Global Skiing

Ski bindings are one of the most important — and least understood — parts of our equipment.In this episode, I talk with Phil Pugliese from SkiTalk.com 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 https://youtu.be/JalwwxcNvtsWant 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 video

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

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 b

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 practicalityIf you’ve been feeling like your current boots are

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/@skidadtvJoe reacts to Toms podcast with Phil Smith and Snow displacemnthttps://youtu.be/BNrYDrUgu0A?si=k2jppvf5cbVandFTC shaped turns Suck - Joe explains whyhttps://youtu.be/rnOQHItyts4?si=aKdRM2U5SQhjzAK4Ramp angle testing https://youtu.be/nKiXP7NGJBQ?si=SCZrYRa7chYSZ-jUThanks for listening. 25% off Discount code for the Big Picture Skiing learning platform for my Podcast listeners: PODCASThttps://bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

‘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.

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.

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 enjoyIf 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.

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: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.

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 skiersWhether 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 • Follo

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: https://redcircle

Find out more about what’s coming in next year’s ski boot designs! Tom Gellie chats with boot fitter Brent Amsbury about the trends and innovations he’s noticing. And it’s more than just adding another BOA adjustment to ski boots.Stay tuned later in the episode for Brent’s tips on boot cuffs. He and Tom both emphasize how crucial it is to get the cuff to fit your lower leg properly.If you enjoyed this episode, check out the extensive library of podcast episodes on the Big Picture Skiing Podcast. You can listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgVxParu1F2dJVGrE5Leg) or Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-picture-skiing-podcast/id969434674)Thanks,TomAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is for all the ski coaches and instructors out there, because let’s be honest—we all get a huge thrill from seeing our students progress and improve. With that goal in mind, I invited two experts on the topic of task-based learning to help us refine our teaching techniques. John Shedden and Richard Barbour share some incredible wisdom, built on years of experience teaching skiers and coaching others to do the same.If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll definitely want to check out the Locked in Shed Podcast with Richard Barbour interviewing John Shedden. It’s packed with more insights for ski coaches.Find it on Spotify here:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/369NT9JdpmCcFIvju9J6mpAPPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/locked-in-shed-ski-coaching-podcast/id1518316563For ski coaches—and keen skiers—looking to solve their skiing challenges, check out my online learning platform, Big Picture Skiing.I’ve created a massive library of videos covering everything from improving your mogul skiing to

In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, three Carv team members – Charlie, lead data scientist; Alex, head of marketing; and John, head of product – reveal how Carv is transforming skiing with real-time feedback technology. From its beginnings as a pressure-sensing insole, Carv has evolved into a powerful device that attaches to ski boots, now able to deliver precise, terrain-specific feedback across groomers, moguls, and powder. Join us as we uncover the technical breakthroughs that made this possible, from sensor fusion to machine learning, and hear each guest’s unique perspective on how Carv’s innovations bring skiers at all levels closer to mastering their craft. Whether you’re a recreational skier or chasing high performance, Carv is reshaping the way we learn and improve on the slopes – making skiing a continuous journey of discovery.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and former Australian demo team member, Demelza Clay, to dive into the often-overlooked topic of inside leg mechanics during carve turns at high edge angles. Demelza shares her recovery journey from an ACL injury, explaining how it forced her to relearn movement patterns and ultimately ski better than ever.We explore how her skiing mechanics shifted post-rehab, particularly the "whipping" sensation she felt in high-edge turns. Video analysis revealed a stance wider than her hips, sparking adjustments in her balance and stability. This led to valuable insights into how the relationship between the inside knee and hip can impact performance.We challenge conventional skiing norms and discuss how experimenting with technique can lead to breakthroughs. The episode wraps with practical drills like crab walks and "in-rigger" exercises to help listeners refine their inside leg movements and improve their overall skiing performance.

In this episode, I sit down with veteran boot fitter and former ski shop owner Lou Rosenfeld to dive into the art of customizing ski boots for the perfect fit. With years of experience, Lou shares expert insights on how the right boot adjustments can significantly enhance your skiing experience.We debunk common misconceptions, like opting for larger boots to relieve pressure points, and explore why starting with a snug fit is key. Lou discusses essential modifications for bunions, toe length discrepancies, and heel spurs, showing how professional adjustments can boost both comfort and performance.From reshaping the forefoot to solving calf issues, Lou explains how custom fitting can transform high-performance boots for any skier. This episode is packed with tips on achieving the perfect ski boot setup for a comfortable day on the slopes.A big thanks to Ski West, Calgary for letting us use their Big Press for the video examples. https://www.skiwest.caWant to see the recording where Lou shows the modifications?

In this episode, I speak with Christian Haas, Fischer's product manager, about the complexities of ski design and construction. We explore how material combinations, thickness, and profile shape define a ski's performance, with differences between racing and rental skis. Christian discusses the Fischer RC4 CT ski (a favorite of mine), highlighting its advanced construction for stability and edge grip. We also delve into bending lines and their impact on stiffness and ski responsiveness.Christian emphasizes the companies open mind attitude and passion for innovation. You will hear first hand about Fischer's noise technology, designed to reduce vibrations for smoother skiing at the end of the episode.About Big Picture Skiing and Tom Gellie:Big Picture Skiing is about sharing insights from experts in the ski industry. Helping skiers discover the missing pieces to what will help them realise their best skiing. I share these insights through a free Podcast, YouTube Channel and for those wanting to dive

In this episode, I chat with Sasha Rearick, former World Cup coach of the US ski team and head coach at Apex 2100. We explore Sasha’s innovative ecological approach to ski coaching, focusing on how athletes adapt their techniques based on environmental constraints. Sasha shares insights on regional skiing styles, the importance of separating movements like "counter" and "anticipation," and the value of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. This conversation is packed with valuable lessons for both skiers and coaches looking to refine their techniques.We discuss a drill Sasha likes to use called “Evers” Drill named after Andy Evers. This is a link to an Instagram video of that drill performed by AJ Ginnis https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8kpKbfoTIH/?igsh=MXczdTNnZDM3cXkweQ==CHAPTERS:00:00:00 introduction00:02:11 What is the ecological approach to learning?00:11:15 Degrees of freedom00:18:15 Constraints and tasks for learning00:28:11 The importance of mistakes in learning00:31:35 O

In this episode, my good friend Demelza Clay takes over the hosting duties to dive into my background and experiences. We kick things off by talking about my shift from ski instructing to studying body movement, inspired by a session with Claudia. This led me to explore structural integration therapy, which I started sharing with ski instructors, and it was amazing to see their movements and performance improve.We also chat about how I started sharing content online through videos and how that has evolved over the years. Our conversation touches on the impact of timing and unique educational experiences, like my time at a Steiner school, on shaping our views in the ski industry. It's all about giving you a deeper understanding of how I blend skiing and bodywork.Reflecting on my journey of seeking out-of-the-box learning experiences, we talk about the importance of following your curiosity and exploring different teaching methods. I share how I draw inspiration from various sources and stress the value of