All Photographs: Frederik Kalbermatten | Skier: Elisabeth Gerritzen
Not like most sports activities, knowledgeable skier has no set route. They may dive into the world of competitors, construct their life across the reliability of sponsors and broadcasts, after which fully pivot into the unknown and belief that their craft and keenness will present the best way. That’s precisely what freeride legend Elisabeth Gerritzen has achieved over the course of her profession. If it feels like an unnerving path, that’s as a result of it has been, as Gerritzen divulges within the newest episode of Faction Skis’ Portrait collection.
A product of the formidable traces in Verbier, Switzerland, Gerritzen spent seven years competing on the Freeride World Tour gaining international recognition and prowess amongst her friends. However inside, a special battle was raging, one which we’ve all felt at one time or one other. “Oftentimes I had hassle making sense of all of it.. as a result of I felt like I used to be a part of the system that I used to be criticizing very a lot, so it felt very hypocritical,” Gerritzen instructed Faction.
It’s pure to really feel engulfed or trapped in your work, and as we study right here, that emotion can prolong to professional skiers, too. However as is at all times the case, what you’re doing is much less essential than the way you’re doing it. For Gerritzen, this meant utilizing her platform to talk up concerning the causes and points she believes in. She was and is decided to be extra than simply an athlete. That riotous spirit is embedded in who she is, and fellow Faction riders Sam Anthamatten, Andrew Pollard and Sophia Rouches verify this time and time once more all through the movie.
“It was f*cking enjoyable,” Gerritzen stated when elaborating on her time on The Tour. “However for the longest time… I used to be following practice tracks. And now, every thing is sort of up within the air and I’m determining ‘Who am I? What am I doing?’ It’s a pleasant feeling.” Whereas these query marks could be daunting, they could be a supply of liberation as properly. And for Eli, as she’s affectionately recognized, the questions, opinions and concepts appear countless, which is what makes her so particular.
Dive into the thoughts of this freeski darkish horse within the full movie beneath. Shoutout to Blue Max Media and Etienne Mérel for as soon as once more delivering unparalleled storytelling within the vast world of snowboarding. Be sure you benefit from the full picture gallery beneath for extra stellar photographs from Frederik Kalbermatten.
From YouTube:
She rose to fame on the worldwide freeride stage with daring line decisions and unwavering willpower.
Within the second episode of the Portraits brief movie collection, Unfiltered, we mirror on Elisabeth Gerritzen’s exceptional aggressive snowboarding profession. After a 7 12 months marketing campaign on the Freeride World Tour, Elisabeth—fondly generally known as “Eli”— gained the crown in 2021. At what appeared like the height of her profession, it spurred on a soul seek for what competing really meant for her.
Along with her using friends in tow, Unfiltered captures Elisabeth at a turning level of her profession, as she charts a path past competitors. Armed along with her freeskiing mastery and a frank worldview that’s as sharp as her ski edges, Eli’s snowboarding journey is much from completed.
A co-production with Blue Max Media
Directed by Etienne Mérel
That includes appearances by Faction athletes Sam Anthamatten, Andrew Pollard and Sophia Rouches
Shot on location within the Swiss Alps
Eli rides the Mana 3 EG on this movie — Purchase now
