The Whiteout Ski Podcast

E74 - Ski Alberta | Where's Best to Ski Now | Ellis Brigham Buyers Guide | Best Family Skiing in Austria

• Rob Ski Journalist and Dom Publisher InTheSnow Magazine • Season 5 • Episode 55

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

🎙️ In Partnership With Ski Independence — Crafting unforgettable, tailor-made ski holidays to top ski resorts like Whistler, Val d’Isère, the Dolomites and beyond.
👉 ski-i.com

🎥 Interview: Ski Independence

Dom and Rob chat with Karen and Ross about skiing in Alberta, Canada.

📰 Ski News

  • Verbier Opens Early: Lac des Vaux opened Nov 1 after 40cm of fresh Alpine snow — early skiing in Switzerland is on!
  • Baqueira Beret: Spain’s top ski resort expands to 170 km of pistes.
  • Dan Egan’s New Ski Film: Return to the Silk Road launches Nov 11 on YouTube.
  • Freeride Republic: A new grassroots movement focused on freeride skiing safety and skills.
  • Jannik Sinner x Gucci Altitude: The tennis star fronts Gucci’s first luxury ski collection with HEAD.
  • Candide Thovex & La Clusaz: New black run dedicated to the freeride ski icon.
  • Remembering Minty Clinch, legendary British ski journalist and mountain storyteller.

🌨️ Snow & Ski Conditions

  • Alps: Glaciers open in Zermatt, Saas-Fee, SĂślden, and Hintertux — great early-season skiing conditions.
  • Scandinavia: Ruka and Levi are now open with fresh snow for early Nordic skiing.
  • North America: Keystone and A-Basin are open, with Banff and Lake Louise joining soon — Canada ski season begins!

🎿 Ski Gear Buyers Guide — in association with Ellis Brigham

  1. Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 130 – the ultimate freeride ski boot for touring and downhill.
  2. Picture Sygna Jacket – sustainable, waterproof, and warm ski jacket for all conditions.
  3. POC Fornix Mips POW JJ Helmet – lightweight ski helmet offering premium protection.
  4. Oakley Flight Deck M Goggles – wide-view ski goggles for crystal-clear vision.
    👉 ellisbrigham.com

🏡 Austrian Ski Resorts — Family Favourites

🇦🇹 St. Johann in Tirol – 40 km of slopes, 18 huts, and heaps of family-friendly skiing.
🇦🇹 Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis – 214 km of pistes, sunshine, and its unique underground ski subway.
🇦🇹 SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental – 275 km of eco-powered ski runs and mountain huts.
🇦🇹 St. Johann in Salzburg – part of the vast Ski amadé ski area, just an hour from Salzburg.

📍 Links

Ski Independence | Ellis Brigham | Dan Egan Film | Freeride Republic

📲

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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

The White Out Podcast – season 5, episode 55

INTRO

Dom: Hello, listeners and Welcome to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Ski Independence. I’m Dom from InTheSnow magazine and of course I am here with my co-host, as usual He’s got snow in his soul and skis on his feet,

When it comes to skiing, Rob can’t be beat - its  Rob Stewart from Ski Press.

—

ROB: Hi Dom, good to see you

We need to say thanks to our headline sponsor this episode

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Need ski school, lift passes, or equipment hire? No problem. They'll give advice on the best lessons and rental choices that work for everyone in your group. And for many resorts, you’ll also get your lift tickets in advance - so you can skip the queue and head straight to the slopes.

 

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ROB: so… good to see you this week at the world travel market in London, what event that is.

DOM: yes really makes you realise how large the travel industry is, the whole of Excel taken over by various nations all wanting people to visit them.

ROB: yep sometimes I feel like I’m in a scene of Laurence of Arabia, it’s a bit different to the snow show.

DOM: You’re not riding around on a camel again?

ROB: ha, apparently one year they had camels there, or was it elephants? No must have been camels.

DOM: don’t get many camels in ski resorts.

