
The Whiteout Ski Podcast
The Best Ski Podcast for Skiers Everywhere
The Whiteout Ski Podcast is hosted by Ski & Mountain Gurus - Dom Killinger, Publisher at InTheSnow Magazine, and Rob Stewart, Ski Journalist and PR Expert at Ski Press.
Every episode includes: Where is best to Ski Now, Ski News from around the world, A Gear Buyers Guide, Awesome Destinations as well as bucket list destinations. Chuck in regular interviews with total ski legends and Race Updates from a British Alpine Ski Racer and you've got the ultimate ski podcast and powder fix!
Bi-Weekly in Winter, Monthly in Summer
To keep you connected with the world of skiing year-round, The Whiteout Ski Podcast is released bi-weekly in winter and monthly in the summer. The winter episodes bring you everything you need to know about the ski season ahead, while the summer episodes give you a deeper dive into mountain culture, gear, and what to look forward to when the snow returns.
What You Can Expect in Every Episode
The Whiteout Ski Podcast covers a variety of exciting topics, ensuring each episode is packed with fresh content that will make it your favourite skiing podcast:
- Where is Best to Ski Now?
Each episode includes the latest snow reports, helping you find the best places to ski, whether you're looking for fresh powder or spring skiing conditions, Dom and Rob give you the lowdown on where the snow is falling right now. - Exclusive Gear Reviews
The best ski podcast is all about delivering content that’s ahead of the curve. That’s why each episode features cutting-edge ski gear reviews, often before anyone else has got their hands on it. So if you love your kit, you won’t want to miss reviews on on skis, boots, apparel and all the latest ski equipment. - Ski News From Around the World
Stay in the loop with the latest ski news from around the world, from industry trends and ski resort developments to groundbreaking ski technology and major ski events. The Whiteout Ski Podcast ensures you’re always up to date with what's happening across the globe for your next après chat. - Destination Spotlights
Dreaming of your next ski trip? In every episode, Dom and Rob shine a spotlight on top ski destinations from around the world, sharing insider knowledge and personal recommendations. Whether you're thinking of hitting the slopes in the Alps or exploring hidden gems in the Rockies, their destination spotlights provide all the info you need to make your ski trip unforgettable. - Interviews with Ski Legends
What sets The Whiteout Ski Podcast apart from other ski podcasts is its star-studded lineup of interviews. Dom and Rob have had the privilege of speaking with some of the biggest names in skiing, including Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, World Cup champion Bode Miller, and British ski legend Eddie the Eagle. These candid interviews offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at the lives of skiing icons and their personal experiences. - Ski Racing News with Ed Drake
Every episode also features the latest ski racing updates in association with The Ski Racing Podcast by Ed Drake, a British Alpine Ski Racer. Whether it’s a recap of major events or insights into the future of the sport, this segment ensures you're always informed about the fastest side of skiing.
Subscribe to The Best Ski Podcast
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The Whiteout Ski Podcast
S4 E20 - Best Places to Ski this Easter, Destination Arosa & The Best Skis Next Winter
Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)
Headline Sponsor Ski Weekends offers catered chalet and hotel short break ski holidays across Europe.
Ski Racing Updates with Ed Drake and Jasmin Taylor wins gold.
Where’s Best to Ski Now? France: Chamonix & Avoriaz offer spring skiing conditions, with events like the Freeride World Qualifier Junior and Volcom Spot to Spot snowboarding event. Austria: Ski Arlberg has spring skiing and the upcoming Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival. Zillertal offers sunny spring skiing with quirky events. Ischgl has fantastic spring skiing, gourmet dining, and Top of the Mountain concerts. Switzerland: Zermatt is expecting colder weather and light snow, ideal for spring skiing.
Südtirol Gardenissima Giant Slalom (March 29, 2025): The 27th Annual Event in Val Gardena, Italy, features 700 athletes from 24 countries in the world’s longest giant slalom.
