The Ski Podcast

Today’s episode celebrates the release of the new film from The North Face, ‘Of A Lifetime’, featuring Xavier De Le Rue, his brother Victor and his daughter Mila.  The film covers an expedition the three of them took to Antarctica. Not only is the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, but you will be gripping your seat when you see some of the insane faces that Xavier and Victor take on.  The trip was also a rite of passage for Xavier’s daughter Mila, who turned 18 while they were in Antarctica. Watch the movie ‘Of A Lifetime’ on YouTube here In my extended interview with Xavier (previously released as Episode 208), we discuss his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and, of course, Antarctica.     We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about his views on sustainability and the future of our sport. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Xavier broke his ribs while taking time off from filming in Lobufen (7:30) FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (9:30) Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (11:00) Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (12:30) The trip involved crossing Drake’s Passage (15:00) The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (17:30) Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (20:30) Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (21:30) Xavier’s daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (21:15) Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (23:30) Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (25:30) Watch Xavier’s ‘How to’ videos on YouTube (26:45) Learn how to ski on ice! (27:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34 We discuss Xavier’s avalanche experience (29:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU “Paranoia can be a good thing” (30:30) Xavier has clear views on air bags (33:00) Listen to Xavier’s sustainability podcasts (38:00) Find out about the Audi Experience camps (38:30) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

In this special episode, Iain speaks with Lucy Aspden-Kean, Ski & Snowboard Editor at The Telegraph.  We discuss Lucy’s journey from the Blackpool Gazette to an MA in Journalism and how she beat 300 other applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph.  Lucy shares her advice for aspiring travel journalists, what it was like working on the travel desk during Covid, plus we also discuss how a trip to Nepal was prompted by an interview with Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Intersport Ski Hire You can save money when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com and use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’. To make it even simpler you don’t even need to use the code, just take the link in the Show Notes and your basket will automatically be reduced.  SHOW NOTES  The London Snow Show will take place on 18/19 October 2025 at Olympia (1:00) Lucy previously shared her experiences of Gausta in Norway and heliskiskiing in Chile (3:00) Lucy was also on the show in the dark days of lockdown (3:00) A trip to Nepal started from an interview with Ranulph Fiennes (4:00) Lucy walked to Everest Base Camp and then the 6119m peak of Lobuche East (6:30) Her training was mainly in the Lake District (9:00) Read about Lucy’s trip in this Telegraph article (13:15) Is Everest suffering from overtourism (15:00) There are significant dangers of climbing Everest (16:30) Are too many climbers under-trained? (16:30) We discuss ‘overtourism’ more generally (17:00)  Lucy has skied in the Lakes (18:30) Her first ski holidays were to Rauris in Austria (20:00) Listen to Iain’s interviews with ski journalists Peter Hardy, Arnie Wilson & Frank Baldwin (21:00) Lucy did an English literature degree, followed by an MA in Magazine Journalism at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) (22:30) Lucy beat 300 applicants to win a ski internship at the Telegraph (24:00) She won ‘Best Social Media Campaign of the Year’ in the PPA awards in 2017 (30:00) Covid was a ‘career defining moment’ as a travel journalist (31:45) Telegraph model has shifted to subscription (34:45) Longer form content is becoming more popular (35:15) The role of a commissioning editor (36:45) Do journalists need to have video editing skills as well as writing? (39:00) Advice for freelance journalists (40:30) Is AI a threat to journalism? (42:00) The impact of the climate crisis on skiing (43:15) Lucy’s favourite trip was to Chile (46:30) Feedback   I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]  Andre As: “Thank you for making another enjoyable podcast! It really shines through that you enjoy skiing and nature.” If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  2) Subscribe  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link There are now 237 episodes of The Ski Podcast. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog: just go to theskipodcast.com and search the tags and categories. All our Equipment Special episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast

Today we find out what it’s like skiing down Mont Blanc, learn about skiing in Hokkaido in Japan, plus we cover a drugs bust in Verbier, a cable car crash in Val Thorens and get an update on the Alpine World Cup. Host Iain Martin was joined by Floss Cockle, from FreeFlo Ski Coaching in Tignes and ski journalist and photographer, Mike Richards. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code All podcast listeners can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout.  SHOW NOTES Mike last appeared reporting from the Northern Ski Show in Episode 224 Mike skied in Wales this month (3:30) Listen to Mike talking about skiing in the Brecon Beacons in Episode 65 (4:30) Alex Irwin from ‘150 Days of Winter’ reported from Tignes and Val Thorens (6:00) We discussed drug dealers in ski resorts back in Episode 33 (8:00) Police have arrested 15 dealers in Verbier (8:30) The Cime de Caron cable car in VT was damaged in an accident (8:45) Lyndsey Vonn has announced that she plans to return to the racing circuit (9:30) Matt Garcka is host of the ‘Skiing is Believing’ podcast (10:00) Mikaela Shiffrin is chasing down her 100th World Cup win (11:45) Listen out for Iain’s interview with British half-pipe skier Zoe Atkin later this winter (13:00) All of our equipment episodes are available on the Skipedia YouTube channel (13:45) The winners of our listener survey competition are Oliver Rutman & Faye Morton (14:00) Follow ‘The Ski Podcast’ on our WhatsApp channel (14:30) Floss has 5000 followers on her YouTube channel (15:00) In 2021, Floss climbed and skied down the North face of Mont Blanc (21:00) Watch Floss’ playlist about the climb (31:45) Mike told us about Rusutsu in Japan in Episode 170 (32:15) Find out more about the JR Train Pass in Japan (35:00) Mike suggests Hakodate as possible first base in Hokkaido (36:00) Mike’s favourite base in Japan is Otaru  (41:00) Asahikawa in the centre of Hokkaido is another option (44:15) Excellent article from Fall Line magazine about train travel in Japan More info about Omo Hotels Asahikawa (45:00) Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]  Rob Smith: “Episode 225 was a great listen, really enjoyed it. I’m aiming for Austria with the kids, so that advice on skiing for families was great.” Judy Matthews: “Thank you for continuing your fantastic podcast. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the mountains or skiing. Think I live in the wrong country.” Ella Purvis: "I’ve been loving the podcast - it’s getting me hyped for the season ahead! I was just listening to the interview with Chemmy Alcott — it was such an inspiring, uplifting episode for women in snowsports, she is just incredible!” RichB: “There's been some great content recently. The interview with Chemmy Alcott was really interesting, I didn't know her backstory. Wow what a woman!” There are 236 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with. Just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest.  If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:    1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now  2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify  3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link

In our fifth of this winter’s equipment specials, Iain is joined by equipment expert Al Morgan to look at two vital areas of your winter wardrobe – ski gloves and socks. Previous episodes in this series have included the Best Skis, Ski Boots, Jackets and Helmets and Goggles for winter 2025.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Try before you buy (3:00) If you’re a skier, go grab a ski pole (4:30) Glove v. mitt v. lobster claw (6:00) How does sizing work for gloves? (8:30) Will my glove work with a touch screen? (9:30) Will wearing a liner keep your hands warm? (10:45) What is a ‘Shell mitt’? (12:00) What is the little strip of fabric across the back of one finger on each glove for? Wool is sustainable, natural and works (15:00) Smartwool are collecting old socks and reclaiming yarn (15:30) For snowboarding gloves, head to The Snowboard Asylum (16:30) Tube socks! (32:30) Do thicker socks keep your feet warmer? (34:00) Is natural better than synthetic fibres? (35:15) THE BEST SKI GLOVES FOR 2025 (17:00) Therm-ic Heat Boot Boost Glove (men and women), £300 (18:00) The ultimate in warmth Black Diamond Guide Gore-Tex glove, £160 (19:45) If you want the best in foul weather protection for big powder days, the Guide is hard to beat Hestra Fall Line Women’s Glove, £120 (22:16) The white women’s glove looks stunning Reusch Storm R-Tex XT Men’s Glove, £100 (23:45) Traditional racing-inspired ski glove aesthetic with foam knuckle and finger protection Salomon Propeller Gore-Tex gloves, £75 (25:00) A superb unisex glove with a clean aesthetic, for piste and all-mountain skiing The North Face Montana Kids Ski Gloves, £45 (26:00) Gives kids superb hand protection and features you often don’t get on kids’ gloves Ellis Brigham’s Choice (28:30) Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham’s Glove buyer. She chose the Men’s Hestra Army Leather GTX Glove and the Women’s Reusch Cozy Down Mitt. THE BEST SKI SOCKS FOR 2025 (36:30) Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT - £280 (36:45) If you suffer from cold feet, these are a total blessing Smartwool Targeted Cushion Women's Ski Socks - £28 (39:30) Padding where you want a little extra protection, but still thin, so they work in well-fitted, snug boots. Sidas SUREfit Ski Sock - £25 (40:15) Padding for the shin, toes and heel, in a specific right and left anatomy.   Ellis Brigham Wintersport Ski Socks - Twin Pack - £20 (41:00) Two pairs of socks for less than one of the others above. Outstanding value. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has very kindly been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. FEEDBACK I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] Adam Matthews: "Love the podcast. Many thanks for all the content! I’ve especially enjoyed episodes with Al about kit." Colin: “Goggles and Helmets was another great podcast. I use Zeiss anti-fog spray for my glasses to stop them fogging up while skiing." If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Or you can Buy Me A Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast Andrew Brannan: "Through your podcast I blagged a Snow Show ticket for my daughter who is studying down in London. She met Dave Ryding, our household hero. Unbelievable, really can't thank you enough.” Paul Bond: “Thanks for the Helmet & Googles episode with Al’s expert reviews. I went to Ellis Brigham, good service. Got home to a comment of ‘What? More ski kit?’ We now have 235 episodes to catch up with. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and search around the tags and categories: you’re bound to find something of interest to you. You can follow me @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast