Two Ski Insiders Share Their Secrets (And Favourite Resorts)

Kirsty Muir and Paddy Graham, two of the UK’s top skiers and Red Bull Athletes, share the ski resorts they’ll be visiting this year, the ski brands they actually wear on the slopes, and how you can get better at skiing.

The Insiders

Kirsty Muir is… the 19 year old prodigal skier from Scotland who won all three freeski titles at the BRITS Championships – when she was only 13 years old. 

Paddy Graham is… Britain’s number one freeskier who left school at only 16 years of age to focus on his career – having only started skiing two years prior. 

Where To Ski, According To Two Professional Skiers

Where should we go this year? Any underrated ski resorts? 

Kirsty: Ooooo this is a hard one. 

Paddy: For me I’m just always chasing big storms. I love skiing powder so when a big snowfall is on the cards I’ll do anything to get there. 

Kirsty: I would say I’ve more got a top three list of ‘go to’ resorts. Obviously, this is from a freestyle lens but I love Laax in Switzerland, Copper Mountain in Colorado and Cardrona in New Zealand. I love the parks in these places and the scenery too. 

Paddy:  I’d say anywhere which has good snow, really. But I prefer to go to smaller ski resorts to avoid the crowds. The small resorts on the island of Hokkaido in Japan are particularly good. 

Kirsty: An honourable mention would have to be Absolute Park in Austria, some of my favourite chill shred days have been there.

And for après? 

Kirsty: I guess I’ve got to start my answer with ‘I’m an athlete’… So it’s something I’ve not experienced much of! 

Paddy: I’m not much for a full blown après ski either! From what I’ve experienced Val D’Isére and Verbier are always a good party. 

Kirsty: I’ve heard that the après ski in the Austrian resorts is where it’s at. 

Paddy: It tends to be wherever your friends are. I like smaller places on the way down the hill, although getting down after can be a challenge… 

Which ski brands are best?

Kirsty: Skis wise I’m a Volkl rider through and through. They feel so smooth while riding and can withstand everything you put them through.

Paddy: I’ve been using Völkl skis for almost 20 years, German engineering at their best. My go to ski is the Revolt 121, it’s their flagship powder and freeride ski.

Kirsty: Add in some dalbello boots and marker bindings for the perfect combo.

And what should we wear on the slopes? 

Paddy: At the moment I’m wearing some pieces from a brand called Houdini. It’s a Swedish brand focused on design and simplicity. It’s also committed to sustainable manufacturing and keen on the promotion of less consumption.

Kirsty: I’ve recently joined Adidas Terrex and I’m super hyped on their range of ski clothes. Very much a mix of performance and style.

Paddy Graham © Red Bull Content Pool

How can we make skiing greener?

Paddy: A lot of brands – like Houdini – are trying as hard as they can to find new materials in production and even ski resorts are switching to greener energy. 

Kirsty: And a majority of resorts are working towards being more sustainable. Laax, for example, its one of Switzerland’s greenest ski resorts today.

Paddy: Yes, some destinations also have strict rules on where you can ski to avoid habitat damage… So skiers can also respect the signs and nature.

Kirsty: It’s so important given the impact of climate change on the snow. Protect Our Winters (POW) are doing some great things to help spread awareness of the issues.

How can I get better at skiing?

Kirsty: In the UK there are some dope dry slopes and snow domes to get into skiing. I started when I was nearly 4 so that I could ski on the Scottish mountains with my family. We skied at the Lecht, Glenshee and the Aberdeen dryslope. 

Paddy: I learnt to ski at my local dry ski slope in Sheffield… I loved the sport from the beginning…! So dry slopes. 

Are there any sports which hit the same way as skiing?

Kirsty:  I’ve been off skiing recently, due to injuries. So, last summer, I started mountain biking; I’m loving it, it’s got a similar feeling to skiing. The flow and speed management feels very similar to when I’m on skis and, with being off my skis all year, it’s been a good way to get some adrenaline.

Paddy: I like to ride bikes, too, especially my gravel bike. It’s a great way to explore while keeping fit, I’m always up for an adventure. I’m also a dad so adventures are everything. 

To find out more about both skiiers, head to the Red Bull athlete pages for Paddy Graham and Kirsty Muir.