Grindelwald-Wengen (Switzerland) offers great spring skiing, with some slopes open until April 6th. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy) is sunny and mild, perfect for spring skiing. Cervinia has received recent snow. Aspen (USA) has warm weather, but colder temps and snow are expected soon. Whistler (Canada) has a mix of sun, clouds, and snow, with higher snow levels at the mountain top. Deer Valley (USA) is open until April 20th. Hakuba Valley (Japan) has solid snow but no significant new dumps expected. Baqueira-Beret (Spain) is cold, with up to 6 cm of snow expected this weekend. Lillehammer & Hafjell (Norway) are mild, with highs of 9-10°C. Åre (Sweden) is sunny with temperatures around 11°C. Sälen (Sweden) is cooler with temperatures between 6-8°C.
Gear Guide: SIGB Ski Test 2025:
Best Skis for 2025-26: Piste Skis: Men: Fischer Noize Race Slalom (grip, smooth), Rossignol Forza Master (a favorite). Women: Dynastar Elite 7 (control, energy, for intermediate/advanced skiers).
All-Mountain Skis: Men: Blizzard Anomaly, Nordica Enforcer, Rossignol Arcade
Women: Rossignol Arcade 84
Freeride Skis: Men: Rossignol Sender Soul 102 Salomon QST 100 Armada Stranger . Women: Black Diamond Impulse 104 (
Destination Feature: Arosa, Switzerland: The third-largest ski area in Switzerland, linked to Lenzerheide, offering over 200 km of pistes. Located in the Graubunden region, it’s easily accessible by train from Zurich. Best for intermediates, Arosa offers wide slopes and off-piste terrain. Lenzerheide has steeper runs, including a World Cup downhill racecourse. The lift infrastructure includes gondolas, high-speed chairs, and a few T-bars (which can be avoided). The town is small, walkable, and features a mix of old and new architecture. The après-ski scene is quiet in the evenings, with Kuh Bar being lively for après ski. Rob stayed at Faern Altein, a 4-star, family-friendly hotel near the lift station with a spa and restaurants. To get there, take a train from Zurich to Arosa (around 2.5 hours), or drive.
Links: www.gardenissima.eu Ski Week
In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!
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inthesnow.com
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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com
The White Out – March 28
Dom: Hello, listeners! and Welcome to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Ski Weekends. I’m Dom from InTheSnow magazine and of course I am here with my co-host, Rob Stewart, who went AWOL on me for a while but seems to have resurfaced…
Rob: Hi yes thanks for the welcome Dom, and nice to be back. a big welcome to all our listeners to another episode of the whiteout ski podcast as we head into the last - and arguably, the most exciting part of the ski season.
Dom: Yes it’s 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: yes thanks to Ski Weekends, sponsors of The Whiteout ski podcast, they are specialists in short break ski holidays, 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.
and in fact, i have literally just been staying in their fantastic Les Gets chalet called Marjorie - it’s a large chalet that can sleep around 30 guests in the heart of the village and run by the brilliant Ski Weekends team there.
So Dom, what have we got coming up in today's episode?
DOM: well rob as always there’s a lot to talk about, we hear from Ed drake from the ski racing podcast on all the latest updates in the world of ski racing now the season has come to end in Sun Valley, Idaho, lots of news updates to go through, some exciting new gear to discuss, where is best to ski now and our resort destination of the week….(Arosa??)
INTRO:
ROB: so we are close to the end of the season, how has it been for you Dom?
DOM: it has been great - decent snow, great resorts (mention a few), a nice mix of family, work and exploration, staying in incredible locations - but it’s not over for me, i am off to Aspen shortly…
ROB: ohhh Aspen eh, nice. you decided to become a cowboy for the summer then?
