The White Out – Friday January 31

Dom: Hey everyone, welcome to The Whiteout Podcast, proudly sponsored by Ski Weekends. I’m Dom im owner founder of InTheSnow magazine, and now I manage a range of social channels, our print publication, and the awesome InTheSnowMag YouTube channel. I’m thrilled to introduce my trusted co-host… Rob Stewart.

Rob: Hi there, thanks Dom! You can catch me on the InTheSnow YouTube channel, diving into all the latest gear releases each season. I’ve spent over 30 years in the industry, working just about every job—from instructor to ski shop, chalet operations, and more. Now, I run a ski PR agency with clients like Crans Montana, Les Gets, and Jungfrau, to name a few. Oh, and I’m a huge gear enthusiast—some might even call me a geek! Ha ha.

Dom: It’s fantastic to be here again, Rob.  for all those new listers this week, every episode we bring the freshest ski news from across the globe, where the best snow is right now, in-depth reviews of this season’s hottest gear, regular updates from Ed Drake at  The Ski Racing Podcast, and of course, we’ll take you to some of the most amazing ski destinations on the planet. All of this is brought to you in partnership with Ski Weekends, our trusted headline sponsor this season.

Rob: So Ski Weekends Dom; you were out in les gets last weekend, skiing with eddie the eagle i saw all your instagramming while you were there  

Dom:   yeop a lotta laughs and fun, a fine sunny cold weeKend in les gets what a place for a weekend of skiing, so close to the airport,  Real chocolate popstar village, a bit of a prey going on some fabulous restaurants. It's a great looking place and obviously all that fantastic tree-lined skiing to be honest with you that close to Geneva it's pretty hard to beat isnt it

Rob:  too right dom youre doing my job for me here

Dom: yep and of course who else to book with but ski weekends . great to finally stay with them after working ith them for 18 years, and thoroughly pleasant it was too,..they offer 3, 4, or 7-night stays in catered chalets and fully flexible hotel options. Whether you're a solo traveler, planning a group trip, or looking for accommodation in some of the biggest and best ski areas, Ski Weekends has you covered. check them out at skiweekends.com

and rob how was turkey?

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Rob: 

BEFORE WE KICK OFF THIS WEEK A COUPLE OF LISTENERS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

hi, I heard your suggestion for a upcoming beginners special - any recommendations for taking a beginner young teen with autism, who has has tried skiing indoors in UK and loves it, but needs an autism aware teacher/suitable beginner resort, any suggestions welcome. 

so a great question  as we have an exciting series of 4 podcasts coming up in association with crystal ski all about getting into skiing covering off everything you need to know when you are about to start skiing…so a great question this week

So think first up is find a british ski school wherever you are going then maybe get back to us or make contact with them directly to discuss your needs, and if you are heading somewhere do reach out to ask as we can try and help with getting you in touch with british instructors wherever you choose to go  

news

Rob: right dom lets start the  news this week where  we bring you the latest updates from around the skiing world, from exciting resort developments, events, and everything making headlines in the ski world. so Let’s get stuck in!

Dom:   Rob, I’ve been reading a lot of reports lately about accidents in ski resorts—whether it’s people skiing too fast or just general on-piste chaos and we’ve also known about this campaign for some time thats now managed to hit ski sunday which is epic!   And rather than dwell on these awful incidents, I thought it would be important to highlight this and bring it to everyone’s attention.

dom

Piste X Code Launches Safety Campaign to Reduce Skiing Accidents

The Piste (cross) X Code, a not-for-profit slope safety campaign, urging skiers and snowboarders to follow key safety rules with its catchy slogan: STOP • LOOK • SLIDE. Launched in 2022 after a tragic incident in the French Alps, the campaign aims to tackle rising on-piste accidents by educating everyone from beginners to experts about their safety responsibilities.

Co-founders Amie Henderson and Louise Paley created the initiative following the death of a young skier in a collision. Their goal is simple: reduce accidents through better on-slope etiquette and increased awareness. The Piste X Code includes 8 essential rules for safe skiing, such as skiing within your ability, controlling speed, respecting signs, and helping in the event of an accident.

