The White Out – Friday Feb 14

Dom: Hi everyone and Welcome to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to you by our fantastic sponsor, Ski Weekends. I’m Dom, the guy behind InTheSnow magazine, and I somehow juggle managing our social media, print mag, and the InTheSnowMag YouTube channel with presenting this podcast and getting some skiing in!!  . But enough about me—let me introduce my go-to co-host, the one and only Rob Stewart.

Rob: Thanks, Dom! Yes are you sure there’s not like three of you? Luckily for me I’ve been properly testing the product over the past few weeks and of course as always, working with Ski Press and looking after all our clients in the ski business.i have been testing all the latest skis for InTheSnow Mag, so check out the reviews on inthesnowmag YouTube channel. 

Dom: Good to see you again Rob, And for anyone tuning in for the first time this week, here’s what you can expect from every episode: 

the freshest ski news from around the world, the lowdown on where the snow’s really good right now, deep dives into this season’s hottest gear, regular updates from Ed Drake over at The Ski Racing Podcast on whats happening in the world of ski racing, and of course, we’ll be taking you to some of the most epic ski destinations from around the world. 

And, just to make it even better, all of this is thanks to our awesome sponsor, Ski Weekends, making sure we bring you the best content all season long.

Rob: skiweekends our headline sponsor this season ..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

ROB

and a  quick reminder listeners,  if you have friends that are considering their first ski holiday last week we saw episode 1 of our 4 part mini series in association with crystal ski holidays skiing 101, everything you need to know about your first ski holiday so def get your mates to check that out, its aimed to take away any pain when it comes to going on your very first ski holiday!

So dom what have we got coming up on todays show

DOM

im just back from  Saas Fee

we have vanessa fischer talking to us about les menuires in the 3 valleys

and we have a fab guest in the name of roisin rosheen timpson part oft he timpson family with some amazing news abouit a fab development in morzine more on that later

ROB: 

Yes it was great to catch up with vanessa….. 

But for now, let's get stuck into this week's episode….

—

Rob: SO FIRST UP WHATS IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

REDBULL ADVERT

NEWS

Eurosport changes 

Rob: I’m just going to mention the FIS Alpine skiing world championships - i know Ed will cover the actual racing later on but I’ve been enjoying some of the skiing in Saalbach. Coverage has been available on Eurosport but also the BBC iPlayer which is great. 

Dom: Yes it’s such a great location and that piste they are using is world class.

ROB: absolutely…i do want to give a shout out to the commentary team that includes Ed Drake and his compatriot Marcel Mathis and also Matt Chilton and much newer onto the scene, Charlie Guest. they are doing a great job…but, there seems to be some confusion over what is happening with the Eurosport subscription.

DOM: oh yes i know our InTheSnow editor Patrick Thorne was working on this story. 

ROB: right and we have spoken about it but it’s still not 100% clear to me. Firstly Warner Brothers that own discovery plus took over last year - although i still don’t quite understand how that all works - maybe i should do more research but frankly, it’s not really that interesting!

DOM: right as long as it works yes?

ROB: exactly. but now Eurosport and TNT are both being taken over and all content will channel through TNT. the thing is, TNT’s subscription is considerably (like almost 5 times) higher than Eurosport alone. 

DOM: so it looks like if you want to watch Eurosport action you need to subscribe to TNT which is considerably more expensive?

ROB: YES. now for me, i don’t think it will be an issue because i already get TNT sports through my BT Sports package. I pay for that but it includes a lot of sports. But if you’re subscribing purely to Eurosport for the skiing then it does look like you’ll be paying a lot more for it, which is a real shame.

DOM: maybe Ed can shed some light on this later in the show?

ROB: yes let’s ask him. 

Carrick Smith’s at the Youth Olympics

Freddie Carrick Smith has just won an Olympic alpine gold medal at the 2025 winter olympic youth festival in Bakuriani Georgia whilst competing in the giant slalom category. it’s a fantastic result and follows his brother Zak’s two gold medals last year in south korea in the super G and slalom races. 

these boys, let’s not forget Luca who has also just got a bronze in the slalom, are really producing great results and there’s also 18 year old Molly Butler racing in the world champs right now in Saalbach. Molly got a very respectable top 40 place in the women’s GS

some very exiting things happening for these young GB ski racers. 

Ski resort lift record

New World Record: 101 Ski Lifts in a Single Day

Oliver Kern from *Skiresort.info* has set a new world record! On 11 February 2025, he rode an incredible **101 ski lifts** in a single day during regular operating hours. It’s an achievement that required meticulous planning, perfect timing, and a serious love for ski infrastructure.  

Kern, known for his expertise in ski resorts worldwide, took on the challenge to push the limits of what’s possible on the slopes. His record-breaking day highlights the efficiency and scale of modern lift systems – and his determination to make every second count.  

For more on this story, head to Skiresort.info

International ski patroller day

Celebrating International Ski Patrollers Day on February 10

Ski resorts around the world have come together to celebrate International Ski Patrollers Day, recognising the dedication and hard work of those who keep the mountains safe. From avalanche control to first aid rescues, ski patrollers are the unsung heroes of the slopes, working in all conditions to ensure skiers and snowboarders can enjoy their time in the mountains.  

This annual event is a chance for resorts and skiers alike to show appreciation for the teams who are first on the mountain and often the last to leave. Whether it’s a simple ‘thank you’ or taking part in resort events honouring patrollers, it’s a reminder of their crucial role in mountain safety.  

So next time you see a patroller, give them a nod – they’re the reason we can ride with confidence.  

AND FINALLY

DOM: this is the section where we talk about something in the news, it might be topical, it might be serious or not…

ROB: yes and this week, as we start the February half term holidays, we are talking about taking kids out of school for skiing holidays.

DOM: which you obviously don’t need to worry about this week Rob

ROB: true, but the cost is very high. yeah yeah first world problems but let’s put things into perspective, most people take holidays but somehow skiing holidays are often seen as elitist because they do generally cost more than sitting on a beach for a week. 

DOM: not helped by the fact the season for being able to take the kids is super short!

ROB: Exactly, i actually blame the government to a certain extent. they should look at staggering school holidays like they do in France. because it’s the flights that cost a huge amount on those peak season dates, it just prices most people, even skiers, out of the market. 

DOM: and is there a case for allocating days off for kids away from school holidays?

ROB: yeah maybe, i mean certainly for younger kids anyway. Our kids are right at that exam year stage and it’s tricky right, but taking a 10 year old out of school for a week to experience a foreign country - sorry but that is valuable life lesson stuff. i know many will disagree!!

DOM:  is there a case for shortening the summer holidays and extending others? Seems like it favours the teachers, not the parents and the kids! 

ROB: i do agree with this. It’s old school (excuse the pub) thinking. the world has changed but it seems like education hasn’t. 

I spotted this article recently in The Telegraph about skiing out of school holidays and wow, did it get some comments! I mean come on people, what is it with skiing holidays? what’s the issue, i bet these people fly off to the maldives or wherever and don’t think about it for a second, but mention you’re off skiing and suddenly you’re somehow vilified for it. 

DOM: and then people blame the tour ops!

ROB: ha yes exactly…

DOM: when actually they would much rather have a business model that is spread out across the season and they didn’t have to spike prices, it’s literally the only way they can survive and if they didn't do that, we just wouldn't have tour operators at all. 

ROB: Right, so let’s blame the government. if anyone from the government would like to come onto the Whiteout Ski Podcast to explain why it’s only the super rich that can afford to take their kids on skiing holidays because of their policies then we’d be delighted to hear from you….

DOM: to be fair it isn't quite as simple as that Rob.

ROB: I know, but still, the discussion would be fun. so let’s take a look at some of the comments left on this telegraph article written by our good journalist friend Rebecca Miles and titled ‘We’d rather be fined than miss our term-time ski holiday’...yipee to that i say.

DOM: here’s the first comment from a Willam Gibson:

ROB: brilliant. sounds like East Berlin in the 1960’s but whatever that’s okay! Polly Kettering then said….

DOM: I think she’s referring to the fact there’s a clearout in state schools from the ex private school kids now attending them that still take skiing holidays.

ROB: yes i think so. Here’s another comment from Nigel Redhead, who clearly thinks parents are criminals - the man he refers to is a parent in the article, Nigel says:

DOM: and then Pete Nossined simple replies saying: Fascist!

ROB: good comment. fairly accurate i would say. 

DOM: then Clive Dudley says - firstly quoting from the article with the words ‘we’d rather be fined than miss our term-time holiday’ and then commenting…’no, you’d (see below)

ROB: I wonder if Clive has children? and the perhaps the comment that seems on the face of it to be fair, but is actually just not at all accurate. S Field, saysd:

just missing the point. I mean it’s just not the case. It’s like saying, ‘well if you can afford an overseas holiday then you surely you can go 5* to the Maldives.

there’s well over 250 comments and many are very strongly in favour of fines and increasing fines, some people genuinely saying the kids should be expelled from the school if they are taken out at term time. 

the problem people is the system, not the parents. Maybe let’s end with a comment from Andrea Jones who says:

and replied to by a ‘telegraph reader’ who simply says (see above)

well i don’t always agree with Telegraph readers but on this occasion, i certainly do…although not the second part.

disclaimer, i have never taken my daughter out of school for a skiing holiday - but i really wish i could have done. 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/news/term-time-ski-holidays/

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—-

DOM: 

And now it’s time for Where’s Best to Ski Now! Let’s face it, Rob, we both know there’s nothing quite like the topic of snow to get us excited—after all, it’s what we’re paid to talk about, right? So, let’s get stuck in and have a look at where the best snow is right now.

ROB: 

indeed Welcome to this week's Where is best to Ski Right Now, where we bring you the freshest snow updates and the most promising slopes from around the globe. Grab your ski poles, folks—let’s see where the powder’s at and where you should be heading for your next snow-filled adventure!

DOM

Its great to see the snowy conditions and what a great season it's truly turning out to be…

where have you been rob

ROB

Quite a few places this winter so far Dom, including the 3 Valleys, Tignes, Crans-Montana, La Clusaz and the Portes du Soleil not to mention Turkey. Lucky enough to get some proper powder turns in at the ski test in La Clusaz…and what about you dom saas fee right now, what's it like there on the snow front. 

DOM

XXX yes and shortly off to Cervinia, then Cape smokey then aspen so plenty of gas in the tank yet 🙂

Rob: Let's delve deeper into the current snow conditions across key skiing regions, focusing on the Alps and highlighting resorts with the best snow.

The Alps

Recent weather patterns have brought significant snowfall to various parts of the Alps, really helping conditions across many resorts.

France: The French Alps have benefited from recent snowfalls, leading to excellent conditions in many resorts. For instance, Val d'Isère and Tignes are reporting substantial snow depths, with most of their terrain open and well-groomed. 

Switzerland: Swiss resorts like Zermatt have seen significant snowfalls, resulting in excellent conditions. The resort boasts deep snow bases, especially at higher elevations, ensuring quality skiing experiences. 

Austria: Austrian resorts have also received fresh snow over the past day, with places like St. Anton am Arlberg reporting improved conditions. The recent snowfalls have definitely helped, particularly on-piste. I’m heading to Innsbruck on Monday, the ski area of Muttereralm and i expect to see some fresh snow. 

Italy: Italian resorts such as Cervinia are experiencing good conditions, with recent snowfalls contributing to a solid base. The higher altitude of Cervinia ensures more reliable snow cover, it’s certainly one of the best places right now. 

Scandinavia

In Norway, resorts like Hemsedal are maintaining good snow conditions, with consistent low temperatures preserving the snow quality. The forecast indicates continued cold weather, which should keep the slopes in excellent shape.