ROB: well actually i did see some last winter in Turkey when i was skiing, and that reminds me, the movie Dan Egan made when i was there with him, Return to the Silk Road, is coming out on November 11 on YouTube. More about that later…

DOM: I’ve heard in Morocco you can use camels to help access the snow fields of the Atlas Mountains, have you been there Rob?

ROB: no, but i have seen the Atlas Mountains whilst skiing in southern Spain, Sierra Nevada, that was pretty cool. Have you been there Dom?

DOM: no i havent actually but i have heard it’s very cool

ROB: great to see Verbier opening its higher lifts this last weekend and lots of people skiing on the first day of November! Pretty crazy

DOM: yes wish you were there Rob?

ROB: Funnily enough, back in the day, i would start my season in mid november in Verbier and do a week on the glacier. Different times but we often didnt get snow until early December. 

DOM: different times indeed but fun I’m sure.

ROB: yes i was chatting about that this week and how the whole apres scene has evolved, probably in a good way.

DOM: well i like a bit of apres but before dinner and then i can get some sleep.

ROB: Exactly, i mean back then (shall i show my age and say it was like the early to mid 90’s we are talking about), you might have occasionally had a live band playing at 4 or 5pm, but it wasn't the norm. Now it’s party central at that time.

DOM: the Austrians have been doing that for a while to be fair. I guess in France the foulie douce has something to do with the cultural change

ROB: yes agree with that it probably does, but I like live music and now you can get that too. I’m definitely into the ski/late lunch/ski a bit/stop and apres/dinner/crash out format these days

DOM: well you can’t party until 3am and ski the next day

ROB: well i used to! And you know people still do, those young seasonaires - although i bet they arent as crazy as we were. Really crazy

DOM: ummmm, probably for the best really

ROB: I’m not sure people are climbing through the windows of the pub mont fort anymore to avoid the huge queues to get in every night. That place was a den of debauchery. I remember a daily mail journalist trying to interview me in the loo’s once and he had to leave because it was too much for him. 

DOM: they would love that now surely

ROB: well they would probably complain it was too woke for them now. No puking, no nudity, no…hang on, i better not go on i might get a letter from the lawyers. 

DOM: it was a long time ago…

ROB: well yes, and i remember Andrew Windsor (formally known as Prince Andrew) hanging out a lot in the Farm Club.

DOM: maybe he should go and so a ski season.

ROB: not sure he’d make a good chalet boy.

DOM: what his former wife?

ROB: well she was hanging with him to be fair and she always seemed friendly and in fact my old flat mate was the kids’ ski instructor for years, and she was treated really well by Sarah Furgerson. Just putting a nice word out there and I’m not making a comment on anything else!

DOM: no fair enough, credit’s due where it’s due and all that.

ROB: i mean have got some stories but again, i don’t need the lawyers on my back.

DOM: and that’s just about you Rob…

ROB: oh well yes i mean that is a different story but i don’t want to sue myself

DOM: right quick fire question to wrap this up Rob, best ever apres skiing experience?

ROB: oh blimey, that’s a crazy questions there has been 1000’s literally. Can i give you three? And then i need yours too…

DOM: sure okay, best three then

ROB: right, 1. Pub crawl in Verbier ending in the farm club still had my telemark boots on and skis with me, won’t go into details but it was a good night. By the way that wasn't a one off 2. I still remember that live music apres we had (you were there) in Crans-Montana at Zero Dix at City Ski years ago - the sun was out, there was a great atmosphere and it all went off. 3. Sorry i am going back to Zero Dix again just after covid when we all got let out and James Haskell (rugby player) was DJ’ing and the whole place went berserk, it was crazy. Hang on, just an extra one, last season, Meribel Village at the lodge du village afternoon live music followed by indoors DJ set, such a lot of fun. 

DOM: right enough now….

