
Big Picture Skiing Podcast
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
Latest episodes

May 2, 2022 • 1h 3min
How pain came to dictate performance - A look back at ski boot fitting with Brent Amsbury
Ski boots are not comfortable pieces of equipment. They can be made to be more comfortable but for the majority of people this takes time and ideally the best pair of boots to begin with. This podcast looks at some of the history of ski boot fitting and how the search to reduce pain in the everyday skier lead to dynamic performance potentially being compromised. There was a point in history where one solution to the pain skiers would experience going from leather into plastic boots was to build a motion inhibiting, foot stabilising footbed or orthotic device. This podcast is a discussion between master boot fitter Brent Amsbury and skier Tom Gellie on the topic of ideal boot setup processes and concepts. One side of the conversation centres on a static model of how the foot and ski interacts (hold it stable and dont let it move) vs a dynamic model of foot/boot/ski interface where the foot has a little more motion available to allow the joints to move and the body’s structure to be loaded through the muscles tendons and ligaments. Almost akin to how minimalist shoes have seen people rebuild foot strength and arch support through their own musculoskeletal system. The goal of the podcast conversation was to bring light to two sides of the coin so people can make their own decisions as to what road they would like to go down with their ski boot setup. No right or wrong way just different outcomes. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 7, 2022 • 1h 3min
Gord Brown - Ex Canadian Alpine Team Coach
Meet Gord Brown one of the best coaches I have ever had the pleasure of being coached by. Gord is a wealth of knowledge and a role model for all instructors and coaches in my opinion. I wanted to chat with Gord so you the listener could perhaps gleam some insights into what makes a great ski coach and what a great ski coach believes are some of the most important areas of skiing to get dialled in and right. I dont have video of Gord skiing so this description wont do it any justice. However I have a memory of Gord skiing down a double black diamond in SilverStar on a powder day through bumps and around small trees with the grace and style of Fred Astaire. Smooth as can be. If you learn one thing from Gord you’ll find out he has never had a bad injury on snow and is skiing beautifully and will continue to do so for the rest of his life. Enjoy being inspired and enlightened.https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 30, 2022 • 59min
The Rookie Academy - Melting pot of the worlds top trainers
The Rookie Academy experience for both student and trainer is like no other experience in the world. Why? Because of a multitude of factors including the best trainers in the world working together, open minds, incredible New Zealand skiing and scenery, and above all an ethos that its about getting better at skiing above everything else. In this episode Tom Gellie chats with Rookie Academy Manager Harry McFadden and Rookies trainer Rupert Goldring about their experiences working with the Rookie Academy. Tom also shares why he loves working on the program and why you may consider this to be your next thing to do for your skiing. Be that as a student or perhaps as a lifetime goal to achieve being invited to work as a trainer with Rookies. https://www.rookieacademy.com/ to find out more.https://bigpictureskiing.com/ to take improving your skiing all year round from the comfort of your own home. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 24, 2022 • 1h 17min
Erik Schlopy - Ex WC Skier on Ski Equipment, Drills and Beijing Winter Olympics
Erik Schlopy was at one stage one of the best Giant Slalom Ski racers in the world. In this episode:Find out what sort of equipment modifications and tuning he would do to compete at this levelIf he was to race Bode Miller and the WC again what are the top ski drills he would use to get himself technically ready.His thoughts on the recent Olympic Winter GamesHow his namesake drill has been misunderstood and what it really is meant forplus much moreThis conversation being recorded was a last minute decision so I apologise for the audio. But I think you will understand why I just had to record it. Sit back and enjoy listening to the Big Picture Skiing Podcast.LINKS:Erik Schlopy Real Estate: https://teamschlopy.com/Big Picture Skiing Online Ski School: https://bigpictureskiing.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 22, 2021 • 55min
Jamaica’s First Alpine Olympian? Benji Alexander on learning how to ski race
Benji Alexander started skiing only a few years ago. And now he’s aiming to compete in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games! Intrigued? So was I. This is a fantastic listen as i think Benji highlights some seriously important points about the learning experience. What better than to come from someone who has been recently thrust into an accelerated learning pathway. Drinking from a Fire Hydrant is probably an easier thing to do. I hope we will all be cheering Benji on in a few months time at the Winter Olympics but as you’ll find out there is still many hurdles to go. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 20, 2021 • 1h 21min
Stepping Stones to Mastery with Josh Duncan-Smith
Meet Josh and learn how he has trained with some of the greatest technical skiers of today and how they each have helped him in different ways on his quest to mastering technical skiing. This podcast is like listening to a fireside chat where you will gleam some really important lessons that Josh believes have helped him on his journey. A great listen I hope you enjoy this latest episode. Checkout www.the ski code.it to be able to ski with Josh. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 15, 2021 • 1h 11min
What does it take to make the PSIA Demo Team? Kevin Jordan and Troy Walsh
The Demo team for any skiing nation is for many the pinnacle of your ski instructing career. A chosen member must showcase many skills outside of being an elite skier. Presentation skills, communication, ethics, organisational skills, time management the list goes on. In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast Tom and Sam sit down with PSIA Demo Team members Troy Walsh and Kevin Jordan to discuss their journey and what they did to ‘make the team’.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 9, 2021 • 1h 22min
Master Of Ski Boots Brent Amsbury
Tom Gellie chats with Brent Amsbury about ski boots. Brent is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ski boots. Materials used and what characteristics come with these materials. Alignment setups for different athletes needs. Customising your boots to get the most out of your own skiing. Advice for skiers on where and how to start customising yourself. This interview is a must watch for anyone in the ski industry wanting to take their skiing game up a notch. You need a good pair of boots and they need to be tweaked to fit your Individual anatomy. Brent owns Park City Ski Boot in Parck city Utah. You can find his shop at www.parkcityskiboot.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 8, 2021 • 57min
Deb Armstrong Interview
Deb Armstrong is perhaps the most enthusiastic ski coach I’ve ever met. You will gather this immediately when you watch her videos on YouTube. And I have to say she is not only a ski coach but an athlete who’s accomplished a Gold medal finish in the 1984 Winter Olympics. In this interview you will gleam insights from her around how she’s approaching this upcoming season differently, what motivates and drives her passion for skiing at the moment as well as discussions on equipment, technique and much more. I hope you enjoy this episode.Tom GellieAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sep 24, 2021 • 1h 12min
Richard Amacker - The master of skiing drills
Richard Amacker is a Swiss Demo team member, former Freeride World Tour Competitor and ex Ski racer. He’s done it all. And his skiing speaks for itself. Powerful but fun and stylish. I knew there would be some great takeaways from talking with Richard as I believe part of Richards success in skiing is his ability to see the fun side of things and to always play with his skiing. I hope listeners get inspired to push their boundaries and play with some of the more varied drills and exercises found in skiing. Please check out Richards Instagram before listening or while listening to get a visual of the sorts of skills this talented guy can perform. And finally If you like the podcast and want to help support more free content like this please check out bigpictureskiing.com where you will find drills, exercises, theory, strength and mobility, equipment setup and more. Thanks Tom GellieAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy