Product Description

STEEP is about bold adventure, exquisite athleticism and the pursuit of a perfect moment on skis. It is the story of big mountain skiing, a sport that barely existed 35 years ago. It started in the 1970s in the mountains above Chamonix, France, where skiers began to attempt ski descents so extreme that they appeared almost suicidal. Men like Anselme Baud and Patrick Vallencant were inspired by the challenge of skiing where noone thought to ski before. Now, two generations later, some of the world's greatest skiers pursue a sport where the prize is not winning, but simply experiencing the exhilaration of skiing and exploring big, wild, remote mountains.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2345 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-12-26
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 88 minutes

Synopsis
Narrated by SIX FEET UNDER's Peter Krause, STEEP is an exciting examination of the dangerous sport of extreme skiing. The film was written and directed by Mark Obenhaus, a journalism veteran who has spent more than 30 years working on incisive television documentaries (including at ABC News with Peter Jennings, to whom the film is dedicated), STEEP follows the exploits of a dozen current and former adventure skiers who have risked their lives to ski down remote mountains where no one has skied before. They take helicopters and climb mountains to reach the points at which they head downhill, with no signs or nicely carved paths to lead them on their way. They never know when they're going to come across a tree, a rock, or even a cliff as they slice down breathtaking vistas.
Obenhaus, who also serves as one of the executive producers of the film, captures amazing runs in British Columbia, France, Iceland, Wyoming, and Alaska, featuring such athletes as Doug Coombs, Chris Davenport, Ingrid Backstrom, Shane McConkey, Andrew McLean, and Seth Morrison. Older legends such as Anselme Baud, Bill Briggs, and Stefano De Benedetti discuss the origins of the sport and are seen in archival footage alongside the newer generation, who is constantly trying to top itself by attempting the seemingly impossible. Influenced by the films of Warren Miller and THE BLIZZARD OF AAHHH'S, STEEP follows these thrill-seekers who live for danger, including one of them who actually dies doing the thing he loved best. Anton Sanko's score propels the remarkable action, along with songs by Quien es, BOOM!, and Low.

Review
There's no denying the beauty of the landscape with its fluttering avalanches and vertiginous, zigzagging descents --Guardian

Review
Combining numbing personal testimony and jaw-dropping footage of advanced mountain hurtling --Guardian Guide

Customer Reviews

Snow & Mountains.....what more could you want
Steep is an excellent documentary story about various individuals and their quest for the perfect big mountain experience. It's got the usual array of jaw-dropping shots of skiers dropping down mountain sides that would reduce the average skier to tears and visually it's pretty spectacular. What makes this film different to most that have come before is the quality of the commentary and interviews. It feels like you're going on a journey with the people involved. Some of it's a history lesson, some of it's about where they are now and some of it's pretty tragic, but it's always interesting to follow.

If you're thing is skiing/snowboarding you'll not want to miss it. But be warned, you'll probably be reaching for a brochure and booking a holiday as soon as you get to the final credits because you WILL want to be there!!

The version I got included the film "Blizzard of Aahhhs" on a second DVD. This is THE classic off-piste film that really put this type of film on the map. If you haven't seen it you'll want to. It's showing it's age these days, but it's a very worthwhile addition and is a nice addition to the package. Look out for some seriously retro outfits....

Steep
The best ski movie I have ever seen. No silly soundtracks, no inane interviews - just amazing skiing and a wonderful mini history of the extreme, told by some of the people involved. The sections in Chamonix and Alaska are breathtaking.

A must see for any Big Mountain ski fans!!!
Steep is a must see for any Big Mountain ski fans!
I found it utterly inspiring, from the amazing camera work to the unbelievable level of skiing, it made my hair stand on end from start to finish.

Plus Blizzard of Aahhhs is a great little extra, I loved watching Glen Plake rip on those massive old 2.3m tooth picks!!


RIP Shane McConkey