The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees have seen recent snowfall, particularly in the French regions, with up to half a meter reported in some areas. Resorts such as Baqueira-Beret in Spain are benefiting from these fresh snowfalls, offering good skiing conditions. 

Dom: Now, let's turn our attention to North America and Japan.

North America

In the United States, resorts in the Pacific Northwest, like Whistler in Canada, are anticipating significant snowfall in the coming days, which should greatly enhance skiing conditions generally…It looks great in Utah and Montana right now though. 

Japan

Niseko continues to experience regular snowfall, maintaining its reputation for excellent powder conditions. The forecast suggests continued snow showers, ensuring that the slopes remain in prime condition for skiers and snowboarders.

Rob: That concludes our detailed snow report. Remember to check local forecasts and avalanche advisories before heading out, and always prioritize safety on the slopes. Just to add though Dom, you mentioned Cape Smokey…

DOM: yes, we are both heading there at the end of the month Rob.

ROB: indeed and just to remind our listeners - because we had a Cape Smokey special earlier this season - it’s located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

DOM: wonder what the snow is like there Rob?

ROB: well, I had a quick check and there’s currently 1.5 metres of snow there but there’s a lot in the forecast for the coming week. like a lot! it might double by the time we arrive and temperature seem to hang out at around -10 degrees most of the time. 

DOM: good that we are going surfing then.

ROB: oh yeah…oh no, memories of that time you made me dive into that frozen lake in Crans-Montana.

DOM: you loved it really

ROB: no, i didnt. but it did clear up my hangover at least…anyway

GEAR

DOM: 

Next up, it’s the Gear Guide! Whether you're looking to upgrade your kit or just nosing around for the latest trends, we’ve got you sorted. From skis and boots to jackets and gadgets, we aim to cover everything you need to stay stylish and fully kitted out on the slopes. Let’s get into it!

Rob: We're diving into a crucial part of ski gear—technical outerwear. Jackets, trousers, waterproofing, breathability—what do these ratings really mean, and what should you be looking for?

Dom: Yeah, outerwear isn’t just about looking the part; it’s what keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable out there on the mountain. We’ve both been testing different kit recently, so we’ll get into the details, including a mention of Helly Hansen, since we’ve been putting some of their gear through its paces.

2. Materials & Construction

Rob: Let’s start with the basics—materials. Most ski jackets and trousers use waterproof membranes, the most well-known being Gore-Tex. It’s designed to keep water out while allowing moisture from your body to escape. But there are loads of other proprietary membranes, from eVent to Dermizax, all doing similar jobs with slight differences in performance.

Dom: Then you've got the choice between softshell and hardshell. Softshell is more flexible, quieter, and great for breathability, but it’s not as waterproof as a hardshell. Hardshells, on the other hand, give you full weather protection but can feel a bit more rigid.

Rob: And within that, you’ve got insulated jackets and shells. Insulated ones keep you warm without needing extra layers, but a shell gives you the flexibility to layer up depending on the conditions.

Dom: Yeah, if you're skiing in different climates, a shell with a good layering system is usually the more versatile choice.

3. Waterproofing & Weather Protection

Rob: This is where numbers start getting thrown around—waterproof ratings. You’ll see things like 10,000mm, 20,000mm, even 30,000mm. That number is the water column rating, which measures how much water the fabric can withstand before it starts to leak.

Dom: Essentially, 10,000mm is good for light snowfall, 20,000mm for heavier snow and rain, and anything above that is serious protection. But waterproofing isn’t just about the fabric—seam sealing is key. Fully taped seams stop water getting in at the stitching, and then there’s DWR—Durable Water Repellent—which keeps water beading off the fabric.

Rob: We’ve been testing Helly Hansen’s outerwear recently, and they use their own waterproofing tech called Helly Tech, which stacks up well against Gore-Tex in real-world conditions. It’s been performing well in wet snow and mixed conditions, so definitely worth mentioning.

