The 79th episode of The White Out Podcast is hosted by Dom from In The Snow Magazine and Rob Stewart from The Snow.Guide and sponsored by Crystal Ski Holidays.
The episode reflects on mid-season momentum, strong snowfall, Olympic anticipation, and excitement around new gear launches seen at the Slide trade show. Alongside expert analysis of World Cup ski racing and support for emerging British talent, there is a strong emphasis on accessibility — from beginner-friendly ski programmes to inclusive resort design.
Industry Catch-Up And Winter Context
The hosts open by discussing their recent visit to Slide, the UK’s ski industry trade show, where they previewed ski gear for the 2026–27 season. Conversation then turns to the upcoming Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, highlighting how events will be spread across multiple Italian regions rather than a single host location. This naturally leads into reflections on how the Olympics captivate skiers of all backgrounds and mark a major milestone in the winter-sports calendar.
Snow Conditions And Avalanche Awareness
Snow conditions across the Alps are described as very positive overall. While parts of the Christmas and New Year period lacked fresh snowfall, cold temperatures preserved piste quality. At the time of recording, heavy snowfall is hitting France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, with more forecast. The hosts stress avalanche awareness, particularly when fresh snow falls on a hard base, referencing expert advice and urging skiers to stay cautious off-piste, respect slope angles, and educate themselves through avalanche-safety resources.
News Roundup
- Crans-Montana Fire
- World’s Most Comprehensive Ski Area Ranking Relaunch
- Salomon Winter Movie Night (London)
- Swiss Mountain Rescue Performance Kit
A serious fire caused damage in Crans-Montana, with the hosts highlighting the strong community response and resilience shown by the resort and wider ski industry.
A data-driven global ski-resort ranking is being revived through crowdfunding, aiming to provide a more transparent and independently verified alternative to existing lists.
Salomon is hosting a London-based ski film night celebrating freeride culture, adventure, and community within the UK ski scene.
Swiss Mountain Rescue has launched a specialist nutrition and performance kit designed to support energy, recovery, and endurance during demanding alpine rescue operations.
Supporting British Ski Racing Talent
A significant segment is dedicated to the Carrick-Smith brothers — Luca, Freddy, and Zach — three rising British ski racers competing at elite levels. Their journey highlights the high costs of ski racing and the reality of being self-funded athletes. The hosts explain how the family operates as a full-time racing unit and encourage listeners to support their GoFundMe, underlining the importance of grassroots backing to keep British talent competitive on the World Cup and Olympic pathways.
Beginner Skiing – Crystal Slope Starters
Balancing elite sport with accessibility, the episode spotlights Crystal Ski Holidays’ Slope Starters programme, designed for complete beginners. The package removes logistical stress by bundling flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes, equipment, and lessons. The hosts recommend Beitostølen, Norway, as an ideal first-time destination thanks to its calm atmosphere, wide slopes, forgiving terrain, and supportive ski-school culture — making skiing approachable and confidence-building for newcomers.
Global Snow & Weather Report
The snow outlook is optimistic worldwide. The Alps are receiving sustained snowfall, North America has seen major dumps in California and Utah, and Scotland is enjoying excellent conditions, sparking strong interest from UK skiers. The hosts discuss how consistent cold temperatures are helping base depths grow steadily and note a shift in attitudes toward Scottish skiing, with more people open to exploring domestic options during peak conditions.
Gear Guide – Live from Slide (with Ellis Brigham)
A major highlight is the immersive gear segment recorded live at Slide, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes feel of next season’s equipment.
Featured products include:
- Head Caliber Pro 130 boots with repositioned dual BOA
- Panda Optics RS2 goggles with improved ventilation and lens security
- Lange Code freeride boots, replacing the XT3 range with BOA across all models
- Soulmate custom 3D-printed insoles
- Rossignol Pure 125 women’s high-performance boots
- Black Diamond gloves and mitts
- K2 Anthem women’s boots built on a women-specific mold
The segment highlights innovation, fit, warmth, and performance trends shaping future ski gear.
World Cup Racing Update with Ex-GB Racer Ed Drake
Ski-racing expert Ed Drake delivers a comprehensive World Cup update as Olympic qualification deadlines approach. He covers Mikaela Shiffrin’s continued dominance, breakthrough performances from emerging athletes, strong Super-G showings, and increasing competitiveness across disciplines. On the men’s side, new venues and first-time winners signal a changing of the guard. Ed emphasizes how critical January racing will be as athletes fight for Olympic selection.
Destination Guide – Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn
The destination feature dives deep into Austria’s Ski Circus, branded around the concept of “lässig” — relaxed, playful, and effortlessly cool. With around 270 km of pistes (or 400 km with regional extensions), the area offers something for everyone: family zones, freeride terrain, freestyle parks, long ski circuits, and world-class events like the Freeride World Tour. Highlights include themed ski challenges, extensive hut networks, vibrant après-ski, non-ski activities, and easy progression for beginners. The hosts emphasize that Ski Circus stands out for its variety, connectivity, and atmosphere rather than just size.
The podcast episode closes with travel plans, upcoming trips, and a preview of a four-part series with Crystal Ski Holidays, covering short breaks, Nordic skiing, bucket-list destinations, and behind-the-scenes insights.