DOM: it’s strictly work Rob but i won’t by herding cows Yellowstone style. i can tell you that. no, there’s a big annual conference there called MTS and it’s a really important business event for the industry, but the idea of being a cowboy for the summer does appeal - although have you watched the TV show Yellowsone? scary stuff that cowboying…
ROB: I have started watching it actually, i do quite like the idea of being a cowboy for the summer. you know i have got a story about summer work..
DOM: oh right okay go on then…
ROB: well you know when you’re a ski instructor you get asked all the time what you do in the summer, so i made up stories and my favourite one was that i worked as an aardvark farmer in Argentina.
DOM: an aardvark farmer?!
ROB: yes, and that happened because i met a girl in a Seville flamenco club - she was a dancer and her father owned the aardvark farm. But he was also, like a mafia guy, but that gets complicated.
DOM: so you went to farm aardvarks in Argentina, is that actually a thing?
ROB: no. but back then the internet really wasn't easily available so people couldn't check that so they just nodded with a sort of puzzled / confused look on their faces.
DOM: well they did ask!
ROB: exactly. anyway, i recently went on a ski trip purely focused on apres ski, although of course we did also ski…
DOM: well yes otherwise it wouldnt be apres ski.
ROB: exactly. I think next time you should come with me because i’d definitely get on the drums with the amazing bands.
DOM: ah yes, well i am your unofficial music agent rob.
ROB: you should just be my official agent to be honest, but yes what a fun thing the live music in places such as Meribel - and we were staying in Meribel Village and there’s a great apres venue there, is amazing…so much fun. I think i heard the song teenage dirtbag like about 6 times in 3 days though…
expand a bit
DOM: sounds great, well let’s crack into the news with a bit of dirtbag shall we…
*****
NEWS INTRO
Dom: HERE AT THE WHITEOUT - 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: The world’s longest giant slalom returns to Val Gardena on March 29, 2025. The Südtirol Gardenissima, now in its 27th year, is a six-kilometer challenge that brings together top athletes, ski legends, and amateurs for a race like no other.
700 skiers from 24 countries will take on 115 gates and a 1,000-meter vertical drop, starting at 2,518 meters on the Seceda slopes. The first section is a parallel race before the tracks merge into a single course, leading to the finish at Col Raiser.
Big names in the lineup include Dominik Paris, Christof Innerhofer, and Nicol Delago, along with legendary figures like Kristian Ghedina and Carlo Janka. Fans can meet these athletes at the bib distribution on March 28 and catch all the action via livestream on race day.
A true season finale in Val Gardena, the Südtirol Gardenissima is not just a race—it’s a celebration of skiing at its best.
Live Streaming and information: www.gardenissima.eu
DOM: SkiWeekends Launches 2025-26 Ski Holidays – Big Savings on Catered Chalets
SkiWeekends has just launched its 2025-26 skiing holidays There are some serious savings to be had—like up to £2,672 off a catered chalet holiday in the French Alps. That means a four-night stay, with catering and return airport transfers, from £317 per person.
SkiWeekends is offering a range of early booking incentives, including free places, free ski hire, and a free lift pass for group leaders. There’s even the option to pay in instalments with a £200 deposit.
Chalets range in size from 8 to 42 guests, and if you book the whole place, the lead booker gets a full-area lift pass for free. Pay your full balance within four weeks, and everyone in the group gets free ski or snowboard hire too.
Take Chalet Lauzes in Avoriaz as an example. A 7-night stay next February comes with a free place—so one guest stays for nothing—plus a free full-area lift pass and free ski hire for all guests, adding up to a total saving of over £2,600.
These early booking offers are available until May 1st, 2025. To find out more, visit skiweekends.com or call 02380 206971
ROB: Jasmin Taylor becomes a world skiing champion
British telemark skier Jasmin Taylor has taken a gold medal in the Telemark skiing world championships based in Les Contamines-Montjoie in the French Alps. The first place was in the women's parallel sprint event on Friday March 21st…
(include Saturday and Sunday placing plus third place in the women’s sprint)
this is an incredible achievement by Jasmin that cements the British skier as one of the best ever telemark skiers in the world - it’s worth mentioning that she is currently ranked number 1 in the 2025 world cup rankings as well.
