Tom Gellie talks with technical skiers and industry experts from around the world. Gain insight into some of the best technical skiers and what their thoughts are on good skiing and how to achieve it.For more information and great skiing content check out Tom Gellie’s website:www.bigpictureskiing.com

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/30/5/bc10a6fc-2484-4a59-91f6-703dd2638cf0_tom_and_demelza_chat_pre_season_2026.mp3

Demelza Clay (Stoke Lab Skiing) and I have worked together and skied together for years. This episode is a casual pre-season catch-up, the kind of chat you&#39;d hear if you jumped in the car with us on the transfer from the airport to a ski resort.We cover how to get your body ready before the season (and what helped us come back from injuries), why your ski and binding setup matters more than you think, and what CARV told the pros and instructors is changing this season, including how short turn Ski IQ is now weighted. In this episode: → Coming back from injuries and what actually helped→ Why body prep before the season matters (especially in your 40s)→ What Demelza and I are each working on this winter→ Split plates, binding flex and why ski setup changes how a ski feels→ Why carving skis are back, and why a skinnier ski speeds up your learning→ CARV&#39;s new app: terrain-based scores, challenges, heat maps and lift line times→ How CARV&#39;s short turn weighting has changed: G-force, edge similarity, edge angle, tempo and more→ The Ski Mash project: 80 instructors, 11,000 videos, and how it shapes the algorithm→ Life as ski instructors turned content creators, and how we approach sponsored content If you&#39;re the kind of skier who loves their turns and the nitty gritty of getting better, there&#39;s plenty in here for you. —————————————————————————— 🎿 BIG PICTURE SKIINGPodcast listeners can use code PODCAST for 25% off. Tutorials you won&#39;t find on YouTube, with a 7-day free trial:https://bigpictureskiing.com/ 📱 CARV get $50 off your first passhttps://getcarv.com/refer/9c6b60a2-ff39-4ee4-8e74-1a0e11a92a9a?utm_source=carv25&amp;utm_medium=app&amp;utm_campaign=referral&amp;utm_content=sharesheet ❄️ DEMELZA CLAY, STOKE SKIING LABhttps://www.demelzaclay.com —————————————————————————— ⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 Intro: what&#39;s in this episode1:12 Coming back from injuries10:38 Does skiing slow down as we age? Why body prep matters16:15 Demelza&#39;s season goals: ankle timing, stance and moguls23:10 Ski and binding setup: why split plates and flex matter31:55 Carving skis are back (and why the right ski speeds up learning)39:23 My goals: hand drags, moguls and faster short turns43:37 CARV&#39;s new app: terrain scores and challenges49:14 Heat maps and lift line wait times53:00 CARV&#39;s scoring changes: short turn weighting1:05:21 From ski instructors to content creators1:12:31 Sponsored content and staying authentic Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Pre-Season Ski Chat with Demelza Clay: CARV, Gear & Injuries

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/20/4/a94b42b2-c9b7-4be3-8473-c8be9d327156_ski_boot_angles_tips_from_phil_and_tom.mp3

Have you ever wondered why your ski boots feel great in the shop but don’t quite work on the mountain? Or why your legs feel cooked by lunchtime, you struggle to find a balanced stance, or you can’t seem to get the performance you want from your skis?The answer might be hiding in your boot setup.In this episode, I sit down with Phil from SkiTalk to explore three often-overlooked aspects of ski boot geometry: binding delta, boot board ramp angle, and forward lean.We discuss what these angles actually mean, how they influence your stance and movement on skis, and why the same boot setup can work brilliantly for one skier but feel completely wrong for another.We also explore how calf size, ankle range of motion, and individual body proportions influence the forward lean that works best for you.In this episode, we cover:• What binding delta is and how it can influence your stance• Boot board ramp angle and why it matters• Forward lean: finding a setup that works with your body• How calf size and ankle mobility influence boot fit• Why a boot setup that works for someone else might not work for you• What to consider before changing your boot setupWant to improve your skiing?Big Picture Skiing is an online learning platform packed with practical video lessons to help you understand your technique, improve your skiing, and become a more independent learner.Visit <a href="https://bigpictureskiing.com/" rel="nofollow">https://bigpictureskiing.com/</a>Use code PODCAST for 25% off your membership.Enjoy the episode! Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Why Your Ski Boots Feel Wrong: 3 Angles That Matter - Phil From SkiTalk

