The second avalanche caught us by surprise

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa7166]

I’d be down for less exciting content

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Me too🤗 But I do think there is virtue in honesty. The best mountain people end up in shit situations. Most of them don’t make a youtube vid about it. Because they’re guides and it would hurt their reputation. Because they’re just proud and won’t admit a mistake. I think we can learn from each others mistakes as a community. And yes, the storyteller in me loves working with material like this. Wavy was a shit trip, but a good movie. Still, believe me when I say every inch of me prefers the glory pow of the upcoming vids.

[@Steegwolf]

I seldom quote Warren Buffett: but in this case it makes sense… “it’s good to learn from your own mistakes - but even better, if you can, learn from other peoples’ mistakes “ thank you very much for sharing this!

[@taracuplin4075]

I love being able to see what really goes on out there and the challenges that you all face. Glad you are safe!

[@vashusan1984]

Always better to live to ride another day.

[@kailana380]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer we like you man. you make by far the best content i've seen. push, but also don't push when you or others with you don't know. this vid was a perfect example not continuing higher. all love

[@andrejgrznar]

Good job Vetle! The "selfie shot" at 8:31, with the sound edited like he is passing by with the music along, is hilarious.

[@NibbleSnarph]

My favorite shot of the film. Not only creative, but absolutely matches Nico and Kristers style and humor. Excellent first official outing Vetle!

[@milliondollarart]

epic shot

[@jarnold1789]

I laughed at the humor of the shot and then laughed harder at the idea of him taking the time to set up that shot for one second of footage. Those little details make a big difference

[@alpinejonny]

I'll probably get flamed for this - but as much as I love this channel, you guys really don't take a lot of more "normal precautions" and often take on a lot of unnecessary risk. I've been skiing both very big and tons of small lines in the Canadian Rockies for > 20 years, and had my own close calls and more recently had far too many close friends dead in avalanches. Glad you guys made it out of this one... but I really do hope you guys take a step back and rethink how you handle and respect avi terrain. You guys are mad competent, but sometimes I feel in your videos like you sometimes take a lot of stuff for granted or just don't care that much or something. It often feels you guys are too comfortable. I sometimes wish on this channel you guys would go just "a little over and above in terms" of precautions. Just another "dad" message among probably a few more.

[@bulbobu]

Agreed. The general attitude just doesn't seem appropriate. This is a group of serious shredders without a doubt but I feel like the FIFTY is a better representation of backcountry approach with healthy paranoia. There was a wildsnow article with a good comments discussion on this, but it is no longer visible.

[@fr3d80000]

I think it's important to realize the difference between Norwegian avalanche hazards and bc avalanche hazards. Ours are typified by DPWLs almost every single season where as when there is a pwl, Norwegians typically just don't ski until it goes away (which it actually does). Their primary problems are wind slab and storm slab. This means consequences are usually way worse for bc, particularly in our cross loaded colouirs. Consider that a) you aren't seeing the majority of the precautions these guys take and b) the consequence half of the risk analysis equation is considerably different in Norway. Then, there is also risk tolerance. Clearly the risk tolerance of a madman going 100km/h on skis mere meters away from not one but two sharp rock walls while jumping over sharkfins has a much higher risk tolerance than both of us right out the gate.

[@bulbobu]

@@fr3d80000 Great points. Also agreed

[@schonni8390]

Totally agreed. At this point it's just a matter of time until something happens. I really hope they learn from this

[@mettflow2648]

the view on the stuff changes with kids, cody is a prime example, he himself said that when he was younger he skied stuff in a way that he would no longer do today

[@mpkarlin]

Stop, calm down, breathe, listen to everyone and take things seriously. Most important words from Krister. -- This one was a dream to edit. Not so dream to be out there. Hope you like it!

