The Whiteout Skiing Podcast

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Is the Traditional Ski Week Dead? | The Whiteout Ski Podcast LIVE from Manchester

Recorded live at The Snow Centre Manchester during the Northern Snow Show on 3 October 2026.

We're doing things a little differently for this episode of The Whiteout Ski Podcast!

Join Dom Killinger from InTheSnow and Rob Stewart from Ski Press as we take the podcast on the road, recording in front of a live audience at the Northern Snow Show in Manchester.

Please excuse the slightly different sound quality, occasional interruptions and general chaos of a live recording! There's plenty of audience participation, a few unexpected questions and, as always, plenty of friendly disagreement between Dom and Rob.

Our big question this week: Is the traditional seven night ski holiday becoming a thing of the past?

With more skiers choosing shorter, more flexible trips, we explore whether the classic Saturday to Saturday ski week is losing its appeal, and whether three or four days in the mountains might actually be the better option.

But that's not all. We also look ahead to the 2026/27 winter season, discussing everything from snow predictions and British ski racing to new ski gear, rising resort prices and the destinations we're most excited about.

WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE?

• Will El Niño deliver a bumper winter? We discuss the early season snow outlook, glacier conditions and why autumn snowfall doesn't necessarily tell us much about the winter ahead.

• The biggest stories of 2026/27: The Alpine World Championships in Crans-Montana, the end of Ski Sunday and the exciting future of British ski racing with the Carrick-Smith brothers.

• Is the traditional ski week dead? Why shorter ski breaks are becoming increasingly popular, the advantages of flexible travel and whether a long weekend can really replace a full week.

• What really matters when choosing a ski resort? Huge ski areas, snow reliability, lift infrastructure or simply the price of a beer?

• The evolution of après-ski: Why live music and afternoon parties are becoming an increasingly important part of the ski holiday experience.

• What's new in ski gear? BOA ski boots, easier entry boot designs, avalanche transceivers and our ongoing obsession with ski goggles.

• Where should you ski this winter? From Baqueira and Serre Chevalier to Norway, Andorra and the Alps, we discuss destinations offering something different.

• Live audience questions: Low light goggles, ski technology, favourite resorts, stag dos and a few unexpected holiday plans!

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to The Whiteout LIVE in Manchester

01:00 – Is the traditional ski week dead?

01:30 – El Niño and predictions for winter 2026/27

04:00 – Glacier openings and the early season snow outlook

05:00 – Crans-Montana World Championships and Ski Sunday

06:15 – The Carrick-Smith brothers and British ski racing

08:30 – New ski lifts: do they really matter?

11:30 – What makes skiers choose a resort?

13:00 – The rise of shorter ski holidays

16:00 – Are ski weekends better value?

17:15 – The changing world of après-ski

19:00 – BOA ski boots and new gear technology

22:00 – Our most anticipated ski trips and events

24:00 – Serre Chevalier, Baqueira and value destinations

26:00 – Ski holiday prices and our biggest pet hates

28:00 – Where is everyone skiing this winter?

31:00 – The best resorts for a group ski holiday

33:00 – Live audience Q&A: low light goggles

34:00 – Has ski technology really improved?

36:00 – Wrapping up from the Northern Snow Show

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Would you rather have one full week skiing or several shorter trips throughout the winter? And where are you heading for your first turns of the season?

We'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Whiteout Ski Podcast is brought to you by Dom Killinger, Publisher of InTheSnow, and Rob Stewart from Ski Press.

For more ski news, resort guides, equipment reviews and winter inspiration, visit www.inthesnow.com and follow InTheSnow on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Thanks to everyone who joined us live at The Snow Centre Manchester, and to the Northern Snow Show for hosting us.

See you on the slopes!

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

I woke up in somebody's  chalet in Verbier dressed as Luke Sywalker, Are ski shows still worth visiting, or can you now find everything you need online? And has someone really suggested that skiing in the Alps is boring?

Dom Killinger from InTheSnow and Rob Stewart from Ski Press are back with another helping of ski news, opinions, snow reports, gear and the occasional disagreement.

Fresh from taking The Whiteout on stage at the Northern Snow Show in Manchester, we're looking ahead to the London Snow Show at Olympia on 17–18 October. With ski legends, Olympic stars, the latest equipment and destinations from around the world, there's plenty on offer. But would we actually pay to go if we weren't working there?

