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

Welcome back to The Whiteout Podcast with Dom and Rob, our special edition Skiing 101 in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays!

In this episode, we’re diving deep into choosing the perfect ski resort and accommodation for your upcoming trip, especially if it’s your first time hitting the slopes. Here’s a rundown of what we cover:

Skiing with Babies or Toddlers:

• Tips for families traveling with young children.
• Childcare options: From Crystal’s Pepi Penguin Nursery for kids aged 6 months to 3/4 years, to hotel kids' clubs and family-friendly resorts.
• Recommended family-friendly resorts: Sälen (Sweden), Flaine (France), and Zell am See (Austria) – all offering excellent childcare services and family amenities.

Mixed Ability Groups:

• Advice on selecting the right resort when your group has a mix of beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.
• Resort recommendations: Saalbach (Austria), Tignes (France), Pas de la Casa (Andorra), and Alpe d'Huez (France) – all perfect for groups with varying skill levels.

Family-Friendly Resorts with Childcare Services & Beginner Slopes:

• Resorts with beginner slopes and childcare services for those traveling with young kids.
• Top resorts: La Plagne (France), Flaine (France), and Passo Tonale (Italy) provide everything from wide beginner runs to exceptional childcare.

Après-Ski & Lively Resorts:

• For après-ski, Austria offers lively spots like St Anton and Ischgl, France's Val Thorens and Val d'Isère are known for their vibrant après-ski while Italy provides a more relaxed après experience. Resorts like Sauze d’Oulx and Selva Val Gardena. Andorra offers budget-friendly après-ski in Pas de la Casa, with an Ibiza-like vibe, while Soldeu is more laid-back.

Short Transfer Times:

• If you want to avoid long transfer times, consider resorts with short travel durations like St Johann in Tyrol, Bardonecchia, and Levi (Finland).

Budget-Friendly Resorts:

• Rob and Dom share their top picks for affordable ski holidays: Bulgaria (Bansko), Andorra (Grandvalira), La Tania (France), Leogang (Austria), and Zell am See (Austria) – offering great skiing and fantastic value.

Accommodation Options:

• Guide to the wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious Summit Collection apartments, Self-catering apartments, half-board hotels, and all-inclusive packages to fit your needs and budget.

Next Time:

In Episode 3, learn the importance of booking ski lessons, how to choose between group and private lessons, and essenti

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

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

In association with SkiWeekends.com

The Ski World News:

Tragic News from Avoriaz: A 23-year-old British man tragically died after falling from a cliff in Avoriaz.

Sustainable Travel in the Alps: Montagne Verte expands the AlpinExpress initiative, offering discounts for sustainable travel to ski areas in the Morzine-Les Gets region.

Mikaela Shiffrin's 100th World Cup Win: Shiffrin becomes the first skier to hit 100 World Cup wins.

Where’s Best to Ski Now?

Austria: Obertauern and the Arlberg region remain in good shape. Resorts like St. Anton and Lech offer great coverage despite slightly below-average snow depths.

France: The French Alps, including the 3 Valleys and Portes du Soleil, are seeing excellent snow and sunshine, with near-100% terrain open.

Italy: Dolomites like Madonna di Campiglio and Livigno see fresh snow, offering excellent skiing with a mix of sunshine and cold temperatures.

Switzerland: Verbier and Zermatt benefit from heavy snowfalls, and conditions are set to improve with sunny weather ahead.

Pyrenees: Fresh snowfall improves conditions, especially in Andorra and Baqueira Beret.

Scandinavia: Norway and Sweden receive a solid amount of fresh snow, with resorts like Hemsedal and Trysil offering excellent skiing conditions.

Eastern Europe: Resorts in Bulgaria and Czechia, like Bansko and Špindlerův Mlýn, benefit from improved snow and spring-like conditions.

Canada: Western Canadian resorts, including Lake Louise and Whistler, report near-full operations with favorable snow conditions.

USA: The Pacific Northwest, including Crystal Mountain, is receiving significant snowfall, making it a top destination for skiing.

Ski Racing Corner with Ed Drake: Ed Drake discusses Shiffrin's 100th win and what it means for her future. He reflects on her dominance and potential competition.

Competition Time: Win HH legendary insulated pants, Helly Hansen Odin 40 backpack, Panda Optics goggles, Diablo Bath Polar Print neck warmer, Mizo stainless steel water bottle, and E-ski touring skis!

Gear Guide

Latest Ski Innovations: Electric-assist skis are here!

E-SKIMO: Features motorized treads in skis to make uphill travel 80% faster and reduce muscle effort by 30%.

Vipera : Ultra-compact, silent motors with a removable drivetrain.

Ski Racing Worldwide with Ed Drake

Destination Spotlight of the Week: Saas Fee, Switzerland

Village: Traditional, car-free, with a cozy atmosphere.

Skiing: Great for beginners and better intermediates, with plenty of slopes for everyone.

Non-Skiing Activities: Snowshoe tours on Fee Glacier. Via Ferrata and zip-lining. Winter hikes and snowshoe tours, sledging runs, Fondue Gondola experience etc

Desert Island Ski Resort with

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

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

Sponsor Highlight

• Ski Weekends offers flexible, catered chalets and hotel stays, with options for solo travelers and groups in top ski areas.
• Special note: a 4-part mini-series on first-time ski holidays, "Skiing 101," is available for listeners.

Topics of the Episode

• Guest Introductions:
  • Vanessa Fisher talks about Les Menuires in the 3 Valleys.
  • Roisin Timpson of the Timpson family shares exciting news about a development in Morzine.

Ski News & Updates

Eurosport Subscription Changes

Youth Olympic Gold for Freddie Carrick Smith

• Freddie Carrick Smith wins gold in Giant Slalom at the 2025 Winter Olympic Youth Festival.
• Notable mention of his siblings’ success and GB skiers’ progress, including Molly Butler’s top 40 finish at the World Championships.

World Record Ski Lift Achievement

• Oliver Kern rides 101 ski lifts in one day to set a world record.

International Ski Patrollers Day

• Celebrating the essential work of ski patrollers on February 10.

Taking Kids Out of School for Ski Holidays

Where’s Best to Ski Now?

• France: Val d’Isère and Tignes have excellent conditions.
• Switzerland: Zermatt is seeing substantial snowfalls.
• Austria: St. Anton am Arlberg reports improved conditions.
• Italy: Cervinia offers reliable snow with solid bases.
• Scandinavia: Norway's Hemsedal maintains excellent snow quality.
• Pyrenees: Fresh snow in Baqueira-Beret, Spain.
• North America: Whistler in Canada, and Utah and Montana in the US are looking great.
• Japan: Niseko continues to deliver stellar powder conditions.

Gear Guide: Ski Outerwear & Technical Features

• Key Features:
  • Waterproof membranes (e.g., Gore-Tex, Dermizax).
  • Softshell vs. hardshell jackets for flexibility and weather protection.
  • Insulated vs. shell jackets for different climates and layering needs.
  • Waterproof ratings (10,000mm, 20,000mm, 30,000mm) and breathability ratings.
• Tested Gear:
  • Dom and Rob share their experiences with Helly Hansen’s outerwear.
  • Discussion on key features like powder skirts, wrist gaiters, and RECCO reflectors.

Ski Racing with Ed Drake

• Ed joins for an update on the world of ski racing.

Competition:

• Win a pair of POC Vitrea Goggles worth £220!
• Easy entry through InTheSnow's Instagram

Next Episode Teaser:

• More ski updates, gear reviews, and interviews to come i

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