ROB: sorry, i mean you did ask and i could go on…

DOM: please don’t (Dom to give his run down) 

first time took kids to folie douce Val d’Isère and they were mesmerised by the dancing the music etc, 1 fell asleep and the other danced on a table, cocrico tignes new year, just one of those nights where everything came together with no planning, kids had friends there fireworks everything was great.  stopping with mates too early for après at 2, but we were all knackered having done sella ronda, and half way one had to be taken to hospital and I quote a good mate of mine saying - I don’t mind what we do. Tomorrow as long as it doesn’t involve skiing LOL 

ROB: right well that all went off on a tangent just because we started talking about early season snow…

DOM: and world travel market

ROB: ah yes and that reminds me, i went around asking people i knew (mostly) a question.

DOM: okay what was that?

ROB: what is your favourite thing about skiing (or snowboarding)

DOM: and what did they say?

12.54

ROB: well let’s have a listen shall we…

DOM: indeed…

DOM: nice well it’s a pretty similar theme, getting out there in the mountains seems to be the driving factor - nature, freedom, that sort of thing

ROB: yes absolutely, and it backs up a bit recent data we have seen at LISTEX the trade show that showed 83% of British skiers and snowboarders said their number one motivation for going on a snowsports holiday was, ‘being in the mountains’. And that was significantly higher than the second reason, at 43% which was about the thrill and adrenaline rush of skiing. 

DOM: i think there’s a whole podcast discussion on this Rob, what motivates people to go skiing…

ROB: well i agree, let’s save it for next time but it’s an interesting topic, right let’s move on

>> insert ski indy interview We caught up with Karen and Ross from ski independence this to talk all things alberta 

NEWS

Ok dom It’s news time — your weekly round-up of everything happening in the world of snow, skiing, and the mountains, new lifts, expansion and modernisation of resorts.... Let’s see what’s been making headlines this week

DOM: Verbier Opens Early

18.58>>


Verbier kicked off its winter season early last weekend, thanks to good early snowfall and low temperatures that allowed snowmaking to run around the clock. The opening started with the Lac des Vaux sector, giving skiers and snowboarders the first taste of the Swiss Alps for the 2025 season. More terrain will open as conditions allow. Full updates: verbier.ch

ROB: New Ski Runs at Baqueira Beret

Baqueira Beret in the Spanish Pyrenees has expanded its ski area for this winter with new pistes designed to improve flow across the resort. The additions enhance the connectivity between the Baqueira and Beret sectors and increase total marked runs to over 170 km. The resort continues to invest heavily in terrain and lift infrastructure to keep pace with demand. More information: baqueira.es

DOM: Dan Egan Releases ‘Return to the Silk Road’

Ski legend and author Dan Egan’s latest film, Return to the Silk Road, will premiere on YouTube on November 11. The movie follows a ski adventure through Central Asia, inspired by the ancient trade routes crossing high mountain passes. It blends history, culture, and big mountain terrain in areas rarely seen on screen. Trailer and launch details will be left in the podcast notes but it’s on Dan Egan’s YouTube chanel (Rob mentions involvment with the movie)

21.45>22.10??

DOM: Freeride Republic Launches

A new community organisation, Freeride Republic, has launched with a mission to grow participation in freeride skiing and snowboarding. The group aims to connect riders with training opportunities, events, and safety education, with a focus on grassroots development and local mountain communities. Updates and membership info: freeride-republic.com (Rob expands on conversation with them)


ROB: Sinner Skis Again, In Gucci

Jannik Sinner, widely recognised for his tennis achievements, returned to his skiing roots last week on the snow-covered Italian mountains. This time he wasn’t simply enjoying a break — he was fronting the launch of Gucci’s new “Gucci Altitude” skiwear line, the fashion house’s first foray into winter sportswear. Sinner grew up skiing before choosing tennis as his career path. In the photos and campaign videos he appears wearing the full Gucci monogram range, including skis and a helmet produced with HEAD, bringing together his dual-sport associations. 