Then Rob gets fired up about an American ski magazine article suggesting that skiing in the Alps is, well, a bit boring. Is there any truth in it, or has the writer completely missed what makes European skiing so special?

Here's what's coming up:

Are ski shows still worth going to?

With endless ski resort reviews, YouTube videos, equipment tests and holiday advice available online, do ski shows still have a place? We debate what makes a great show, whether they're worth the ticket price and what we'd change if we were running one.

Is skiing in the Alps really boring?

An opinion piece in SKI magazine has got Rob rather worked up. We get into the differences between European and North American skiing, challenging terrain, local knowledge and whether the Alps deserve the criticism.

London Snow Show 2026

We're looking forward to the London Snow Show at Olympia on 17–18 October, featuring names including Dave Ryding, Mia Brookes, Charlotte Bankes, Matt Weston, Eddie the Eagle and Warren Smith.

We'll be recording The Whiteout live on both days, and joining Chemmy Alcott on Saturday for A Question of Snow. Come and say hello!

November skiing: Is it worth the gamble?

With resorts including Val Thorens preparing for their winter openings, we discuss whether November skiing is a clever way to get an early fix or too much of a risk for your main ski holiday.

Where's the Snow?

Our regular look at snow conditions, early-season skiing and where we'd consider heading for some turns.

Ski gear: Is BOA changing ski boots?

We take a look at the Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA ski boots and discuss what really matters when buying ski equipment. Can clever technology improve fit and performance, and why is trying boots on in person so important?

Seasonnaire Confessions

We finish with another tale from life working in the mountains. From the ridiculous to the downright unbelievable, there's never a dull moment when you're working a ski season.

Links from this episode

London Snow Show, 17–18 October 2026

https://londonsnowshow.com/

Saturday Mountain Theatre programme:

https://londonsnowshow.com/mountain-theatre-saturday

Sunday Mountain Theatre programme:

https://londonsnowshow.com/mountain-theatre-sunday

Is skiing in the Alps boring?

Read the original SKI magazine opinion piece, We Love The Alps, But The Skiing? Kind Of Meh:

https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/europe/we-love-the-alps-but-the-skiing-is-kind-of-meh/

November skiing in Val Thorens

Official resort website, opening dates and winter information:

https://www.valthorens.com/en/ski/ouverture/

Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA ski boots

Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 at Ellis Brigham:

https://www.ellis-brigham.com/salomon-mens-spro-alpha-c-boa-130-ski-boots-701604900

Ellis Brigham's review of the new Salomon Alpha Cuff BOA:

https://www.ellis-brigham.com/articles/salomon-alpha-cuff-boa-review

Join the conversation

Are ski shows still worth visiting? Do you prefer skiing in the Alps or North America? And have you got a hilarious story from working a ski season?

We'd love to hear from you.

Follow The Whiteout for more ski news, resort reviews, snow reports, equipment discussions and stories from the mountains.

The Whiteout Ski Podcast

https://www.thewhiteoutpodcast.com/

InTheSnow

https://www.inthesnow.com/

Presented by Dom Killinger and Rob Stewart.

See you on the slopes!

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

The White Out Podcast – Live from Everest Base Camp with Kenton Cool

Dom Killinger and Rob Stewart speak live to British mountaineer and mountain guide Kenton Cool from Everest Base Camp, just days before he attempts his 20th summit of the world's highest mountain.

Broadcast directly from Nepal at an altitude of more than 5,300 metres, the interview offers a unique insight into life on Everest, the realities of high-altitude guiding and the challenges of leading clients in some of the world's most extreme environments.

Kenton discusses his journey from growing up in Buckinghamshire to becoming one of Britain's most accomplished mountaineers, his long-standing relationship with Nepal and the Sherpa community, and why he continues to return to Everest year after year.

