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

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)

Chapters

• 0:34 Welcome Headline Sponsor Ski Independence
• 8:13 Ski News
• 16:03 Where is best to ski now?
• 21:04 Gear Buyers Guide in association with Ellis Brigham
• 29:44 Destination Isère