then our usual gear guide, resort focus and bucket list trip. So over to you Rob, what’s in the news this week?

News:

ROB: Thanks Dom, yes lots going on right now as we head into November.

DOM

The National Snowsports Week has now ended, with two snow shows, Birmingham and London, and a three day trade event called LISTEX in between. The big news is that the company behind the two snow shows, Raccoon Media Events, has already cancelled the Birmingham show for next year and will focus purely on London. Dates have literally just been announced and The Snow Show London will take place on October 19-20, 2024 at EXCEL. Raccoon has said they will continue with the National Snow Week theme in the week leading up to the show, so we will keep an eye on what other events they might have planned, because there has been talk of something happening on the Friday afternoon too, although nothing has been confirmed yet. The London show felt quite busy and the feedback has been a bit mixed but it’s great to have a London show again and I do think they can really build on what they have. There’s a new show director, Lindsey Coleman, who previously worked for The Telegraph on their event at Battersea, so no lack of experience in the team and I think overall they have done a decent job. For more info, go to nationalsnowweek.com

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ROB

The Alpine skiing race calendar is kicking off this weekend with two giant slalom races in Sölden. Last years races were affected by weather with the women’s race cancelled, so let’s hope it all goes smoothly. FIS has given the green light for the snow conditions and I’d say it’s looking a bit healthier there than last October. I skied the side of the course last October myself before the men’s race and it was solid ice. Then races come thick and fast this autumn – with Zermatt-Cervinia mens downhills on Nov 11 and 12. Remember last year they were cancelled due to lack of snow. At the same time, the women kick off in Levi, Finland with two slalom races. Then it’s the turn of the women to visit Zermatt-Cervinia for two downhills on November 18 and 19, whilst at the same time, the men’s slalom skiers, including Great Britain’s Dave Ryding, compete in Obergurgl in a new race on November 18. So a lot going on and then many racers will head to North America for a couple of weeks for races there. It will be interesting to see the Zermatt-Cervinia downhills for sure and lets hope the snow and the glacier hold up enough for it to go ahead. Obergurgl is Dave’s sponsor resort so a win there would be epic…fingers crossed. Go to FIS-SKI.com for more info

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DOM - and whats this about pow and FIS in dispute rob?

ROB

FIS / POW dispute

So POW (protect our winters) has recently launched a petition against FIS (International Ski Federation) protesting against what it sees as excessive use of snow farming on both the Zermatt and Solden glaciers ahead of the world cup opening races - we talked about just now. 

This is a controversial subject and from what I understand, the moving of the snow in itself does not impact the glaciers (according to independent sources), but of course it does look ugly and if it did actually diminish the snow, then that would clearly be terrible. 

FIS has released a statement in response to the POW campaign and i can tell you they aren’t holding back. 

The full statement is quite long but you can read it on the FIS website, here’s an extract of what they say:

“Your campaign is highly unattractive. Your actions do not only harm the reputation of FIS but the future of skiing and snowboarding and the credibility of everyone who is genuinely trying to fight for climate action.

Given the urgency of the challenge we face, anyone in the snow sports world who cares about the perils of climate change should not focus on attention-seeking stunts but on finding real long-term solutions. FIS, at least, will continue to act in this spirit”

I have not yet seen a response from POW on this

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DOM

I have just received some news from Vail Resorts about a number of new lift developments in North America. Now Vail resorts is the largest ski resort owner in the world, they also own Andermatt in Switzerland and they are in talks with – well it’s supposed to be secret but you have already written about it on InTheSnow, clever you, Crans-Montana, also in Switzerland although nothing has been confirmed yet and that may or may not happen. Anyway, this is what they have said about the new lifts:

Keystone: The new high-speed 6-passenger Bergman Express lift will take guests up to the bowls and gladed terrain in Bergman and Erickson Bowls. Both Bergman and Erickson Bowls will now be accessible by lift, opening up this terrain to a variety of skill levels.

