La Liste

La Liste is a thrilling documentary film following the journey of professional free ride skier Jeremy Heitz, as he embarks on a transformative expedition to conquer 15 of the most captivating mountains in the Alps.

The 2016 film, directed by Guido Perrini, brings audiences along on an incredible journey, showcasing Heitz's resolve and bravery to redefine the standards of steep skiing. Across a 120-minute runtime, La Liste brilliantly captures the incredible majity of alpine landscapes along with the danger and adrenaline attached to the high-risk sport of free ride skiing.

The film’s narrative is centered on Heitz's relentless pursuit of mastering Alps' slopes, some with gradients as steep as 50-55 degrees. It follows the searing track of his skis, as he navigates the treacherous terrains of these colossal Alpine summits reaching over 4,000 meters. The stunning visual display afforded by aerial, wide-angle shots gives viewers glimpses of the peaks that challenge and insite Heitz.

One of the most captivating elements of La Liste is the authenticity of its filming, with entire sequences shot in rugged, remote locations and an array of weather conditions. The film creates an immersive experience, often making viewers feel as though they are perched alongside Heitz on the edge of these dramatic precipices. It manages to convey the unforgiving and perilous nature of the mountains while simultaneously displaying their breathtaking beauty.

The movie highlights not just Heitz's physical strength and endurance, but also his mental toughness and preparation, providing a valuable peek into his training regimen and approach towards the sport. Interviews with Heitz spread throughout the film offer insights into his internal journey, his fears and motivations, creating an emotional connection and allowing audiences to understand the conviction required to undertake such ventures.

Beyond Heitz, La Liste features a range of notable figures in the world of skiing. This includes the expert Swiss mountain guide Samuel Anthamattan, providing both professional and personal support to Heitz throughout his journey. There’s a shared history in the film, with anecdotes, stories, and footage of pioneering skiers from the past, such as Sylvain Saudan, who pioneered steep skiing in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Heitz's adventure stands as a respectful homage to these trailblazers while pushing the boundaries of the sport to heights they could have only dreamt of.

The particular emphasis is on the transition in free ride skiing techniques over the years, from ‘traditional’ free ride, that involves careful, controlled descents, to Heitz's audacious, high-speed style that mirrors the evolution of extreme skiing towards more performance-oriented, spectacle-filled approaches.

The gripping soundtrack in the backdrop fuels the intensity of the visuals, oscillating between serene compositions during tranquil, scenic moments and pulsating scores during high-octane ski descents.

Though La Liste may primarily appeal to aficionados of extreme winter sports, the depths of human spirit, fear, ambition, and breathtaking natural spectacle depicted make this film a compelling watch for any audience. Its provide an opportunity to reflect upon our connection with nature. It poses questions about what drives us to confront our fears and circumstances in pursuit of our passions and the ever-present human need to push beyond perceived boundaries.

With its combination of breathtaking cinematography, authentic character depictions, and a thrilling storyline, La Liste serves as a riveting exploration of extreme skiing that encapsulates the raw beauty and danger of some of the world's most rugged terrains. It's a stunning tribute to the sport's past, present, and future—a blend of awe-inspiring scenery, captivating storytelling, and action-packed sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seat from start to finish.