In the Tracks of the First

In the Tracks of the First is a gripping documentary that effortlessly blends the thrill of extreme winter sports with the profound reverence for history. Starring extreme skier Matthias Mayr and freeride skier Matthias Haunholder, the film explores their ambitious quest to retrace the ski routes that some of the earliest alpine explorers embarked upon. This cinematic journey offers viewers an exciting blend of adrenaline-charged winter sports, unspoiled mountain landscapes, and a fascinating brush with alpine history.

The plot follows Mayr, a world-renowned professional skier with multiple World Ski Awards under his belt, and Haunholder, a former World Champion Freerider. Both athletes do not only take on rugged, untrodden ski routes but also delve into the history of skiing, attempting to recreate the legendary paths forged by undeterred adventurers. This journey in the footsteps of the earliest mountain pioneers is at the central theme of this engaging narrative.

Throughout the course of the film, the duo encounters towering snowy peaks and perilous cliffs straight out of unexplored territories, posing a severe test of their abilities. Though the pair are veterans of extreme skiing, the treacherous terrain they face in this venture often leaves them questioning their decisions. Coupled with unpredictable weather patterns, they interact with nature in its rawest form, resulting in a few close calls that are edge-of-the-seat viewing.

A significant aspect of In the Tracks of the First lies in its remarkable cinematography. The magnificence of the untouched landscapes captured in the film truly pays homage to the unyielding beauty of the mountains, a factor that likely played a significant role in inspiring the first ski adventurers. High-altitude drone shots, in particular, offer a stunning bird's-eye view, creating a sense of both vertigo and vastness.

But In the Tracks of the First does more than highlight the physical challenges of skiing; it digs deep into the psyche of these athletes, as they toe the line between fear and determination. The documentary does an excellent job detailing how the two skiers balance their physical prowess with mental tenacity, exploring the complex matrix of emotions that come with taking on such extreme adventures.

Likewise, the film becomes more than just adventure and sports. As the title suggests, it works its way into the annals of skiing history, chronicling the exploits of some of the earliest pioneers in the sport, adding richness and context to the challenges the two athletes take on. It attempts to convey the love affair these sportsmen have with history, their admiration for those who braved the same paths before them, and their desire to be a part of that legacy.

What sets In the Tracks of the First apart is that the underlying narrative of the film springs from a deep respect for the pioneers of alpine skiing, one that goes beyond personal achievement or the thrill of the venture. The film, through its depictions of their training, preparations, challenges, and trials, reveals the essence of what drives these men - not just the drive to conquer nature, but a deep desire to connect with those who tread those paths before them.

Moreover, Mayr and Haunholder's camaraderie and dynamic provide another layer of depth to the film. Their relationship, teetering between healthy competition and brotherly camaraderie, provides a touch of human warmth against the vast, cold expanse of the alpine landscape.

The film, therefore, does an excellent job of capturing the sense of history that forms the backbone of these adventures. It's a gripping exploration of the sheer exhilarity of skiing, the fascinating history behind the sport, and the spirit of those who dare to brave the unforgiving landscapes time and again.

In the Tracks of the First meditations on the past and the parallels it draws with the present make it an exquisitely emotional and thrilling cinematic experience. It indeed serves as a tribute to the spirit and courage of pioneers, offering viewers an exciting intersection of sports, history, and adventure cinema.