[@lucasgoren379]

Hey Nikolai, I love your content and appreciate the level of skill and talent you bring to back county skiing. At risk of giving away my intentions, as another poster said: this is not a dad comment. Having said that, I believe this is the 2nd or 3rd video of yours where you have been caught in an avalanche, at least that I've seen. Your honesty and openness to the public in this process is absolutely commendable, but perhaps you should also reflect internally about the chemistry and decision making skills of your group. I know from years of outdoors experience with my crews that sometimes the psyche and fun is so high that it can be easy to take for granted that someone in the group is thinking clearly and making the calculations you aren't making, even when that's not the case. It seems to me that your skills and experience are probably as good as anyone else's; and your crew, too, clearly knows what they're doing. However, maybe your process, the mandatory pauses you take to assess the risk, needs to be updated to account for the great chemistry your group has and your wonderful will to have fun. Anyway, apologies for preaching. Wishing you and yours the best and looking forward to seeing your future lines!

[@Willb00g]

Thanks for putting this out Nikolai, its always great to show not just what goes right in the back country but also what can go wrong and how you could've been safer. This is the type of content people need to see to truly appreciate the dangers of the situations we put ourselves in in the back country and the importance of taking all warning signs seriously! Edit: Glad you all got out okay and learned a couple things while also giving some insight to the viewers!

[@RandomActsOfMusic1]

Man, as a viewer, I know you don't know me, and therefore my opinion likely means nothing. I respect you so much, but I really don't want you to die. I work with Search and Rescue, Ski Parol, and Ambulance here in British Columbia, Canada. You are a far better skier than me, and have a more in depth understanding of snow and snow packs, but it seems from my outside perspective that you are pushing to hard, and need to leave more margin for error. When Discussing your videos within my industry with people who are avalanche experts, this seems to be a common sentiment(we all think you are awesome, just are afraid to see a good man die too young). You are a good natured, kind person, it shows from your videos. You are very talented and I will certainly never be able ski on your level, but from this insignificant stranger, this video is the first one I haven't felt compelled to throw a like on.(I have liked every video you have posted for years now) I cannot do that and participate in pressure that could lead you to make a fatal mistake. Please please please be more careful. Sorry if this is a dad message. cheers, -not a dad.(I swear).

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thank you for the concern Mark. I do appreciate it. Not sure what to say, other than watch the video till the end and see what the message of it is maybe?

[@seannagel3670]

I really hope that this content doesn't inspire amateur's to go out and make the poor decisions that Nico is making.

[@RandomActsOfMusic1]

​@@Nikolai_Schirmer I did and always do watch until the end. Your content is great.

[@Vlad-bs1js]

@@seannagel3670 An amateur has no business doing runs like this to begin with

[@mbal4052]

​@@Vlad-bs1jstell that to the amateur

[@KootsD]

As on older rider who's had his fair share of near-death experiences in the mountains: It's certainly good to be calm in the face of danger, which I've observed your crew to be experts at. However, I have certainly noticed a nonchalantness and lack of respect for the mountains you guys ride in moments, this video is a clear indicator of that. I hope this serves as a profound reminder to listen to the whispers of the mountains and take heed. It would be heartbreaking if something tragic happened to your crew, as you guys are all super positive fun intelligent people whom I'm sure I'd enjoy shredding some pow with. Cheers fellas, listen to your gut and be safe!

[@gemik8508]

Great job with the camerawork by Vetle. Looking forward to more videos with him.

[@alehax27]

Some very experienced ski mountaineers from my area were caught and killed in an avalanche last year. It's not uncommon either to hear similar stories. I think we have to remind ourselves to stay humble to the mountains no matter how much experience we have. Vids like these are a good reminder so thanks for putting it out.

[@MarkusFinholt]

So much cognitive dissonance here. You keep saying you will change your behaviour, but every year we see the same content about how you nearly die in an avalanche. This time you also brought Vetle into the mix. It's hard for him to know where to set the limit because he is a new crew member and is reliant on delivering good shots for you to keep employing him. I understand it's very difficult to make rational desicions when your wages are on the line, so maybe consider changing up the themes a bit to where you don't lose thousands of dollars for canceling a shoot? You're an amazing storyteller and can make literally any topic interesting if you want to.

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Sorry Markus, and I recognize this is coming from a good place like most of the comments, but you're just way off in your presumptions here. First. I have changed. I used to send it and hope for the best. I don't do that anymore. Second. An avalanche does not equal death. These avalanche were the smallest possible category, smaller than the sluff that chased me in the video from Chamonix. The reason I made a big deal about them wasn't the actual risk they posed, but the poor decision making those 20m of the couloir, where I reacted too slowly to conditions changing suddenly after having been good through the bottom part of the couloir. This is not a video where I, nor anyone else nearly died. It could have been. It could also have been a video about dragons. It isn't. Let's stick to what happened. And yes, avalanches are common if you actually spend a bit of in the mountains. Mostly small ones like this luckily. The bigger ones can kill. Third, Vetle is just about the most vocal person I've been with in the mountain. And even more cautious than Joonas, with zero fear of telling me when he feels something is sketchy. But yes, obviously the employee-employer relationship plays into our dynamic. But no, Vetle can sit at the bottom of the couloir for all I care. He comes along on the runs that he wants to. Fourth (and I'd like everyone else in the comments who're so sure about things they know very little about to rest on this point for a second) you could not be more wrong about the way I've structured my productions for the winter. Since 2018 I've deliberately set them up so there's no point during a winter I have to produce anything, so I can wait for safe conditions to do so :-) Again, I recognize that you come from a good place, but it's just really hard to take any of this to heart when it's all so wrong.. Sorry. Thanks for watching.

[@sk8absence]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer Very cool to see your calm well crafted reply, stay safe out there and all the best!

[@artemsokolov5007]

they are making content "nearly die in avalanche" == pushed 10cm layer of snow that wouldn't hurt if you will be on its way (they wasn't) they just hypeing for veiws, no real danger so far, just talking about it

[@mattwoodford1820]

​@@Nikolai_Schirmer An avalanche doesn't equal death. A round of Russian roulette doesn't equal death. I don't have the skills, experience or knowledge to statistically equate the 2 but, for me, I'm not keen on being involved in either and feel like that comment (tho difficult to understand the true depths when it is just text) is kinda poking the croc's butt with a stick. I do respect the honesty with which you put this video together as we all need a reality check on a regular basis because this helps us all learn more. I hope the comments don't discourage further self evaluation but I also hope that you're not in that kind of situation again. peace out bro

[@roimari]

​@@artemsokolov5007 yes it won't hurt you but if you will ride the 10 cm slab in a couloir. You will get injured or even die. My friend did it and died.

[@SportNut1]

I like this video. I am glad the algorithm brings me to this kinda of video whenever I am watching too many glorified jumps and sick backcountry lines. Especially on a painfully ridiculous year that we are having in Canada the epic ski videos just makes me want to go crazy, but videos like this one always clam me down and remember to be extra careful on a warm year with rain and snow cutting in between

[@jordanclegg5734]

Thanks for the vid! Beautiful as always. Please take care of yourself. I think I speak for everyone here when I say: I’d rather have years of “less exciting” videos than a few adrenaline filled vids that cut the channel short. I like others here will hold off on liking the vid so as to incentivize safe (and sustainable) skiing vids! Love you man!

[@edwills1743]

I’m sure you don’t check your comments on old videos but, I seriously love this video and the comments you got, but most importantly the change you’ve done since. most of you more recent videos have much more focus on being safe in the mountain. As someone who doesn’t know how to ski or snowboard I don’t know the risks well but I damn love your content and am glad you’re doing it much safer now.

[@mattwoodford1820]

This is such a good video, there's so much to learn from it. If it has never been skied before I guess a human triggered avalanche could well be bigger than the naturally occurring ones. As human beings, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment. When it is something you really want to do, very easy to get go-orientated and let confirmation bias take over. It is really easy to sit here behind a screen and see the situation unfolding and cringe as we view but we already know what is coming and we have not been waiting to do this line for ages following failed attempts. It's exactly the same situation as watching a TV game show, at home you are shouting the answers at the TV, on the show, with the cameras pointing at you and the pressure, you forget the answer. I think, for me, what is important is to remember that feeling when you realise that you just got super lucky and make the most of all the information you have learnt from it because we don't always get that many chances and it is a game of luck/experience really. Glad you are all ok! Your good decision in Cham is rewarded by some fantastic food!!

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

the most needed videos are the ones where we analyze situations that turned out to be dangerous and could lead to more tragic events. so thank you! and great video as always.

[@masonkemerer7895]

Thank you for sharing this experience. It’s important for people to realize even the best can get into sketchy situations. Reminds everyone to stay vigilant out there.

[@yorbenvannoten2374]

The drone shot at 5:01 just beautifull. Good job Vetle!!

[@tobyphilipp9902]

People are lowkey dissing in here, but the reality is that if you want to ski big lines there are risks. I think you guys are all very skilled skiers, and know what you're doing, and yes, you could've probably been more cautious, but again: if you want to ski these lines, there are always going to be risks involved, and you guys were clearly very set on skiing this line, in the process of which it can definitely be easy to ignore some signs. So honestly props for getting that far and skiing out safely!

[@MikeMikeCheck]

I think it's good that you show your mistakes and "miscalculations" in your videos. If all we see is these glory stories with nothing to worry about, it can become easy to forget it's not risk-free backcountry skiing and being in the mountains. Anyway, keep up with what you do Niko. We love your high quality videoes with some hint of humor! ;-)

[@DevonNorrex]

. I was a Mountain Infantry Seargent for many years and.... the only good thing i can say here is: glad you posted the video...

[@fr3d80000]

Love the emphasis on little decisions making a big difference. The footage of the air blast and the slide coming past Nico was awesome. Very rare perspective that shows the speed and the dependence on grade to keep it moving. Nice work! Edit: after reading some of these comments, maybe you should do a video on your actual full process 😅 I'm 100% certain there's a related reason "we'll be back next week" turned into 5 years later haha. Also i wanted to voice my opinion that sharing this kind of content is critical. If your content is always epic lines with no problems, it creates the illusion that you guys are just going out and smashing these huge lines with no forethought or cautions. Showing mistakes allows others to learn and showing consequences generates a more accurate picture of risk for all that watch. Cheers guys!

[@ceio834]

You call those avalances? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FabianHannemann]

Thanks for sharing the lessons learned and opening up about the mistakes made! Very well edited, too! Glad you're all safe.

[@skilllessbeast7416]

Honestly, I didn't like the vibe of the video. I think you were much closer to the limit, than the video really shows and you just shrugged it of. I guess you were in the moment, but there should have been more reflection, than that moment in Chamonix.

[@brunospasta]

Guys, you do whatever you feel is fun. Dont fool yourself, tuned in or not, you wouldn't have turned around earilier any other day. And I respect that a lot. Everytime you step in these projects there is a considerable risk, and you gotta push it to some extend. Cheers.

[@taracuplin4075]

So glad everyone is okay. The editing on this was so good and it was riveting to watch. ❤️

[@paintingsofwaves_mikewoning]

Awesome for showing that even 'the pros' can make mistakes. Thanks and stay safe guys; I'd like to see waaaaay more awesome FUTURE content. PS the cut with the dampened music and then seeing Krister race by Vetle is so rad.

[@tutilcho]

These guys did very well and that is why they are alive! Yes they have luck but they did few good decisions. Firstly, to turn around. Maybe a bit late but not too late. Secondly, they put the equipment out of the avalanche route. Maybe not the safest spot but it worked out. And thirdly, the guy kept confidence and send the run on full speed which turned out to be the right choice. Actually, if they were super pros with a lot of money, they would be dropped from the top with a heli and maybe then the consequences would be much worst. Freeride is a risky sport and serious skills are needed because otherwise the chances are smaller. Best of luck to all of us who love to ride the untouched slopes!

[@Phoxinsocks]

I appreciate you for being able to admit a misread and a mistake, too many people try to cover and pretend their judgement is always perfect. Have a good season you 3.

[@josiahsimmons9866]

Goodness, watching this was nerve wracking after what happened at Palisades Taho earlier today. Wishing you all the best to stay safe!

[@cryx4]

If you keep cranking out content like this I’m going to run out of praise to shower in the comments man. I learn so much from these videos! Stay safe out there.

[@Phallas-vo9nc]

Jesus Niko! Glad you guys are all good, mountains do what they do.

[@hakanmaclean9203]

A request @Nicolai for future videos: Why don't you show us more what happens "behind the scenes" when it comes to your decision making? You are a master at delivering videos with epic skiing, but as someone who does a lot of ski touring in Norway myself I would love to see more of you guys doing ECTs, discussing type av avalanche problem you are expecting etc. That would be both educational and a way to make people understand that there is a lot more to it than just dropping epic lines...

[@ohchristusername]

It's all too easy to get caught up in the good parts and disregard the signs, good thing it ended as safely as they did! Big props to Vetle, great start!

[@augustlavdal6187]

Woah, this is a really eye opening video! Crazy how much snow can change, and how fast it can go from good to bad. Good on you for posting this video, even if it was a bit irresponsible. Showing people how important it is to respect the mountain, making snow profiles, communication, and how beneficial good planning is. The next time I am going, I will be much more careful. Because if it can happen to the best of us, who knows what can happen to everybody else. Good on Vetle for doing such a great job filming.

[@Gentlemen364]

7:25 if Vetle reacts a bit slower... Please please be more careful, it's not only your own life you are risking. Still I think it's good you share and reflect upon this.

[@fexoflex]

Thanks for sharing also the kinda fails or misstakes you Do! Really really appreciate it for the learnings!

[@noxhvh]

amazing views, thanks for another cool upload Niko. Greetings from Czechia

[@jerseylife8701]

Thanks for sharing this with us. I’m glad you’re okay

[@th3oryO]

Gnarly. Thanks for sharing, it can be hard to post stuff that's obviously going to get some less than hype comments. Reminds me to always be aware that conditions can change, and change quickly.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Krister going by without warning, no bueno!

[@zaxx1857]

Insane .... i dont get it , why , why he did not give warning

[@balbuzard5471]

Can we just enjoy the quality of these video like damn it fells like watching a netflix documentary 💥🔥

[@nicolomori1567]

Stay safe Nico, you and Kris are legends. ❤ Also love how they make Vetle look like a rookie while he’s obviously very good. 😂

[@teacherguy5084]

I'm reminded of the statement of the 70-year-old American Alpine Club member who taught my first mountaineering class 48 years ago: "There are old climbers and bold climbers but few old, bold climbers." For me, it's still fun to watch great skiing after 60 years of doing it, and it doesn't have to be death-defying to be worth watching. As a teacher whose colleague lost her very experienced and capable son in an extreme skiing incident, I beg you to find lines that won't kill you if you make a mistake or read the snow incorrectly. Please be there to teach your grandkids about the mountains.

[@benjaminhaase7223]

This is a cinematic masterpiece. Great, editing, background music, and of course actors. 😆

[@KarelSeeuwen]

I did some hairy stuff in Tromso 30 years ago. Early in the season, deep powder on a rock base, and on rental cross country skis too. It's amazing what you can do when you're young. Keep them coming guys.

[@humanbeing2420]

How do you ski powder in cross country skis? It's barely doable in old-school straight downhill skis...

[@KarelSeeuwen]

@@humanbeing2420 When all you do is cross country, you get very strong legs and ankles. The rental boots were very sturdy ankle high boots, which did help a lot. The skis were proper skis (not racing skis) with 75mm Nordic Norm bindings and heal locators; basically a poor mans Telemark set. Regarding skiing power in cross country skis, you just have to do Telemark style turns, but you have to keep your speed up or find some steep terrain. Want to give it a go? You can probably find some old cross country gear for cheap in a yard sale, not a bad idea given the price of gear these days. Wishing you happy times!

[@Kodlak15]

Take care of yourselves. You are an inspiration to many, and the world needs people like you around. Glad you guys made it out safely.

[@AlexHackelNetwork]

Love this video, and talks about very important subject about the mountains

[@nathanielhill7595]

Good video. Thanks for showing the struggle. The way the music cut out over footage of the drone operation was funny.

[@dylanhughes3596]

thats a crazy start to the vid love it

[@nickmoore7853]

Glad your safe guys!!

[@questadventure6594]

Thanks for sharing this guys, glad you’re safe.