25.12

DOM: Candide Thovex & La Clusaz Partnership

Freeride pioneer Candide Thovex has formalised a partnership with his home resort, La Clusaz in France’s Aravis region. The collaboration isn’t merely branding — La Clusaz has created a new black run on the Balme Massif, the slopes where Thovex cut his teeth on skis. Seven markers guide skiers along this tribute track. Thovex commented: “I learned to ski at Balme, and Balme taught me everything. This mountain shaped my skiing.” The partnership signals the resort’s intent to deepen its freeskiing credentials and give visitors a direct connection to the legend himself.


27.50>>

ROB: Minty Clinch - legendary skiing journalist Minty Clinch has very sadly passes away…

Minty Clinch was a freelance journalist and travel writer whose work spanned skiing, adventure, tourism, lifestyle and hotel features. 

She studied at Trinity College Dublin and began professional writing around the mid-1970s

She adopted the moniker “Silver Vixen” for her blog, through which she shared travel stories, skiing narratives and more. 

Among her contributions, she wrote for the The Daily Telegraph (“What I’ve learned from half a century of skiing…”) where she combined personal experience with insight into the evolving ski industry. 

She bridged the worlds of skiing and travel journalism, bringing first-hand ski experience (as a keen and long-term skier) into her writing, which gave her commentary authenticity and credibility.

Her writing captured how ski tourism, mountain culture and adventure travel were changing — not just equipment or resorts, but the mindset, the travel-experience and the lifestyle around winter sports.

Through her blog and broader writing she helped make skiing accessible and relatable to a wider audience — not just elite racers or insiders, but travellers who wanted experiences, stories and context.

SNOW AND WEATHER

Now it’s time for the weather - will it be chocks away or hideaway, will we be whistling tunes or having bad moods - let’s take a look at the one big thing none of us have any control over, unless you’re a conspiracy theorist…drum role please

Alps — where you can ski now

Right now the best on-snow options in the Alps are the glacier and high-altitude areas — think Zermatt / Cervinia, Saas-Fee and a handful of glacier sectors in Austria and France. Lower, mid-valley resorts are generally still too warm to rely on natural snow; many are targeting late-November openings and are watching snowmaking windows closely. 

7-day weather picture

Expect generally mild, changeable conditions across much of the Alps this week: daytime temperatures often in double figures at valley level with a mix of sun and cloud, and only isolated rain or snow at higher elevation. Higher glaciers will stay cold enough for skiing; expect the best early-season conditions on those high pistes. (See Chamonix & St. Anton forecasts for representative trends.)

Quick take for skiers

If you want turns now: focus on glacier operations (Zermatt, Saas-Fee, SĂślden/Hintertux where open) and watch resort websites for staged openings through late November. Snow-farmed and snow-making programmes are helping resorts bring early terrain online. 

Scandinavia — where you can ski now

Scandinavia is the most reliably skiable region at the moment. Finnish resorts such as Ruka and Levi are already open (initially using stored snow but now receiving natural snow in places), and are your best bet for early-season skiing. Other Swedish and Norwegian resorts are preparing for openings later in November. 

7-day weather picture

Northern ski areas are trending colder over the next week with decreasing daytime highs and a chance of snow/flurries at higher altitudes — Ruka’s forecast even shows a spell of steadier snow early next week. Southern/low-lying parts of Scandinavia remain milder and more changeable, but the north is moving into more wintry conditions.

Quick take for skiers

If you want reliable early turns, point your boots to Finland (Ruka, Levi). Keep an eye on local lift reports — these resorts are usually the first in Europe to open and are already running lifts. 

North America — where you can ski now

At the moment large-scale ski areas in North America are mostly still in pre-season mode, but several resorts on the west coast and in the Rockies have early projected opening dates in November (Breckenridge, Copper, Timberline/Loveland and others have early-November targets; bigger names like Jackson Hole and Whistler are mostly mid/late-November). A handful of small/independent areas may run early lifts if they can make snow. 


