The White Out – Friday Feb 28th (record 26th am)

Dom: Hello, listeners! and Welcome to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Ski Weekends. I’m Dom, I started InTheSnow magazine 18 years ago, and now run a bunch of social channels, print magazine and the fab inthesnowmag youtube channel, and I’m very excited to introduce my trusted colleague…rooob stewart 

Rob: Hi yes thanks Dom, you can also see me on the inthesnow youtube channel reviewing and getting stuck into all the gear that's launching each season, i've done multiple ski seasons over the last 30 years, done most jobs in the industry, instructor, ski shop, chalet operations, I now run a ski PR agency looking after destinations including Crans Montana, Les Gets and Jungfrau ski region to name just a few and im a self confessed gear and ski gear enthusiast - some might say just a geek. ha ha

Dom: Great to be here again Rob each week, bringing our listeners  the latest ski news from around the world, where is best to ski right now, reviews of the hottest ski gear for the season, our regular race updates from the ski racing podcast, and of course each week we delve into some of the  most incredible ski destinations on the planet.  And all that in association with ski weekends our trusted headline sponsor this season 

Rob: And also  great to now be officially partnering with The Ski Racing Podcast for all of those into your racing def look up British Alpine Ski racer Ed Drake The Ski Racing Podcast 

So Ski Weekends Dom; 

Dom:  yes very fortunate to have such a great partner on board with The Whiteout, i’ve been working with these guys for 18 years, they are specialists in great-value short ski breaks, offering 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. For more details, visit skiweekends.com.  

So Rob whats been happening?

ROB: we are just out the other side of the February half term holiday weeks, so it’s time for the real ski season to start!

DOM: true, i guess so  many people think it’s over when we hit March but nothing could be further from the truth.

ROB: March is arguably the best time to ski in Europe and North America and April over the past few seasons has been epic, although you do need to go high, as in resorts over 1500 metres.

DOM: As this podcast goes out Rob, we’ll be in Nova Scotia, Canada in Cape Smokey - a fairly new ski area right on the Atlantic Coast.

ROB: yes and we will be talking about it more in our next episode for sure. I’ve just been to the ski area of Muttereralm which is literally 15 minutes drive from Innsbruck Airport. I took my daughter from Monday to Thursday, making the flights much cheaper during the Feb half term week, but because the place is so close to the airport it just didn't matter. great short break destination, great for families with young kids too, and beginners but with some nice long runs too including a really long blue and red. 

DOM: Well I’m going to look at Easter now for our next family break, although it’s late this year, like you say April has been fantastic the last few seasons about that 1500-1800 level and it’s looking like we’ll get the same conditions this year too.

ROB: I still want to do that whole Norway ski touring thing in April or May. I went up there 30 years ago in May and it was fantastic but people just didnt tour like they do now and there wasn't really anything set up for it then, I literally had my telemark skis and toured with them - it was absolutely amazing but i do feel like i should return…

DOM: so proper 24 hours daylight then?

ROB: yeah pretty much, it might have got dark for like an hour if that. it felt like pioneering stuff back then - there was a party in one of the ski lodges for the end of the season and i was treated like a celebrity because i was British. not like that now i guess

DOM: ummm, no doubt you would be properly ignored now Rob.

ROB: ha ha yes true, well i was like 24 years old with a goggle tan.

DOM: you’ve still got the goggle tan!

ROB: yeah true, but i just get weird looks walking around Hereford now. 

DOM: that’s not the goggle tan Rob.

ROB: probably not. It might be the ski boots and helmet that do it.

DOM: sensible attire for walking around Tesco’s i would say.

ROB: in Hereford, yes definitely. 

DOM: right, what have we got coming up in this episode Rob?

ROB: well of course we’ve got news, where is best to ski now, the gear guide and our destination of the week, which is Saas Fee and Ed Drake’s ski racing corner.

DOM: there’s still a lot going on in the ski world Rob and yes Saas Fee, it was my first time there, i know you’ve been there a bit over the years but i’m looking forward to talking all about it. 

—

Rob: looking forward to it Dom - right what’s up in the news thai week dom?

Dom: yep here in the white out skiing news - 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!

ROB: this is a horrible story Dom but I think we should mention it as a reminder that we need to be aware of potential dangers when they might not be expected. a 23 year old British man has died in Avoriaz after falling from a cliff following apres ski. It appears that when skiing down from Avoriaz, the man got lost and then removed his skis and fell. It’s all just very sad but it’s important to understand that we shouldn't ever ski alone, or after the runs have closed and although there’s no details about alcohol being involved, if there has been alcohol consumed then take the lift down. It’s also really important to state that taking skis off on a steep slope is not a good idea. you’ve got way more control with skis on that off. a very sad reminder that things can go wrong very quickly in these situations and our condolences go out to the man’s family.