I think it’s time we get Jasmine on the Dessert Island Ski Resort slot! although have lost count how many times we have interviewed her…
DOM: yep, so ‘how to become a world champion skier’, has a nice ring about it.
ROB: yes, easy right?! seriously amazing, have known Jasmin for years and seen her career grow. right what’s next?
*****
DOM: Survey Reveals Skiing and Snowboarding as the Ultimate Freedom Experience
A new survey conducted by online ski travel agency Heidi has revealed that for many, nothing compares to the sense of freedom found in the mountains. Out of 900 participants, 73% said they feel most free when skiing or snowboarding down the slopes.
The findings highlight the deep connection skiers and snowboarders have with the mountains, with other outdoor activities trailing significantly behind. Hiking in the mountains was the next most popular choice at 10%, followed by swimming in the sea (8%), walking through a forest (5%), and doing yoga (3%).
A spokesperson for Heidi commented on the results, saying, “Does swishing down the mountain on your skis or snowboard give you a feeling of freedom like nothing else? Well, you’re not alone. Heidi was created to help more people enjoy that feeling of freedom.”
As the ski season continues, it’s clear that for many, the mountains remain the ultimate escape.
*****
Dom:
"And now it's time for Where’s Best to Ski Now! We both love talking about snow, Rob. Let’s face it, that's essentially what this is all about, so let’s dive into where the best snow conditions are right now, and where's the best place to ski as it looks like winter might be returning to the Alps after a long spring-like period…”
Rob:
"Things are definitely looking pretty spring-like now across the Alps, although there's still plenty of snow to be found over 1500 meters. In the last two weeks, I’ve been skiing in the northern French Alps and across most parts of Switzerland. It’s been spring skiing, but a few top-ups are on the way, especially on the eastern side of the Alps, and the snow depth is holding up."
Dom:
"Starting with the Alps, France is seeing decent spring conditions in places like Chamonix. No fresh snow this week, but the existing base is holding up well, and with plenty of sunshine in the forecast, it’s a great time to enjoy some late-season skiing there."
Rob:
"Avoriaz has got some great events planned for the end of the season. Spring skiing is a great opportunity to enjoy quality snow in the mornings, then savour the afternoons on the terrace in beautiful sunshine and pleasant temperatures."
"Freeride World Qualifier Junior 3*: Join us on March 29th in Avoriaz for an adrenaline-packed FWT Junior 3* event, hosted by Evolution 2 Freeride Series."
"Volcom Spot to Spot: The 5th edition of this epic snowboarding event will take place in Avoriaz on March 29th-30th, 2025, celebrating all things snowboarding."
Dom:
"Avoriaz Comedy Club: Enjoy a hilarious evening of stand-up comedy with the Lounge Roc Team to wrap up the season in style."
Rob:
"The Rise of the Crôt: On March 29th, the Les Drouches association presents La Montée du Crôt, a fun ski touring race with no pressure on time—just pure après-ski enjoyment."
Dom:
"La Fine-Cup: The 5th edition of the Fine-Cup - Mémorial Martin PERRIER returns on April 12th for a team-based giant slalom competition with creative costumes and sliding machines."
Rob:
"Val d’Isère, obviously one of my favourites, is offering great skiing up until the end of the season, which lasts until May 5th."
Dom:
"Over in Austria, St. Anton is still looking good, with a mix of sun and cloud through the week. The big news is a drop in temperatures over the weekend, bringing some fresh snow—around two to four centimetres—which should freshen things up nicely."
