When Neil Campbell was growing up he never thought he’d become a professional snowboarder. Growing up in Luton, he found himself getting into trouble in his younger years and was subsequently sent to prison at just 19 years old. On getting out, Neil vowed to turn his life around and he did just that, thanks to snowboarding.

Known to all as ‘Nine Lives’, Neil needed to fast track his riding to keep up with professional snowboarders and would copy whatever anyone else would do, having skipped the fundamentals along the way. He gained a reputation as the snowboarder with the most unorthodox style and trick list and – most importantly – his uncanny ability to always land on his feet, avoiding crashes that would end a normal person’s season, hence the nickname.

To keep the dream alive Neil would build and shape his local snow park in Milton Keynes and go on to work out in Austria and Switzerland. Last year along with Adidas Terrex ‘How did snowboarding change my life” was released a short documentary of Neil’s Journey.

Dryrobe

A massive thank you to our friends at dryrobe who are sponsoring this episode of the O&A Podcast.

Get changed and stay warm with the dryrobe® Advance, the world’s warmest and most versatile change robe. Designed to let you get changed anywhere, the weatherproof outer protects you from elements, whilst the super-warm lining helps you dry quickly. Perfect for all outdoor activities, from elite sporting events to family camping adventures. Made with 100% recycled fabrics.

To check out the full range of dryrobe® products, visit dryrobe.com

Tirol

Book your next Skiing adventure at a Tirol resort! 

Innsbruck – it’s great to be outdoors!

Pure joie de vivre, for an unforgettable holiday in Austria: Between culture and nature, high peaks and low valleys, traditions and trends – no other region combines extreme contrasts with as much charm as Innsbruck.

Here you can travel from the heart of the Tyrolean capital up to the high peaks of the Nordkette mountain range in just 20 minutes, where you can experience this alpine jewel up close and marvel at the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city from above. Or discover alpine-urban style of the Austrian city with little jumps through time from modern architecture to historical buildings.

The city's special old town flair and famous sights are only a breath away from your next ski area or winter hiking experience. An abundance of contrasts in a very small area... Where else can you experience your own personal definition of freedom, from leisurely to demanding, in just one place?

Explore more

Gurgl - Top Quality Skiing in Upper Ötztal.

The Diamond of the Alps shines particularly brightly among Austria's top ski resorts. The combination of premium ski area, upscale hotels and gastronomy as well as top-class events makes it a true insider’s tip for discerning connoisseurs.

At altitudes between 1800 and 3080 meters with absolute snow guarantee, 112 perfectly groomed kilometers of pistes and 25 lifts can be explored - without any waiting times but with picture-perfect panoramas at every turn. Gurgl will start the season as one of the first winter ski areas in the Alps on 17 November 2022.
All skill levels feel at home on the sunny ski slopes above the timberline. Six feeder mountain lifts in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl take skiers quickly and effortlessly up to the ski area.

With a noticeable effect on comfort and freedom for all winter sports enthusiasts.

Explore more

Arlberg - Discover the alpine wonderland 

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the Arlberg region lures adventurers with its breathtaking beauty and exciting outdoor activities. Known as the "cradle of alpine skiing", the Arlberg offers one of the fifth largest ski areas in the world. The resorts of St. Anton, Lech-Zürs and Stuben thus provide an area with pristine deep-snow runs and slopes for all skill levels

Enjoy exquisite Austrian cuisine in rustic mountain huts and the warm hospitality of the locals as you relax after a day on the slopes. The Arlberg is a year-round destination, and in winter it transforms into a snow paradise. Whether you are an avid skier or snowboarder, the powdery slopes of the Arlberg will thrill you.
With its charming Alpine villages and breathtaking mountain panorama, the Arlberg is more than just a destination; it is an experience that combines adrenaline and relaxation in equal measure.

Are you ready to experience the magic of the Arlberg for yourself? Plan your visit today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Book your Arlberg adventure now and be enchanted by the beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Explore more

Ischgl - a paradise for winter sports athletes – and music lovers!

It’s no secret that Ischgl is the go-to destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With guaranteed snow from late November to early May and perfectly groomed slopes, the world-famous ski resort is popular with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Plus, the winter sports hotspot in the Paznaun valley boasts excellent conditions for lots of great off-piste activities, ranging from winter hiking to cross-country skiing and tobogganing. Or how about a laid-back day by the pool at Ischgl’s new Silvretta Therme? To end your day in style, Ischgl features a huge number of excellent restaurants, including many award-winning fine-dining spots.

Explore more

Ski Juwel - Picture-perfect holidays in the heart of Tyrol

At Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau 113 kilometres of varied slopes, 45 lifts, 25 cosy huts and many attractions on the pistes promise a one-of-a-kind skiing holiday. Enjoy your turns on long and wide slopes as well as on more challenging runs. Remember to take a break to take in the magnificent views over the valleys, too. Little skiers especially love skiing down children’s slopes that turn a day of skiing into an exciting experience. Those who can't get enough of skiing during the day have the opportunity to strap on their skis under the night sky – an extraordinary experience you definitely need to try out.

Explore more

Zillertal

Experience Zillertal - Deeply snow-covered slopes against a backdrop of high alpine panoramas, creative culinary delights rooted in tradition, and an almost limitless array of offerings beyond the slopes define the picturesque Zillertal Valley, promising an unforgettable winter vacation.

Zillertal stands as one of the premier winter sports destinations in the Alps. Spanning a total of 544 kilometers of slopes, the Zillertal offers pure snow enjoyment. Whether on splendid family trails or long, sporty valley descents, Away from the slopes, amidst stunning nature, hikes, cross-country skiing experiences, or toboggan rides provide ample variety.

Explore more