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/25/2/eadc56bc-0b4f-46d4-9d19-a4ae5dd9480c_alex_hackel_podcast.mp3

I first met Alex Hackel in Austria filming a video where I taught him to improve his short turns, tracked by CARV, the digital ski coach. What struck me most was how good a learner he was — focused, determined, and genuinely humble. That’s a big part of why I wanted him on the podcast. Two-time X Games medalist Alex Hackel didn’t get here by being the most naturally talented kid on the mountain — he got here by getting rejected, picked last, and told by a coach he’d never make it pro. In this episode we go back to that moment at Sunday River, how he found the coach (Mike Hanley) who changed everything, the story behind his triple cork 1080, and how that same “figure it out and go again” mindset led him into filmmaking, freeride, co-founding his own ski company (1000 Skis), and starting a YouTube channel from scratch that’s since taken off. If you’ve ever felt written off before you even got started, this one’s for you. Get 20% off Big Picture Skiing membership with code PODCAST at bigpictureskiing.com Chapters:﻿00:00 Intro00:56 Why Alex is successful in so many different ways01:24 The Sunday River story — judged and picked last02:52 Growing up with idiopathic short stature04:23 What kept him from giving up06:29 Finding support in the terrain park (meeting Curtis)07:38 Convincing his parents to send him to Windells Academy09:03 Meeting coach Mike Hanley11:10 The triple cork 1080 story — a coach who believed in him first13:00 Advice on learning bigger spins and takeoffs16:16 Managing fear and nerves on big tricks18:08 How airbags changed trick progression19:04 Getting into filmmaking21:47 What it actually takes to grow a YouTube channel25:19 The “White Rush” video and why it stood out30:34 Why he started his own ski company, 1000 Skis37:41 Sleep, routine, and shifting to long-term thinking41:17 Final words and mutual respect42:34 Where to find Alex Hackel + 1000 Skis Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Alex Hackel - From Being Picked Last To 2x X Games Medalist

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/16/10/e5709b91-838f-4a5b-a5d5-0f4f7d008c16_plug_boots_with_brent_amsbury.mp3

Are your ski boots holding you back from the performance your skis are capable of? In this episode I sit down with Master Boot Fitter Brent Amsbury to break down everything you need to know about plug boots — the type of ski boot most top level technical skiers are wearing. Brent is a Master Boot Fitter at Park City Ski Boot in Park City, Utah, where he sets up plug boots for racers, instructors, and high-performance skiers. If you’re chasing higher carve scores, driving race skis, or pushing toward your highest instructor certification, this conversation will save you a lot of trial and error. We cover: • What a plug boot actually is and who it’s really for • Why they’re called “plug” boots (the internal construction explained) • Forward lean, cuff height, and why these boots feel so much more powerful • Ramp angle adjustability and why most racers reduce it • The thick sole and torsional rigidity that sets plug boots apart • Why plug boots are a “project in a box” — not a boot you just heat mold and go • The best time of year to buy (and why waiting until the season starts is a mistake) • Pricing, and how to get into a great plug boot for a fraction of retail • Longevity — how many days you can actually get out of one • Brand-by-brand differences: Lange/Rossignol, Head, Atomic, Fischer, Nordica/Technica, Dalbello • Fitting advice for wide, low-arch, or fleshy feet • How to choose your flex (110 vs 130 vs 140+) • How manufacturers actually create different flex ratings • Junior and shorter-cuff options • Why heated socks or boot heaters are non-negotiable in these boots • Why the pain isn’t mandatory — proper fitting makes these boots comfortable • DIY boot work vs. working with a fitter ⛷️ Enjoyed this podcast? Frustrated with staying at the same level of skiing for the past few years? To change your skiing you need a systematic approach that covers all aspects of skiing. That’s exactly why I built my learning platform, Big Picture Skiing. It’s not this YouTube channel, it’s where skiers go to find more than just tips. If you are ready to finally take your skiing to the next level go to www.bigpictureskiing.com Podcast listeners get 20% off using code PODCAST. So why wait when you could be getting started today. Chapters:0:00 Intro1:54 What is a plug boot &amp; who&#39;s it for4:23 Why it&#39;s called a &#34;plug&#34; boot5:33 Forward lean, cuff height &amp; power vs. freeride boots7:01 Ramp angle &amp; boot board adjustability8:05 Thick sole, torsional rigidity &amp; weight9:45 Plastic type &amp; retail price ($1,000-$1,300)10:26 It&#39;s a &#34;project in a box&#34;12:53 Checking flatness out of the box13:32 Cuff canting, liners &amp; fine-tuning15:42 Best time of year to buy17:18 Pricing &amp; buying older/discounted models20:21 Lifespan, durability &amp; upgrading liners21:06 Brand differences (Lange, Rossignol, Head, Atomic, Fischer, Nordica, Technica, Dalbello)25:01 Fitting for low arch or wider feet27:04 Grinding, shaping &amp; sizing tips28:56 Choosing your flex (110 vs 130 vs 140+)30:15 How flex ratings are actually made31:50 Junior &amp; shorter-cuff options32:44 Wrap-up: which route to take33:19 Heated socks &amp; boot heaters34:16 Plug boots don&#39;t have to be painful35:03 DIY boot work vs. going to a fitter36:26 Find Brent / Park City Ski Boot37:17 Leave your local boot fitter recommendation38:19 Outro Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Most powerful Type of Ski Boots - Brent Amsbury