DOM: Montagne Verte, the environmental non profit based in the Morzine-Les Gets region, has expanded its AlpinExpress initiative, making it easier for skiers to choose low-carbon travel to the Alps.  The AlpinExpress Pass offers discounts on ski passes, accommodation, transfers, and more across Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets —helping to make train travel not just the greener choice, but often the cheaper one too. Now, Montagne Verte has introduced a series of train travel guides designed to take the guesswork out of getting to the Alps by rail. Covering everything from navigating Paris and Lyon to finding station facilities and reserving onward transport, the guides aim to remove common barriers to train travel.  

check them out at montagneverte.org 

ROB: If you’re desperate for a ski fix but stuck in the UK, don’t worry—there’s hope. New research from Blacks has ranked the best regions for winter sports, and, shockingly, Scotland comes out on top. With actual mountains, ski resorts like Nevis Range and Glenshee, and a solid 21 days of snow a year, it’s as close as we get to the Alps—if you don’t mind the occasional gale-force wind.  

Coming in second is the South East, which might raise a few eyebrows. But with 18 ski slopes and 11 ice rinks, it’s a strong contender—though swapping Courchevel for the dry slope at Chatham does take a bit of imagination. Snowzone in Milton Keynes leads the charge here, with its 175-metre slope offering a respectable alternative to the real thing.  

The North West rounds out the top three, thanks in part to Manchester’s Chill Factore—the UK’s longest indoor slope at 180 metres. That’s about the length of a single turn in an Alpine downhill race, but you know, better than nought. 

London, unsurprisingly, isn’t exactly a winter sports paradise, scraping in at 10th place with a grand total of one ski slope. But at least there are a few ice rinks to practice your edge control before heading for the Eurostar.  

The full rankings are at blacks.co.uk (https://www.blacks.co.uk/blog/winter-sports-index ) 

DOM: This weekend, history was made in the world of ski racing as Mikaela Shiffrin became the first skier to hit 100 World Cup wins. To put that in perspective, the second most successful female racer, Lindsey Vonn, retired with 82. So Shiffrin isn’t just breaking records—she’s completely rewriting them.  Win number 100 came in the slalom in Sestriere, Italy, where she dominated yet again, finishing over a second ahead of the field. But what does this milestone mean for Shiffrin’s legacy? Where does she go from here? And is there anyone who can challenge her? Well, we’ve got former GB racer Ed Drake joining us on the podcast to break it all down. So stick around—this is one you won’t want to miss.

ROB: yeah I’m sure Ed will discuss it later in the show but i must say, it was incredible to watch. many years ago our good friend Martin Bell said to me, look out for this youngster Mickaela, she is going to be a star. well he wasn't wrong. congrats Mickaela…

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…

DOM:

"And now its time for Where’s Best to Ski Now! We both love talking about snow rob lets face it, thats essentially what this is all about, so lets get stuck into where the best snow conditions are right now and where is  best to ski right now im hoping the first thing you say is les gets…

ROB i think this is a format for snow that we should stick to

It’s turned into a mostly dry and sunny week across Western Europe after snowy weather at the end of last week. With most of the region's ski areas now fully open, it has been a great week in most resorts. Of course we have just seen the busy February half term weeks, but with decent snow cover in all the major resorts, it helps to spread the load nicely. Temperatures warmed up a little but it didn't seem to impact snow coverage. 

Over in North America, it’s been pretty much the opposite with some very cold temperatures at times, once again and some of the heaviest snowfalls of the season. They were biggest in California at the end of last week with up to 1.3m (over 4 feet) of snowfall reported in 36 hours. But for the Rockies, the snowfall continued over a longer period with some resorts in Colorado and Utah seeing their biggest falls and subsequent best conditions of the 24-25 season so far.

Here's where you’ll find some of the best skiing right now.

DOM

indeed well starting in Austria: Decent on-piste snow conditions remain in place

Austrian ski resorts continue to offer decent on-piste snow conditions. The past week has seen a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures fluctuating but generally remaining not too far from freezing levels.

Most resorts report their slopes are 85-100% open, with snow depths slightly below average for this time of year. Notably, the Arlberg region, encompassing St. Anton and Lech, boasts substantial snow coverage, with upper mountain depths reaching up to 190 cm. Similarly, Kitzbühel offers 170 km of open slopes, supported by efficient snowmaking systems. 