Rob:
"Zillertal offers fantastic spring skiing with more than 80% of its slopes above 1,700 meters, ensuring well-maintained pistes through spring. The Hintertux Glacier provides year-round skiing, making Zillertal a top choice. With 458 km of pistes and 180 lifts, visitors can access it all with one Zillertal Superskipass, including public transportation. Spring brings sunny skiing, events like Snowbombing, and quirky parties like the Lederhosen Wedel Party. There are also relaxing options with 80 mountain huts offering great food. Recommended places to stay include Wedelhütte and MalisGarten, both offering unique accommodations. Skiing highlights include Early Morning Skiing, freeride areas in Hochfügen, and the Harakiri slope for thrill-seekers. Zillertal also hosts events like The Brits and offers Michelin-starred dining at places like Restaurant Alpenhof and Guat’z Essen."
Dom:
Spring skiing in Ischgl offers five great reasons to visit:
- Snow guarantee until May 4th with perfectly groomed slopes.
- Best value for money with lower ski pass and accommodation prices.
- Top of the Mountain concerts with big names like Andrea Berg, Shaggy, and OneRepublic.
- Exceptional gourmet experiences ranging from traditional Tyrolean to international cuisine.
- Longer days and warmer temperatures, perfect for relaxing on sun-drenched terraces.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Top of the Mountain concerts, with special performances, anniversary beer, and exclusive merch. Don't miss the unforgettable open-air concert experience at the Idalp stage.
If you’re looking for relaxation, visit the Silvretta Therme Ischgl, with a pool bar offering stunning views.
For the full Ischgl experience, check out events like sun.downer, grenzenlos.kulinarisch, and dine.around.
Ischgl boasts a wide variety of restaurants, including award-winning spots offering everything from Tyrolean classics like schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn to international cuisine.
More details are available at Ischgl's website."
Rob:
"Spring skiing at its best is happening now at Ski Arlberg, Austria’s largest ski resort, which is extending its season until April 22nd. To make it even better, they’re hosting the Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival during the season extension. While we’re all hoping for more snow, there’s something special about skiing in the ‘slush’ as the weather warms up. Don’t miss out on this fun spring skiing experience!"
Dom:
"Switzerland’s Zermatt is also set for colder weather in the next few days. Light snow is expected over the weekend, with a couple of flurries continuing into next week. Nothing major, but enough to keep the pistes refreshed. Going forward, that western side of the Alps is set for sun, so again, good spring skiing above 1500 metres."
Rob:
"Grindelwald-Wengen is still offering some surprisingly good conditions. Two bottom slopes are still open—one in Grindelwald and one in Wengen. Männlichen will remain open for another week, until the 6th of April. After that, we’ll keep lifts around Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher running, including Eiger Express, Nordwand, Arven, Lauberhorn, and Wixi, until April 21st. That being said, lift operations will depend on the weather over the next few weeks, so it’s best to keep an eye on updates."
Dom:
"And in Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo and other resorts around the Dolomites are experiencing mild and mostly sunny conditions. But overall, it’s looking like a good week for spring skiing there. But I was recently in Cervinia further west, and it was dumping snow there—so much snow. That’s not going to melt quickly, so I really think Cervinia will be a good bet for some late-season skiing. Temperatures are going to stay around zero to plus 6 or 7 degrees, but plenty of sunshine..."
Rob:
"Yeah, that sounds like they are in great shape... Over in North America, Aspen has seen really warm weather but it's set to get colder again, and I know you're heading there soon, Dom. There will be some new snow as the weather changes, and you might even get some powder, but probably higher up the mountain."
Dom:
"Whistler, on the other hand, is getting a mix of everything—some sun, some clouds, and even a little snow on Friday morning. The freezing level is a bit high, but if you head up to the top of the mountain, you should find some decent fresh snow."
Rob:
"Deer Valley is set to stay open until April 20th this year, with exciting new developments underway. We’re in the early phases of a major resort expansion, having opened 3 new lifts and 20 new ski runs this season. For next year, we’re adding another 7 lifts and over 80 new runs. For more details on the expansion, check out the link in the description.
