POGO - The Hidden Faces of Romania | Short Ski Movie

In "Pogo," skiers Loïc Isliker and Paul de Groot venture to Romania, driven by curiosity about a local skier's unwavering love for his mountains. The journey transforms their perspective, revealing that the mountains' magic lies not just in skiing but in the human connections they form.
Partners:
- Arc'teryx www.arcteryx.com
- Salomon www.salomon.com
- MK Skiservice www.mkskiservice.nl
- Poederbaas poederbaas.com
Director: Loïc Isliker
Co-Director: Paul de Groot
Editor: Loïc Isliker
Originator: Paul de Groot
Cinematography: Loïc Isliker
Skiers: Loïc Isliker, Paul de Groot and Paul Popescu
Music: Studio Bassoon
Sound design: Casper Vlek
Colorist: Davey A. Rietmeijer
Instagram:
Loïc Isliker: / loicisliker
Paul de Groot: / pauldegrootfreeskier
Paul Popescu: / pogo8125

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

With heavy hearts, we learned that Paul Popescu (Pogo) passed away in an avalanche on 16-02-2024 on his favourite face “Alaska” in Balea Lac. This movie can now be seen as a tribute to Pogo. Our Thoughts go out to his family and close friends. Thank you Pogo you all inspired us and we truly going to miss you, rest in peace buddy.

[@mirceamaharea8637]

Ride with the angels now, buddy !

[@EchipMont]

Rest in peace, Pogo! 😢 Thank you @HiddenFaces for making him be known to the world

[@gtyah]

Jeeesus Christ! So sorry for him and people close to him. Ride in peace!

[@EmyBernhard]

Ride in peace, @pogo.

[@mariuspersa3970]

He is my cousin and I know that’s not the end…love you buddy wherever you are ❤

[@andreyroba]

Goosebumps. Knew him personally, we were friends when we were kids. Paul choose different than the most of us, a true free spirit. Now I miss him a lot. RIP Legend.

[@dalezian]

"I hope i will be living till a hundred years and skiing all the way and beaing healthy an share this thing with my buddies." Rest in peace POGO!

[@AlexandraAstileanu]

When I was in highschool, Pogo was a good friend. He really loved the mountains... He was so kind, genuine and very welcoming. Always wore mountain boots and a trekking backpack. Seeing this video, I see he never changed... My heart goes out to all the family and friends, in this incredibly difficult time. May he rest peacefully.

[@88mariangeo]

Unfortunately, with sadness in our hearts, Pogo left this world today! An avalanche buried him alive while doing what he loved, skiing. RIP Pogo 😢

[@LilianaGuta]

😢😢😢😢

[@mihaicomiati]

Rip pogo

[@devilswrk_9137]

From where do you have this information?

[@ionasovidiu4082]

Rip Pogo😢

[@raultamas8467]

He was an amazing guy, sadly he died from the impact with the rocks. However, let us remember how he lived and what a great man he was.

[@user-ug6xy4vz1q]

Please name the place or the chalet after him. He was a beautiful, free spirit. RIP Pogo. Fly free.....

[@didi08833]

Angels don't die... People won't forget you, Pogo. You are a hero❤️ Watch over us from above, beautiful soul. Keep riding man! Keep riding!

[@cristinaberci493]

I first met him in 5th grade. We have been colleagues throughout middle and high school. He was always with mountain boots and a backpack. Always full of life and energy and with a shining smile on his face. RIP, buddy! 😢

[@BucoBucolini]

"Cheers buddies, yeah" I love that guy. PS I just read that Pogo lost his life... It's amazing how much good energy that guy radiated. I feel sadness as if I lost a friend. That's what he could do, you watch him for a few minutes and he makes you care about him. Wow, hard to believe...This world lost one giant soul and a shining light. So sorry for his family. Thank you to Hidden Faces for making the world aware of Pogo, he was undoubtedly one of the kindest people on planet Earth. You made so many people love you through this movie, dear Pogo. We'll never forget you ❤️

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Classic Pogo sentence! We love the guy as well

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

❤❤

[@istratetm]

You captured perfectly in a few sentences what kind of human Paul was. A joy to be around him and a genuine, kind soul. We will miss him but hope to meet again. May God rest his soul!

[@BucoBucolini]

@@istratetm ❤️

[@dhanyrafael]

[@benlazar6017]

I’m so happy you made this. I’m an American of Romanian descent (my Great Grandfather immigrated to the US). I’m also a skier with a huge interest in backcountry terrain. It’s my dream to summit Moldoveanu (tallest peak in Romania) and then make a ski descent. This film fuels my dream even more. Thank you.