Breckenridge: Just like Taylor Swift, the Peak 8 base area continues to reinvent itself (says Vail resorts!). New this season skiers and riders can look forward to the continued evolution of the resort’s most popular base area with a new, dedicated learning area plus the upgrade of 5-Chair to a new, high-speed quad – the Five SuperChair. With this lift upgrade, all four chairlifts that service Peak 8 will now be high-speed to assist with improved flow and circulation out of the heart of the resort, providing faster and easier access to the resort’s Five Peaks.

Heavenly: Heavenly's upgraded North Bowl Lift is open! Upgraded from a fixed-grip 3-person chair to a high-speed detachable 4-person chair last year, this upgrade reduces the combined ride time of the Boulder and North Bowl lifts. It also reduces wait times at the Stagecoach and Olympic lifts and provides better access to some fantastic and underutilized terrain.

Whistler: Whistler Mountain’s Fitzsimmons Express upgrades are anticipated completion are for this winter season. The existing four-person Fitzsimmons (‘Fitz’) chairlift, located at the Whistler Village base, is being replaced with an eight-person high speed chair, increasing uphill capacity by 73 per cent.

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ROB

I like this story from tour operator Peak Retreats. Because I sometimes drive to the Alps and I’ve got to be honest, I like to break it up with a stay overnight. Especially if with the family because my wife doesn’t drive and it’s just a bit too far – plus I like staying in the middle of France for a night, it adds to the holiday. So Peak Retreats has now added selected hotel en route that aren’t far from the motorway and are also specially picked by the team. This is a great idea because I always struggle – I have a couple of favourite stop overs but I also like to try new things. So check out Peakretreats.co.uk for more info.

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DOM

Okay so this one I have seen before and it didn’t happen for various reasons but it seems like Sky Alps has finally secured its new flight route from London Stanstead to Bolzano close to the Dolomiti Super ski area. this is great news for anyone looking to ski the Dolomites this winter and get to the slopes quickly. The airline has been operating for several years but the UK flights are new and will operate every Wednesday and Sunday through the season, with the closest resort just 30 minutes away. Check it out at skyalps.com

And that’s it for this week.

What’s the weather and the snow looking like Dom? Last time we recorded there wasn’t much happening but it really feels like the weather has changed here now and that normally means the Alps will start feeling it too. what’s the situation?

ROB - COME ON DOM YOU LOVE THIS DONT YOU ITS WHEN YOU GET ALL OVER EXCITED AND CANT GET YOUR WORDS OUT FAST ENOUGH

DOM

Weather:

Well Rob yes things are changing now and we all know that last winter wasn’t the easiest in the Alps but one of the main issues was actually lack of precipitation, not always that it wasn’t cold enough.

There has been some recent snow fall at altitude, over 2,000 metres in the Alps and Pyrenees over the last few days which is great news.

Ive seen some encouraging photos coming in from Val Thorens too

Right now it does look like temperatures in the Alps will drop significantly in the next two weeks and there’s already some snow forecast soon, over 1500 metres anyway, which is what you’d expect at this time of the year. It does like more showery but it will mean the mountains start to turn white from let’s say for arguments sake, half way up. The glaciers look like they are in better condition now than they were last year at the same time, with some fresh snow. Unfortunately those glaciers are thinning out, but the point is, they are in better condition this year in terms of snow.

Over in Finland, they have seen fresh snowfall and the resorts of Ruka and Levi are already open.

Scotland has seen snowfall as well on the mountains, so in general, Europe is having a very positive turn and there’s a lot of precipitation around, rather than high pressure which often blocks that. It looks like we are going to have a good start to winter.

Over in North America, it’s snowing right now in Big Sky Montana, right down to resort level. There’s not enough to ski on yet but it’s turning white. Right now California is pretty dry as is Colorado but temperatures are dropping there and some snow is forecast over the next week, not huge amounts but down to resort levels.

There’s a bit of a dusting of snow on the higher slopes of Whistler too – again the sort of thing you’d expect for late October.

Overall it’s looking positive with the change in weather and lots of fronts coming over – that’s what we need, rain turning to snow as temperatures drop and that is happening now.

DOM

So Rob what’s happening on the gear front?