The episode covers:

• Preparing for a 20th ascent of Everest

• Life at Everest Base Camp and how expeditions operate

• The physical and mental challenges of climbing at extreme altitude

• How mountain guides make difficult decisions under pressure

• The relationship between guides, Sherpas and clients

• Learning to ski as an adult in Chamonix

• Ski touring, mountaineering and skiing 8,000-metre peaks

• The similarities between guiding in the Alps and the Himalayas

• The rewards and responsibilities of being a mountain guide

• Why saying "no" is sometimes the most important decision a guide can make

The panel also discuss:

• Climate change and its impact on glaciers in the Alps and Himalayas

• The future of skiing in a warming climate

• Avalanche risk and decision-making in the mountains

• The next generation of climbers, skiers and mountaineers

• Skiing in Pakistan and other remote mountain regions

• Kenton's favourite ski destinations around the world

• The enduring appeal of the Arlberg ski region

Highlights include:

• Kenton speaking live from Everest Base Camp just before leaving for his summit push

• His reflections on nearly two decades of Everest expeditions

• Honest discussion about client pressure and mountain safety

• Insights into the effects of climate change on mountain environments

• Stories from Chamonix, Pakistan, Nepal and some of the world's biggest peaks

• Kenton's answer to The White Out's regular "one ski resort for life" question

Selected quotes from the show:

"Summits are kind of irrelevant. The number is irrelevant. It's the environment that I get to be in and working in."

"It is work. I'm an Everest guide. This is one of the ways I pay the mortgage."

"If it's good for climbing, it's crap for skiing. If it's good for skiing, it's crap for climbing."

"There is pressure on the mountain guide, whether it's here, whether it's the Matterhorn or skiing the Vallée Blanche."

"We are employed as guides for a reason. To be the decision maker."

"We think we've underestimated it. By the end of this century there won't be a single glacier left in Europe."

"If you're passionate about it, just do it."

Check out: www.kentoncool.com

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

The White Out Podcast – LIVE from Manchester

Dom Killinger and Rob Stewart host the second ever live edition of The Whiteout Podcast following the huge success of the first live show at Hemel Hempstead.

Recorded in Manchester in front of a packed audience, the panel features some of Britain’s most successful winter sports athletes:

Dave Ryding – Britain’s most successful alpine ski racer of the modern era, World Cup winner and five-time Olympian
Menna Fitzpatrick – Multiple Paralympic medallist and world champion
Tom Greenway – British slopestyle and Big Air skier competing on the World Cup circuit

The episode covers:

Dave Ryding’s retirement from World Cup ski racing
The mentality required to compete at elite level for over 20 years
Olympic and Paralympic pressure
How athletes manage anxiety, nerves and expectation
The physical and mental demands of freestyle skiing
The role of confidence in elite performance
Competing for Great Britain without a mountain culture
Life after professional sport
Social media pressures on modern athletes
The importance of routine, structure and consistency
Funny stories from training and ski trips
Ski holidays, powder days, coffee obsessions and pond skimming disasters

The panel also discuss:

The impact of the Winter Olympics on UK snowsports participation
Snow Camp’s work introducing young people to skiing and snowboarding
Why enjoying the process matters as much as results
How elite athletes deal with fear and setbacks
The importance of long-term consistency in achieving success

Highlights include:

Dave Ryding reflecting on the stress and intensity of World Cup racing
Menna Fitzpatrick discussing winning Paralympic medals and meeting the Queen
Tom Greenway explaining the fear and excitement of hitting massive freestyle jumps
Honest conversations about pressure, confidence and resilience in elite sport

Thanks to:

• Crystal Ski Holidays: https://www.crystalski.co.uk
• GB Snowsport: https://gbsnowsport.com
• Snow Camp: https://www.snow-camp.org.uk
• The Snow Centre: https://thesnowcentre.com

Selected quotes from the show:

“What you put in gives you a better chance to be successful.” – Dave Ryding

“I really want my own.” – Menna Fitzpatrick recalling trying on Steve Redgrave’s Olympic medal as a child

“Innovation wins medals.” – Tom Greenway on the evolution of freestyle skiing

“If you can stick with something for 10 years, you’ll be amazed at where you were and where you’ve got to.” – Dave Ryding

“I quite like to live a quiet life, to be quite honest.” – Menna Fitzpatrick on social media and public attention

“The biggest jumps we hit are in November… and they are terrifying.” – Tom Greenway

“I knew if I didn’t go in the gym, winter would be more like hell than any chance of success.” – Dave Ryding

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

Dom Killinger and Rob Stewart host the first ever live edition of The Whiteout Podcast in front of an audience at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead, fresh from the 2026 Winter Olympic season.