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/12/11/dac95eb6-ee82-43c9-9520-24eac5997dca_geri_tumbasz_podcast_.m4a

If moguls intimidate you this episode is going to change that. You’ll learn a clear, repeatable method for going from avoiding bumps entirely to skiing 60 in a row with control and actually enjoying it. Expect practical handholds: how to control your speed and direction, why “just get small and absorb” quietly sabotages most people, and the mindset shift that turns a scary bump field into a series of solvable problems. My guest is Geri Tumbasz — Hungarian-born, Austria-based, and one of the most highly certified ski coaches in the world. What makes him the right person for this is that he wasn’t a natural at moguls either. He struggled, got frustrated, went looking for answers, and reverse-engineered a progression that now gets terrified skiers skiing bump lines in a single camp. Here’s what we cover: ✅ The full beginner-to-confident progression — wedge-parallel turns in a corridor, then building a real mogul line with gates✅ Why you find the round line before the direct line (and how that kills the fear)✅ The “just get small and absorb” myth — and what to do instead✅ The heel-up / hamstring-as-a-hinge move for releasing your tail in steep zipper lines✅ Where pole-plant timing actually wins you control✅ The mindset shift: hunting for the solution instead of staring at the problem✅ Geri’s bouncy low transition and where his style comes from✅ The ideas he stole from Japanese and Korean technical skiers✅ Why he deliberately overdoes a movement to find its limits✅ How telemark transformed his feel for pressure and dorsiflexion in alpine skiing ⛷️ Geri’s online Mogul course (founder/lifetime access offer mentioned in the episode): https://www.snowsportsgeri.com/offers/m7hSgEVq/checkout🌐 Geri’s Ski Camps: www.snowsportsgeri.com🏕️ Geri’s Cold Candy ski school: www.cold-candy.com For everything I do on carving, short turns, body prep, mobility and mogul skiing, it’s all in one place:👉 https://bigpictureskiing.com (use code PODCAST for 20% off any membership)🎿 Ski camps with me: https://skicoachcollective.com ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Intro – why moguls scare people01:20 How Geri became the go-to mogul coach05:30 Where the progression starts: the wedge &amp; corridor drill13:00 Moving from groomers into real bumps15:00 The &#34;get small and absorb&#34; myth16:20 Finding the round line before the direct line21:30 Reading the line &amp; looking for solutions, not problems25:00 Steep, long bumps and over-skied lines32:15 The steep rut line: the heel-up hamstring release40:30 Pole plant: timing, prep &amp; targeting the next bump45:40 What he learned from World Cup mogul skiers51:40 Mogul waves: the easy way in54:50 Who the camps are for &amp; &#34;booking your line&#34;57:15 Moguls and your knees01:00:45 What makes Geri tick: the low position &amp; overdoing movements01:09:00 Japanese &amp; Korean inspiration + favourite drills01:14:30 Telemark: what it taught him about alpine skiing01:24:15 How to ski with Geri – camps &amp; course01:29:20 Wrap-up 🎧 Also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.👍 Enjoyed it? Subscribe and tell me — what trips you up most in the bumps? Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Learn to ski a mogul line with Geri Tumbasz

