As the semester in Lillehammer comes to a close, a handful of students reflect on the Snow Business course & their semester in Lillehammer during winter in Norway.
May 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 11
In this episode of the Snow Business podcast, Simon Westgarth is joined by students from the INN Lillehammer exchange program to reflect on a lecture from Stein Olsen, an expert in event management and tourism. The group explores how Lillehammer leverages its Olympic legacy, traditional culture, and stunning winter landscape to host sustainable and impactful events like the Birkebeiner race and FIS World Cups. The episode dives into the role of the regional DMO RADA, strategies for boosting tour...
May 02, 2025•27 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of the Snow Business Course podcast, host Simon Westgarth sits down with a dynamic group of exchange students currently studying at INN Lillehammer. Having volunteered at various World Cup events in Kvitfjell and Hafjell, these students share their unique behind-the-scenes insights and personal experiences from the slopes. Tune in as we dive into their stories and explore what it’s like to be part of world-class ski events!
Apr 30, 2025•32 min•Ep. 9
During the conference at the hotel, we learned that Venabu is a cross-country ski resort, well known for its wide-open landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility for all levels. It focuses strongly on sustainable tourism and offers a close-to-nature experience, with activities like snowshoeing and horseback riding. What really makes Venabu unique is its authenticity and deep connection to the environment.
Apr 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 8
Skeikampen’s mountain hotel faces challenges from climate change and shifting visitor habits. With fewer guests choosing hotels over private cabins, the hotel is adapting by planning renovations and targeting new markets. They’re also exploring ways to market Skeikampen as a year-round destination and tackle staffing shortages.
Apr 25, 2025•25 min•Ep. 7
Join Simon Westgarth, Yinke Appeldoorn, Bastian Elbern, Carina Nettelbeck, Geoffrey Fritz, and Jill van Opstal in this exciting podcast episode as we take you on a journey to Beitostølen! We’ll share our experiences from our visit and dive into the unique business they run. Get an insider’s look at the lessons from the snow business course and the passion behind it all. Tune in and be inspired!
Apr 23, 2025•42 min•Ep. 6
The passion behind running Pellestova. The marketing and business plan of Alpinco. Family friendliness of Hafjell and selling memorable meetings instead of products. Crazy workload of family-owned rental during week 7 and quality products in the shop. Listen how all this things combined make Hafjell a great skiing resort and the honest opinion if its daily based customers-exchange students who are passionate skiers.
Apr 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 5
In this episode of the Swix Podcast, host Simon Westgarth is joined by a group of students to discuss the essential role of ski wax in optimising performance on the slopes. The conversation delves into the innovations behind Swix products, the science of ski waxing, and how different conditions affect ski performance. The students share their expertise on selecting the right wax, maintaining skis, and maximising speed and control. During the episode, we also take you behind the scenes of the Swi...
Apr 18, 2025•26 min•Ep. 4
This episode explores the lasting legacy of the Olympic Games in Lillehammer and how former venues are transformed into sustainable, multi-purpose facilities. Learn how the company behind these venues operates, ensuring their maintenance and reinvestment for long-term success and community impact.
Apr 16, 2025•26 min•Ep. 3
This podcast discusses a new development project in Hafjell, at the Hafjell ski resort near Lillehammer, Norway. The hosts talk about a recent presentation by Annette from Eisenhardt Investment Company, detailing plans for a high-end hotel, luxury apartments, and an activity center in the Gaiastova area. They explore the potential impact of the project, including concerns about increased crowding, transportation issues, and how the development aims to attract international visitors by offering a...
Apr 14, 2025•26 min•Ep. 2
In this opening episode of the Snow Business course podcast, Simon Westgarth is joined by a diverse group of students who are participating in an exchange program at INN Lillehammer. The group shares their motivations for choosing Lillehammer and the Snow Business course, their winter sports experiences, and their expectations for the semester. The discussion also touches on their volunteer work during the FIS World Cups in Kvitfjell and Hafjell. Join us as we explore the unique experiences of s...
Apr 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1