ROB

Gear:

It’s that time of the year Dom when we really start to see lots of new kit coming through. and it’s very exciting – I do think so many skiers and snowboarders love their kit and I am no exception as you know. as you have seen from some of the excitement levels I get to as these events we attend…

Anyway, firstly I have just got hold of some very shiny looking (and I don’t mean literally) new ski wear for this season and I do feel a bit like a lucky kid at Christmas.

First up is the Patagonia Untracked Jacket and ski trousers. This is a 3 layer gore tex shell with tons of features and it’s the new version for this winter. Check it out on eu.patagonia.com for all the techy stuff but what I can say is that I’ve been wearing Patagonia gear for 30 years and this looks like the absolute Béarnaise Mountain Dog version of that well known phrase that describes the best of the best. Right I haven’t worn it out on the slopes yet but if you are looking to do a season or you’re a serious winter ski tourer then this is the kind of shell to look for. It’s not super lightweight but it feels tough and durable, there’s vent zips on the jacket and the upper part of the trousers and they have some seriously reinforced lower cuffs to stop that typical wearing close to the boots. The colour way I have is shrub green and it’s blended with some kind of soft blue – Patagonia so seem obsessed with various forms of green but this one looks good, way better than the only images too. Pick the jacket up for around £600 (RRP £650), obviously this is a high end ski jacket. Outlets such as LD Mountain Centre and Ski Bartlett stock Patagonia. The trousers will come in around £550 I reckon (RRP £580). I’m looking forward to doing a full review as soon as I get onto the slopes.

I’ve also got hold of the new Arc’teryx Sabre Insulated Midlayer Jacket. I’ve been wearing the classic Arc’teryx Atom Hoody for a while now and it’s definitely one of my go to jackets for all sorts of things. This is a breathable and windproof mid layer jacket that can be worn under a shell or just used around town. The cut is excellent, I must say it’s smart and really versatile. Arc’teryx say that it’s, “Made to regulate temperature, it combines air-permeable Fortius™ Air 50 face fabric for airflow and vapour transport with Coreloft™ insulation’s breathable warmth”. It has been a bit chilly in the house over the past few days and I have put it on and honestly it feels like it has heat packs in it. The Atom is similar but I think this is a step up. the RRP is £300 and that is a lot for a mid layer and maybe part of that is a brand thing, I don’t know, but it does feel like that sort of price is justified, just about and you’d probably find it cheaper than that (maybe I should not say that!) although right as now it’s brand new I think you’ll be looking at that price. Check it out at arcteryx.com

GB Ski Team ahead of season opener unveil New Technical Wear

According to UYN's latest innovation, Natyon 3.0, it’s set to revolutionise winter sports apparel for ten national ski teams, including GB Snowsport. This high-performance technical underwear, the evolution of the iconic Natyon model, introduces sustainable bio yarns, making it a game-changer.

Natyon 3.0 showcases impressive improvements in thermo-regulation, freedom of movement, and muscular support. It features Natex bio-fiber derived from castor beans, reducing weight by 34% and increasing elasticity by 4%. Unique Hypermotion shoulders and a zero-seam design ensure unrivalled comfort and posture support.

Coolvent technology enhances sweat-wicking by 58%, while Micro-Ribs technology stabilises muscles and improves blood circulation for peak performance and recovery.

The Natyon 3.0 set is complemented by groundbreaking technical socks with Zerocuff technology, offering optimal comfort and sensitivity without calf constriction.

This groundbreaking innovation emerges from UYN's new AREAS centre, a hub for research and engineering in sports apparel. The center is pioneering sustainability by developing products made from bio-based fibers like Kapok, Ecolypt, Biolight, Flexicorn, and Natex, reducing the environmental impact.

Check it out at uynsports.com 

DOM

Imbrace launch new baselayers with in built knee supports

This is another really interesting product from a new British company called Imbrace. They were launching their new baselayers at the snow shows in Birmingham and London and Chemmy Alcott was there to talk about them too. Chemmy has helped develop these baselayers - she had a serious knee injury a few years back now, i was actually there when it happened and it felt career ending at the time but she’s worked hard to make it stronger but still feels that support is needed. Whilst Chemmy also wears the ski-mojo device, the Imbrace baselayers look like they really offer serious support for the knees and hips - they are pretty lightweight and act as a normal baselayer too. Check them out at Imbrace.com (with an I), they cost £149 for the leggings, which is not cheap but when you think about what you’re getting i think it’s great value. I need to test them, i have spoken to Chemmy about them and she’s a huge fan which is fair enough as she has developed them but she wouldn't put her name to it if they didnt work. There’s loads of tech info on the website but for anyone with knee and hip issues, worth checking out, I certainly will be. 