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/16/12/5e3425c8-12aa-41ec-a828-d2bbaad7e72e_mark_sedgewick_podcast.mp3

Mark Sedgwick finished this winter as #1 on the CARV global leaderboard for short turns, with a Ski IQ of 180 — the highest recorded this season. In this episode, I sit down with Mark to find out exactly how he got there. Mark is an Australian-born ski professional who started at age 10 and never looked back. He&#39;s worked through the APSI, CSIA, and Austrian instructor systems, raced in Europe, ran ski resorts, and now plays a senior role in the PSIC (Professional Ski Instructors of Canada) — including integrating CARV data into Level 4 certification exams. This is one of the most practical, data-rich ski improvement conversations I&#39;ve had on the show. We cover: → The difference between play, purposeful practice, and deliberate practice→ Why just trying harder keeps you stuck at the same score→ The #1 and #2 metrics that drive short turn Ski IQ→ Mark&#39;s philosophy: make something exist before you make it better→ Turn-by-turn breakdowns of parallel, carving, short turns, and moguls→ Why function before form is reshaping how ski instructors are trained→ A live coaching session using my real CARV data→ How Mark used AI to reverse-engineer the CARV scoring algorithm→ The future of CARV: stivets, one-ski skiing, and community features Whether you&#39;re a recreational skier trying to level up or a ski professional looking for a new lens on performance, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. —————————————————————————— 🎿 FREE SKIING VIDEOGet a premium level Big Picture Skiing Tutorial here:https://bigpictureskiing.com/get/perpendicular 📱 DOWNLOAD CARVTry CARV for yourself:https://getcarv.com 🌐 BIG PICTURE SKIINGWebsite: https://bigpictureskiing.com—————————————————————————— ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 How Mark Hit Ski IQ 1803:15 Meet Mark Sedgwick5:14 From Aussie Kid to Ski Pro7:52 The Austrian Influence12:56 Why Most Practice Doesn&#39;t Work23:55 The Ugly Skiing Breakthrough32:39 Function Over Form37:12 Style Still Matters 45:50 Make It Exist, Then Make It Better54:48 How to Improve Your Parallel Score1:04:45 Parallel — The Most Overlooked Turn Type1:13:42 Carving: The Metrics That Actually Matter1:27:44 Ski Sharpening &amp; The Pole Secret1:31:25 Short Turns — How to Break Your Ceiling1:45:43 Moguls, Tempo &amp; Keeping the Joy Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Practice won’t make you better. But deliberate practice will!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/8/6/fecb1c9d-8eb4-420a-8242-20a165c92882_ights_that_will_change_the_way_you_ski_forever.mp3

Another season done. And like always, by the time the lifts close Demelza and I find ourselves deep in conversation about what we actually learned out there — not just what we taught, but what shifted in our own thinking. This episode is that conversation. We each had a big coaching theme this season that we kept coming back to with clients, and in this one we unpack both of them — plus a few other things that came up along the way. We get into turn shape and why it’s the foundation everything else is built on, ankle and knee mechanics and where they actually belong in the turn, the push vs pull debate and what’s really happening with pressure, why a “stable upper body” is honestly an optical illusion, and what it means to unfreeze — and why loose is actually stable. There’s also a moment where Demelza highsides herself at about 3 feet in the air at Hintertux while I’m watching from the bottom. That one’s worth it alone.If you’re a skier who wants to understand the why behind good technique, this one’s for you. Interested in joining Tom’s upcoming Deep Dive Webinars? See below 📅 Big Picture Skiing upcoming webinars → https://bigpictureskiing.com/programs/deep-dive-3 Want to join a ski camps with Tom, Demelza and Jason? Checkout 🎿 Ski camps with Tom &amp; Demelza → https://www.skicoachcollective.com Want a free deep dive on a concept that will improve linking of your ski turns?🎥 Free video → https://bigpictureskiing.com/get/perpendicular Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction to Skiing Insights00:01:13 Exploring Turn Shape00:02:53 Coaching Themes for the Season00:06:55 Understanding Turn Dynamics00:08:38 The Joy of Speed in Skiing00:12:14 Engaging Advanced Skiers00:17:04 The Push-Pull Concept00:28:28 Balancing Between Techniques00:31:35 The Importance of Timing00:38:05 Skiing for Fun vs. Competition00:46:21 Reflecting on Personal Growth00:59:23 Enhancing Skiing Techniques01:06:37 The Journey of Unfreezing Movements01:16:01 Preparing for Future Topics01:28:52 Conclusion and Future Conversations Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Turn Shape First and When you Can Push on your skis with Tom Gellie and Demelza Clay

