Loving the Snow Life
By Tennille Southcombe & Emma Wilson
Loving the Snow LifeFeb 14, 2024
Warren Miller 'All Time' Film Review
A quick 7 minute wrap up of the 74th film of Warren Miller, touring Australia and New Zealand in 2024 by Emma and Tennille, discussing the themes, highlights, vibe of the night and more.
https://www.warrenmiller.com.au
Georgia Gunew Is Not Letting Vision Impairment Hold Her Back
Emma and Tennille chat to para-athlete, Georgia Gunew and Amelia Hodgson , assistant guide and coach about ski life.
We talk about how Georgia got into the sport, Amelia's role as guide on snow, Georgia's vision-impairment and travel, her competition and goals for Paris 2026 and much more.
Val d'Isere France
Emma and Tennille chat all about the snow resort of Val d'Iseere . How to get to Val d'sere why ski there , who it would suit (groups, couples, families, kids, non-skiers?), highlights, food and more. Warning: These two have the WORST French pronunciation ever, so listener beware!!
Arc'teryx Film Tour 2024 Review
Emma and Tennille have a quick chat about the two Aussie films, Maven and Convergence after the April 11th Sydney sold out premiere event as it travels around the country this winter.
It's a little snapshot into some thoughts about the two films, the vibe of the event, audiences, key takeaways, inspo-moments and more. These are our independent thoughts and ideas not endorsed by any brands.
Japan Chat, Go For the Snow, DON'T go for the WOAH!
Emma and Tennille chat about Honshu (the main island) of Japan 2024 season.
It's a general chat to help manage expectations.
What to expect about food, snow conditions, the wow-factor, travel between snow resorts, scenery, transfers, lift pricing and queues.
We share feedback from travellers just back from Japan, with tips on where to go and when and tips on day trips and side trips. A light conversation about how to get to and navigate between resorts in Nagano and Niigata, Fukushima, Aomori, Yamagata etc. Resorts mentioned include Madarao, Myoko, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen Appi, Hachimantai, Ammihari, Bandai and Urabandai resorts to name a few.
There 's some helpful info here regarding which resorts suits what style of skier, young kids, babies, toddlers, snow-frother, night-life lover. powder hound, family or large group to help you make decisions. An update on the extension of the bullet train service to Kutchan (Hokkaido) , new developments around Honshu and much more.
Join us at the Warren Willer , touring Australia and New Zealand from May 2024. tickets available https://snowaction.com.au/ . For all your snow news, gear reviews and info head to https://snowaction.com.au/ or to book a tour with Tennille head to https://snowlifetours.com/
How to Carry, Clean and Store Skis
Emma and Tennille go over basic but often overlooked techniques for carrying skis including multiple sets of skis at once for individuals and families. How to store skis in the off season, how to care for skis before using them including use of wax and other basic tips. A good episode for skiers who have purchased their own equipment after years of renting skis and would like to extend the life of the equipment.
Powder Highway Canada
Emma and Tennille chat all things Powder Highway, Canada. All the where to go, what to do, caveats re booking accom or driving, who it's best for, what you can do if you can't ski or snowboard and everything in between. A must-listen if considering a trip top Canada.
Hotham and Freeride Camps 2024
Emma and Tennille chat to professional skier and tour manager for legendary Warren Miller ski films, Coen Bennie-Faull. We chat about Coen's credentials that got him to where he is, his local ski mountain Hotham in Victoria, resort life, best access parking, transport, kids, recommendations for accommodation, best runs, places to eat and more.
We also chat about Coen's freeride camp, who the camps are suited to, what they will learn and more.
Head to higherfreeride.com for more info.
Beige Flags and Bloopers
A fun episode to start 2024, Emma and Tennille gently poke fun at each other's podcasting / networking styles as they navigate the world of podcast interviews and events. A light hearted episode if you're thinking of levelling up your networking or podcasting this year as they share their tips on what works and what doesn't.
Chamonix. On Every Skier's Bucket List
Emma and Tennille chat with Nina about skiing Chamonix, France in the winter. We get all the highlights and discover why to choose Chamonix over other French resorts, how to get there, resort logistics, ski ticket pricing, ski school, ski town vibe, food and more.
Managing Risk in Snow Resorts
Risk is all around us, including in snow resorts and accidents do occasionally happen. How do we manage risk as skiers/ snowboarders? And what about the snow resorts themselves? Where is their responsibility and how do we check they're compliant? We chat with Director of ZeroRisk International, Tony Loughran about all these issues. He suggests some helpful tips for both skiers/snowboarders and the snow resort industry industry.
www.zeroriskinternational.com
Ski guiding
Kieren Gaul, owner for Big Red Cats, Canada for many years and employer of many ski guides - delves deep into the world of ski guiding from both angles (client and potential ski guide trainee/wannabe). We discuss; how you get into ski guiding, the pay , caveats and opportunities. We look at the best and worst countries in terms of ski guide standards, why it's good to hire a ski guide on a snow holiday, what questions to ask, what standard of skier / snowboarder derives a benefit and so much more.