DOM

Panda Optics launch new Dual Vision goggles

Another brand launching a new product at the snow show - and coincidently also works with Chemmy as an ambassador, is Panda Optics. Yes our favourite British goggle brand is back with a very interesting high-end (but great value) Dual Vision goggle. They are only one of two brands to do the Dual Vision product, i tried them on at the snow show and they look really good. 

The Dual Vision goggle can be used with EITHER a Toric Polarised lens (mimics the curvature of a retina) OR a Cylindrical Polarised lens both magnetically linked with the frame.

The goggle comes in two colours, each with two lens options (As with all Panda goggles there is a free low light HD lens included with every set).

£160 (choice of toric or cylindrical lens, low light HD lens included)

They will be live soon at pandaoptics.co.uk

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ROB intro resort spotlight les menuires

DOM

Resort focus– Les Menuires:

Located above the charming Savoyard village of St Martin de Belleville and below Val Thorens (Europe’s highest purpose-built ski centre), Les Menuires has previously marketed itself as ‘The Smile of The Alps’ because of the semi-circular arc of its main building complex and its good sunshine record. It’s now known as ‘Friendly Menuires’ (at the centre of the biggest ski area in the world and is the ideal destination for a holiday in the mountains as a family or with friends. This exclusive access to the 3 Vallées ski area provides fans of mountain sports with the chance to enjoy a unique playground, over 600 km of slopes and admire the breathtaking scenery. You can expect optimal snow cover and a fantastic skiing experience here) and is one of the 3 Valleys’ most popular spots for families, as well as for those on a budget.

The resort is divided in to ‘quarters’ – although there are more than four of them. The main facilities are in La Croisette, the original centre, and les Bruyeres. Above them are the accommodation complexes of Reberty 1850, Reberty 2000 and Brelin. Below them are les Fontanettes and Preyerand. Much of the building is extremely functional and the emphasis has traditionally been placed on slope-side convenience rather than architectural design. (=The resort is 100% accessible on skis. You can park your car in one of the many car parks or use the free shuttles buses.

However some of the older buildings that were especially criticised by some for their unattractiveness have now been demolished and the newer developments are more tasteful – with more exterior wood and sloping roofs and gables, and less concrete rectangles.

Another good point for many is the fact that Les Menuires is such a nice family resort – definitely lacking in the fur-coated snobs which frequent some of the other resorts nearby. The slopes nearest to the resort are well placed for beginner and intermediate skiers, while advanced skiers can be whisked off to more challenging terrain in minutes on fast, modern lifts. (this resort is a 100% ski-in/ski-out destination)

Les Menuires is at the centre of the biggest ski area in the world and prob europes most popular ski areas. Skiers of all ages and abilities will be sure to find highly enjoyable and entertaining skiing here, as well as a wide range of off-slope activities, unique gastronomy and friendly, mountain-loving staff.

Its purpose built, and right in the heart of the vast Three Valleys ski area. It combines practicality, impressive statistics, and a diverse range of attractions, making it an ideal destination for both skiers looking to get onto the slopes quickly and for families – just because of the sheer convenience and also there’s so many things to do there.

One of the things that you instantly get with Les Menuires, because it’s in the 3 Valley’s, is the sheer size of the skiing area. With more than 160 ski lifts, the resort provides really quick and efficient access to the 600 kilometres of ski slopes that includes the resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel. There’s great slopes for beginners too, so if you are looking to ski for the first time and think because this is part of the world’s largest ski area, it’s not for you, then think again, because there’s a really good set up here.

Also, Les Menuires sits at an altitude of 1,850 meters, ensuring a reliable snow cover throughout the winter season. This altitude guarantees a longer ski season, typically running from early December to late April. Along with neighbouring VT it has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps.