Obertauern continues to operate at full capacity, with all lifts and runs open. The resort benefits from its higher elevation, ensuring consistent snow conditions throughout the season.

Looking ahead, forecasts indicate a potential for light snowfall in certain regions, which should help maintain the current quality of the slopes. 

Must-Visit: Obertauern, Saalbach Hinterglemm, Arlberg (Lech, St Anton)

France: Snowfall and Sunshine Return

the French Alps continue to offer excellent skiing conditions this week, especially over 1500 metres. Following a week of substantial snowfall, with accumulations reaching up to 60 cm in 48 hours, snow depths have rebounded to near-peak levels. 

The Portes du Soleil and the 3 valleys, currently have almost 100% of terrain open. 

The weather is starting to look quite settled over the next week or two, temperatures are going to rise as we go into March and it looks like the sun is coming out. But it doesn't look like it will get too warm, so I think conditions will hold up nicely. 

Must-Visit: Portes du Soleil, 3 Valleys

Italy: Cold Weather and Snow in the Dolomites

Recent weather patterns have brought fresh snowfall to northern and western regions of the Italian Alps. 

In the Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio has benefited from recent snowfalls, with current conditions at 1°C and partly sunny skies. The forecast indicates a bit more snow over this weekend, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 3°C. 

Livigno, which previously faced limited snowfall, has recently received a significant boost, with 35 cm of new fresh snow. 

The Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, straddling the Italian-French border, including Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, and Montgenèvre, is in good shape. of course we saw that extensive snow cover over last weekend in the women’s slalom with Mikaela’s win! There’s some light snow forecast over this weekend then sun, sun, sun for next week. It will feel a bit spring like at times. 

Must-Visit: Madonna di Campiglio, Livigno, Milky Way

ROB

yes dom and in Switzerland: Solid Snow across the country

Swiss ski resorts are experiencing favorable conditions following a week of substantial snowfall, particularly at higher elevations. Resorts like Verbier and Zermatt report over 300 km of open terrain, and we saw great conditions over last weekend in Crans-Montana for the men’s downhill and super g races. 

In Verbier, the recent heavy snowfalls have significantly improved snow depths, with the resort reporting a top snow depth of 117 cm and a base depth of 30 cm. The last recorded snowfall was on February 23, 2025, it is set to become more fair over the coming week, with lots of sunshine. 

Zermatt has also benefited from recent snowfalls, with light snow expected at higher elevations. Temperatures are forecasted to range from -3°C to 1°C, with snow anticipated to fall down to the resort level at times. 

in general Switzerland is looking good but more spring like conditions are on their way for the next week. 

Must-Visit: Verbier’s 4 Valleys, Zermatt-Cervinia

Pyrenees: Fresh Snow and Mixed Conditions

the Pyrenees have experienced fresh snowfall following a period of warmer weather that had previously diminished the snowpack between Christmas and New Year. This recent precipitation has notably improved conditions across the region.

In Andorra, approximately 70% of the slopes are currently open. Soldeu, has decent cover on piste but there’s not much off-piste to be found right now in the region. 

Saint-Lary, located in the French Pyrenees, reports that 90% of its slopes are operational. colder air is also expected to move in, with snow and flurries anticipated in the over the next few days. 

Baqueira Beret is also reporting improved conditions. As of February 20, the resort boasts a base depth of 75 cm, with all 36 lifts operational, providing access to 69 pistes. The recent snowfall has enhanced the quality of both groomed runs and off-piste areas. 

Overall, the recent snowfall has revitalized the Pyrenean ski resorts, with many areas approaching full operational capacity.

Must-Visit: St Lary, Baqueira Beret

Scandinavia: Powder and Cold Temperatures

Scandinavian ski resorts are experiencing favorable conditions. Recent heavy snowfall, particularly in Norway, has enhanced the snowpack, with some western resorts receiving up to 50 cm in the past week. Resorts like Hemsedal and Trysil have 50-70% of their slopes open, with more snow anticipated. In Sweden, Sälen is also benefiting from the recent snowfall, contributing to improved skiing conditions across the region.

things are starting to warm up though and it looks more spring like as we head into March. 

Must-Visit: Hemsedal, Trysil, Geilo

DOM

heading to Eastern Europe: Improved snow conditions

Eastern European ski resorts are enjoying improved conditions due to recent snowfall. In Bulgaria, Bansko reports 13 out of 14 lifts operational, with excellent on-piste conditions. The resort experienced a significant snowfall of 17 cm between February 16 and 18. But the sun is coming out and it’s looking very spring like as we head into March. will be lovely spring skiing conditions there. 