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Happy to hear this. Sounds like a beautiful challenge!

[@DaniZeAlmighty]

As a romanian, I love mountains full of snow

[@mihaijivan1904]

Devotament pentru a salva vietile oamenilor care se afla in pericol , job ,pasiune , foarte mult curaj.RESPECT.

[@quToniK]

Well... That's a life lesson if i ever saw one ! R.I.P. buddy ! You may sky down to earth now , whenever you wish .

[@mtbro4409]

Awesome! I am from the region and I love snowboarding but I have never had the chance to have such a perspective over Fagaras mountains and the potential for freeriding! Pogo is a living legend, kudos guys for this video!

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

This is so awesome to hear. The mountains you guys have over there are really special. There is sooo much more to ski, it's endless. We will be back!

[@officialCrisS]

R.I.P beautiful soul 😢 This is the best video what I saw about our beautiful mountains!

[@dorufodorean7535]

I fell sorry for him. As one that has skied those mountains since the late 80s, I must say that I'm not necessarily surprised than one more fellow skier lost his life there. Those mountains claim someone's life almost every year. And some of them were friends. Or people we knew well. Rest in peace!

[@zexandrei]

RIP Pogo. Maybe he didn't get to live 100 years as he wanted. But, how many can say they died smiling doing what they love? 🥹🥹🥹 God bless Bogo!

[@leovictim2392]

He lived more than others do in 50 years

[@user-cv3kx9fp8y]

MULȚUMESC! pentru acest film care este un omagiu adus unui compatriot de excepție! Un film sobru, bărbătesc cu peisaje și oameni de o forță și frumusețe ireală. Mulțumesc Domnule Pogo. Ești născut să fi POGO DOMNUL MUNȚILOR!

[@sylvesterSD]

We are so grateful for your work and exceptional production with the amazing Pogo. YOU guys helped put Romania on the freeride map. Too many people have no idea what heaven we have over here and how much we underestimate our playground. Cheers buddy ! 🤙

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

This means a lot to us. Thank you so much for these kind words

[@sylvesterSD]

We will forever cherish him in our hearts and minds. He was a legend and always will ! his impact, inspiration and energy will always be remembered ! see you on the other side, buddy !

[@johandupont5496]

I need a Pogo in my life

[@TomAbbottsWorld]

I think this is your best one yet, such a great character. I didn’t know I needed to go to Romania!

[@tavitavi887]

Rest in peace! Unfortunately you left too soon and we'll miss your presence in Balea, your home and playground. Loved your style and joy of being in the powder! And to all our fellow riders, stay safe out there, it's a beautiful but wild place, that's why Fagaras is unique!

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Nice Loic! Good work on this!

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Thank you Niko! It was a really fun one ;)

[@velogolo]

Great guy, great movie. When i was 6 years old, in the 80ies, we used to go skiing at Bâlea Lac, i remember taking the cabin, or not taking it because it was out of service as many things that time in romania 😂 I remember walking through the tunnel, staying at the lodge and skiing contests on slopes that our dads prepared with their manpower. We had soooo much fun and watching this movie brought all thes good memories back. Pogo, mulțumesc mult, cind o sa ma întorc la Bâlea o sa te caut si o sa spun buna ziua 😊

[@alexiamountain]

How beautiful this was made and with how much passion he lived! Rest in peace, hope you get to see more beautiful mountains on the other side!❤

[@afg5375]

RIP Pogo ! you died in the pow that you loved ! keep freeriding in Heavens Above !

[@stumpy25lbs]

Great film (again!) - I didn't even know Romania had any skiing.. 🤦🏼‍♂ Thanks guys! 🤘🏼🙏🏼

[@boatlocal8459]

one of your best episodes! what a cool guy Pogo!

[@mateiacd]

The recording starting from 10:44 is more than words can describe, ... breathtaking!

[@bilgyno1]

You guys have the best free/tour skiing channel on KZbin by far! And I really like this new type of "hidden face"! Not just the mountains, but also the people in lesser known places. I've always preferred the smaller and lesser known places over the mass resorts and Romania + Ukraine are definitely on my wish list!

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Thank you so much man! You totally got it right ;)

[@ionelionicaful]

Dumnezeu sa te ierte daca are de ce. Multumim pentru tot ce ai facut!