This spring, there are some fantastic on-mountain dining options, including Fireside Dining, The Sticky Wicket, and Royal Street Café with its great outdoor deck. For après, don’t miss Chute Eleven Yurt, a lively spot with outdoor seating and a DJ set scheduled.
Be sure to take advantage of our complimentary Mountain Host Tours to find the best conditions during your visit, and for a unique experience, try our Ski with a Champion program.
For lodging, Silver Baron Lodge is a great option, conveniently located near the base area and Park City Main Street, with an outdoor pool and water slide. We also have spring break specials, including up to 30% off lodging and lift tickets, so make sure to check out the Spring Ski Stay & Save package."
Dom:
"Japan’s Hakuba Valley is always a solid bet for deep snow, especially this winter, and conditions remain good. No major dumps expected this week, but the base is still solid, and skiing is holding up well. By the time we get into the second week of April though, it will start to feel more like summer, so it's probably all over for Japan to be fair. There has been a bit of fresh snow for Niseko over the past few days, but again, warming up there too."
Rob:
"If you're heading to the Pyrenees, Baqueira-Beret in Spain is the pick of the bunch right now. It has been fairly cold, and more snow is on the way, with up to 5 or 6 centimetres expected this weekend. That should really improve conditions, but it is then going to warm up, so expect proper spring-like conditions there and across nearby Andorra."
Dom:
"Let’s have a look at Norway. Lillehammer and the resort of Hafjell are experiencing mild temperatures this week, with highs around 9 to 10°C and lows just above freezing. While there's no fresh snowfall expected, the existing snow base is holding up, making for pleasant spring skiing conditions."
Rob:
"Moving on to Sweden, Åre is enjoying mostly sunny and pleasant weather, with daytime highs around 11°C and night-time lows around 1°C. The snow conditions are stable, offering generally decent skiing conditions."
Dom:
"In Sälen, the conditions are slightly cooler, with highs between 6 to 8°C and lows around -3 to 2°C. The area is experiencing a mix of clouds and sun, with a slight chance of showers later in the week. The slopes are still in good shape there too.
For spring skiing in Sälen, a local ski guide highly recommends the Lindvallen ski area, and one of the biggest advantages of Lindvallen is its north/northeast-facing slopes, meaning the snow lasts longer as it’s sheltered from the strong spring sun. While some slopes elsewhere might be melting away, Lindvallen keeps its ski system open well into April, offering long, sunny ski days."
Dom:
“If you’re looking for a great place to stay, you’ve got some fantastic options. Gammelgården is a real gem—dating back to 1649, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in Sälen, perfect for food lovers and those who appreciate a cosy, historic setting. Another excellent choice is Olarsgården, which has a warm, family-friendly feel, crackling fires, and easy access to the slopes. If you’re after luxury, Hotel Bügelhof has been awarded Sweden’s best ski hotel six years in a row, offering top-tier service and ski-in, ski-out convenience.”
Rob:
“The season typically runs until late April, with flights to Scandinavian Mountains Airport operating until April 21st this year. The easiest way to get there from the UK is with SAS, connecting through Copenhagen for a smooth journey into Sälen.”
*****
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"
Gear
robthis is a focus on the SIGB Ski Test 2025: How We Test and Our Top Picks of the new skis that are coming through for the 2025-26 winter season…
Each year, we head to the SIGB (snowsports industries of great britain) Ski Test to put the latest skis through their paces, and this season, La Clusaz played host to the 2025 edition. It’s the UK’s biggest ski test, where retailers, instructors, and journalists get hands-on with next season’s models, giving them a real-world assessment in varied conditions.
Dom:
Yeah we take into account factors like edge hold, stability, responsiveness, and versatility. We also mix it up with different types of terrain—icy patches, fresh groomers, chopped-up afternoon snow, and deeper snow if we can find it.
