Chamonix is one of the world’s best-known mountain destinations, but it’s also one of the most complex.
Iain Martin, host of The Ski Podcast, spent two months living in Chamonix earlier this year, to try and make sense of what makes the resort so special, from history to high mountain, from glaciers to guides.
The initial idea was the tackle all of this within a single episode, but as Iain interviewed people from around the valley, it soon became clear that it wasn’t possible to tell all these stories in one go, and so this series came together.
The Ski Podcast is currently mid-way through publishing this seven-part series dedicated entirely to Chamonix. Rather than simply offering resort reviews, the series combines local expertise, interviews and stories to explain what makes the valley so special.
Episode 313: More Than a Ski Resort
The series begins with a comprehensive introduction to Chamonix, looking at how the town became the birthplace of modern mountaineering and one of the world’s great alpine destinations.
Host Iain Martin speaks to local guides, historians and mountain professionals about everything from the first visitors to the Mer de Glace to the challenges of skiing the Vallée Blanche today. The episode also explores glacier retreat, mountain guiding, the Haute Route, trail running and the continuing evolution of the resort.
Chamonix Stories #1: Zag Skis
The first of the follow-up episodes visits Zag Skis, the Chamonix-based freeride ski manufacturer.
Listeners hear how the company designs and tests its skis in the demanding terrain surrounding Mont Blanc, with insights into ski development, materials and what makes Chamonix such an ideal testing ground for freeride equipment.
Chamonix Stories #2: Silent Sessions
The second instalment moves away from skiing itself to explore a different side of mountain life.
Katy McInnes explains the concept behind Silent Sessions, which combines guided walks in spectacular mountain locations with mindfulness and silent listening experiences.
It’s a reminder that Chamonix offers much more than adrenaline sports.
Chamonix Stories #3: Oak App
Technology meets the outdoors in the third episode, featuring Emil Wittrup Præstbrogaard, founder of the Oak App.
Often described as “Tinder for the mountains”, the app helps skiers, climbers, trail runners and other mountain enthusiasts find partners for adventures, making it easier for visitors and locals alike to connect safely with like-minded people.
Chamonix Stories #4: David Webster
The latest episode features David Webster, better known online as “ChamonixSkiBum”.
A long-time Chamonix resident, geologist and mountain skier, Webster discusses life in the valley, filming his YouTube channel, skiing steep couloirs, the realities of glacier travel and why Chamonix continues to attract adventurous skiers from around the world.
Taken together, these episodes build a detailed portrait of Chamonix that goes well beyond lift statistics and piste maps.
Whether you’re planning your first visit, returning for another season, or simply fascinated by one of skiing’s most iconic destinations, the series offers a deeper understanding of the people, history and mountain culture that have shaped the resort.
You can find all these special Chamonix episodes, along with more than 300 other skiing and snowboarding podcasts covering resorts, equipment, travel and snowsports news, on The Ski Podcast website at www.theskipodcast.com
There are still two more episodes to come in this series and we’ll update this page once they go live.