[@lucasmensink8001]

Love this movie! Great skiing and filmmaking as always with hidden faces and Pogo's story gave the whole thing that little bit extra. Also appreciatie how you show how beautiful the mountains of Romania are.

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Thank you Lucas!

[@spotCJ]

Every year I think you can’t do any better and yet again you blow me away. Production quality, story and vibe all top notch. Keep it coming guys!

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Thank you so much man! We are so ready for a new season :)

[@alexandruteslaru6250]

Very nice video. As for Pogo... seems the mountain gave him everything he could've ever wished for....and then took everything back...all at once. Odihneasca-se in pace.

[@koenhoitsma]

Simply amazing!! Love the storytelling and astonishing shots of you guys skiing the untouched Romanian mountains, once again a unique production🔥

[@user-sm7oe1vs1c]

Wow Loic and Paul. I love it! Heroes!

[@dublude]

]Saddened to hear about Pogo, he had a passion I'd wish to see more of in this country.

[@AndreasScharl]

Best episode yet. Makes me want to go to Romania and hang out with Pogo right now. just had acl surgery though and I'm out for the season, but hopefully will visit Romania sometime soon!

[@firstprototype]

I heard about pogo, i use to work for free at Salvamont = mountain rescue, is nice to finally put a face to this name 😊 Great documentary 👏 Thank you for sharing, with ❤from 🇷🇴✌ Rip 🙏 🕊 brother ,you will never be forgotten and I'm sure you will be our spiritual guide on the mountains ⛰ The people who knew you will remember you ✨ 😢😭✌

[@WaechterDerNacht]

Great video! Just last week i was randomly watching at other european mountain ranges besides the alps and lyngen alps that should have good skiing... I ended up looking at Romania for like 2 hrs.

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Hahaha I mean, it is definitely worth going. It's so sick over there

[@jeppej4265]

So much good lines! Didn't know Romania had those kind of mountains! Would be cool to see you explore Norway some year? Having all the elevation next to the see is just a site to behold not to mention all the great skiing!

[@Aptster1939]

Just too wild and incredible. I am 84 my ski days are over but I had some good ones ! You guys go too fast. Make tighter turns, figure eights!! Best I did was the Bugaboos in 1969!

[@kovacseduard7061]

Godspeed Paul Popescu "Pogo"

[@andreipalcau4525]

Yeah buddy! BIG UP FOR POGO! 🎿🎿🎿

[@oliverbirau5078]

Dumnezeu sa te odihneasca in pace, Pogo!

[@alessia155]

Big up guys for the movie! And big up Pogo for being such a inspiring skier! Proud to know you, cheers!

[@stefangonzo]

Wow. This one is special. And the mountains are excellent too.

[@stevendevos3598]

Awesome! Really enjoyed seeing you both and this new experience in Pogo. It's cool how a trip focused on skiing can turn into a journey of personal connections and new perspectives. Let's gooo.

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Yeah man, it really was a special trip

[@OutdoorExperience.101]

Excellent filming, landscapes and team... I live in Brașov and there are a lot of places for ski touring in the area - the Ciucaș mountains, the Bucegi mountains, the Baiului mountains and of course the Făgăraș mountains. Thank you for the promotion and advertising of touring and freeriding skiing in Romania. All the best guys! Be safe! (what do you think of palinca? 😁)

[@ana-do3lm]

Wow Pogo îs a greate guy and Romania îs beautiful.Congragelacions for all You are doing

[@silvias2828]

Great reminder to sky where u are supposed to, otherwise u seek death and find it. Love your life, don't die.

[@rucsylina]

Thank you @HiddenFacesEpisodes for accepting Pogo's invitation to come visit the Romanian mountains and with this occasion for sharing his beautiful spirit in a magical clip that will remain forever in the mountain lovers community 🤍 "I give you this one thought to keep - I am with you still - I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still - in each new dawn." ~ Prayer by Robin Drummond

[@mihaimoiceanu3010]

Excellent story, excellent guy Pogo and you are also making a great job. Congrats! Ma bucur ca l-am cunoscut asa pe Paul !!

