Backcountry Invitational

Documentary — Sport

Nendaz Freeride

Backcountry Invitational

The Nendaz Backcountry Invitational is a ski competition that brings together the worlds of freeride and freestyle. Unlike many events in modern skiing, its course features both manmade and natural elements, creating a freeride-inspired event infused with freestyle energy. The face blends cliffs and rollovers with perfectly shaped kickers, all offering soft landings thanks to the deep snow covering the mountains of Nendaz, Switzerland.
The result is a spectacular show where world-class athletes push their limits in an atmosphere that balances performance, creativity, and camaraderie. Born in Nendaz, the concept has grown since 2026 into a multi-stop World Tour, with The North Face as its main partner.

Our Project

To create a 26-minute documentary that reveals the behind-the-scenes spirit and raw intensity of this extraordinary event.
A passion project led by Jonathan — and a pure expression of our love for mountain storytelling and sports cinematography.

Our Approach

The film is built around testimonies captured directly on the field — during the event and its preparation. We deliberately moved away from the classic structure of formal interviews illustrated by B-roll. Instead, we chose to let the mountain, weather, and real moments drive the narrative. This approach conveys the unique energy of the elements, the terrain, and the true emotions lived by the riders.
A raw, immersive storytelling style that mirrors the authenticity of the event itself.

End Note

A homegrown film, produced in record time — and one we’re incredibly proud of. Shot in just three days, with post-production wrapped in four weeks.

The response exceeded our expectations

  • A captivated audience at the film’s cinema premiere in Lausanne
  • Broadcast through Quattro Media on international sports channels
  • Selected for the High Five Festival 2025, where it was nominated for an award

Beyond the result, this film carries a deep emotional resonance. It stands as a tribute to Eliot Dänzer, who tragically passed away in an avalanche a few months after the shoot.

Credits

  • Director

    Jonathan Viey

  • Production house

    Krew

  • Cameramen

    Jim Rathe
    Julien Christe
    Léo Berner
    Jonathan Viey
    Pascal Giordani

  • FPV drone

    Hensli Sage
    Stéphane Guigné

  • Editing

    Jonathan Viey

  • Photographer

    Lévy Loye

  • Graphic designer

    Iris Moine

  • Head of event

    Cyril Lanfranchi

Services

  • Storytelling

    Conceptualization & Storytelling
    Art direction
    Copywriting

  • Film production

    Film production
    Editing
    Color grading
    Subtitles
Next:Nendaz Freeride
Event — Sport