Additionally, Les Menuires is home to the renowned "La Masse" glacier, situated at 2,804 meters. This Offers a proper challenge for advanced skiers and snowboarders, with a variety of off-piste opportunities too. (a must-see spot in the 3 Vallées.)

The resort's sports centre is a hub of activity, featuring a swimming pool, wellness facilities, and even options for indoor activities. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes or to enjoy some après-ski relaxation.

Apparently there’s also around 300 sunny days each year, and with slopes of all aspects that means even in the colder winter months, you should get some sunshine. While the region receives a generous amount of sun, it still manages to accumulate significant snowfall, ensuring excellent skiing conditions. The morning sun shines on the Masse side of the mountain, then in the afternoon, it's the turn of the Mont de la Chambre slopes to offer their best conditions.

Another notable advantage of Les Menuires is its competitive pricing and fewer crowds compared to some of its more renowned neighbours. The resort offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive choice for those who want to experience the stunning terrain of the Three Valleys without the hefty price tag. Additionally, the absence of long lift queues means you can spend more time on the slopes and less time waiting. (depending on the periods)

In summary, Les Menuires stands as a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding. Its comprehensive lift system, diverse slopes, remarkable altitudes, family-friendly atmosphere, and abundant sunshine make it an exceptional choice for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort's affordability and lack of overcrowding further cement its status as a hidden gem in the world of Alpine skiing 

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ROB

PRETY COOL dom ive skied thru ive stopped for a drink but there ssdtuff there i just didnt know about l;es menuires so thats great…

So now we look at our Bucket list destinations:

Ski safari 

As usual we look at some of those destinations that we really want to get to one day - interestingly, last week i saw a presentation from the ski club of great britain around a recent survey of skiers (not just ski club members but a much wider base) that said a huge 27% of skiers want to go to Canada and 12% want to go to the usa. This is much larger than the actual numbers that go everyear - 4 to 5% of the market, but of course these are destinations that we want to get to one day.

We caught up this week with the guys from Ski Safari who specialise in trips to North America to get more of a take on why you might just get it done sooner rather than later. I know myself being in the US last year, I loved it and i want to go back again this winter…

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INSERT SKI SAFARI INTERVIEW

Quick discussion around that interview

DOM

So rob i dont think we are too too early for this but what about we look at the Best resorts for early season skiing? 

ROB

Yes we thought we should highlight the fact that getting onto the slopes way before Christmas is not only possible but actually it can be a really great time to go skiing or snowboarding. 

Why? Well firstly, it’s not that busy and there’s a real buzz at the start of the season too. There’s often early season snow - even last year when things weren’t perfect at New Year, it was actually pretty good earlier on in the Alps. 

So let’s look at some of the destinations that are well set up for it. We are focusing on the Alps for our UK readers because it’s the easiest in terms of logistics but both Scandinavia and North America do have some early season options too - think Finland to start with and i know it has already started to snow in Norway. 

DOM

Timing wise some of the glaciers start opening up during October (so they are open now in many cases)  and into November and by time we get to early December, some of the major high altitude resorts start to open up more. 

Our first stop takes us to Val Thorens, France, Europe’s highest ski resort at 2,300 metres. Val Thorens is definitely one of the best options in early December, with plenty of shaded, north-facing runs that are all above 2,000 metres. It’s part of the Three Valleys ski area of course and the links do start to open through the month providing the snow is good enough. 

The purpose built resort offers lots of slopeside accommodation, with quick and easy access to the mountain. And there’s a pretty vibrant après-ski scene, whether you prefer dancing on the tables at La Folie Douce or savouring a pint at Europe's highest pub, The Frog and Roast Beef. love that place 

ROB

Next, we venture to Ruka, Finland, renowned for its tree-lined trails and gentle terrain. Ruka boasts the largest beginner area in Finland, making it an ideal destination for those new to skiing. Despite shorter daylight hours, nearly all the runs are floodlit, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes well into the evening. For families seeking the ultimate winter wonderland experience, Ruka offers a myriad of snowy activities, including husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and even a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Then onto Val d’Isère and Tignes, France

They are both good bets for early season, pre Christmas skiing. Tignes tends to open up a bit earlier and the glacier area kicks in during late October or November. Normally by the first or maybe second week of December, the link between Tignes and Val d’Isere opens up and you get a huge skiing area which is so quiet at that time of the season, plus the accommodation is much cheaper than pretty much any other time of the winter. I real;ly don’t understand why more people don’t go skiing here during the first or second week of December. 