Joined by

Huw Nightingale – Olympic gold medallist in mixed snowboard cross

Tom Greenway – British freestyle skier and slopestyle/big air athlete

Ollie Davies – Double Olympian and Junior World Champion ski cross racer

Graham Bell – Five-time Olympian and former World Cup downhill racer

Ed Drake – Olympian, broadcaster and ski racing commentator

The episode covers:

What it feels like to win an Olympic gold medal

The pressure of competing as favourites on the world stage

Behind-the-scenes stories from ski cross, snowboard cross and freestyle skiing

Crashes, tactics, injuries and surviving high-speed winter sports

Olympic medals vs Crystal Globes vs X Games prestige

Favourite ski resorts, powder days and mountain memories

Funny stories from life on tour and travelling with teammates

Snow Camp’s work introducing young people to snowsports

The team also discuss:

Why Winter Olympic years boost participation in snowsports

The unique pressure of “one run every four years”

The next generation of British snowsports athletes

Thanks to: Crystal Ski Holidays |  GB Snowsport |  Snow Camp | The Snow Centre

Quotes from the athletes include:

“There’s more spots to lose than there is to win.” – Huw 

“The best performances come out of me when I’m in a really calm head space, which is a stark contrast to what it looks like we’re doing.” – Tom  

“Winter sports are way more exciting than summer sports.” – Graham  

“I could be on my own in bluebird perfect conditions and I probably wouldn’t bother going. But I could be in a whiteout with my friends and have the best day ever.” – Ed  

“I was actually sick in the morning of the team event when I won gold.” – Huw 

“People were running after us wanting to take pictures. It was kind of a strange thing at first.” – Huw

“You kind of have to stand at the top of a jump and fully commit to it, because if you don’t fully commit, that’s when things go wrong.” – Tom 

“There is a way to crash. There is an art to it.” – Ollie

“It is inspiring, but it goes in circles.” – Graham

“As long as the boss likes it, that’s all you’ve got to worry about.” – Ed

“I drank half a can of Red Bull in the start… came into the compression and just went whoop.” – Ollie

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

So… what’s skiing Hakuba Valley really like? 🇯🇵⛷️

After flying 14 hours to Japan, we decided to start this trip properly — with a couple of days exploring Tokyo before heading into the mountains. And honestly, it set the tone for one of the most memorable ski trips we’ve ever done.

From incredible street food at Tsukiji Market, to temples in Asakusa, vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa, and the chaos of Shibuya Crossing — Tokyo delivered.

Then it was time for the main event…

✈️ Getting There

We flew with Japan Airlines — and it was genuinely one of the best long-haul flights I’ve taken. Great food, spotless planes, and next-level service throughout.

For parking at the airport, check out 👉 APH Parking: https://www.aph.com/

And if you're travelling, I’d highly recommend an eSIM — we used 👉 Holafly (unlimited data): https://holafly.sjv.io/LKWN20

🚄 From Tokyo to Hakuba

Getting to Hakuba Valley is surprisingly easy:
Bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Nagano
Then a short bus transfer into the valley
In under 4 hours, you’re in the mountains.

⛷️ Skiing Hakuba Valley

Hakuba isn’t just one resort — it’s an entire valley made up of 10 different ski areas, all connected by the Hakuba Valley lift pass.

👉 Learn more about the resorts here:
https://www.inthesnow.com/hakuba-valley/

Across the valley you’ll find:
~120 ski runs
~90 lifts
~Terrain for every level from pow and tree skiing to wide open greens and blues to your hearts content 

Each resort has its own personality — from beginner-friendly slopes to deep powder and tree skiing.

🏔️ Where We Skied

Over the week we explored:

Cortina & Norikura – deep powder, tree skiing, quieter vibe

Happo-One – Olympic runs, big vertical, incredible views

Hakuba 47 & Goryu – varied terrain + night skiing

Iwatake – some of the best views in the valley

We even hit a couple of proper powder days — the kind Japan is famous for ❄️

🏨 Where We Stayed

Hotel Green Plaza (Cortina) – ski-in ski-out, right on the slopes
https://greenplazahakuba.com-hotel.info/

Mominoki Hotel (Happo) – great location + onsen
https://hakubamominoki.com-hotel.info/

Hotel Keisui (Iwatake area)
https://www.keisui.jp/english/

🍜 Why Japan Is Different

Skiing in Japan isn’t just about the snow (although the powder is unreal).
It’s:
Incredible food (ramen, gyoza, wagyu…)
A completely different ski culture
Immaculate cleanliness everywhere
Friendly, welcoming people
Onsens after skiing (game changer)

❄️ So… is Hakuba worth it?