Banff sunshine opened early

Lake louise opened early

Keystone was first to open in NA

Closely followed by Arapahoe basin which are normally number 1


7-day weather picture

The Pacific Northwest is looking wet this week (rain around Whistler), which helps higher-elevation snow totals but will be rain at lower elevations. The Rockies look variable: some pockets of cool air and a mixed rain/snow signal with a chance of light accumulations in the high country (Jackson Hole forecast shows a mix including some light snow later in the week). Overall expect swings between mild days and brief colder spells that could lay down a first dusting at elevation.

Quick take for skiers

If you’re in North America and want to ski now, check small early-opening resorts and high-elevation areas (or indoor/covered centres). Otherwise plan for openings rolling through November — keep an eye on resort opening pages for confirmed lift starts.

GEAR

So next up we are talking all things gear, and this season gear buyers guide is brought to you in association with Ellis Brigham - the mountain sports specialists

Here we aim to  feature the best hardware and apparel, accessories and equipment from all the top brands in the world of skiing, we dive into the latest gear, the smartest tech, and the kit that actually makes a difference when you’re out on the mountain. 

Today, we’re taking a look at four standout products that are making waves this winter — from boots and helmets to jackets and goggles — all designed to make your day on snow smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun.

Let’s start with the Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 130.
 This boot’s got freeride DNA but a touring heart. It’s powerful, agile, and seriously clever. The big talking point is the BOA H+i1 Fit System — twist the dial, and you’re not just tightening the boot, you’re wrapping the shell evenly around your foot for that perfect, pressure-free fit. It adjusts in 0.25mm increments, so you can really fine-tune your comfort and hold.

But Salomon didn’t stop there. They’ve integrated the ExoBelt, a rubberized band around the instep that pulls pressure diagonally back toward the heel — so every turn feels locked in, but never crushed. Add in the Twin Lock walk mechanism and Frictionless Pivots, and you’ve got a boot that feels as smooth skinning uphill as it does charging down. When it’s time to ski, flick the switch, engage the Power Wedge, and you’re instantly back in full alpine mode — powerful, precise, and ready to drop in.

Next up, the Picture Sygna Jacket — a women’s favourite that’s as sustainable as it is stylish. Picture’s nailed that balance of eco-conscious performance and serious protection here. The outer fabric is made from 100% Circular recycled polyester, crafted from repurposed garments and factory scraps, and it’s coated with a PFC-free water-repellent finish.

Inside, you get DryPlay 20K/15K waterproofing and breathability, fully taped seams, and body-mapped insulation — combining recycled synthetic down, Thermal Dry panels, and Coremax tricot lining to keep warmth where you need it most. Functionally, it’s all there too: underarm vent zips, a helmet-compatible hood, pass pocket, and inner goggle stash. From powder days to city commutes, it’s built to handle winter’s worst with zero compromise.

Now, let’s talk head protection — the POC Fornix Mips POW JJ Helmet. Developed with freeride legend Jeremy Jones, this is one for the purists — lightweight, low profile, and loaded with smart safety features. Its in-mould construction fuses a polycarbonate shell with an EPS liner for impact absorption, while Aramid Bridges add strength across key zones.

Inside, the Mips system provides an extra layer of protection, allowing slight movement between the shell and liner to help reduce rotational forces during angled impacts. You also get a 360° fit system, adjustable ventilation, and even chimney vents that channel warm air away from your goggles — goodbye fog, hello clear vision. Whether you’re hiking a ridge or dropping a line through tight trees, it’s light, secure, and dialed-in.

Finally, the Oakley Flight Deck M Goggles — a true classic, inspired by fighter pilot visors. The rimless design gives you a panoramic field of view, while Oakley’s Prizm Lens Technology fine-tunes colour contrast so you can see every ripple and shadow in the snow.

The Prizm Rose Gold Iridium lens is a solid all-rounder — 14% VLT, so great for mixed to sunny days. The F3 anti-fog coating, Iridium glare reduction, and Ridgelock lens system make these some of the most versatile goggles you can wear. The medium fit suits most faces, the triple-layer foam is soft and dry, and yes — they play nicely with prescription eyewear too.