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/2/1/bf85e125-8db0-4aaa-bd03-abc033f9c8e7_tips_to_make_your_current_boots_fit_better.m4a

Most skiers only think about their boots when something hurts. In this episode, I sit down with expert boot fitter Brent Armsbury to unpack the art and science of ski boot fitting — and why every skier should take more ownership of their setup. We talk about the mindset shift from “my boots don’t feel right” to actively experimenting and giving better feedback. Brent shares the most common issues he sees in the shop, why feeling disconnected from your boots doesn’t always mean you need a new pair, and how small adjustments can restore performance. We cover practical, mid-season tweaks including:• Padding and shimming the liner tongue and shin area• Using simple materials like neoprene, foam and even duct tape to fill voids• Spoilers, heel lifts and forward lean experiments• How to self diagnose fit issues starting from the front of the boot The big takeaway: boot fitting is collaborative. The more you understand and experiment, the better the outcome. If you want to go deeper on technique, equipment setup and skiing performance, check out the Big Picture Skiing learning platform. <a href="https://bigpictureskiing.com/" rel="nofollow">https://bigpictureskiing.com/</a> Podcast listeners can use the code PODCAST to take 20% off. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Tips To Make Your Ski Boots Fit Better - With Brent Amsbury

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/18/2/e816c2ed-2752-47db-9c86-975ed81072f8_bindings_podcast_with_ski_talk.m4a

Ski bindings are one of the most important — and least understood — parts of our equipment. In this episode, I talk with Phil Pugliese from <a href="http://SkiTalk.com" rel="nofollow">SkiTalk.com</a> to better understand how ski bindings work, where they came from, and how they balance performance with safety. Phil has spent decades reviewing and testing ski equipment, and his depth of knowledge really shows. We cover the evolution of bindings, the role of elasticity, DIN settings, race vs recreational designs, GripWalk compatibility, and why understanding your equipment matters more than most skiers realise. This conversation helped me make more informed decisions about bindings for myself and my family, and it’s one I think any skier who enjoys learning about their craft will appreciate.Want to see the bindings Phil is talking about check the YouTube version of the podcast <a href="https://youtu.be/JalwwxcNvts" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/JalwwxcNvts</a> Want to improve your skiing further?Check out Big Picture Skiing, my online coaching platform with a huge library of in-depth ski technique and equipment videos designed to help you ski better — and enjoy it more.Podcast listeners get a 25% off Discount Code. Use code PODCAST when you checkout Learn more at <a href="http://bigpictureskiing.com" rel="nofollow">bigpictureskiing.com</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

A Deep Dive On Ski Bindings - Phil Pugliese and Tom Gellie

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/26/3/02aed856-9200-4253-92c9-944e2f124ba0_matt_graham_podcast_with_tom_gellie.mp3

I have to admit that one of my core beliefs about moguls was challenged during this most recent conversation with Olympic Moguls silver medalist Matt Graham. For a long time, I believed that more ski snow contact was the ultimate sign of a good bump skierl. But in this open and honest conversation, Matt explains why the opposite is true when you want speed and rhythm in a mogul course. I was working with Carv at Hintertux when I met up with him, and he talked me through the key ideas the best bump skiers in the world rely on plus a whole lot more 👇 The Mogul ParadoxOne of the biggest concepts he shares is something called bridging. It is the ability to absorb the terrain so well that the skis do not press unnecessarily into the bumps. By bridging at the right moment, the skier reduces friction, avoids braking, and keeps the ideal turn tempo flowing. Once Matt explained it, the whole approach made a lot more sense. The Boot Alignment BreakthroughMatt also speaks openly about the long journey he had getting his equipment right. He explains the exact alignment change that finally let him ski with more comfort and less fight. Hearing that from someone at his level shows how important the right setup really is. CarvWe also talk about Carv’s data in moguls. Matt tried CARV for the first time this November and currently he is the number 1 skier on the global Carv leaderboard. Yes higher than Ted Ligety and some of the best carvers in the world. It’s very cool because Carv now has separate Ski IQs for Moguls, Carving, Short Turns and Powder. We find out that elite mogul skiers have an insanely high tempo or rhythm of turns way above even expert skiers. A quick note about Big Picture SkiingIf you want help improving your skiing this season, I would love to guide you. The Big Picture Skiing learning platform gives you a clear, structured way to progress instead of trying to piece things together from random YouTube tips. You will find step by step skill progressions, deep dive videos on topics like hip position and outside ski balance, and a learning pathway built from my 20 years of coaching skiers at every level.Podcast listeners can use code PODCAST for 25 percent off any membership. Thanks for listening skiers. See you out on the slopes. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Matt Graham: The Mogul Paradox - Why Elite Skiers AVOID Ski-Snow Contact