The Art of Solo Travel, (Antarctica to the Arctic)
Emma and Tennille chat to Pamela Holt, creator of docu-series on Amazon Prime, 'Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel'. We chat about Norway's Stryn resort and the Arctic circle and Antarctica and experiencing ancient icebergs and unique temperatures. We also venture into the art of solo travel and Pamela has some great tips and scripts for maximising your solo travel time, including what to say to other people when you're happy to be left alone, what to do when you're solo, benefits of solo travel and much more.
Snowing in Mongolia. Trip of a Lifetime
Emma and Tennille chat with Karen Sander and take a deep dive into Karen's fundraising trip to Mongolia, its environment, local people, road conditions, food and tourism. Hearing about Mongolia's snow and what kind of traveller would suit a fundraising trip like this, why is it not for everyone.
How North American Snow Tourism Compares
Tennille and Emma discuss various topics related to the travel industry, including the reasons why people are choosing to travel to Japan instead of North America for skiing, the allegations against Qantas for their financial gains during the pandemic, and the skiing and travel preferences of Australians. They also talked about ways to save money on ski holidays and the importance of cultural experiences and sustainability. They invited listeners to share their feedback and ideas for improving the ski holiday experience.
Navigating Solo Parenting Snow Trips (Thredbo)
If you're considering taking your kid/kids by yourself to the snow, this is the episode for you.
You may be rusty with the logistics or the whole thing seems daunting but you'd love to give your kids a 'snow experience'. We're here to help. In this episode we chat with Jo and she troubleshoots her most recent trip to Thredbo, with one of her kids.
We breakdown best options for transport when there's just one of you (parking, driving, snow chains, public transport), best way to buy lift tickets, ski school do's and dont's and is it worth the money if money is tight, do's and don't of borrowing other people's snow gear, food and snack options and much more.
This is Ski Racing
Emma and Tennille chat to Sammie Gaul from Sammie's training base in New Zealand. They chat about the state of ski racing, the alpine ski racing team and competition itself, infrastructure, team spirit and what aspects of ski racing needs improvement. Kieran gives lots of great advice for families considering the ski racing route, including the financial aspects and makes interesting comparisons of present day ski racing to 'back in the day'.
Snowy Hydro - Everything You Wanted to Know
Emma and Tennille chat to Snowy Hydro engineer, Khush about his experience with working on this Australian hydro electricity project as well as pick his brain about all things hydro electricity. And ask the questions you wanted to ask but may consider them 'silly questions'. We chat construction, history, how everything works, vision, cloud seeding and everything in between. It's your 'non-boring science and history lesson' rolled into one.
Hell Yeah! Cat Skiing and Keiran's Legacy
Keiran Gaul is a pioneer in the cat skiing business, setting up Big Red Cats in British Columbia, Canada, a massive accomplishment. He talks with Emma and Tennille about investing in your dream idea, starting from scratch in a business when you have no former knowledge or experience, cat skiing (what is it and why do it?), tree skiing, raising a family alongside a growing business and his bowel cancer diagnosis.
Social Media, Skiing and Social Trends
Emma and Tennille chat to Teen Intrapreneur award winner, Seb and his mate and co-creator Luke about their Execute Skiing brand and the social media scene. We talk about the phenomenal growth of their account in such a short time, how and why they started it, TikTok, instagram and other platforms. Getting over the fear of posting original content, reusing content and/or very simple scenes. Developing a formula for your target audience, use of well-known audio movie scenes and trending one-liners. Editing tips, best editing apps, which apps or software is easy to learn, ideal lengths of clips, attention spans of audience, account audits, harnessing non-following accounts, value-driven content and so much more.
First Time Snow Holidays DOs and DON'Ts
Are you an absolute beginner skier or snowboarder and have no idea where to start? Thinking of booking a snow holiday? Don't know where to go and what to buy, rent or borrow? Emma and Tennille go back to ABSOLUTE BASICS 101 and put in order of importance ticket buying, destination, clothing, lift pass, ski school and everything you will need. They will help you get organised and will streamline your systems so your snow holiday is as cost-effective, enjoyable, value-added and amazing as only a great snow holiday can be!
Online Coaching and How Technology Can Improve Ski Technique
Emma and Tennille chat to Tom Gellie, world renown ski instructor and pioneer of online coaching in the field of snow sports. We talk about the role technology can play in improving your skills, teaching methods, technology inside your boot, AI, pros and cons of in-person ski school vs solo online instruction, how much equipment can affect your technique and much more.
Slower Than Me But Wiser Than Me
The Wisdom of Older Women. As a special Mother's Day episode we chat to our mums!
"No See, no ski"
On the table for discussion was; skiing in the good 'ol days, European ski instructors and single days for the ol' gals.