So whether you’re hunting powder, charging couloirs, or just keeping warm on the chairlift, this lineup’s got you covered:

 The Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 130 — precision meets comfort.
 The Picture Sygna Jacket — eco-luxury warmth.
 The POC Fornix Mips POW JJ — freeride protection, redefined.
 And the Oakley Flight Deck M — clarity with no limits.

And all available at ellisbrigham.com

42.50

That’s it for this week’s gear spotlight. You can find links to all of these products in the show notes — and as always, hit subscribe so you never miss the latest gear drops, news, destinations and snow updates from The Whiteout Podcast.

Dom

Next up, it’s time for our Destination Guide — one of our favourite parts of the show. Each week, we dive into a different ski spot to tempt your wanderlust — maybe it’s a hidden gem you’ve never heard of, maybe it’s somewhere familiar but still on your wish list, or perhaps it’s that resort your friends keep raving about but you’ve yet to experience for yourself. Wherever it is, we’ll give you the inside scoop to help you plan your next great ski adventure.

Rob

And this week we are heading to…actually Four Austrian Resorts!  That just nail it for Families

DOM:
Yeah thats true i mean if you want big on snow, big on charm, and brilliant for families, Austria really does tick all the boxes. Today, we’re diving into four resorts that just get it right — from Tyrolean villages to mega ski areas — all packed with great skiing, incredible food, and that famous Austrian warmth.


St. Johann in Tirol

DOM:
 I love this one. St. Johann in Tirol, together with its neighbouring villages Oberndorf, Kirchdorf and Erpfendorf, is proper Austrian charm — great value, tons to do, and seriously welcoming.

ROB:
 Yeah, and it’s not just skiing. You’ve got
everything — cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowshoeing, tobogganing, even ice skating. And if you fancy testing your nerves, you can zip across the valley on the Flying Fox winter parcours or head out on a hot-air balloon ride for an unreal view over the Wilder Kaiser.

DOM:
 Or… if you’re more my style, find a cosy mountain hut, grab a big plate of Kaiserschmarrn, and just watch the snow fall.

ROB:
 [laughs] Classic you that is Dom. so There are 18 huts across just 40 km of slopes, so you’re never far from strudel and schnapps.

DOM:
 And it’s super family-friendly — six ski schools, ski kindergartens, and free practice zones for the little ones. Plus, the kids absolutely love the resort mascot, Yappy Yapadu — this little yeti that pops up everywhere.

ROB:
 It’s one of those resorts that just makes skiing
easy. You can go as small or big as you like — stick to the local 40 km, upgrade to the 3 Länder Freizeit Arena with 160 km, or go all-in with the Super Ski Card and access nearly 3,000 km across the Alps.

DOM:
 And when you’re done skiing, it doesn’t stop — you’ve got winter hiking trails, spas like Panorama Badewelt for a swim and sauna, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and even an indoor play area called
Murmi’s Kinderland for the kids.

ROB:
 Exactly — it’s that perfect balance: proper skiing for adults, heaps for the kids, and loads of local charm.


🎿 Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis

DOM:
 Next up, one of Austria’s biggest family hits — Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis. If St. Johann is relaxed charm, this is full-on family adventure.

ROB:
 Totally. It’s perched high above the Tyrolean Inntal Valley on a sunny plateau that gets
2,000 hours of sunshine a year. The vibe is just so upbeat — everyone’s smiling, and it feels like the mountains are built for fun.

DOM:
 They’ve got 214 km of pistes, 68 lifts, and more kid-friendly areas than anywhere I’ve seen — from
Murmli Park to Berta’s Kinderland, where little ones learn through play.

ROB:
 And the facilities are unreal — the new Ladis valley station has ski depots and heated lockers, and there’s even an underground train — the world’s smallest, highest subway — gliding you between the villages.

DOM:
 [laughs] It’s wild, isn’t it? You literally float to the lifts on air cushions. Only in Austria.