4. Breathability & Comfort

Dom: Now, waterproofing is great, but if your jacket doesn’t breathe, you’ll be soaked from the inside out. Breathability is measured in grams per square metre over 24 hours—so something rated at 10,000g/m² lets that amount of moisture escape. The higher the number, the better the breathability.

Rob: This is where things like ventilation zips come in handy—pit zips on jackets, thigh vents on trousers. If you're skiing hard or touring, you want to dump excess heat quickly.

Dom: Yeah, if you're overheating and sweating inside your jacket, even the best waterproofing won’t help because you'll just end up wet from your own body heat. Good breathability and venting is just as important as staying dry.

5. Fit & Features

Rob: Fit is another key thing to consider. Regular fit is your standard all-mountain shape, athletic fit is slimmer and more performance-oriented, and then you’ve got the baggier freeride fits with more room for layering and movement.

Dom: And let’s not forget about features—powder skirts stop snow getting up your back, wrist gaiters keep snow out of your sleeves, and RECCO reflectors help with search and rescue if things go wrong in the backcountry.

Rob: Pockets are another thing people overlook—if you're carrying a transceiver, phone, snacks, or a lift pass, having the right pockets in the right places makes a big difference.

6. Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Dom: So, what’s worth spending money on, and what’s just marketing hype?

Rob: Waterproofing and breathability are worth investing in—if you’re wet, you’re miserable. But beyond that, it depends on what type of skiing you do. If you’re riding in cold conditions, insulation might be worth it, but if you’re more active, a breathable shell with layering is the way to go.

Dom: And don’t just go for the highest numbers—20,000mm waterproofing with 20,000g/m² breathability is usually more than enough for most people. Anything beyond that is overkill unless you’re ski touring in extreme conditions.

Rob: That’s it for this gear segment. Let us know what you look for in ski outerwear—drop us a message or get in touch on social. And we’ll be back with more ski equipment talk soon.

DOM: 

also cover lift pass pockets, goggle pocket with lens wipe in, insulated phone pockets like on helly gear, draw chords at bottom to stop wind up, zippers, cuffs at bottom of pants for wear

*****

ROB: 

Podcast Section Introduction: Ski Racing with Ed Drake

Alright, it’s time to shift gears and talk about ski racing. 

Joining us today is none other than Ed Drake, host of The Ski Racing Podcast. Ed’s a former pro racer himself, so he knows the sport inside and out. He’ll be giving us the latest updates, sharing expert insights, and breaking down all the action from the world of ski racing

ed hows you?

DOM: next up rob is our Destination of the Week! 

ROB: and this week it’s Saas Fee in Switzerland - rather conveniently, you have just returned from there Dom. how was it?

DOM: xxxx (short summary)

ROB: I have been there several times over the years myself - i must say it’s very unique but sort of Zermatt like but without quite as many international tourists.

DOM: yes it’s a bit more tucked away, but the village is lovely, very traditional and car free which is nice.

ROB: what about the skiing? you were with people that haven't skied too much, how did they find it?

DOM: xxxx

ROB: and what about you? did you find plenty of slopes to keep you interested?

DOM: xxxx

ROB: the off-piste is a bit tricky there if you don’t know where you’re going right because of the glacier but did you see any of that?

DOM: xxxx

ROB: there’s plenty to do for non skiers there too right?

DOM: xxxx

ROB: and what about the village itself and the apres scene, what is going on in Saas Fee?

DOM: xxxx

ROB: who would you say is suited to Saas Fee then - families, beginners, experts, all of the above?

DOM: xxxx

ROB: any secret tips or things you didn't expect to find there?

DOM: xxxx

*****

SECTION SPECIAL: Les Menuires - with Vanessa Fisher 

*****

DESSERT ISLAND SKI RESORT - Roisin Timpson, Le Tremplin

*****

DOM

Thanks so much for tuning in to The Whiteout Ski Podcast! We hope you’re feeling excited  and ready to take on your next ski trip. If you liked today’s episode, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode .

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