With support from sponsors like Alpine-Property.com and More Mountain, the campaign encourages everyone to make safety a priority while enjoying the slopes.

Want to get involved? Take the Piste X Code Quiz, donate, or learn more at Piste X Code’s website.

Stay safe and remember: STOP • LOOK • SLIDE!

Palisades Tahoe Fundraiser for Fire Relief

From January 18th to 20th, 2025, Palisades Tahoe is offering $99 lift tickets, with 100% of sales going to support Southern California fire relief through the California Fire Foundation.

In partnership with Alterra Mountain Company, the resort will match donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, tripling the impact of each ticket sold.

Tickets are available for all-day and afternoon skiing, with proceeds funding emergency assistance, community rebuilding, and long-term support for those affected by recent wildfires.

A great way to ski and give back—get your tickets at the Palisades Tahoe ticket counters!

March Ski Holidays Offer Best Value of the Season

If you're looking for a bargain ski trip, March 2025 is shaping up to be the best time to book. With Easter falling late this year, many European schools won’t break up until early April, meaning fewer crowds and great prices in the latter half of March.

Ski holiday companies are highlighting March 18th-31st as offering unbeatable value, especially compared to the traditionally cheaper January weeks. Snow levels are high, resorts are fully open, and there’s plenty of sunshine—ideal for a late-season getaway.

Xavier Schouller, boss of Peak Retreats and The Ski Collection, says, "The second half of March will offer the best value weeks of the whole season." Discounts are especially strong in Italy, with resorts like Cervinia and Sauze d’Oulx offering ski holidays for as low as half price.

Travel agencies like SNO.co.uk and Sunweb are also seeing big savings, with Sunweb offering lift passes and ski hire included in their March packages. Iglu Ski has narrowed it down further, recommending departures on March 22nd-23rd to resorts like Zell am See in Austria and Arinsal in Andorra for some of the season’s lowest prices.

For those after a more relaxed atmosphere, Ski Beat is offering catered chalets in La Rosiere for just £767 per person, complete with home-cooked meals and a private chalet host. It's the perfect way to enjoy quieter slopes, longer days, and a laid-back spring vibe.

In short, March is the time to snag a fantastic deal on your ski holiday this season!

rob 

Mia Brookes Wins Third World Cup of the Season at Laax Open

Seventeen-year-old Mia Brookes secured her third victory of the 2024/25 FIS Snowboard World Cup season with a stunning win in slopestyle at the Laax Open in Switzerland on January 18th. Brookes scored 84.86 to top the women’s final, ahead of Zoi Sadowski Synnott (77.29) and Kokomo Murase (71.15).

The win, which came on Brookes' 18th birthday, adds to her impressive season, which already includes victories in Klagenfurt and Beijing. With five podium finishes from six events, she leads the overall World Cup standings and the slopestyle rankings.

“This is the best birthday present ever,” Brookes said. “Winning the Laax Open was definitely on my list, and this course is super fun but tough!”

Brookes' triumph in Laax is especially meaningful as it marks a significant leap from her runner-up finish here in 2023.

Hakuba Valley

Hakuba Valley, located in Japan's Nagano Prefecture, is experiencing one of its best seasons in years, with resorts leading the world in snow depth. By early January, some areas had 3 meters (10 feet) of snow on upper runs, putting them ahead of ski destinations in Europe and North America.

Known for its light, fluffy "Japow" powder, Hakuba is a global snowboarding and skiing hotspot. The valley is home to 10 ski resorts, offering diverse terrain for all levels. The region boasts an impressive 30 miles of skiable slopes, panoramic mountain views, and a range of experiences from peaceful resorts to challenging expert runs.

With 10 resorts connected by a shuttle bus, the Hakuba Valley Day Pass offers easy access to all, making it the perfect destination for exploring Japan's renowned powder. Beyond skiing, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's rich culture, with attractions like Matsumoto Castle, snow monkeys, and hot springs.

Win a Mountain Masterpiece by Martina Diez-Routh

I liked this story as i like her art…Mountain artist Martina Diez-Routh, known for her vibrant pastel mountain scenes, is offering a chance to win a commissioned piece of mountain art or one of ten limited edition giclée prints. Martina's passion for the mountains began in her native Argentina, where she first fell in love with the Andes. She later worked at several major ski resorts, including Crested Butte, Aspen, and Vail, before moving to the UK.

