The Whiteout Ski Podcast

E76 - Skiing in Isère, Where is good to ski now, Gear Guide with Ellis Brigham & a huge week for British Ski Racing

Rob Ski Journalist and Dom Publisher InTheSnow Magazine Season 5 Episode 77

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 42:46

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

INTRO

Thanks to Ski Independence – tailor-made ski holidays, expert advice, flexible options, world-class service.

Vox pops from WTM - Why people love ski holidays.

LISTENER FEEDBACK

Fan writes in: “10 minutes in and it’s driving me crazy… stop saying each other’s names.”  Rob used ChatGPT to check the claim — AI agreed the fan had a point.

ROB’S RANT: VALUE SKI RESORT SURVEY

NEWS ROUND-UP

Ski Racing

Gurgl World Cup on now; ITS has Ben on-site covering it.  Historic result at Levi: 4 British men in the World Cup slalom start list for the first time ever — Ryding, Major, Taylor, Carrick-Smith.  Laurie Taylor 4th, Dave Ryding 7th, Billy Major in top 30. Huge step for GB snowsport.  Limited national media coverage despite the significance.

AOSTA VALLEY HOLISTIC – New Retreats

Growing programme of yoga + mountain retreats in Pila.  New gondola to open, 30-minute valley–summit access. Expanding to 6–7 retreats in 2026. Mix of ski, yoga, hiking and wellness weeks.

VEGAN DEMAND RISING

WORLD RACLETTE CHAMPIONSHIPS

CLÉMENT NOËL EXTENDS DYNASTAR DEAL

SKI CLUB GB – NEW WOMEN’S HUB

SNOW & WEATHER

Winter has kicked in across Europe.  Alps: cold pattern holding; 30cm+ coming for Tarentaise, more systems lining up.  Italy: Dolomites could see up to 70cm. Austria: Looking strongest — around 50cm widely forecast.  Switzerland: Northern regions pushing towards 1 metre.  North America: Mixed; good snow in Western Canada & California; Colorado & Utah awaiting bigger storms.  Japan: Niseko picking up early snow (15cm) with colder temps incoming.  Scandinavia: Turning white; -10°C and snowmaking in Hafjell.  UK: Weardale Ski Club has already opened a lift — “combative conditions” but great early start.  More updates at InTheSnow.com.

GEAR – in association with Ellis Brigham

Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet – £102 (40% off)

  • AMID impact protection, Holo Core liner, adjustable 360° fit, Aircon vents, removable liner.

Salomon Men’s Alpenflow Jacket – £269.40 (40% off)

  • 650-fill down, windproof shell, PFC-free DWR, helmet hood, powder skirt, loads of pockets.

Quiksilver Mission Jacket – £119.40 (40% off)

  • 10K waterproofing, WarmFlight insulation, vents, recycled fabric, good all-round value.

Picture Women’s Exa Jacket – £179.40 (40% off)

  • 20k/15k membrane, recycled outer, body-mapped insulation, vents, powder skirt, strong eco creds.

ACCESSORIES

  • 100% Norg Essential Goggles — £147
  • GoggleSoc Pro — £14
  • Smith Rally Goggles — £90
  • Bloc Hard-Shell… (continues)

Support the show

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!
 
And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
TikTok@inthesnowmag
youtube.com/inthesnowmag
facebook.com/inthesnow


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

The White Out Podcast – season 5, episode: 76 NOV 21

INTRO (to adapt each time)

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 joined by the pro who is always here to impress —

Of course it's Rob Stewart from fabulous Ski Press!

Hi listeners, hows it going back again for another great episode of twop 


dom:

So lets say a quick thanks to our headline sponsor this episode

Ski Independence

Planning your next ski trip? Make it exceptional with Ski Independence – the tailor-made ski specialists, who know the difference between just good, and truly unforgettable.

 

Whether you’re dreaming of powder days in Whistler, fine dining in the Dolomites, or five-star service in Val d’Isère, the team at Ski Independence will build your perfect ski holiday from the ground up – with every detail taken care of: from flexible flights and transfers, to handpicked hotels, stylish apartments and luxury chalets.

 

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.

 

And because the specialists at Ski Independence have skied everywhere they sell, their advice is spot on – no guesswork, just genuine insight from people who know what makes a ski trip truly first-class.