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/23/22/17fe2dbf-1c27-4994-aa5c-92b3b3c91260_jurij_franko_podcast_remastered.m4a

This is a remastered release (2018) of one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve ever had about skiing.Before I had proper mics or a real podcast setup, I sat down with Jurij Franko - the physicist, former racer, and engineer behind the original shaped-ski revolution at Elan. The audio is now cleaned up, and I’m thrilled to bring this episode back because it genuinely changed how I understand skis. Jurij’s story starts in the late 80s, when he became the first person to apply mathematics to ski design. His work validated the idea of sidecut and helped spark the carving era we now take for granted. In this episode, he explains the thinking and experiments that shifted skiing from tradition to science — and the breakthroughs that came from asking the questions no one else was asking. We dive into ski behaviour in a way few people can articulate:• why a ski carves vs. skids• how torsional stiffness and center of mass influence grip• the real physics behind vibration and “feel”• and why so many long-standing beliefs in skiing were never grounded in science. What I appreciate most is how Jurij connects design to human movement. He explains how great skiers adapt their body position, predict what the ski will do, and make thousands of small decisions based on feel and repetition. His way of cutting through jargon and simplifying the essentials is refreshing - especially for instructors. We also challenge a lot of myths: flex, vibration, “performance characteristics,” and the tendency to overteach. Jurij’s view is that skiing improves when people are given the space to explore, develop awareness, and feel how the ski interacts with the snow. This conversation blends physics, history, technique, and genuine passion. It’s a rare look inside the mind of someone who shaped the modern ski - and for me, it’s still one of the episodes that permanently shifted how I think about skiing. Enjoy. Improve your skiing with me as your coach. I own an online learning platform that will teach you to become a better skier It’s Called Big Picture Skiing and is my way of being able to share everything I have learnt about ski technique, equipment and becoming a better skier. There are over 250 videos sorted into categories for simple learning. If you’ve enjoyed my YouTube and podcast then I think you would get even more out of the BPS learning platformPodcast listeners can take 25% off any membership with code: PODCAST<a href="https://bigpictureskiing.com/?utm_source=podcast" rel="nofollow">CHECK OUT BIG PICTURE SKIING</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Conversation That Changed How I Understand Skis: Jurij Franko on the Birth of Modern Ski Design

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If you’ve ever wondered whether tighter, stiffer, more precise ski boots could actually make you a better skier — this episode is for you. In this conversation, I chat with Brent Amsbury, owner of Park City Bootfit in Utah and one of the most respected boot fitters in the US. Brent and I dive into the world of what he calls “Ultra Performance Ski Boots.” These aren’t full plug race boots, but they sit just below that level — designed for serious skiers who want more precision, better energy transfer, and a stronger connection to their skis. We talk about: • What defines an ultra performance ski boot • Why many modern ski boots have swung too far towards comfort at the expense of performance • How to tell if this style of boot is right for you • The fitting process: punching, stretching, and fine-tuning for your foot • Common mistakes skiers make when switching to a closer-fitting boot • The pros and cons — from control and sensitivity to comfort and practicality If you’ve been feeling like your current boots are holding you back — or you’re ready to step up to a higher-performing setup — this chat will help you understand what to expect and how to get it right. 🎧 Listen to more interviews on the Big Picture Skiing Podcast📺 Watch more ski technique and equipment videos at www.bigpictureskiing.com Podcast listeners can use code: PODCAST to take 25% off Chapters 00:00 – Intro00:06 – Ultra Performance Ski Boots00:11 – The Resurgence of Boot Design01:48 – Rental Boots vs Performance Boots03:15 – Customer Feedback and Trends04:59 – New Models and Boot Innovations08:42 – Fit and Boot Work Insights11:21 – Brand Recommendations for 96mm Boots16:24 – Comfort vs Performance Expectations22:07 – The Importance of Boot Fitting33:23 – Investment in Quality Boot Fitting52:49 – Safety with GripWalk Soles54:28 – Preparing for Ski Season Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Ultra Performance Ski Boots With Brent Amsbury

