This film is not a freeride film, but a documentary about freeriding and how it came about. Extreme skiing is like the Olympic Games: There is an old time; "The White Rush" by Arnold Fank proves this wonderfully.
The new era dawned in the '70s of the last century. Fearless, yet calm and level-headed contemporaries start skiing down the most interesting mountains. The film is guided by the contributions of Doug Coombs. The entire history is knitted around this framework like a spiral. What happened on the Grand Teton in 1971? Bill Briggs - with a damaged hip - fulfills his lifelong dream and achieves what was thought impossible: the first ascent!
At the same time, "life-weary" disciples of steep face climbing were cavorting in the myth-enshrouded Chamonix. Names like the legendary: Anselm Baud, Jean-Marc Boivin or Mr. Vallencant who are shown to us in the film. Last but not least, Stephano De Benedetti [first ascent of the Aiguille blanche] appears, whose motto: the closer you are to death, the clearer what is important becomes - probably characterizes the entire scene. The duo Trevor Peterson and Eric Pehota find their way from the North American continent to Chamonix to follow their dream, steep, steep and steep again. Everyone is aware that sport claims its victims. Every loss is tragic, including that of Doug Coombs, who died in La Grave in 2006.
The latest era in freeride film history is started by Scott Schmid, Glen Plake and Mike Hattrup. Greg Stump captures their skills on celluloid and calls the film: "The Blizzard of Ahhs". We all know what came next. Whether it's the major productions TGR and MSP or the countless smaller ones: every year, new freeride films are released that show the athletes' performances in a more or less appropriate manner. With Seth Morrison, Ingrid Backström, Shane McConkey, Chris Davenport and Stian Hagen, the makers of STEEP portray some of the greatest skiers of our time.
All in all, I at least miss the mention of names like Heini Holzer and Tone Valeruz. The Matterhorn East Face as well as Canale Holzer are on the list of these gentlemen!
As a conclusion, one can confidently say:
The film is a must, even for bookworms who have nothing to do with skiing or even mountains. A first-class documentary that portrays a small group of great-thinking people.
Duration: approx.90 min
Price: 17.95 euros