Switzerland and Canada share many things in common; high alpine peaks, red and white flags, and deep powder. Although they are separated by the Atlantic ocean, longtime friends Sami Ortlieb and Rob Heule unite to bring you a shared ski experience from the ski lifts and backcountry of their respective homes in Glarus (CH) and Alberta (CAN).
This film was part of VIMFF 2023, VIMFF 2023 Tour and is no longer available for viewing.
Sämi Ortlieb is unconventional. His avowed spiritual teacher is a cat, and with his own unique skiing style and dislike of self-promotion, Ortlieb is something of an enigma in the ski world. Originally from Glarus, Switzerland, Ortlieb has quietly been producing some of the most creative segments in skiing over the past few years. Not only a unique talent on skis, he is also an artist, a designer, a filmmaker and member of a hardcore punk band. His ski films portray the true soul of the sport with a do-it-yourself mentality and a sense of community. His films include, Birds Brigade (2017), Glacier Days (2018), Water World Park Segment (2019), Maneuvers (2020), and adVENNture (2022).
Rob is a Skier and Artist who calls the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta home. He enjoys chopping firewood for his wood stove, walking his dog, and spending his days in the mountains on skis.