10.03.2010

Matthias Haunholder: His Austrian Crew & Film Project

Needless to say, one of the intriguing sights in Squaw Valley during the Nissan Tram Face was the RV parked outside the staff house that disappeared every morning to return every evening. The mysterious visitors were no other than Matthias Haunholder and his crew. After spending the first night with no heat in freezing temperatures, they found electricity at our humble abode. Camping in the mountains of California in the middle of winter might seem a bit out there to some, but their RV was not just a simple place to stay, but a mobile means to continue their film project “Up & Down”.
NISSAN TRAM FACE 2010 SQUAW VALL
NISSAN TRAM FACE 2010 SQUAW VALL
NISSAN TRAM FACE 2010 SQUAW VALL
NISSAN TRAM FACE 2010 SQUAW VALL
NISSAN TRAM FACE 2010 SQUAW VALLEY / D.DAHER
NISSAN TRAM FACE 2010 SQUAW VALL

Matthias, aka Hauni, was quite skeptical of travelling in a motor home at first, but admits that there is everything you need… power, water, a kitchen. He would definitely considerate again for future projects. “It’s great to drive around with your bed!”

“After filming at our home resorts around Salzburg, we are on a road trip in the US. The main reason why we are here is the 3rd FWT stop. Matthias Mayr, Andy the Cam and I are travelling with a motor home. This will be part of our movie, showing the preparation for the Contest, the comp itself and additionally how freeskiers live is in an RV.”

Their project, “Up & Down”, is not just a standard ski movie, yet a documentary style film packed with action. Not only is the title a metaphor for ways of physically getting up the mountain to enjoy the adrenaline rush of coming down, yet also the emotional roller coaster of a season of freeride.  From intense days of competition to down days just gazing out the window waiting for good conditions. 

Matthias experienced some ups and downs during the competition in California. He had a great first run where he was in fourth place, but had a hard landing in a flat area that strained his back. He was not able to perform a second run, thus ended up in 10th place. He took a couple of days to recover before filming.

From Squaw Valley, the crew headed to Skeena, Canada to shoot the heliski portion of the film. Then, they will head to Switzerland to reach the top of a glacier by plane followed by a snowmobile session in Lappland, Sweden.

The principle skiers featured in the film are Matthias Mayr, Sascha Schmid, Matthias Haunholder. There will also be guest appearances by Glen Plake, Sara Orrensjö, Matthias Giraud (Ski-basejump) and maybe a few others. The movie is funded by Almdudler, Sweet, Salzburgerland, Atomic, Elan, ABS, Pieps and will be distributed in Europe and will be featured in outdoor film festivals as well as a dedicated movie tour.

For more info, check out www.hauni.at





 

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