Sign up to Martina’s art newsletter for a chance to win a unique mountain painting. Explore her work at The Ski Guru.

dom

while im on competitions if you head to our instagram inthesnow_magazine you can win a gopro really easy either follow us on insta or leave a review for our podcast simple as that!  its closing in ust 2 weeks time so do it right now 🙂

That’s a wrap for this week’s ski news! Be sure to check out our show notes for links to everything we covered. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the latest updates from us. 

go pro competition

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dom

And now it’s time for Where’s Best to Ski Now! Let’s be honest, Rob, we both love talking about snow—after all, that’s what it’s all about! So, let’s dive right into where the best snow conditions are at the moment. 

Welcome to this week's Where to Ski Right Now, where we bring you the latest snowfall updates and the best ski conditions from across the globe. Let’s dive into the freshest snow reports and the top destinations to hit up for your next adventure!

Europe: A Snowy Surge!

The Alps
 The big snow story this week is the massive snowfall across the Alps. Chamonix led the charge, with a whopping 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) of snow in just 72 hours. Several resorts now have base depths over 3 meters (10 feet) — the deepest so far this season. This heavy snowfall has not only improved conditions at high-altitude resorts but also benefited some areas that had been struggling with poor snow cover earlier in the winter.

dom

Austria
 It’s been a great week for Austria, particularly at higher elevations. Many resorts reported up to half a meter of fresh snow, and even lower slopes saw a switch from rain to snow as the week progressed. Saalbach Hinterglemm is gearing up for the FIS Alpine Skiing World Champs — making it one of the most exciting places to be this week, with excellent snow conditions on almost all open runs.

Rob France
 France received the heaviest snowfalls of the week, with Avoriaz, Chamonix, and Les Arcs all hitting 3-meter base depths. Although lower slopes did see some rain initially, things are looking sunny now, and conditions are shaping up to be fantastic for the upcoming half-term period. Keep an eye on avalanche risks though, as conditions are still quite unstable in some areas.

Dom Italy
 Italy has had its best week of the season! Resorts like Livigno, which had been lacking snow for most of the winter, saw their base depths double after recent storms. The snowfall in La Thuile was particularly impressive, with 80 cm in just 72 hours, bringing some much-needed fresh powder for freeriders to enjoy this weekend.

Rob Switzerland
 Switzerland is seeing some big snow totals too. Crans-Montana got the most, with 90 cm, but other resorts like Verbier and the 4 Valleys aren’t far behind, reporting up to 80 cm of fresh snow. With sunny skies returning and temperatures still low, Switzerland is shaping up to be a prime spot for skiing in early February.

Dom Pyrenees
 The Pyrenees were expected to get more snow this week, but the big storm didn’t quite deliver as predicted. That said, snow has started falling heavily now, improving conditions. Most resorts are still only partially open, but the fresh snow is definitely helping to boost coverage.

Rob Scandinavia
 Scandinavia had an outstanding week, especially in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. A weekend storm dropped 20-40 cm in many areas, with some centres now reporting over half a meter of snow in the last week — the best snowfall totals of the season so far. Big resorts like Hemsedal, Sälen, and Trysil have the most terrain open they've had all season, making it a great time to ski in the region.

Dom Eastern Europe
 It’s been unseasonably warm in Bulgaria, with temperatures topping 10°C on lower slopes. However, the major resorts like Bansko and Borovets still have all their slopes open. Up north, Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia have seen some lighter snowfalls, with Jasna in Slovakia reporting excellent conditions and about 75% of its terrain open.

Rob Scotland
 Scotland had one of its best weeks of the season. After wild weather closed the five Highland ski centres last weekend, the snow started falling in abundance. Glencoe was the first to open up, followed by Cairngorm, Glenshee, and The Lecht, with more snow expected throughout the week.

