Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays - Pt 3 - When Skiing Becomes a Bucket-List Trip

The Whiteout Ski Podcast

The Whiteout Ski Podcast
Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays - Pt 3 - When Skiing Becomes a Bucket-List Trip
Feb 13, 2026 Season 5 Episode 81

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Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays : when skiing becomes a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime trip

1. Why long-haul ski trips matter

  • Long-haul = milestone trips, not everyday skiing
  • Destinations that deliver experiences Europe simply can’t replicate
  • Bigger landscapes, more wilderness, different cultures and atmosphere
  • Trips people talk about for years afterwards
  • Opportunity to weave in Dom & Rob’s personal bucket-list experiences

2. The long-haul planning mindset

Long-haul trips benefit from early planning. Crystal booking window now up to 18 months Early booking gives best choice.

  • For Winter 26, low-deposit options help guests commit earlier

3. Destination spotlight: Whistler, Canada

  • North America’s largest ski area
  • Huge variety: bowls, glaciers, tree runs, cruisers
  • Excellent ski-in / ski-out convenience, especially Blackcomb
  • Heli-skiing access is a major differentiator
  • Lively village with huge choice of dining and après
  • Transfer as part of the experience:
    • Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver
    • Coastal views, waterfalls, Olympic legacy
  • Accommodation highlight:
    • Fairmont Chateau Whistler
    • Fairmont Gold = premium “hotel-within-a-hotel” experience

4. Destination spotlight: Banff

  • A real Canadian mountain town, not purpose-built
  • Historic high street, authentic atmosphere, relaxed après
  • One base, three ski areas:
    • Sunshine Village
    • Lake Louise
    • Mt Norquay
  • “Trifecta” appeal: ski all three in one trip
  • Transfers through National Parks feel like scenic excursions
  • Wildlife sightings often part of the journey
  • Lake Louise: true bucket-list ski moment
  • Flexible base for multi-mountain skiing

5. Destination spotlight: Tremblant

  • European-style pedestrian village in Canada
  • Excellent ski-in / ski-out access
  • Great for families and mixed-ability groups
  • Unique extras: casino, lively village atmosphere
  • Easy access:
    • Around 90 minutes from Montréal
    • Option to combine city + ski

6. What long-haul skiing offers beyond Europe

  • Scale: bigger mountains, wider landscapes
  • Atmosphere: more space, less rush
  • Service: standout hospitality in North American resorts
  • Experience-first travel: Wildlife - National parks - Scenic transfers

7. Who long-haul skiing is perfect for

  • Special birthdays and celebrations
  • Honeymoons
  • Multi-generational trips
  • “Big one” holidays you plan in advance
  • Position as attainable with planning, not extravagant

9. What’s next

  • Episode 4: behind the scenes with

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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!

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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Episode Artwork Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays - Pt 3 - When Skiing Becomes a Bucket-List Trip 35:27 Episode Artwork E83 - Winter Olympics Special, TNT's Ed Drake OLY Commentary, Ski by Train with Crystal, 2027 Ski Buying with Ellis Brigham 53:24 Episode Artwork Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays - Pt 2 - Are the Nordics the Future of Skiing? 32:28 Episode Artwork E81 - Ski news, Snow Updates, Spring Skiing with Crystal, Ellis Brigham Epic Baselayers and Skiing Andorra with Andorra Travel Service 38:31 Episode Artwork Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays - Pt 1 - Why Short Ski Breaks Really Work 28:09 Episode Artwork E79 - Ski News, 2027 Gear Previews, Ski the Skicircus, Where is best to ski now and a full Ski Racing Update from Ed Drake 48:55 Episode Artwork E78 - Ski News, Gear Reviews, Skiing The Best of BC's Powder Highway - Panorama & Fernie and Where is Best to Ski Now 1:12:07 Episode Artwork E77 - Austria’s Hidden Ski Gems, Ski Park City, Ski Gear Guide with Ellis Brigham & Where is Best to Ski Now 59:55 Episode Artwork E76a - Slope-side with Dave Ryding and Billie Major at Gurgl World Cup Race Weekend 15:12 Episode Artwork E76 - Skiing in Isère, Where is good to ski now, Gear Guide with Ellis Brigham & a huge week for British Ski Racing 42:46 Episode Artwork E75 - Skiing in Alberta Bonus Episode - PLUS - Ski News from around the world and Where is Best to Ski Snow? 36:14 Episode Artwork E74 - Ski Alberta | Where's Best to Ski Now | Ellis Brigham Buyers Guide | Best Family Skiing in Austria 58:19 Episode Artwork S5 E73 - The Best Places to Ski this Winter | Where's the Best Snow right now | 2025 Gear Buyers Guide 35:09 Episode Artwork S5 E72 - The Snow Show London, Where to Ski Right Now, This Season’s Gear Picks & Winter 2025 Our Destinations 37:11 Episode Artwork S5. E71 - Ski News, Club Med Turkey, Play in an Après Band + The Best of Summer Mountains North Amercia 1:00:36 Episode Artwork S4 E70 - The Best of Skiing this Winter & What's Coming up this Summer 35:50 Episode Artwork S4. E69 - Aspen on a Budget, 2025 Gear Trends, Where is The Great Snow Right Now, and Skiing News from around the world 53:41 Episode Artwork E68 - SPECIAL EPISODE 4 - A Beginners Guide to Skiing - Everything you Need to Know Before you Go 45:00 Episode Artwork S4 E67 - Best Places to Ski this Easter, Destination Arosa & The Best Skis Next Winter 48:56 Episode Artwork E66 - SPECIAL EPISODE 3 - A Beginners Guide to Skiing - Ski Lessons and Ski Safety 33:17 Episode Artwork S4 E65 - Destination Nova Scotia, Where is Best to Ski Right Now, Gear Buyers Guide. + Ski News from around the Skiing World 1:16:05 Episode Artwork E64 - SPECIAL EPISODE 2 - A Beginners Guide to Skiing - Choosing a Resort, and Where to Stay? 40:13 Episode Artwork S4 E63 Skiing in Saas Fee, Electric Uphill Skis! Where's the best ski conditions now + News from Around the Skiing World 55:26 Episode Artwork S4 E62 - Ski Les Menuires, Morzine's Top Après Ski Bar, Ski Outerwear Buyers Guide + Where's the best ski conditions now? 1:09:47 Episode Artwork E61 - SPECIAL EPISODE 1 - A Beginners Guide to Skiing - How? Why? Where? 35:40