DOM

Over in Austria Zell am See, Austria, the picturesque lakeside resort with its mediaeval centre has the nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier that’s scheduled to open on October 21. As the snow falls, more areas open up and it makes a good early ski season option because you always have that glacier if needed. Same goes for nearby Mayrhofen renowned for its lively après-ski scene and huge choice of chalets. The Hintertux glacier is close by and it’s already open for skiing but normally by November it’s in good condition. 

Finally  Zermatt in Switzerland, is an obvious early season choice - it’s a resort synonymous with year-round skiing on the Theodul glacier. Boasting the highest lift system in Europe, Zermatt offers skiing opportunities during November and into December that are heard to beat. There’s also brand new World Cup downhill races taking place on consecutive weekends during November too, so that would be a great reason to go there. 

The town itself is a charming ensemble of wooden chalets, each corner offering breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn peak. Even in the early season, Zermatt pulsates with vibrant nightlife, from jazz and soul melodies at the Pink Music Bar to lively tunes at Hennu Stall.

DOM

In terms of getting to these places early season, it can sometimes be a little more challenging because not of the tour operators have started up yet. For Tignes and Val Thorens though, Action Outdoors is a good bet because they start early, The Ski Club of Great Britain always run a big early season trip to Tignes as well. Ski Course company Snoworks starts up during late october in Tignes and Hintertux and Alpin Luxe, run by former US Olympic coach Gary Miller, does an early doors Zermatt trip in December. 

I THINK THATS ENOUGH FOR THIS EPISODE

This is about utah im gonna see if they will pay for this first

So our resort spotlight today rob, well more a  powdery paradise Utah – a state renowned for its legendary snow, magnificent ski resorts, and awe-inspiring landscapes. today, we're delving deep into the heart of Utah's ski scene. 

Utah, the land of the "Greatest Snow on Earth," has earned its reputation as a haven for skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. Its unique geographical features, including the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding mountains, create a perfect recipe for the finest powder snow imaginable. To put it in perspective, Utah's ski resorts receive an average annual snowfall of over 500 inches, transforming the state into a winter paradise for snow enthusiasts.

Now, let's talk about some of the best ski resorts that Utah has to offer.  15 resorts to name them…

Here are 15 prominent ski resorts in Utah:

• Alta Ski Area: Known for its deep powder and steep terrain, Alta is one of Utah's oldest and most famous resorts.
• Snowbird: Located next to Alta, Snowbird boasts challenging slopes and abundant snowfall, making it a favorite among advanced skiers.
• Park City Mountain Resort: One of the largest ski resorts in the United States, Park City offers diverse terrain and a vibrant après-ski scene.
• Deer Valley Resort: Known for its luxurious amenities and exceptional customer service, Deer Valley is a favorite destination for upscale skiing.
• The Canyons Village: Part of Park City Mountain Resort, The Canyons Village offers a wide range of slopes and stunning mountain views.
• Solitude Mountain Resort: As the name suggests, Solitude offers a peaceful skiing experience with diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels.
• Brighton Resort: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent night skiing opportunities, Brighton is a favorite among locals.
• Powder Mountain Resort: One of the largest ski areas in North America, Powder Mountain is famous for its extensive terrain and uncrowded slopes.
• Snowbasin Resort: Host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Snowbasin offers varied terrain and top-notch facilities.
• Brian Head Resort: Located in southern Utah, Brian Head is known for its sunny weather and diverse terrain suitable for all levels of skiers.
• Beaver Mountain Ski Area: Utah's oldest continuously-owned family ski resort, Beaver Mountain offers a laid-back atmosphere and affordable skiing options.
• Nordic Valley Ski Resort: With a focus on family-friendly skiing, Nordic Valley offers a variety of slopes and a welcoming environment for beginners.
• Eagle Point Resort: Situated in the Tushar Mountains, Eagle Point is known for its scenic beauty and diverse terrain, including challenging glades and groomed runs.
• Cherry Peak Resort: A relatively new addition to Utah's ski scene, Cherry Peak offers a range of slopes and terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders.
• Sundance Mountain Resort: Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance offers a unique skiing experience with a focus on environmental sustainability and artistic expression.