In Czechia, technically central Europe, Špindlerův Mlýn has received fresh snowfall too and clearly geographically it’s very different from Bulgaria and temperatures in this part of Europe that would also include the likes of Jasna in Slovakia are generally remaining cooler over the next two weeks and will get some top ups. 

Overall, the recent snow has revitalized Eastern European ski destinations

Must-Visit: Bansko, Špindlerův Mlýn, Jasna 

Scotland: starting to look sketchy

It has been a very up and down season in Scotland with some promising snow at times. right now the western ski areas of the nevis range and glencoe look a little better than the east but do check their websites for updates because it has turned milder again. they need a lot of snow to really get things going again. 

Must-Visit: you need to check! 

ROB 

and in Canada: Best in the west

Canadian ski resorts present varied conditions between eastern and western regions. Head west for the best snow…

In Alberta and British Columbia, resorts are operating at near-full capacity, with snow depths ranging from 1 to 2 meters.

Lake Louise Ski Resort: All 12 lifts are operational, providing access to 154 out of 164 trails. The most recent snowfall was on February 23, 2025. Upcoming weather forecasts indicate temperatures remaining around the freezing level with some snow forecast as we head into March. 

Whistler Blackcomb: The resort reports 33 of 35 lifts in operation, covering 335 out of 342 trails. temperatures look a bit milder going forward here but more snow is in the forecast, especially for upper elevations. 

Must-Visit: Lake Louise, Whistler Blackcomb

USA: Pacific Northwest Leads the Way

As of February 25, 2025, ski conditions across the United States vary by region:

Pacific Northwest: Resorts like Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass in Washington have received significant snowfall this season, with totals exceeding 5 meters. Both resorts are experiencing more snowfall. 

Rocky Mountains: The Rockies have experienced substantial snowfall, leading to excellent skiing conditions. Aspen, Colorado, the forecast indicates a mix of sun and clouds over the next few days

Eastern United States:

The Eastern U.S. has faced a mix of weather patterns. While some areas have experienced heavy snowfall, such as central New York, where a lake-effect snowstorm led to significant snow accumulation and structural collapses, other regions like Connecticut are seeing milder temperatures nearing 50°F (10°C), which may affect snow conditions. 

Overall, the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions currently offer the most favorable skiing conditions, while the Eastern U.S. presents more variable scenarios.

Must-Visit: Crystal Mountain, Keystone, Vail 

DOM: so In Summary: wherever you are heading right now, you are probably in for a good time, id say thats fair isn't it…!?

ROB: yep totally agree. it’s very solid on piste. resorts are so good now at keeping the snow in decent conditions. looking like another classic spring skiing season…

DOM

"Next up Rob is  The Gear Guide! where in conjunction with our inthesnowmag youtube channel we delve into preview and review the latest and greatest ski gear thats caught our eye —from skis and boots to helmets and goggles. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got gear to keep you safe and stylish, so what have we got this week"

DOM - BEFORE WE LAUNCH INTO THIS ROB ITS COMPETITION TIME

HH legendary insulated pants, Helly Hanson Odin 40 backpack, panda optics goggles Diablo bath polar print neck warmer Mizo stainless steel water bottle

E-ski touring skis

Rob: In today’s gear section Dom we are going to look into the latest innovation in ski touring: wait for it...electric-assist skis. Yep that’s right, two companies, E-SKIMO and Vipera, have recently launched products, or at least are in the process of launching, in this space, and they've both contacted me recently too. Let's take a closer look at what they're offering.

Dom: Absolutely, Rob. E-SKIMO, developed by the Swiss company E-Outdoor, aims to revolutionize ski mountaineering with their electric-assist technology. Their system features motorized treads integrated into the skis, allowing users to ascend slopes up to 80% faster while reducing muscle effort by 30%. This means skiers can conserve energy on the climb and have more stamina for the descent. 

Rob: That's impressive. The E-SKIMO system includes a removable gearless hub motor and a 220-Wh lithium battery on each ski. It also boasts advanced sensors and a 6-axis inertial measurement unit, ensuring the motor engages intuitively based on the skier's movements. This seamless integration is designed to enhance the uphill experience without compromising the downhill ride. 

Dom: On the other side of the Atlantic, we have Vipera, a product from Boston-based startup Frigid Dynamics. The Vipera skis are equipped with ultra-compact, virtually silent motors and a removable drivetrain. This design allows skiers to tackle uphill terrain with ease and then remove the drivetrain for a traditional skiing experience on the descent. 

Rob: The Vipera system also features integrated suspension to absorb impacts from bumps and jumps, protecting the electro-mechanical components and ensuring durability. With a quick 3-hour charge, these skis are designed to provide a full day of adventure. Pre-orders are currently open with a $199 deposit, and the full price is set at $2,999, with shipments expected to begin in September 2025, according to the company. 