ROB:
 And the food scene here deserves a shout-out. The Crystal Cube at 2,600 m serves gourmet meals with panoramic views, and there’s everything from fondue nights at the Ski Lounge to veggie and vegan dishes at the Seealm HĂśg.

DOM:
 It’s one of those places where you could ski hard all morning, then enjoy a proper Tyrolean lunch, and still have time for a family sledding race before dinner.

ROB:
 Exactly — and that’s what makes it so special. They’ve built a resort that works for
everyone: families, foodies, thrill-seekers — even the grandparents.

DOM:
 Plus, it’s super easy to reach — Innsbruck’s just 90 minutes away, and you can be on the slopes the same afternoon you land.

ROB:
 And they’ve got all the extras too — night skiing, fireworks, kids’ discos, even guided snowshoe hikes. It’s not just a ski trip — it’s a week packed with memories.



SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental

ROB:
 Now, if you want
big — as in vast — then SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental is the one.

DOM:
 Totally. This is one of the largest connected ski areas in the world — 275 kilometres of pistes, 81 lifts and more than 80 mountain huts. It’s huge, but still feels charming and distinctly Tyrolean.

ROB:
 And 88 percent of those runs are blue or red, so it’s perfect for mixed-ability families. Plus, you’ve got Austria’s biggest night-skiing area, fun parks, and loads of great family deals like Family Ski Weeks where kids ski free.

DOM:
 And on the sustainability side, SkiWelt’s been ahead of the game for years — running entirely on green electricity since 2002, with solar-powered lifts and GPS snow management to save energy.

ROB:
 It’s also super accessible — the Nightjet train gets you there from Amsterdam, DĂźsseldorf, and even London with the new routes. Bed in London, skis on in Tirol the next morning.

DOM:
 That’s the dream! And the mountain food here is next level. Every few kilometres there’s a hut serving up dumplings, strudel, or schnitzel. And the revolving restaurant at the top of the Hohe Salve — that’s a must. Unreal views, amazing food, and a proper Austrian welcome.

ROB:
 Big, modern, sustainable, and full of character — SkiWelt really has it all.


St. Johann in Salzburg

DOM:
 And finally, we’re heading east to
St. Johann in Salzburg — just 60 kilometres from the city and part of the massive Ski amadé network.

ROB:
 Yeah, this one’s got 210 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, great ski schools, and stunning views over the Tennengebirge and HochkĂśnig. It’s classic postcard Austria.

DOM:
 What I love about it is the variety — you can ski right from your hotel door in Alpendorf, or head to the quieter Hahnbaum area where kids and beginners can make their first turns. And after a few runs, grab a seat on a sun terrace with a hot chocolate or mulled wine — it’s that perfect mix of sport and serenity.

ROB:
 They’ve got loads for families too — the JoKiWo Kids Week is brilliant, and there’s even a Fairytale Hike through the snow. Off the slopes, you can explore the town’s shops, cathedrals, or — my favourite — do a schnapps tasting.

DOM:
 [laughs] Always the schnapps! But yeah, it’s got that blend of skiing, food and warmth that really makes it shine. And with plans to go fully climate-neutral by 2025/26, it’s another example of Austria leading the way in sustainable skiing.


Wrap-Up

ROB:
 So there you have it — four Austrian resorts that absolutely get it right for families.

DOM:
 St. Johann in Tirol for its charm and family-friendliness, Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis for sunshine and smiles, SkiWelt for its sheer scale and sustainability, and St. Johann in Salzburg for that mix of ski and culture.

ROB:
 Great skiing, brilliant value, and that unbeatable Austrian
Lebensgefühl — the joy of life on snow.

DOM:
 Couldn’t have said it better. Now all that’s left is to decide which one to visit first…

57










57.45>>


ASK KEVIN 


INTERVIEW

Carrick smiths 


58/59>>

That’s it for today’s episode — thanks so much for tuning in! 🙌

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We’ve got loads more ski stories, gear talk, and destination inspo coming your way this season, so stay tuned — and as always, see you on the mountain! 🎿❄️



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