Rob:
We test with a mix of approaches—some fast carving, some short turns, and, for the all-mountain and freeride models, a bit of off-piste action too. We look at how forgiving a ski is, whether it suits aggressive or more relaxed skiers, and how it performs in real-world scenarios, not just pristine conditions.
Dom:
And, after several days of rigorous testing, we’ve narrowed it down to our favourites in three key categories: piste, all-mountain, and freeride.
these are the Best Piste Skis for the 2025-26 season - drum roll please Rob….
Rob:
For the piste category, it’s all about precision, grip, and speed. Our picks for men were the Fischer Noize Race Slalom a ski that’s got the race-inspired edge grip but is still smooth enough for all-day skiing - although there’s lots of other models in this new range too and also the Rossignol Forza Master, definitely one of our favourites. For women, the Dynastar Elite 7 stood out with a blend of control and energy that helps intermediate and advance skiers improve their carving skills.
Dom:
Yes all of these skis have that responsive feel you want when railing turns on hardpack but don’t punish you for relaxing a little between runs. well maybe the Fisher Noize pro slalom, but like you say Rob, loads of other models that suit different skiing levels available in that new range.
what about the Best All-Mountain Skis for the 2025-26 season?
Rob:
Jeah moving onto the all-mountain category, these are the do-it-all skis that need to handle groomers, bumps, crud, and a bit of off-piste. Our top men’s picks were the Blizzard Anomoly - just love these skis, the Nordica enforcer and the Rossignol Arcade and of course they come in different widths depending on whether you want to err more on the side of off-piste or piste.
Dom:
tes and ror the women’s category, the Rossignol Arcade 84 really impressed us with its blend of agility and stability, making it one of the most versatile skis on test. Whether you’re blasting down a freshly groomed run or dipping into a tree-lined stash, our FIS ski racer tester Elsa really enjoyed them but pointed out the versatility they have for all skiing levels.
right what about the best Freeride Skis for the 25-26 season Rob?
Rob:
Yep now, onto the big guns—freeride skis. These are designed for powder, steeps, and big terrain, but they still need to handle variable snow conditions too. I suppose a freeride ski means different things to different people, some are more powder focused and others more freeridy but our men’s choices were the Rossgnol sender soul 102 which is super floaty in deep snow, yet also very versatile on and off piste, but we also really liked the Salomon QST 100, again super versatile and is a great all mountain freeride option but i also really liked the Armada Stranger which is a bit of a surprise because it was built for park skiers that want to freeride and i am not a park skier, but wow, they were so much fun.
Dom:
Nice, and for women, it was the Black Diamond Impulse 104 that really stood out. It’s light enough to be playful but still has enough backbone to charge through chopped-up conditions.
so final Thoughts Rob, what do you think?
Rob:
It’s always tough picking just one ski in each category, but these models consistently stood out for their performance, versatility, and overall feel. Rossignol seemed to do really well as a brane and you know we don’t plan that it’s genuinely our picks and we aren't obligated to any brands. I would say Dynastar, Salomon, Blizzard and Black Diamond should also have special mentions.
DOM: it’s interesting that those really big brands stand out and consistently come up with the goods Rob…
ROB: i just think they have been doing this for a long time and they put so much money into R&D. Obviously we also love some of those smaller brands such as Black Crows and Faction but you know, there’s just so many great skis out there and the likes of Volkl, Head, Elan, Fischer, Atomic and Kastle are also producing the goods consistently.
DOM: yeah it’s worth mentioning that we don’t get to test every single brand out there, only the brands that attend the SIGB ski test and we do get comments about that on the YouTube channel - people that ask why we don’t test this or that brand but it’s simply because they aren't available to us.
ROB: yep come on Stockli where are you? Britain needs you… ha ha
DOM:
Well all i can say is that we do have amazing brands available to us in the UK and the industry does an incredible job offering us the chance to buy skis in the UK…
ROB: yes absolutely. And if you want to see the full breakdown of all the skis we tested, check out inthesnowmag on YouTube or the InTHeSnow website for both individual and best of reviews for the skis you’ll start to see in the shops from around early October onwards.