Each of these resorts provides a distinct skiing experience, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect slopes to match their skill level and preferences.

Regenerate

One of the gems in Utah's crown is Powder Mountain Resort. Located just an hour north of Salt Lake City International Airport, Powder Mountain is a skier's dream come true. With a staggering 8,464 acres of terrain, it proudly boasts more skiable acres than any other resort in North America. But what truly sets Powder Mountain apart is its commitment to preserving the pristine skiing experience. By limiting daily ticket sales to 1,500, this resort ensures that skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the vast expanses of untouched snow without the crowds, making it a haven for powder hounds. Lightning Ridge offers advanced terrain provides some of the most challenging and rewarding runs in Utah. As you navigate through the steep slopes and deep powder, you'll feel an adrenaline rush like never before. For intermediate skiers, the Sundown Lift area offers a perfect blend of excitement and accessibility. With wide runs and stunning views, it's an ideal playground for those looking to hone their skills.

Another must-visit destination is Snowbird, one of Utah's most iconic ski resorts. With an impressive 2,500 acres of terrain, Snowbird offers a variety of slopes catering to skiers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle slopes or an expert seeking challenging steeps, Snowbird has it all. Plus, the resort is famous for its reliable snowfall, boasting an average of over 500 inches annually. Imagine carving through deep powder while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Wasatch Mountains.

Here, the Cirque Traverse stands out as one of the resort's most exhilarating runs. Accessible only by traversing along a narrow ridge, this expert-level terrain offers steep chutes and deep powder – a true paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking a challenge. If you're looking for something a bit tamer but equally enjoyable, the Regulator Johnson run is a favorite among intermediate skiers. With its perfectly groomed slopes and scenic surroundings, it offers a delightful experience for those looking for a more relaxed ride.

Now, let's shift our focus to the essential details for planning your skiing adventure in Utah. First, let's talk about accommodations. Utah offers a wide range of lodging options, from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, ensuring that every visitor finds their perfect retreat after a day on the slopes.

One standout accommodation choice is the Compass Rose Lodge, a unique and enchanting lodge located near Powder Mountain and Snowbasin. This lodge not only provides a warm and inviting atmosphere but also offers a steampunk-themed experience, immersing guests in a world of Victorian-inspired charm. After a day of skiing, imagine relaxing by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa, and relishing the tranquility of the Utah mountains. And if you're a stargazing enthusiast, you're in for a treat. The Compass Rose Lodge features its very own mini astronomical observatory, allowing guests to marvel at the celestial wonders of Utah's dark skies.

For those seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, Sundance offers a range of accommodations, including cozy cabins and elegant suites. Imagine waking up to the sight of snow-capped mountains, stepping onto your private balcony, and breathing in the crisp mountain air. Sundance provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

So what about getting there from the UK. 

While Utah is nestled in the heart of the United States, getting there from the UK is surprisingly convenient. Several airlines operate flights from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, to Salt Lake City International Airport. Direct flights make the journey smooth and hassle-free, ensuring that you arrive in Utah ready to hit the slopes.

Upon arrival, transportation options are readily available, including car rentals and shuttle services. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Utah's various ski resorts and attractions at your own pace. With well-maintained roads and clear signage, navigating the state is straightforward, allowing you to embark on exciting adventures beyond the ski resorts.

Utah's ski resorts are not just places to enjoy winter sports; they are stewards of the environment, implementing sustainable practices to minimize their ecological footprint. From energy-efficient facilities to responsible waste management, these resorts are committed to ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the splendor of Utah's snow-capped mountains.