 

Their Feefo reviews say it all – world-class service, from first enquiry to final run.

 

Enquire now for this winter at ski-i.com – that’s S-K-I hyphen I dot com.

Ski Independence. Tailor-made ski holidays. Built around you.


ROB: I’m Just a week away before hitting the slopes, snow is looking solid and more to come lower down, I’m off to the mountains - it’s time to escape.

DOM: yeah, getting on the plane or train and heading to the mountains, maybe that’s part of the appeal for people - that literal change of scenery.

ROB: ummm and the isolation of a mountain valley perhaps. 

DOM: well the recent Mountain Trade Network survey asked skiers the question: what is your primary motivation for going on a snowsports holiday. There were 13 options and by far the biggest one was “to enjoy being in the mountains”.

ROB: yes, in fact over 80% of skiers said that. funny you mention it because i was recently at the world travel market in London and i asked a few people a similar question: “what do you love about skiing” - shall we hear what they had to say?

play recording

DOM: interesting, that matches what the survey says plus the second thing on that survey was about the adrenaline rush of skiing which was touched on there too. Right what’s up in this episode…ROB

ROB: well firstly we had a comment from a reader about the last episode - you’ve got fan mail, as the Buzzsrout email header says.

DOM: oh yeah, what were they saying 

ROB: well it started with: I’m 10 minutes in and it’s driving me crazy.

DOM: bet you’ve heard that a few times in your life!?

ROB: ha, well it’s normally a bit less than that…hee hee. Anyway, getting 10 minutes into any podcast is an achievement so first impressions were good.

DOM: then what

ROB: stop saying each others names, said the fan

DOM: ahh okay, so they are annoyed?

ROB: yes and it goes off on a slight rant, not in a rude way though, about how we mention each other too much.

DOM: fair enough, do you think it’s true?

ROB: well firstly, DOM…i was a bit you know annoyed as i can get with criticism initially but i always take a step back and consider these things. So i ran the last script through chat GPT and asked it if it thought the fan has a point.

DOM: Okay, and what did it say?

ROB: yeah it wasnt happy with us at all, DOM…

DOM: oh really okay

ROB: yeah it was more ranty than the fan mail, had a right go at us, and i reflected on this and thought, you know what, everyone knows who we are now - we get people coming at to us at the snow show and other places, real fame.

DOM: so you’re happy to stop dropping the incessant self-identification name dropping now then?

ROB: yes, let’s move on, although ‘the fan’ did call me Bob and i need to point out, that is not my name.

DOM: so maybe we haven't been calling each other out enough then, BOB

ROB: ha ha, maybe…nope but seriously, we are always happy to listen to feedback and adjust accordingly - just remember though everyone, my name is ROB!!

DOM: okay Bob let’s move on what’s next…

ROB: well you know i like to have a rant once in while.

DOM: once in a while!?

ROB: okay, whatever. Anyway i received a press release last week from an insurance company trying to get links to its website by offering results of a survey that found the best value ski resorts in Europe.

DOM: sounds interesting, what did it say.

ROB: some of it was okay, i mean the top resort was Grandvillara - the huge ski region in Andorra.

DOM: which isn't technically a ski resort though, but a ski region.

ROB: yeah right, i guess we can let them off a bit, the value side is a fair tag to have for the Grandvillara ski area, generally.

DOM: true, and it’s a great ski area.

ROB: agreed, although they also say it’s a ‘lesser known ski resort nestled in the Pyrenees’. 

DOM: lesser known to them clearly.

ROB: right, i mean like it’s one of the most significant ski areas in the world. And nestled? I’m not going to go there

DOM: you just did.

ROB: fair enough, anyway, it goes on…

DOM: i think I’ll stay out of this one.

ROB: fair enough. Number two by the way is Bansko which i do again think is fair enough when it comes to value so that’s sensible, but then we have Spitzingsee-Tegernsee in Germany and Rogla, Slovenia. Heard of them?

DOM: Can’t say I have…

ROB: Now I’m sure they are totally pleasant places but they are tiny, like 12 km’s of slope and not really more than a locals ski hill, so whilst they might be good value, they are a tough sell for British skiers. And it goes on, Glenshee, Val Gardena - amazing ski resort, but not sure about the value tag.

