Nikolai Schirmer might be one of the most prolific creators on the planet. Seriously! There are very few people who star in the same projects they direct and edit. Especially when staring in the project means skiing surreal lines in remote stretches of the world. With over 145,000 subscribers on YouTube, Schirmer has managed to tap into an audience that goes beyond big mountain skiing and appeals to people from all walks of life. His talent as a skier, filmmaker and storyteller cannot be understated.
Sam Favret is another legend in his own right. Schirmer describes him as ‘the tank—a powder machine of skiing.’ Seems to be a pretty accurate description. With a limited competition career and an expansive film archive, it’s easy to see why Favret and Schirmer would be a fitting duo. (Check out the short film “Flow” to see one example of why we love Favret’s projects.) Their knowledge of the mountains goes beyond skiing and into the realm of mountaineering.
Now these two titans of freeride have united to try and tame the lines in a remote stretch of Schirmer’s home country, with neither of them directing and both focusing on the skiing. In the upper reaches of Norway, the mountains emerge right from the sea. The coast is dotted with fishing villages as the trees disappear only a few hundred meters above sea level. This is the arctic north. It’s hostile and cold, but the adventure to reach these majestic lines beckons skiers.
This film does an incredible job of immersing the viewer in the experience that goes behind these lines. Favret refers to the journey as ‘meditative’ several times throughout the film, and it’s easy to see why. The planning and navigation, both before and throughout the expedition, require nothing short of presentness in order to succeed. Don’t just take our word for it. “The Draconians” took home Short Film of the Year at the High Five Festival. Of course, it’s even more impressive that the two ski with the utmost style and finesse, making it all the more entrancing. Press play and enter the world of “The Draconians.”
From YouTube –
Sam Favret joined Nikolai Schirmer at his home in the far north of Norway to discover the secrets of narrow couloirs descended at full throttle, slopes that plunge straight down to the sea and days that push back the nights.
Credits:
Skiers – Sam Favret & Nikolai Schirmer
Director – Maxime Moulin
Production – Clustr Films
Executive production – Flo Bastien
Presented by – Black Crows Skis