We compare 'then to now' Charlotte's Pass, Perisher and the grooming of Thredbo's ski slopes, mothers of today vs back in 'their day' (hint: we're waaay messier and our cooking needs work, but you may put your feet up on our couch), their aspirations to become snowboarders (or not?), accidents and funny moments on ski holidays around the world, joys and benefits of family holidays, tips from daughters to mothers and vice versa.
This is a fun, lighthearted episode, inspired by Julia Louis- Dreyfus and her mission to learn from the wisdom of older women, something our society has neglected of late.
Kids Snow Holiday Logistics
Emma and Tennille talk to mum of three, Sharlene about her snow travel systems, making travel and ski holidays run smoothly and be fun for all. We talk about the best age for kids to learn to ski, ski school logistics, clothing, layers, laundry facilities, meal planning, snacks shuttle bus transfers, skin or food sensitivities, tantrums and much more.
Adventures in Greenland
Emma and Tennille chat to Justin Robinson about his ski trip to Greenland. They talk about ski touring vs ski mountaineering, the creatures 'out there', the locals, the trip logistics, how they selected the right gear, using sled dogs, physical and mental preparation and much more.
Kamchatka, The Corners Of The Earth. The Aussie movie about Surfing in the Russian Snow...
Emma and Tennille chat to Aussie filmmaker, Spencer Frost and professional surfer, Letty Mortensen about their documentary, filmed in Kamchatka, Russia. The scenery is incredible but the film's backdrop, the the heat of geo-political tensions between Ukraine and Russia add a tense yet intriguing element to their adventure as they were caught between years of planning and the possibility of being sent back to Australia any moment. For snow lovers, it's an incredible film, as two professional surfers and two film crew brave blizzards, boards buried in snow and great distances on snow mobiles to catch the perfect wave.
Jess Hotter, The Kiwi Nailing the World of Freeride
Emma and Tennille chat to Jess Hotter, New Zealand's 'Freeride Athlete of the Year' and first Kiwi to ever win a Freeride Championship. On the discussion table is the sport of Freeride, Jess's upbringing on NZ's north island, how the Free Ride World Tour works, her tips for getting yourself on the tour, her fave places in the world to ski and much more.
Beaver Creek and Vail, Colorado
Emma and Tennille chat to Craig Heaydon, based in Colorado USA about Beaver Creek and Vail Snow Resorts. We discuss how to deal with high altitude resorts, the 7 bowls of Vail, access in and out of Vail from other resorts and areas, how to do Vail on the cheap and tips to get the most out of your visit to Colorado.
We discuss the progression of ski racers from young school-aged racers to nationals level. Craig shares tips to parents to support ski racer kids' dreams, differences between the US and Aussie ski racing culture and much more.
How To Choose a Season Pass
Emma and Tennille help you narrow down important factors to consider when buying a season pass (Epic pass, Mountain Collective and the Ikon pass). They prioritise each factor, pointing out features commonly overlooked. They clarify blackout dates, buddy passes and currency issues. Tennille recommends road trips to maximise a season pass if travelling through USA or Canada is something you'd like to do. Emma looks at Japan and Europe through the season pass lens. They add their commentary about the 'ski pass economy', what they like and don't like, where they think resorts are headed and much more.
Look out! Aussies hit the the world of Bobsled
Bree Walker is Australia's Olympic Bobsled athlete. She chats to Emma and Tennille from her base in Beijing's Olympic Village, earlier in 2022. She discusses the bobsled and monbob events, her training regime and her very infectious can-do attitude when giving up is not an option.
'Adrenajen' Australia's most Passionate Snow Kiter
We chat to Jennie Milton, aka Adrenajen about her passion for adrenaline sports, including snow kiting. She talks us through how to learn, what gear you need, where to go, her love for Alaska, the snowkiting community and more.
Whistler Blackcomb
The future of the Australian Snowies
Weather Forecasting with Reggae Ellis
Trekking 12 Snow Resorts of Australia For a Worthy Cause
Sam Tait. Choosing Adventure and Success
Alaska and Revelstoke. All the stoke from TJ Balon
Meet Thredbo's Female Head Backcountry Guide, Alex Parsons
Snow Survival. Lessons from Ex-Commando Medic
Skincare and Make Up At The Snow
Ed Leigh, Life of a Snow Sports Commentator
'Prehab not rehab'. Getting your body ready to stay injury-free
Mon Balon, the passion & persistence behind www.plussnow.com.au
Craig Sheppard - Mountain Safety Collective
This is off the back of heli-ski guiding, and 14 years as a course instructor for the CAA. We are super excited to chat with him
Two time Alpine Paralympian - Patrick Jensen
Sami Kennedy Sim - 3 X Winter Olympian -Australia's best Women's skiercross champion
Greta Small Australia's Top Women's Alpine Racer
Matt Graham. Home Grown Winter Olympian and World Cup Champ
Josie Baff -Debuting at Beijing Winter Olympics, how she did it.
Adam Dickson - Burning for Beijing
Dickson will make his Olympic Winter Games debut in Beijing.