Dom: It's fascinating to see how both companies are addressing the challenges of uphill skiing. E-SKIMO focuses on integrating their technology directly into the skis, offering a seamless experience for mountaineers. In contrast, Vipera provides flexibility with a removable drivetrain, catering to skiers who want the option to switch between powered and traditional skiing.

Rob: Indeed, Dom. These innovations could make backcountry skiing more accessible to a broader audience, allowing enthusiasts to conserve energy on ascents and enjoy longer days on the mountain. As these products become available, it'll be interesting to see how the ski community embraces this new technology.

Dom: For those interested in learning more, you can visit E-SKIMO's official website at e-skimo.swiss and Vipera's site at frigiddynamics.com. We'll keep you updated on any developments and share our hands-on experiences once we get the chance to test these innovative skis.

Rob: absolutely - the team at e-skimo have asked me to test their skis. it’s really interesting, a few years back I worked on an april fools video campaign with Action Outdoors. they made a fake video with e skis as a joke. well now it’s not a joke anyway, it really is coming.

Dom: maybe like e bikes at first there will be a lot of resistance but that has changed with the bike side.

Rob: yeah i agree, i guess the biggest question will be over safety in the mountains. this is going to be the biggest area we will need to deal with. but it seems like a natural progression and I am sure e-skiing will be here to stay. 

"Time to hit the race corner with Ski Racing Worldwide! In this segment, we’re joined by British Alpine ski racer Ed Drake to bring you all the action from the slopes—covering the latest results, standout performances, and insider insights from the world of ski racing. Let’s get into it!"

next up rob is our Destination Spotlight of the Week! 

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most incredible ski resorts around. Whether you're an experienced skier or just looking for your next winter getaway, you won't want to miss what we've got in store. So grab your gear and let's dive into our ski resort destination of the week!

the DESTINATION is Saas Fee

ROB: yes 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: might need to skip over this as per earlier convo

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

DOM: i will choose a selection of these

1. Excursions on the Fee Glacier: A stunning snowshoe tour across the Fee Glacier, guided by a mountain guide, offering breathtaking views of ice formations and crevices. The tour lasts 4-5 hours, starting at £170 per person.
   
   
   
2. Gorge Alpine and Via Ferrata: An adventurous journey through the Fee Gorge, featuring zip lines, suspension bridges, and steel ropes, led by a mountain guide. The winter via ferrata in Saas-Grund offers a fun challenge with a 40m abseil.
   
   
   
3. Winter Hiking and Snowshoe Tours: With 120km of trails, visitors can enjoy winter hikes and snowshoe tours, including the Längfluh circular trail and the Mattmark reservoir hike.
   
   
   
4. Kian’s Adventure Land for Families: A family-friendly area with snow tubing, Skidoos, a tepee, igloo movies, and a kids’ ski slalom, all set in a scenic mountain environment.
   
   
   
5. Exceptional Sledging: Sledging runs in Saas-Grund, Saas-Fee, and Saas-Almagell, with stunning views and fun for all ages.
   
   
   
6. Kreuzboden by Night: Evening activities like night sledging, torchlight hikes, fondue evenings, and the new Night Biking adventure on floodlit pistes.
   
   
   
7. Aqua Allalin: A luxurious spa with mountain views, offering saunas, baths, a pool, and relaxing spaces for wellness enthusiasts.
   
   
   
8. Fondue Gondola: A unique experience of enjoying fondue in a gondola with beautiful mountain views and atmospheric lighting.
   
   
   
9. Culinary Delights: A variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine, including the world's highest revolving restaurant, Allalin, with panoramic views.
   
   
   
10. Après-ski in Saas-Fee: A vibrant après-ski scene with lively bars like Black Bull Snowbar and Larix, offering a mix of lively and sophisticated atmospheres.
    
    
    

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

Desert Island ski resort - Ross Woodhall, ski photographer

ROB: yes Ross Woodhall, the long haired, British rock star photographer of the skiing world, is coming on to tell us all about how to get into ski photography. 

DOM: he can definitely take some photo’s can’t he Rob. I mean, ive some of you and he even makes you look cool on the slopes.

ROB: Ummm, he might be a genius but I’m not convinced he’s cracked that one yet. there’s a challenge.

DOM: well, he really does have some fantastic stories spanning a career of over 30 years, taking photographs of some of the best skiers around the world - he’s worked for brands, skiing magazines and has his own studio in Birmingham - we welcome the one and only, Mr Ross Woodhall.

*****

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