DOM: what’s your point here

ROB: just that when you run data through a computer to get the answers you think are right, you get rubbish results. There’s many many better value ski resorts than that on that list that would actually be sensible options for British skiers. And we could just tell people that, we don’t need the data crunching.

DOM: okay well don’t lose sleep over it, it’s not like they are telling people to ski in Bangladesh.

ROB: fair enough, but it’s just little things. Like Rogla, it would have been better to say Kranjska Gora, also in Slovenia and I’m sure really good value, plus Crystal actually operate there, so you can go there - brilliant. And don’t get me wrong, i love skiing in Scotland but to wedge that between Trysil in Norway and Rifflesee in Austria (another obscure one) is nonsense.

DOM: you are losing sleep over it!

ROB: i think the PR might be removing me from their mailing list

DOM: you haven't mentioned who they are yet

ROB: well let’s just say it’s an insurance company that doesn't specialise in skiing

DOM: okay well rant over i hope…oh i was just about to say your name then 

ROB: sorry, who are you?

DOM: BOB

ROB: ah yes of course…right

NEWS

ROB: 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: what about the ski racing side of things, the season is shaping up nicely…

ROB: well Gurgl this weekend and Dave’s last race on home turf - i know you have sent someone out there to cover that race which is fantastic.

DOM: yes we have Ben there this weekend so we’ll get to hear from him next time about how that all went.

ROB: It's a really exciting season and obviously the massive news from last weekend when four British men were entered in the draw for the world cup slalom in Levi - that’s never happened before.

DOM: yes Dave Ryding, Billy Major, Laurie Taylor, and Luca Carrick-Smith on his world cup debut all starting in Levi.

ROB: and then Laurie places 4th and Dave in 7th, incredible. Billy made top 30 too and it feels like a footnote in this story but that is still an incredible result for a British skier and it shows how far the team has come.

DOM: Luca didnt make it through the first run but i am sure he learnt loads

ROB: absolutely and obviously that can happen and it has happened to every world cup racer.

DOM: There wasn't a lot of news around about this beyond the skiing websites and social media.

ROB: No there wasn't and I found that frustrating i must admit. I realise the pressure on sports news is significant but this was a huge moment for British sport. The BBC did cover it on its sport pages online, which is great, but it was the 47th story down on the sports homepage when it came out. That’s not a dig at the BBC, i’m just saying there’s obviously alot of competition for sports news but American football seemed to be deemed a bigger priority, which i find odd. 

DOM: maybe it’s a more popular spectator sport in the UK?

ROB: yes maybe, but we have over one million skiers going skiing every year in this country, i don’t think there’s a million american football players. The Independent also published a story, but I couldn't see any other sports pages even mentioning it - so good on the BBC and the Indie but if anyone can find any other national coverage please send it our way. Right moving on…

DOM: > NEW Yoga retreat in Aosta Valley

Aosta Valley Holistic, founded last year by long-term Aosta Valley resident Anita Collins, is growing its programme of yoga and mountain-focused retreats in Pila, Italy. 

The resort offers varied terrain for all levels and benefits from reliable early-season conditions. Guests typically stay in Pila itself, and the area is undergoing notable upgrades for the coming winter. A new gondola connecting Aosta to the top of the mountain is due to be completed, cutting the journey to around 30 minutes. At the summit, visitors — including non-skiers — will find a new panoramic bar named La Stella.

Looking ahead, Aosta Valley Holistic plans to grow to six or seven retreats in 2026. The line-up is set to include a women-only cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and yoga week in Val di Rhêmes in January; a return to Pila for ski and yoga in March; two wellness, hiking and yoga retreats in May and September at locations still to be confirmed; and October and December events in Valtournenche and Pila. 

More information is available at aostavalleyholistic.com.

DOM: Most Vegan skiers yet

Ski chalet specialist Ski Beat reports that more than 20% of guests now request alternative menus, with plant-based diets at their highest level since the company began nearly 40 years ago. They have added gluten-free pastries, meat-free sausages, a vegan cheeseboard, and dairy- and egg-free cakes for afternoon tea, alongside tailored meals for other dietary requirements.

It’s an interesting one because it shows how British chalet companies can cater for vegans and vegetarians on ski holidays in destinations which might not always be vegan friendly. Others are doing this too…

They offer holidays with prices from £784 per person for a week in the Three Valleys, including meals, wine, flights, and transfers.