[@audioostrich]

glad you made it out. you can only get so many "i got caught in an avalanche" videos before luck runs out. i hope lessons are learned and this is your last near miss

[@littleredsproutingkate]

thank you for this vid, Nikolai

[@Lukegranty07]

Thank you so much for making these videos, I absolutely love your videos and they are so good, they are definitely the best ski videos on KZbin

[@Heike0815]

tolles Video mit einer sehr netten Message an die Mamas 😀 Ja, ich hatte auch erwartet, dass der von der Lawine Gejagte den Kumpel warnt, als er aus dem Couleur herausfuhr mit der ausgelösten Lawine hinter sich. Aber ist ja zum Glück gut ausgegangen 👍

[@MrChefT]

11:30 the dude just dipped by his mate and didn’t even try to warn him. You live and hopefully learn.

[@sparkitysparkz]

Aloha Nikolai. We met you in Unstad during a crazy swell some years back and I just stumbled onto your channel. This is crazy footage, glad you all are safe! Thanks for sharing

[@YGTWW]

really good video, appreciate the honesty as well. It can be tough to share mistakes, but clearly you are learning and growing. Good for the backcountry community to keep in mind

[@alexpolarvortex]

Great video, so important to see the decision points (and where they went wrong). You never know how close you are. Keep in mind, one day you’ll have kids, they’ll be amazing!

[@BOCHEN-lg2ys]

Thank you for making such a nice educational video.

[@AlanLamb11]

That good snow in the lower couloir and how many times combined you all had to turn back due to poor conditions led to ignoring the warning signs. Kudos for eventually recognizing it but still so close to being too late. There might be an unhealthy degree of comfort from being in your native mountains because when I've seen you travel- at least what shows up in the videos is a lot more concern and uncertainty about conditions. I've been caught in 3 avalanches, 2 were minor and about the size of the one shown there, enough to kill if you are alone or just in the right spot but I was in one larger avalanche which was one of the top 3 most adrenaline but dangerous moments I've had in my life. Very lucky only to be buried to my shoulders and kept 1 arm free and had friends to help dig me out.

[@1llski]

Wow. Fine margins. Thanks for highlighting what's on the other side of the line. But man that raclette makes me hungry...

[@ales1691]

Really humbling bro, thanks for sharing this.

[@moikkarl]

It's a sign of strength to show videos in which you don't look good. The way you have pushed away the warning signals is common in many groups. It's good to show it in all details and I take it from you that you have learned something from this day

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thanks :)

[@ThiesThiesThies]

Your story telling is incredible.

[@waltert9]

cinematography is off the charts

[@JStoneFPV]

Fantastic effort, visuals and storytelling as usual! Glad you're all safe and looking forward to your 2024 content!

[@koisa636]

Every video like a filmon its own! Love the Production!

[@tomhedden7566]

What a great educational video which creates awareness for the risk of avalanches, other than that beautifully edited again💯

[@Nicholas-cm6rx]

Glad you all are safe

[@michaelnerby8129]

Good on ya for posting, glad y’all were alright, great video

[@WINTERACTIVITY]

Well done sharing!!

[@bradcastaneda]

That drone shot break from the soundtrack was hilariously genius. Totally know that feeling of having your face buried in the drone monitor. 😂

[@sp3llb]

Hell of a first day on the job for the filmer

[@iremedia]

Killed those drone shots!

[@davidhudson7400]

Really nice video talking about the mistakes you made, really mature. Can’t wait for more vids this season!

[@Smallfrye]

How Nikolai only has 150k subscribers after putting out content this good at this level of production production quality for this long is fucking insane to me.

[@briAction]

Glad you guys are safe. Dangerous conditions, but you made the beat choices you could at the time and lived to tell the tale.

[@edjack1993]

Glad you are all safe. 🙏🏻 But a great reminder not to chase a run or a shot - it’s meaningless if you don’t live to enjoy the rest of your life. Stay safe my friends and continue to enjoy your adventures in the mountains (just make sure you listen to what the mountains are telling you 🙂).

[@Asmundkt]

I think maby Vetle was ma ski instructor when i was a child. In sirdalen! Sick guy. Not sure if its the same person but looks the same.

[@seana7251]

Thanks for being honest about the mistakes you made. Like many others have commented, I don't want to see you guys go down. Perhaps an idea to help educate the community is to do a video series on snow safety. With your knack for story telling, I bet it would be awesome.

[@moldpirate8113]

This shit is so valuable to publish for learning. Respect on taking and monetizing the heat and not just editing it out like so many big dawgs. Lots of people out there takin peepee slaps and not saying shit about what went south. Skiing this shit regularly and being perfect ain't easy so be gentle with yourselves despite all the Christian gumbies.

[@GarthCamp]

It takes a bit of courage to stand in one's vulnerability by very publicly presenting a mistake. I suspect there are lots of opinions on areas for improvement in your decision matrix; some may be poignant and others may just be conjecture. I'd be curious to hear how this impacts your decision-making process moving forward. All that said, I appreciate that you put yourself out there and accept the vulnerability that comes with documenting and presenting a mistake in a very public forum. All the best, Nikolai.

[@AndreiKucharavy]

That's impressive riding and even more impressive filmography, but guys, you really should ride a couple of big ones with Cody. He has both a sixth sense for avies and a pretty rock-solid understanding of both avy mechanics and the psychology required to not ignore that understanding.

[@KellyEdlyn]

I wonder if Cody would go after an objective with them. The risk tolerance and decision making process between the two parties seems vastly different.

[@juniper1286]

I don't think Niko & his friends would have made it this far, with the lines they are skiing, without having a rock-solid understanding of avy mechanics and psychology. But mistakes happen, I'm sure Cody makes them too. It's good that they admit them! I'd love that collaboration though, would be rad.

[@alpinejonny]

Cody's risk tolerance is FAR lower than these guys. I hate to say it, but I really don't think the way this channel handles risk is sustainable.

[@alpinejonny]

@@juniper1286 That's what they call a hiuristic trap. The idea that "since they haven't gotten killed yet they must know what they are doing"

[@KellyEdlyn]

@@alpinejonny Absolutely! AIARE 1 talks about this a ton. The mountains are a wicked classroom

[@andrewbarabas4900]

I'm glad you're alright! Thanks for posting this, it's really valuable to see. Especially the decision to turn around in Chamonix. It would be even more instructive to see the lessons learned from this, that way we can learn from this better. To me it seems like: - be more conservative with choices when you get signs of instability, especially in consequential terrain - better anticipate how the line is loaded (I don't know this line, but would past experience, beta, the weather suggest the it would be wind-loaded or that the top gets loaded worse than the bottom? Or is wind loading generally worse the higher up a slope you go?) - have larger margins for safe zones

[@garrettwaiss3525]

Excellent call to live and ski another day!

[@johnkim1043]

riveting storytelling. and growth.

[@humanbeing2420]

It seems to me that these three guys escaped death by a matter of inches in that first avalanche. I'd not be laughing if I were them.

[@mmmmkkk]

stepping aside from the main topic a bit.... what are those snow shoes?! looks like a brilliant solution for the couloirs

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

They are! auftriib.com

[@polrty]

stay safe out there Nicolas

[@Disconnecteification]

Glad y'all are okay, and notice the dangers that surround you and try to learn from it!

[@ROspook]

This kind of decision define who you are in the end. So yea, glad to see you all safe and sound but the adrenaline mixed with a bit of "on the edge" feeling, I feel are the right ingredients for you. Stay safe!

[@1959AD]

know you guys are walking up and not dropping in but digging a pit and analysing the snowpack at some stage would be good . Mclung and Shearer - The Avalanche Handbook would be a good read for you.

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

We do :-) You see a few pits in this video

[@christophercandela5546]

I don't know what is the scariest thing. Those avalanches or the fact that the guy says "I didn't see the red flags..." after a whumpfing sound, cracks in the snow and a first avalanche... There is a huge difference between "I didn't see the red flags" and "I didn't want to see the red flags". That's why being a skier and a youtuber at the same time is not compatible.

[@bamowenfr8720]

Love that you also show you making mistakes. Hopefully you guys learned from this one!

[@foyorama]

when the snow changes as you move up the mountain side, the adherence of the layers changes.... always a critical point that should be assed, time to dig a pit and look at the layers...

[@deivclayton]

Nikolai, thanks for sharing your mistakes. You got lucky. Thank God!

[@MantraAerials]

Awesome video!

[@johnmuir7007]

You all are legends and dare devils and dummy’s for not using harnesses 💀😭🤣