DOM: now it’s time for our destination feature and this week we are focusing on the Swiss ski resort of Arosa where you’ve just returned from Rob….
ROB: yes, what do you want to know?!
DOM: it’s perhaps not the resort name that immediately comes to mind - one of those off the radar places for Brits.
ROB: yes it is, but it’s actually the third largest skiing area in Switzerland, linked with Lenzerheide - there’s well over 200 km’s of pistes.
DOM: where exactly is Arosa?
ROB: it’s in the Graubunden region of Switzerland, not too far from Davos and close to the large town of Chur. You can easily reach Chur by train from Zurich and the airport then it’s another train ride up the mountain to Arosa - it’s a really nice way to get there.
DOM: so what’s the skiing like?
ROB: great for intermediates with lots of blues and reds and it’s a bit steeper on the Lenzerheide side that includes a long run used for world cup downhill races. it’s pretty high going up to around 2,800 metres and the village of Arosa sits at 1800 so it’s really snow sure. slopes tend to be either west or east facing and the huge open bowl of the Arosa skiing area offers really wide slopes.
DOM: what about experts and off-piste
ROB: yeah there’s some nice black runs but they aren’t that difficult or scary, especially on the Arosa side. I didnt get to ski off piste because the conditions werent quite right but i can see there’s a lot of potential and definitely loads of easy access stuff just off the ski lifts that feels pretty safe and not steep.
DOM: is the lift infrastructure good?
ROB: yeah i’d say so - on the Arosa side there’s a mix of gondolas and high speed chairs and on the Lenzerheide side, it seemed to be more chair lift orientated. there’s a few T-Bars around but they can be avoided. The connection lift between the two resorts is really impressive - a pylon-less cable car that straddles two peaks. it’s pretty quick to get across the two ski areas. I’d say generally long runs, suiting all levels especially good intermediates or advanced skiers - it’s also popular with families.
DOM: what’s the town like?
ROB: it’s very pleasant with a mix of old and modern buildings but all done in a very nice Swiss way. it’s not a huge town, so it’s easy to walk around - the railway station is in the centre and that’s also where the ski lifts start. there’s a good mix of hotels and a few bars, many of the restaurants are within the hotels though. Obviously i was there at the end of March, so it was pretty quiet.
DOM: and the apres?
ROB: well, it was very quiet in the evenings, nice for a social beer or a quiet drink. there is a very funny bar called the Kuh Bar on the slopes which is the main apres hub - it’s a lot of fun and they pump out the Swiss music both inside and outside a huge barn that has a large cows head inside that spouts out dry ice. I can imagine when things are super busy it’s a lot of fun there. other than that, i would say it’s not really an apres style resort - i wouldnt go there expecting a big party.
DOM: and what about staying there? where did you stay?
ROB: at the Faern Altein which is a historic 4* hotel that has recently been fully refurbished to a very high standard. It’s also one of the largest hotels in the resort with two restaurants, a spa, games rooms and kids areas including a cinema room. it’s in a great location 5 minutes from the lift station - it’s a really great spot. check that out at: faernresorts.com/arosa
DOM: and how do you get there?
ROB: fly to Zurich, train to Arosa via Chur which takes around 2.5 hours. you can also drive, but the Swiss trains are fantastic.
DOM: sounds good Rob, looking forward to checking that out one day.
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ROB: that's all for this week, 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 .
DOM: and do check out our beginners guide to skiing in association with Crystal ski holidays, skiing 101, where we take you through a 4 part series about getting into skiing which includes how to start, what kit to use, lessons and instruction and some of the best destinations to try.
ROBL We’d also love to hear what you think! Take a minute to leave us a review—it really helps us grow and ensures we can keep bringing you the best ski news and stories every week.
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