North America: Cold and Dry... But Big Storms Brewing!

dom

Canada
 Canada has been experiencing some cold temperatures, with many areas dipping as low as -20°C. The Eastern resorts, particularly Mont Tremblant, saw 38 cm of fresh snow, and conditions are still great with almost all runs open. On the West Coast, there hasn’t been much new snow yet, but big storms are expected soon — so things are about to change in places like Banff and Sunshine Village.

USA
 It’s been a quiet week for most ski resorts in the US, with only a few inches of new snow in many places. California, New England, and Utah saw a bit more snow, with up to a foot in some spots. The big news though: a massive storm is expected to hit the West Coast at the start of next week, bringing metres of snow, so if you’re on the West Coast, get ready for some epic powder days! Meanwhile, conditions across the US are still good for on-piste skiing, with most slopes open and in solid shape.

That’s your update for where to ski right now! Stay tuned for more snowfall reports next week, and don’t forget to check local conditions before you head out. Safe travels and happy skiing!

DOM

Next up is the Gear Guide so Whether you’re upgrading your kit or just curious about the latest trends, we’ve got you covered. From skis and boots to apparel and equipment, we try to cover the broadest range for ski gear possible, so this week we have got your ultimate guide to buying all ski gear, now look we could talk about this stuff for weeks but this is a very good understanding of exactly what you should be looking for when it comes to everything you need when you go skiing

Whaaat how are we gonna do that in one podcast!!!  watch this space weve got 5 minutes rob lets do this

Helmet - we’ve talked about this before but here goes with a reminder 

1. Fit: Ensure it’s snug but comfortable. It should cover your forehead and sit level on your head without shifting.
2. Safety: Look for helmets with certifications, you dont need mips and all the other tech, all helmets have to meet safety standards, but mips Coroyd and opther tech all add further safety if you wnat the ultimate.  MOre moey generally means better tech and increased safety.
3. Ventilation: Adjustable vents are important to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.  if you get hot or cold!
4. Weight: Only important if you are little or touring
5. Comfort: Soft, moisture-wicking liner and ear pads for warmth and a secure fit and stop it degeading .
6. Style: integrated audio systems visor integrated goggles make sure you look and feel good if thats important to you.
7. Compatibility: Check that your helmet fits well with your goggles, and consider models with a goggle strap retainer.
8. Price: While premium options often have better features, there are great value helmets that provide excellent protection.

ski goggles

1. Fit: Ensure a snug, comfortable fit with no gaps. They should sit securely on your face without pressing too hard.
2. Lens Type: Choose lenses based on lighting conditions—yellow/orange for low light, gray/blue for bright conditions, and rose/pink for variable weather.
3. Lens Technology: Look for anti-fog coatings, ventilation systems, and UV protection for better visibility and comfort.
4. Interchangeable Lenses: Some goggles offer the ability to swap lenses quickly for changing weather conditions.
5. Frame Size: Choose a frame that fits your face shape and is compatible with your helmet, ensuring no discomfort or gaps.
6. Field of View: Wider lenses provide better peripheral vision, enhancing safety and awareness.
7. Polarization: Polarized lenses reduce glare from snow and ice, improving visibility and reducing eye strain.
8. Ventilation: Good airflow helps prevent fogging by reducing heat buildup inside the goggles.
9. Strap and Adjustability: Look for an adjustable strap that fits over your helmet comfortably and stays in place.
10. Durability and Build Quality: Choose sturdy goggles that can withstand the cold and impacts, especially the lens material (e.g., polycarbonate is common).

Rob outerwear:

1. Waterproofing: Look for a high waterproof rating (measured in millimeters, e.g., 10,000mm or higher) to keep you dry in wet conditions. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are ideal.  that said if you are skiing and it aint snowing this is less important.
2. Breathability: Choose fabrics with good breathability (e.g., 10,000g or higher) to prevent moisture buildup from sweat.  
3. Insulation: For warmth, pick either synthetic insulation (better in wet conditions) or down (lighter, warmer but less effective when wet). Layering allows for more flexibility.
4. Fit: Ensure the jacket has enough room for layering underneath but isn’t too loose. A good fit enhances comfort and mobility.
5. Ventilation: Look for zippered vents (underarms or back) to regulate body temperature during warmer times
6. Pockets: always handy for ski passes, goggles, and phones.
7. Snow Skirt: A snow skirt (internal powder cuff) helps keep snow out of your jacket when falling or skiing through deep snow.
8. Helmet Compatibility: for some skiers this is handy that it comfortably pulls up over your helmet without restricting movement or ventilation.
9. Features: Extras like adjustable cuffs, a hood, wrist gaiters, and an RFID pocket can add to convenience and protection.