Absolutely.

You’re not skiing one mega-resort like in Europe — you’re exploring an entire valley, choosing different ski areas each day depending on conditions.

And that’s what makes it so special.

If you’ve been thinking about skiing in Japan…

Just do it.

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

The Whiteout Podcast – Season 5, Episode 89 (March 27)

This week on The Whiteout Podcast, Dom and Rob return with a late season special as the European ski season heads into its final stretch.

Brought to you in partnership with our headline sponsor Crystal Ski Holidays
https://www.crystalski.co.uk/

We look at what’s happening across the Alps, from excellent spring skiing conditions in places like Kitzbühel and Lech, to why late March and April can be one of the best times to ski. Think quieter slopes, longer days, more sun and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Rob is heading to the Jungfrau region to explore Wengen and Grindelwald and attend the opening of the new Schilthorn cable car, while Dom shares updates from recent and upcoming North America trips.

We also break down current snow conditions across Europe, with a strong base still holding at altitude heading into Easter.

NEWS & EVENTS

Our weekly round up of what’s happening in the mountains, including major spring festivals and events.

We also hear from our charity partner Snowcamp
https://www.snowcamp.org.uk/

Events featured:

Snowbombing, Mayrhofen (6–11 April)
https://snowbombing.com/

Zermatt Unplugged (7–11 April)
https://zermatt.swiss/en

Ischgl Spring Festival
https://www.ischgl.com/

Norway spring events
https://www.skistar.com/

Skarverennet race (18 April)
https://skarverennet.no/en/

GEAR – WITH ELLIS BRIGHAM
https://www.ellis-brigham.com/

This week we focus on spring ski touring, why late season is a great time to get into it, and what kit matters most.

From breathable shells to layering and temperature control, we cover how to stay comfortable, plus highlight end of season deals of up to 40% off.

DESTINATION GUIDE – SPRING SKIING

Where to ski now and how to make the most of late season conditions:

France leading for high altitude reliability
Switzerland best higher up
Italy strong in Cervinia
Austria more variable but still good
Norway offering colder, late season options

Key takeaway: go high, ski early and follow the spring snow cycle.

Thanks for listening. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and watch the full video on YouTube by searching The Whiteout Podcast.

See you on the mountain.

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

Welcome back to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to in association with Crystal Ski Holidays.

News

French resorts invest €555m
French ski areas invested €555 million in infrastructure in 2025, around 50% above the ten-year average https://www.domaines-skiables.fr/

Winter Paralympics - Neil Simpson and guide Rob Poth won Team GB’s first medal of the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, taking silver in the alpine combined

Audi FIS Alpine World Cup - Upcoming races include: Courchevel – men’s downhill & super-G, Åre - Hafjell & Kvitfjell (March 21–25)

Charlotte Bankes wins in Türkiye
British snowboard cross star Charlotte Bankes secured her 27th World Cup victory in Erzurum

Crystal Ski adds new Oslo flights
A new Birmingham–Oslo route launches for winter 2026/27, improving access to resorts like Geilo,Norefjell,Gausta and Beitostølen  

Epic Pass discounts for Gen Z
Vail Resorts is offering 20% discounts for skiers aged 13–30, with passes starting around $869 https://www.epicpass.com/

Snow & Weather Outlook

Alps - 20–50cm possible in western sectors before sunnier spring conditions return.

Norway - Colder and stable with light snow and temperatures down to -17°C overnight.

North America - Storm cycles hitting Cascades,Sierra Nevada and BC’s Powder Highway with strong snowfall potential in Revelstoke,Fernie and Kicking Horse.

Gear of the Week With Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports https://www.ellis-brigham.com/

Spyder Dare Ski Trousers  - £329 → £164
Stretch EXO-Shield waterproof fabric and PrimaLoft insulation.

Arc’teryx Therme Down GORE-TEX Parka - £800 → £560
Waterproof GORE-TEX shell with 750 fill down insulation 

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie - £260 → £182
800 fill RDS down with recycled NetPlus nylon shell 

La Sportiva TX5 GTX Boots - £210 → £168
 GORE-TEX protection with Vibram Megagrip sole.

Destination Guide - Baqueira Beret – Spanish Pyrenees - https://www.baqueira.es/

One of Spain’s premier ski areas, known for reliable snow, varied terrain and traditional mountain villages.