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Tom Gellie and Joe Dunn (Ski Dad TV) chat about their views on various topics taught in skiing:- The Float Phase Transition- Affordances as a concept to focus on with students - Equipment experiments. Binding ramp angle and boot canting- When do you teach technique vs skills? This was a great conversation that was sparked after Tom and Joe spent half a day skiing together in the Australian winter.  Links:Ski Dad Tv Channelhttps://youtube.com/@skidadtv Joe reacts to Toms podcast with Phil Smith and Snow displacemnthttps://youtu.be/BNrYDrUgu0A?si=k2jppvf5cbVandFT C shaped turns Suck - Joe explains whyhttps://youtu.be/rnOQHItyts4?si=aKdRM2U5SQhjzAK4 Ramp angle testing https://youtu.be/nKiXP7NGJBQ?si=SCZrYRa7chYSZ-jU Thanks for listening. 25% off Discount code for the Big Picture Skiing learning platform for my Podcast listeners: PODCASThttps://bigpictureskiing.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How We Think About Skiing - Ski Dad TV and Tom Gellie

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‘You can’t out-ski poor movement, bad sleep, and no prep. Kelly Starrett joins me to reveal what skiers really need to do to perform and feel better on snow — and it’s simpler than you think. No fads, no fluff, just clear, actionable steps to build a body that’s ready for skiing. This episode might just be the motivation you’ve been needing to start — and never look back.🔗 Resources Mentioned <ul><li>📘 Built to Move by Kelly &amp; Juliet Starrett – <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Built-Move-Essential-Habits-Freely/dp/0593534808" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Built-Move-Essential-Habits-Freely/dp/0593534808</a></li><li>📗 Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett – <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837</a></li></ul> 🎿 Ready to Get Your Body Ski-Ready?If this episode fires you up to move better and ski stronger, check out <a href="https://www.bigpictureskiing.com/" rel="nofollow">Big Picture Skiing</a> — your go-to resource for ski technique tutorials, preseason body prep workouts, and coaching designed to make this your best ski season yet.As a thank you for listening, you can use the code PODCAST for 25% off your membership. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

“You Can’t Out-Ski a Weak Body” — Kelly Starrett on Real Ski Readiness

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In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, I dive into the world of custom ski design with my friends Demelza Clay and Jason Simpson. We talk about how companies like Original Plus are creating skis built specifically around you — using details like your height, weight, skiing style, and even where you ski most. I share my own experience switching to custom skis and an interesting chat I had with Siggi Rumpfhuber, one of the founders of Original Plus, about the idea of the “perfect ski.” We unpack how flex patterns, torsional stiffness, and snow conditions all affect how a ski feels — and why the right ski might just be the one that’s designed for you. 👀 If you were intrigued by the Original Plus concept and want a ski designed just for you checkout the Original Plus website here: https://www.original.plus/tomgellie🛟 Use code TGELLIE15 to take 15% off your ski! I may make a small commission on any sales so thank you for helping support a small company and a group of passionate skiers. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

What If Your Skis Knew You? | Custom Ski Design with Original Plus

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From the legendary Crazy Canucks to the evolution of chairlifts, skiing is full of stories and people who shaped the sport we know today. In this episode, I sit down with Blake (@oldbaldskier on instagram) — a passionate ski history enthusiast — to explore some of the most interesting moments and characters that left their mark on skiing. We talk about: • The rise of the Crazy Canucks and their impact on ski racing • How chairlifts changed skiing forever • The personalities and events that defined different eras • How Walt Disney helped shape the green circle to black diamond trail ratings we still use today • Fun facts and historical quirks every skier will enjoy If you love skiing and want to understand the roots of the sport, this conversation will give you new appreciation for where skiing has come from and where it’s heading. 👉 Improve your own skiing with my coaching platform: https://www.bigpictureskiing.comUse Code PODCAST to get 25% off any membership to Big Picture Skiing as a thanks for being a podcast listener. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Legends & Lost Stories of Skiing History

