As the full moon set over the Humboldt Mountains (and before the sun rose over the Richardson Mountains), our guides Janina Kuzma and Thomas Vialletet met us in Glenorchy. Tom was our lead guide and would focus on helping Jess reach her full potential when skiing; Janina, the team’s second guide, would focus on supporting the creative crew on the mountain.
3
mins read
Day 1 in the snow: at the Kelly Hut
published
December 14, 2022
location
NEW ZEALAND
discipline
Skiing
Day 1 in the snow: at the Kelly Hut
day 1 snow hero image
Day 1 in the snow: at the Kelly Hut
published
December 14, 2022
location
NEW ZEALAND
discipline
Skiing
3
mins read
“Like with our sailing shoot, we can control everything but the weather – and, just like a sailing shoot, the weather is everything in a ski shoot.”
Over strong coffee, the team analyzed the shot list, weather, and Google Earth images of the area. Before heading up, we wanted to have a vague understanding of what might (and might not) be possible. Thanks to the current spring-like conditions, a storm heading in on Monday evening, and dwindling snow conditions, we suspected we might have less time than originally anticipated. We needed to make sure that we had a plan as soon as we hit the ground. Like with our sailing shoot, we can control everything but the weather – and, just like a sailing shoot, the weather is everything in a ski shoot.
Day 1 carousel 1 image 2
Day 1 ski carousel 1 image 1
When we arrived at the Kelly Hut it was safe to say that the photos of the place did not do it justice. Situated at the base of Mt. Larkins, the Kelly Hut has 360° views of steep alpine terrain. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Crown Range – the mountains that border Wanaka. To the north, you can see Mt. Earnslaw. With the exception of the occasional ski helicopter or low-flying scenic plane, the entire area is hugged in silence. Match all of this with one bar of cell phone service 200 feet from the hut, and it truly felt like we were offshore – an experience that feels nothing but rare in this day and age.
Day 1 ski carousel 2
We spent quite a bit of time on top of this little peak behind the hut. We were in a holding pattern for the snow to soften a bit, and we also needed to spend time studying the mountain. Similar to sailing, the guides act like a navigator, and they work line by line, sketching out the vertical face for potential runs. They’re taking into consideration the area’s historical data, recent weather information, the current wind situation, what’s seen on the surface, and what could be lurking just beneath the surface of the snow. The guides are also monitoring the risk potential – avalanche probability, rock fall, and (with the warming day) a breaking cornice. Just like in offshore sailing, the potential risks are endless. Despite the anticipation of wanting to get skiing, we all knew that we’d be rewarded with our patience.
Drag
After completing interviews and lunch, we sent Jess, Janina, Tom, and Mickey up the mountain to hit a line just before sunset. Knowing the sunset light would be extra special (the perks of a cloudless sky!) we decided that even if the snow wasn’t great, getting a big line checked off the list would help us understand more about what conditions we were working with. After all, you can only stand at the bottom of the mountain for so long…
The foursome skinned up until it got too steep then switched over to boots and crampons to navigate the final steep section. All in all the climb took the small team about an hour. Even though Jess said she preferred a slow pace, her pace was quite speedy!
As the full moon set over the Humboldt Mountains (and before the sun rose over the Richardson Mountains), our guides Janina Kuzma and Thomas Vialletet met us in Glenorchy. Tom was our lead guide and would focus on helping Jess reach her full potential when skiing; Janina, the team’s second guide, would focus on supporting the creative crew on the mountain.
No items found.
Over strong coffee, the team analyzed the shot list, weather, and Google Earth images of the area. Before heading up, we wanted to have a vague understanding of what might (and might not) be possible. Thanks to the current spring-like conditions, a storm heading in on Monday evening, and dwindling snow conditions, we suspected we might have less time than originally anticipated. We needed to make sure that we had a plan as soon as we hit the ground. Like with our sailing shoot, we can control everything but the weather – and, just like a sailing shoot, the weather is everything in a ski shoot.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
As the full moon set over the Humboldt Mountains (and before the sun rose over the Richardson Mountains), our guides Janina Kuzma and Thomas Vialletet met us in Glenorchy. Tom was our lead guide and would focus on helping Jess reach her full potential when skiing; Janina, the team’s second guide, would focus on supporting the creative crew on the mountain.
No items found.
Previously unseen
ABOUT THE PROJECT
To highlight the connection between water and sports, we’ve brought together an internationally renowned freediver, a world champion freeskier, and professional offshore sailing team. Like water, these athletes move in unison with their mind, body, and the present moment. Together, these athletes bring to life their fullest expressions– like water, they flow.
ABOUT THE TEAM
We chose athletes who are not only the best at what they do but also align with 11th Hour Racing’s mission to protect and restore the ocean. We hired local storytelling teams who are also some of the best in the world. Each part of the production was carefully considered to come together as one holistic story.
