In this special ‘Flashback’ episode, Iain speaks with Tony McWilliam - founder of one of the world's leading snowsports brands - Faction Skis.

 

We find out what inspired Tony to start Faction, how he smuggled his first batch of 44 skis across the Swiss border to Verbier, meeting freeski legend Candide Thovex when he was just 16 years old and how he grew Faction to become one of the most famous ski brands in the world.

If you want to help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money this winter…just use the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ when you book your ski hire at intersportrent.com.

That applies to any ski hire booked in their massive network across France, Austria and Switzerland. You’ll get a guaranteed additional discount, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied. 

BoardX took place in Battersea for several years

Jamie Strachan’s designs for Volkl were another influence

Sam Smoothy is a NZ freeride skier

Ski Service in Verbier was the first store to stock Faction Skis

You can help The Ski Podcast and save yourself some money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com. Alternatively, simply take the link in the Show Notes and your discount will automatically be applied. 

If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help:

1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – helps listeners find us

2) Subscribe –it every episode will automatically be downloaded for you, so you can catch up at your leisure

3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ or take this link 

You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast or WhatsApp