ROB: Cave du Sex scrapes the hottest prize in the world’s cheesiest competition 

Crans-Montana has claimed one of Switzerland’s tastiest honours as Cave du Sex won the top prize at the 2025 World Raclette Championships. The event, held in Morgins in the Dent du Midi region, saw 150 cheeses from 12 countries compete for the title in the flagship alpine raclette category.

The winning cheese comes from La Cave du Sex, a traditional farm and alpine restaurant set high above the resort. Its raclette impressed judges on appearance, texture, aroma and taste, securing the most coveted award of the competition.

Pierre-Henri Mainetti of Crans-Montana Tourism said the result reflects the strength of the region’s farming heritage and its focus on authentic production. Crans-Montana’s food scene continues to grow, with more than 90 restaurants and two Michelin-starred establishments showcasing local and global cuisine.

Looking ahead, the resort will host Momentum’s Gourmet Ski Experience in February 2026, featuring 3-star Michelin chef Michel Roux, his daughter Emily, and local Michelin-starred chef Frank Reynaud.

More details: crans-montana.ch/en

DOM: Clément Noël Extends Dynastar Deal Through 2028

French slalom ace Clément Noël has signed a new three-year deal with Dynastar, keeping him with the brand until 2028. 

Noël, Olympic slalom champion and the most successful French slalom skier with 14 World Cup wins, expressed deep loyalty to the company: “the confidence is total … our goal remains the same: to fly our colours high and reach the top step as often as possible.” 

Vincent Wauters, CEO of the Rossignol Group (which owns Dynastar), said Noël’s commitment underlines Dynastar’s dedication to racing excellence. 

ROB: and of course he came second in Levi last weekend so clearly something is working for him…

ROB: Okay next up, the Ski Club of Great Britain launches a new women’s hub dedicated to female skiers, bringing together articles, reviews, and features that showcase women in the sport.

The hub covers the right gear for women, from ski clothing to hardware, alongside interviews with Olympians and World Cup champions. Contributors include four-time Winter Olympian and Ski Club Honorary President Chemmy Alcott, as well as apprentice instructor Akira Bonney from Snowcamp.


SNOW AND WEATHER

DOM: 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.

ROB: well winter has arrived and we can feel that in the UK and even better, Those northerly winds are driving the snow towards the Alps and things are looking good for the start of the season. In fact very good and the cold weather in the Alps is set to stay…

DOM: yes and with some of the higher altitude non glacier resorts opening up this weekend - think Tignes and Val Thorens, this early season snow will surely be very welcome indeed. 

ROB: so if i look at the snow forecasts for the next 7 days, the likes of Les 3 Vallees, and the rest of the Tarentaise region is going to get 30 cm’s of new snow down to low levels. And even better, it’s looking like there’s a ton of low pressure fronts stacking up behind and moving downwards in a south easterly direction which is exactly what we want. 

DOM: It’s similar for the Portes du Soleil resorts too and potentially even more, like in the Italian Dolomites where temperatures are dropping over the next few days and there’s 70 cm’s of snow forecast in some places. 

ROB: well Austria is looking even better! There’s half a metre of snow forecast across many areas in Austria, especially on the eastern side places such as Gastien will really get it. 

DOM: and Switzerland is a similar story with some northern areas suggesting they might get close to a metre of snow in the next week.

ROB: North America is a bit of a mixed bag right now with more high pressure systems around, but some areas are getting snow including Western Canada and California but they are waiting for the bigger dumps in Colorado and Utah, but i can see some of the eastern resorts like Killington are open and have snow. 

DOM: Japow is firing up though with Niseko forecasting 15cm’s over the next 7 days - that’s not massive for them but it looks like things will get colder as we head into December

ROB: overall it’s looking very positive, especially for the Alps, although Scandinavia is starting to look much whiter too. I spoke to our friend Scott Hammond from we freeski last night in Hafjell and it’s minus ten there with the snow cannons on although a bit dry in the forecast. 

Just one last thing - glad to say that England’s Weardale ski club in the north east has cranked their lifts (or i think just one lift for now) open although they describe the skiing as ‘combative and certainly not suitable for beginners’. Still, brilliant to see that open so early.

DOM: Alright, that’s your Snow and Weather roundup. Winter’s turned on, the Alps are looking good storm after storm, and things are starting to look properly white out there. We’ll keep an eye on the charts and bring you the next update next time — but in the meantime check out InTheSnow.com where we constantly update where is best to ski now. 

Let’s crack on.

GEAR

ROB: 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.

DOM: Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet

This helmet brings serious protection to the all-mountain freeride skier — and with 40% off at Ellis Brigham (now £102), it’s a bargain. It uses AMID (Atomic Multi-directional Impact Deflector) foam to help reduce impacts from different directions, plus a Holo Core liner that adds a larger, energy-absorbing crumple zone. 

The Hybrid In-Mold / ABS shell construction means the helmet is both lightweight and tough. The 360° Fit System lets you dial in both the size and height of the helmet for a really custom fit. Add in Live Fit memory pads that mould to your head, and you’ve got comfort and low-level impact damping all day. 

Other nice touches: wind-channelled Aircon vents keep things breathable, and there's a removable liner too for cleaning or switching out for a beanie. 

now with a Black Friday price that’s tough to beat. currently £102 at ellis-brigham.com

ROB: Salomon Men’s Alpenflow Jacket - currently 40% off at only £269.40 

It’s designed for skiers who want to take winter performance from the slopes straight into town. With 650 fill-power responsibly sourced Goose Down, it delivers serious warmth while keeping weight low, and welded baffles ensure there are no cold spots.

The AdvancedSkin windproof outer fabric sheds snow and light showers, while a PFC-free DWR coating adds extra water resistance. It’s packed with features including a helmet-compatible hood, stretch inner cuffs with thumb loops block out drafts, and a zip-off powder skirt. 

Storage is generous, too — two large zipped hand pockets, a wrist ski-pass pocket, and an inner security pocket handle essentials, while a mesh goggle pocket. Comfort and mobility are also considered: the face fabric blends polyester and elastane for stretch and freedom of movement. 

the Alpenflow combines warmth, protection, and practical design into a jacket that’s built for all corners of winter. was £449, now £269.40 from ellis-brigham.com

DOM: Quiksilver Mission Jacket – currently 40% off at only £119.40

A mainstay of Quiksilver’s snow collection, the Mission Jacket delivers reliable warmth and weather protection with a versatile style that works from the slopes to the city. DryFlight 10k waterproof and breathable fabric keeps you dry, while WarmFlight x2 Eco insulation maintains warmth without bulk.

It’s packed with practical features: a helmet-compatible single-pull adjustable hood, zipped hand and chest pockets, and mesh-backed underarm vents that dump heat when needed. Inside, a security pocket and mesh goggle pocket keep essentials close, while a snap-back powder skirt seals out cold and locks in warmth.

Comfort and performance are built in: the face fabric is 100% recycled polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish, making it durable, flexible, and eco-conscious. Whether skiing or navigating winter streets, the Mission Jacket balances protection, warmth, and practicality.

Was £199, now £119.40 from ellis-brigham.com

ROB: Picture Women’s Exa Jacket – currently 40% off at only £179.40

The Picture Exa Jacket combines classic colour block styling with all-day warmth and reliable protection. Its 100% Circular recycled polyester outer comes from repurposed materials, making it as eco-conscious as it is functional.

Waterproof and breathable DryPlay 20k/15k membrane keeps snow and moisture out, while body-mapped insulation with recycled Thermal Dry and Coremax tricot panels maintains warmth where you need it most. A helmet-compatible hood, mesh-backed underarm vents, and stretch inner cuffs help regulate your microclimate.

Practicality is built in with hand and chest pockets, a wrist pass pocket, inner security pocket, and a mesh goggle pocket. A built-in powder skirt keeps snow at bay, so you stay comfortable and dry on every run.

Was £299, now £179.40 from ellis-brigham.com

DOM: and what about a few quick fire accessories that you can find on ellis-brigham.com

ROB: Yep good call, okay here’s what we found…

100% Norg Essential Goggles — now £147 (was £245). A rugged 3D-lens design with a magnetic lens-change system for fast swaps on the hill. 

GoggleSoc Pro Soc — £14. A stretchy protective sleeve made from recycled plastic bottles that fits over virtually any goggle, keeping the lens safe when not in use. 

Smith Rally Goggles (White / Igniter Mirror) — £90. A smaller‑fit goggle that’s OTG‑friendly and uses top-tier Smith lens materials, ideal for value-conscious skiers.

Bloc Hard-Shell Goggle Case — £18. A semi-rigid case with soft lining and a wide zipper opening, perfect for protecting your goggles in transport.

DOM: great stuff okay head over to ellis-brigham.com for Black Friday deals and get kitted up because the season is here now and it’s cold outside! 

DESTINATION GUIDE

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.

Isere guide for Peak Retreats

The White Out podcast – destination: Isere ski region, France with Peak Retreats 


Rob: This week we’re taking you to one of the most varied ski regions in France, Isère in the Northern Alps. It’s huge. Four different mountain ranges, 21 resorts, and a real mix of everything from cosy French villages to bucket-list skiing. And that’s what makes the Isère region a bit different and truly has something for everyone!

 

Dom: It’s one of those parts of the Alps with both resorts a lot of people have heard of but then ones many haven’t but they are really interesting destinations. We have covered some of the before like Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d’Huez and Les 7 Laux, but there’s definitely a few others too.  

 

Rob: Exactly. And to help us navigate this big area, and by the way Isere shouldn’t be confused with Val d’Isere, we’ve teamed up with Peak Retreats, proper French Alps specialists. Employee-owned now, and they’ve just won the Telegraph Travel Award for Best Ski Operator again. Third year on the trot.

 

Dom: yes we know them very well and they are a great team, based in the UK but their knowledge of French ski destinations is second to none. 

 

Rob: okay well let’s start with the big two everyone’s heard of, Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d’Huez.

 

Les 2 Alpes is great if you want a high-altitude large ski area with a glacier skiing up top, and a new gondola the Jandri Express that has made accessing it much faster and opens the door to more of the resort’s 410 hectares of marked terrain. There’s a proper town feel, really lively atmosphere, and a mix of terrain for all levels. And Dom, you’ve been there right?

 

Dom: I have. It’s a great resort for both getting plenty of skiing in through the day and hitting the après afterwards, it’s a proper town and the atmosphere is always great. And don’t forget once the sun goes down, you’re in luck — night skiing on Vallée Blanche brings a little magic to the mountain. Both red and green runs are lit and open after dark

 

Rob: cool, then you’ve got Alpe d’Huez, The Island in the Sun as it’s sometimes known as. Great snow record thanks to the height with the top at 3330 metres, and proper long descents, like La Sarenne, the longest black run in the world! If you want big mileage and lots happening in the evening, it’s a great resort. I went there quite a bit as a youngster and loved it. 

 

Dom: you can be smart about where you stay too - you don’t have to stay in the main resort to ski that whole area. You’ve got Vaujany, Oz 3300 and Auris-en-Oisans as satellite villages, each with their own character.

 

Rob: Yep, Vaujany has a small traditional village feel but with a fast lift straight to altitude, along with a big modern sports centre and ice rink. Oz 3300 is friendly and compact, with dog sledding and snow-shoe trails if you want a day off the skis. And Auris at 1600 m gives you another quieter more peaceful option but still with direct lift access to all 250km of slopes, and if you fancy something random, electric fat scooters through the forest could be on the list.

 

Dom: That sounds like a YouTube fail compilation waiting to happen.

 

Rob: ha yes perhaps, but I do like the sound of that, something I have never tried.

 

Dom: put it on the list Rob…

 

Rob: let’s do it Dom…right okay, next up Chamrousse, just 30km from Grenoble. Spread across three linked areas – Chamrousse 1650, 1700 and 1750, here you will enjoy Easy transfers, lovely forest runs, and incredible views down to the city below. It’s a unique place really, like a mountain escape without the long mountain drive.

 

Dom: City lights in the background while you ski. Not bad eh and of course the resort hosted the alpine skiing event for the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympic games, with Jean Claude Killy winning all three gold medals for France

 

Rob: yes amazing and I must say Annie Famose, who I have met, won silver in the GS and bronze in the slalom that year. She still runs an incredible skiing empire, but that story is for another day. 

 

Dom: yes well what legends of the sport, where else can we go in Isere though Rob…

 

Rob: well there’s three places that British skiers often overlook, Les 7 Laux, Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors.

 

Dom: Translation, these are the ones the locals actually go to! Secret spots that they like to keep for themselves. 