How to get there, Terrain for beginners,intermediates and off-piste, Accommodation options, Food and local culture, Costs vs Alpine resorts, Family appeal and après ski

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review + WIN!

Apple Podcasts – scroll to Ratings & Reviews and tap Write a Review.
Spotify – rate the show using the star rating.

Then email us and we’ll send you a free ski magazine. One lucky listener will also win a pair of Oakley goggles.

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 [email protected] / [email protected] 

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

The human side of Crystal — insight, passion, expertise and the decisions customers don’t usually see.

This Episode was recorded around four core questions:

• What are your hidden gems?
• What do you wish more customers knew?
• Where’s the best value without compromise?
• What shouldn’t customers miss this winter?

2. Hidden gems – Crystal team favourites

Crystal colleagues share the resorts they genuinely love and return to.  Resorts offering: Better value, Fewer crowds, Access to big ski areas, More character and authenticity

• Brides-les-Bains – Three Valleys access with spa-town value and calm evenings
• Châtel – Authentic Savoyard village with tree-lined skiing and family appeal
• Montalbert – Quiet, charming base with easy access to La Plagne
• Vaujany – Peaceful village with fast links into Alpe d’Huez terrain
• Leogang – Small, quiet base plugged into a huge Austrian ski area
• Galtür – Traditional Tyrolean charm with access to the wider Silvretta area
• Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis – One of Austria’s strongest family ski regions
• Folgarida – Relaxed base with access to the Campiglio ski area
• Santa Cristina (Val Gardena) – Authentic village in the heart of Dolomiti Superski
• Pila – Quiet, family-friendly skiing with easy access and good snow reliability

Key message:

• These resorts often deliver big-area skiing without the big-area stress

3. Satellite resorts – the smart choices Crystal loves

What a satellite resort is: Just outside headline resorts, Same lift system, same terrain.

Why Crystal advisers recommend them:

• Better prices
• Shorter queues
• Easier availability
• More relaxed atmosphere
• Crystal insight:
  • “People book the name, but miss the value next door”

4. Best value without compromise

Andorra consistently rated highly by Crystal staff

Why: Extensive terrain, Modern lift systems, Excellent ski schools, Good food and après, Straightforward logistics - It’s smart, smooth, high-quality skiing

5. What Crystal wishes more customers knew

Don’t dismiss lower-altitude resorts:

• Often closer to airports
• Better value
• Great for families
• Well-linked to major ski domains
• Example:
  • Morzine base → Avoriaz → Portes du Soleil access
• Reassurance:
  • Crystal’s Snow Promise
  • Customer-first approach if conditions aren’t right

6. Expert knowledge – rapid-fire insights

Things Crystal advisers want skiers to hear more often:

• “Book earlier than you think.”
• “Satellite resorts are game-changing.”
• “Transfers matter more than people realise.”
• “Don’t rule out lesser-known resorts.”
• “Ask us questions — that’s what we’re here for.”

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
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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at [email protected] / [email protected] 

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Winter Olympics Special - sponsored by Crystal Ski Holidays

In this week’s special Winter Olympics episode, we’ve got an absolute cracker.

We’re joined by TNT Sports presenter and former Olympian Charlie Guest, who shares what she loved most about the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, what it was really like being there on the ground, and which British athletes we should be watching as the next generation builds momentum. From historic breakthroughs to near misses, she gives us her expert take on the future of Team GB on snow and ice.

We also sit down with the one and only Eddie the Eagle Edwards. Eddie talks candidly about what it really takes to become an Olympic ski jumper, how different the pathway looks today compared to his era, and why he doesn’t actually follow the sport as closely anymore. As always, he brings honesty, perspective and a few laughs along the way.

And of course, we dive into the stories that made these Games unforgettable. From 52 year old Austrian snowboarders defying age, to political controversy on the slopes, broken Olympic medals, funky skeleton helmets being banned, weather chaos, viral suit reveals, backflips in figure skating, and even a rogue wolfdog called Nazgul interrupting cross country racing. Yes, really.

We touch on Team GB’s historic snowboard cross gold, the big winners and heartbreak stories, and the bizarre off piste drama that included public confessions and that ski jumping controversy everyone was talking about.

It’s insight, opinion, drama and plenty of weird and wonderful Olympic moments — so let’s get stuck in.

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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at [email protected] / [email protected]