[@julianmarco4185]

Thank you so much guys! Pogo's story is very inspiring and he has such cool and nice vibe. You did more for the representsation of our beautiful mountains than all the tourist agencies. Romania has beautiful mountains that would make a great winter attractions for skying and winter sports. But not enough sky resorts and they are often eclipsed by the Alps. I can only hope that this will inspire others to invest and visit our beautiful mountains. (Also beware of bears) ;-))

[@user-zc8ml5ne4u]

True freeride spirit and so humble. Beautyful mountains as well! 10/10

[@Rid.er33]

this episode gave me goosebumps. Your channel is totally underrated

[@AerialMediapro]

Wow, you guys did an amazing job capturing the beauty of these mountains and Pogo's energy. ❤

[@samuelcarchilan4642]

this touched my heart

[@Fujisan1998]

Loved this! Some sick and very committed lines in this film! But beyond that, a great portrait of a SAR guy.

[@adrenalin3junkie]

You picked the perfect guy to visit Bâlea! Pogo lives for the mountains! Wish you all the best! Noroc!

[@DavidIancu]

RIP :(

[@adrenalin3junkie]

@@DavidIancu am aflat la 1 minut dupa postare. Rip!

[@teleroel]

Two minutes in, and it already has everything for a great episode. Nearly at the end; I like it!

[@firstprototype]

I heard about pogo, i use to work for free at Salvamont = mountain rescue, is nice to finally put a face to this name 😊 Great documentary 👏 Thank you for sharing, with ❤from 🇷🇴✌

[@mirela_td]

Such a young, kind man and passionate about everything what he was doing….what a sad news 😢😢😢 RIP Pogo, the legend of Făgăraș Mountains!

[@fjordbear3050]

You aced it dudes!

[@MrFinstaad]

Pogo is such a rad guy

[@stinius.skjotskift]

Amazing work guys! and Pogo rips!!!

[@HiddenFacesEpisodes]

Thank youuu Stinnie ;)

[@nicolop5]

Waouh ! C'est magnifique !

[@alphubel1000]

thanks for the awesome footage. what a mountain range, huge and beautiful. and what a cool guy called Pogo! :) take care and have a great season. best wishes from Munich, soon heading to Val Thorens for 3 weeks of pist / off pist fun

[@arosca]

blana! 🍻

[@georgeiftime6615]

Romania 🇷🇴 is my country ❤

[@MihaiJoimir]

He really loved the mountains Ride in peace 😢

[@gtyah]

Aaaaaaaa maaa zing!! Great footage, riders, mountains and story. Good job guys, and greetings from Ro!

[@mariusflorea4102]

Genial!

[@AbelLucaL]

Hai ploaiee! Love from Galati ! Pogo 4 life

[@goouutnaturally3086]

pogo , I also want to see him on there~!! Great~!!!!

[@user-nh9wh8kj2v]

RIP Pogo...

[@johnherd1002]

Can't wait for more videos! Love it!

[@AlexanderOrion]

Epic riding, epic filming, just wish it was longer. Thank you! Bine baietii!!

[@frederikconradsen3786]

You’ve done it again🙌 cool adventure and awesome storytelling. And POGO is the bomb🤟🔥

[@basslootman4726]

Wow!!

[@baudileisliker2853]

Incredible!!

[@markosmitran9433]

Another banger 🔥. Thank you boys!

[@Hard-Adventure]

ohh yahh, can´t wait

[@cyrilrohrer7879]

Dayyumn, the attention to detail is insane! 😊🤩 Keep up the great work. The potential in Romania looks endless!

[@florinbogdan88]

Wonderful

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

amazing!!!

[@Danielg12345]

What a great video!!

[@mettflow2648]

superb fellaz!

[@xumiheijn7909]

Another absolute banger guys I love it

[@Vibes_of_Freedom]

Amazing mountains, it is not hard to understand and feel the love Pogo feels for them after this movie! Well done!

[@JB-uv1cg]

Loving your work 🤟🏻

[@camiloauersperg-breunner2821]

Amazing

[@koengoris3560]

Looks amazing, and the reall deal ❤❤❤

[@jadamski]

Nice one! You guys deserve more recognition! the production quality is really good, You're showing a lesser know place with obviously amazing skiing, keep it up!

[@OlivianPasiCuriosi]

Great video, thanks for passing through Romania.

[@vizuroiuvalentin7713]

superb

[@thomaskrafft7464]

Tof mannen, lekker bezig weer! En wat een chille dude is pogo!

[@cristea1989]

RIP Pogo, you are now a legent of the Fagaras Mountains

[@RVE6873]

🎉🎉 good movie as usual guys. Enjoy the season ⛷️

[@jeknoable]

Wauw, geweldige video! Die Pogo kan er ook wel wat van zeg, dikke lijnen!

[@sologiuc]

Frumos cadoul de mos Nicolae ❤🎉