 

Rob: ha ha yes exactly. Les 7 Laux has a relaxed atmosphere, great terrain for confident intermediates and decent off-piste areas too. Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon share a ski area with 120 kilometres of slopes and they’re both brilliant for cross-country as well. One of the big draws is the resort’s snowpark and its well-known off-piste zone. They’re proper lived-in French villages, so you come away feeling like you’ve actually visited France, not a purpose-built bubble, if you like that sort of thing of course. 

 

Dom: Good food, proper French culture, and just a more mellow ski experience - these places aren’t apres ski central but not everyone wants to be singing sweet caroline at 11pm at night. 

 

Rob: I don’t want to sing sweet caroline at 11am in the morning either. 

 

Dom: luckily for anyone that happens to be around at the time then.

 

Rob: right moving on… There’s a few nice new things to mention across the region this season. Les 2 Alpes has high-altitude guided snowshoe hikes at 3,200 metres and a gentler night-time wildlife walk on snowshoes. Villard-de-Lans is launching an immersive light-and-sound experience in the forest called Vercors en Lumière. this one is popular so booking in advance is recommended. And Chamrousse is offering ice swimming at Lacs Robert. Five degrees or lower. Brings back a few memories Dom. 

 

Dom: ah you love the cold water Rob, you know it 

 

Rob: I’m happy to film these days Dom, you go for it next time. 

 

maybe good to also include this - 

Let’s talk about a unique off-grid dining spot in Corrençon: Le Clariant. Hidden deep in the forest above Corrençon-en-Vercors, this alpine lodge runs almost entirely on renewable energy, no public water, no electricity grid

You can only reach it by foot, ski, or snowshoe, and once you arrive, you’re welcomed with homemade French dishes beside a crackling fire.Beyond the food, Le Clariant doubles as a cosy co-working retreat and overnight refuge, offering dog hikes, snowshoe tours, and a true taste of off-grid mountain life.

 

 

Dom: So who’s Isère for? Honestly, everyone. If you want big and bold, Les 2 Alpes or Alpe d’Huez. If you want the same access but a calmer base, Vaujany, Oz or Auris. If you want French charm and fewer crowds, Les 7 Laux, Villard-de-Lans or Corrençon. And if you like your skiing close to the city, Chamrousse.

 

It’s rare to find this much variety in one region.

 

Rob: And that makes it a good option for mixed-ability groups where someone wants mileage and someone else wants fondue and views right.

 

Dom: yep and if you’re thinking Isère, Peak Retreats is the perfect place to start. Huge French Alps knowledge and they know these spots inside out. You can find everything at peakretreats.co.uk/isere or take a look on Instagram at peak_retreats.

 

Rob: Right… shall we warm up the vocal cords for an après ski sing along?

 

Dom: love a bit of sweet caroline really…



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

If you enjoyed the show, make sure you hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. And if you want to watch the full video version, head over to our YouTube channel — just search for The Whiteout Podcast.

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




50-Second Social Trailer (Ready to Record)

Dom:
 “Hi, it’s Dom and Rob from TWOP — and this week on
The Whiteout, we’ve got another awesome, packed episode for you.”

Rob:
 “Yep, first up — winter has officially switched on. We’re breaking down the latest snow forecast, how the new storms are shaping up, and what it means for early-season skiing.
 We’re also diving into Isère — covering Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d’Huez, Les 7 Laux and more — with opening dates, conditions, and why it’s shaping up to be one of the most reliable early-season bets this year.”

Dom:
 “And then it’s our gear spotlight in association with Ellis Brigham, where we run through the essential kit you’ll want for those first trips of the season, including:

  • The Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet – currently 40% off


  • The Salomon Men’s Alpenflow Jacket – also 40% off


  • The Osprey Soelden 22 Pack – lightweight and perfect for day missions


  • And some Smith Squad MAG Goggles – fast lens change + brilliant low-light clarity


  • Plus of course the fabulous Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves


Plus, it’s been a huge week for Team GB, with standout results across the board — so we’ll bring you all the racing headlines you might have missed but also to get really excited about this weekend ahead as dave ryding hits Gurgle for the last time.

All that, and loads more — it’s a gonna be another awesome episode, 


Rob

Yep so Listen now wherever you get your podcasts search the whiteout




Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.