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Carv has been listening, and some big updates are on the way. In this episode, I catch up with the team to hear what they’ve been working on over summer — including smarter coaching tools, improved SkiIQ feedback, and new features that actually help you learn, not just track data. If you’re a Carv user or just into ski tech, this is a solid insight into where things are headed. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

What’s Coming To Carv Next Winter?

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In this episode, I chat with Olympian Erik Schlopy about all things skiing—from gear setup to what most people are missing in their carving. We also get into his coaching philosophy, how he’s helping his own son progress, and some great drills you can try to build better balance and control on snow. It’s a deeper, more refined conversation than our last one, and there’s heaps of gold in here for anyone serious about improving their skiing. 🎿 Interested in training with Erik in person?He’s running a race camp this August in New Zealand. It’s open to keen ski racers with 5 spots only left.📍 Dates: July 27 Depart USA until August 17Where: Roundhill, Mt. Dobson, Coronet Peak, RemarkablesContact: Dane Spencer wangwong77@gmail.com ⛷️ If you’re self driven intermediate to expert skier and also enjoy working at your own pace, Big Picture Skiing is your go-to resource. Inside, you’ll find in-depth tutorials, movement breakdowns, and drills designed to help you make real improvements—whether it’s refining your carving, building better control, or understanding the “why” behind great skiing. “As everyone else has said, Big Picture Skiing is such an awesome resource that makes complex skills really accessible with great explanations, demos and even cue cards to remind myself what I’m shooting for.” - Karolis 🎯 Start your journey to better skiing here: https://www.bigpictureskiing.com Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Olympian Erik Schlopy on Carving, Gear, and Coaching Smarter

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In this episode, I sit down with four-time Olympian Emma Carrick-Anderson for a powerful conversation about skiing, parenting, and coaching at the elite level. Emma shares how her philosophy has shifted from the traditional, form-focused training she experienced as an athlete to a more exploratory, feel-based approach—one that she and her husband, Phil Smith, used to raise their children who are now knocking on the door of the World Cup circuit. We talk about: • Why developing feel and versatility on the mountain trumps chasing a perfect-looking turn • How Emma’s Olympic background shapes her parenting and coaching • Equipment insights, including the flatter vs. supportive footbed debate • Practical takeaways for parents, coaches, and everyday skiers Whether you’re raising young skiers, coaching others, or simply looking to improve your own skiing, Emma’s experience and insight offer something valuable. Links Mentioned: • Previous episode with Phil Smith – https://youtu.be/-7xcCHbiEcA?si=UaAzgJhLtuFalmH7 • Follow the boys at Team Carrick-Smith on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teamcarricksmith?igsh=MTZqOTdlZ2ZrZ3Vzaw== • Learn more at Big Picture Skiing - https://bigpictureskiing.com/catalog Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Why Feel Matters More Than Form in Ski Racing – with Emma Carrick-Anderson

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In this episode, I sit down with Phil Smith, founder of Snoworks and one of the most forward-thinking ski coaches in the game. Phil shares a powerful shift in perspective around speed control — moving away from rigid technical cues and instead focusing on the concept of snow displacement. This insight alone can change the way you think about skiing steeps, bumps, and variable snow. We also dive into what it really means to become a versatile all-mountain skier. Phil talks about skiing “open,” embracing the mountain, and moving beyond the narrow lens of measured technique. His philosophy is refreshing, especially for skiers who want to break out of the on-piste mindset and truly explore. Whether you’re a coach, instructor, or passionate skier, you’ll walk away from this episode with new ideas to experiment with next time you’re on snow. Enjoyed this discussion? Check out www.bigpictureskiing.com and join the thousands of other skiers improving their skiing like never before. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Speed Control Through Snow Displacement - Not Traditional Technique

Everything ski technique related from the greatest minds.

Interviews with Technical Skiers and industry experts from around the world.