Overall, prioritize waterproofing, breathability, insulation, and fit for comfort and performance on the slopes.

Dom ski baselayer:

1. Material: Choose moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool (natural, breathable, and odor-resistant) or synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon (light, quick-drying, and durable).
   
   
   
2. Moisture Management: Look for baselayers that efficiently wick sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and prevent chilling.
   
   
   
3. Fit: Ensure the baselayer is snug but not too tight. A close fit helps with moisture management and insulation, but you should still have freedom of movement.
   
   
   
4. Temperature Regulation: Opt for a baselayer that offers both warmth (for cold days) and breathability (for warmer conditions). Merino wool is great for its natural temperature-regulating properties.
   
   
   
5. Odor Resistance: Merino wool has natural odor-resistant properties, while synthetics may require additional treatments to prevent smells.
   
   
   
6. Seam Construction: Look for flatlock seams to avoid irritation, especially during long days on the slopes.
   
   
   
7. Layering Ability: Make sure the baselayer is thin enough to layer easily under other clothing without causing discomfort or restricting movement.
   
   
   
8. Durability: Choose materials that can withstand the rigors of skiing, including abrasion resistance in high-contact areas (like elbows and knees).
   
   
   

Prioritize moisture-wicking, fit, and material for comfort, warmth, and performance on the slopes.

Rob ski socks

1. Material: Look for socks made of merino wool (warm, breathable, and odor-resistant) or synthetic blends (light, quick-drying, and durable). A mix of both often provides the best balance.
   
   
   
2. Fit: Ensure the socks fit snugly without being too tight. They should stay in place, avoid bunching, and not cause pressure points or discomfort in ski boots.
   
   
   
3. Padding: Opt for socks with targeted padding in areas like the shin, arch, and heel for added comfort and protection from boot pressure.
   
   
   
4. Breathability: Choose socks with good ventilation and moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry and prevent overheating or sweating.
   
   
   
5. Length: Ski socks should ideally come up over your calf to prevent them from slipping down and rubbing against your boot. Knee-high length is common.
   
   
   
6. Thickness: Choose thickness based on your preferences and boot fit. Thicker socks offer warmth, while thinner socks provide better precision and comfort for snug-fitting boots.
   
   
   
7. Seamless Design: Look for seamless or flat seams to prevent rubbing or blisters.
   
   
   
8. Durability: Select socks with reinforced areas (like the toe and heel) for added longevity and protection during long days on the slopes.
   
   
   

dom

And that’s a wrap on today’s gear guide! We’ve covered everything you need to know about choosing the right ski gear from your head down to your toes — from helmets to socks and everything in between. Hopefully, you're feeling more confident about your gear choices for the season.

rob

intro ski racing with ed drake

dom

next up rob is our Destination of the Week! 

and so to our Ski Destination of the Week.  This is the segment where we take you to some of the best, most exciting ski spots around the globe. Whether you’re after epic powder, stunning views, or a vibrant après scene, we’ve got you covered. So, clip in listeners, this week we  dive into a  top destination, so you cna  get ready to start planning your next ski adventure!

and this weeks destination is

DOM

Thanks so much for tuning in to The Whiteout Ski Podcast! We hope you're feeling inspired and ready to hit the slopes with all the latest snow updates. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an EPISODE.

We’d also love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave us a review — it helps us grow and keeps us bringing you the best ski news and stories every week.

And before we go, a quick reminder about our awesome competitions: you could win a GoPro to capture your best ski moments by heading over to instgram, or win a stunning piece of Martina's artwork by heading over the ski ski guru to bring a touch of the mountains into your home. Check

 the show notes for details on how to enter.

Thanks again for listening, and we’ll catch you next time on The Whiteout Ski Podcast! Stay safe, and keep shredding!