Unsuccessfully dodging an avalanche // The Corona Diaries pt. 1

[@backpackly]

None of the heli ski videos come remotely close to the quality of these videos with an ice axe and a drone. Great content Niko!

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thanks :)

[@TheSyncNetwork]

We're from a different part of KZbin but this content is incredible man. Keep it up bro!

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thanks!

[@nickclifford9390]

So in the last four Corona diaries videos, there have been four very dangerous situations, in which the skier / boarder could easily have been killed. I understand this is extreme skiing, and that risk is part of the game, but I hope people are not encouraged to think this is normal ski touring. You don't get too many chances at getting buried or tomahawking down a couloir.

[@agilagilsen8714]

I mean, if you can't tell the difference between these guys and the average skiier then you probably shouldn't go skiing at all.

[@kstark2298]

@@agilagilsen8714 Great point as these guys are solid skiers BUT they are NOT solid alpinists and hopefully their luck continues as their terrain decision skills leave much to be desired...

[@dashielcockrill998]

You might disagree with the risks they choose to take but you can’t say they aren’t solid alpinists. Maybe this video gave you that impression but watch some of his other stuff. He has a high risk tolerance but backs it up with understanding and skills in the mountains

[@homeless_snowboarder8225]

you guys really talked yourselves into that run being safe. sweet line, be more patient.

[@SnakebitSTI]

This video is just reckless decision after reckless decision.

[@Gavztermeizter]

Your storytelling is so great! Even when you spontaneously decide to film it all seems so intentional and thought out! Önskar jag kunde vara på såna äventyr,

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Takk! Det kan du vel :)

[@danieljensen2626]

"After the corona", ah, I see, this was filmed in the future

[@Noarka]

Whew Nikolai, kind of a close one! Stay alive - I want to keep watching your films for years to come!

[@michaelgollin7853]

New snow slab.. shooting cracks.. keep pushing it and u will receive a wake up call. From someone with several years of backcountry experience in Montana and British Columbia

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

You're 100% correct

[@bbfoto7248]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer @Michael Gollin Coming soon: (Everyone will justify it by saying...) "At least they died doing what they loved". Too bad bro, they sure had an awesome KZbin channel...I'll miss their videos, like the one that was recovered from their GoPro of them videoing their own death. :-/ Recovered several frozen bodies from backcountry Juneau. Life ends like the flash of a spark. Stay safe my friends.

[@niklasb5389]

Missed them quality vids

[@oliverkirby2542]

your videos are insane, I love watching them. they always get me in the winter ski season mood and make me look forward to going skiing again. your cinematography and storytelling is some of the best on KZbin. you literally live the life I wish I lived. please keep it up :)

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thanks Oliver! Hope you get a good winter

[@GuyBoggan]

Great video, but I'm surprised you don't carry an ABS airbag, especially when you are uncertain about the conditions it would at least give you a chance if you got caught in one, you can't always know even if you hiked and shovelled to examine the snow pack, and it would likely save your life

[@zazauwowo9533]

my new favourite youtuber insane production!

[@thomaschulze]

Ayayay the poor surface @ 0:42 >D Great video again! Cant't wait for Winter to come. Destination plans are very spontaneous this year as its depends of regional pandemic situation. Possible is everything between Wolkenstein and Ylläs. Sometimes ski safaris without any planning before are much nicer than booked hotels and defined roads. ;)

[@willraefpv]

Keep up these videos. People don’t understand the planning and hard work that these videos take to make. Along with your incredible skills on skis.

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thanks! Wish I had an FPV dude with me

[@willraefpv]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer lol that would be sick

[@WaechterDerNacht]

Damn, why am i so stoked for winter to come after i watched all 4 videos in random order...?

[@e-muny6815]

I agree with Will Synnott. I think this video is a little irresponsible. Basic Level 1 Avi training tells you that shooting cracks are clear high instability/danger indicators (as you noted). I know you guys are super smart (there aren't many high level athletes that aren't) and experienced. It seems you managed to escape injury in this situation the same way most get through these - luck. That's a bad thing to rely on. A more honest take on backcountry risks are the videos with Nate Wallace in Chamonix (Human Factor) and the new movie by Patagonia - "Solving for Z". I love outdoor adventure but here's an analogy to your trip shown here: I'm going hiking in grizzly country: 1) see posting there is a bear in the area that has charged people - go anyway 2) see fresh steaming bear scat, keep going 3) see fresh tracks in mud, both big and small; realize you forgot your bear spray - oh well, keep going 4 see fresh digging, keep going 5) crest the ridgeline, see a mother with cubs in the alpine meadow; they are upwind; summit so close, keep going Two possible outcomes: get mauled - shouldn't a been there! don't get mauled - shouldn't a been there! You say the person watching these videos will be able to critically assess it, I disagree. Living here in Nelson BC, lots of youth go "sidecountry" without proper preparation. All guys know when you're a teenager/early twenties with some buddies you end up doing dumb shit. Some of those dudes are going to watch this video and think "shooting cracks, keep going, get a sick line!" Apparently with Covid backcountry gear sales have been at a record high this year. How many of those people will have the training/experience to go with it? I guess we'll find out as the season progresses. I like your skiing and the vids btw. And seeing your local terrain is pretty awesome.

[@gaventang4549]

This is exactly what I was thinking as I watched the video. It shows a complete lack of respect for how dangerous ski-touring can be. I think the "sponsors" really should be rethinking whether they want to promote content like this.

[@bbfoto7248]

@@gaventang4549 @E- Muny Agreed... It just gives millions of young, inexperienced, impressionable, gungho thrillseekers the false security that taking MULTIPLE obvious risks like this will always "turn out okay, no worries"! "Lets go for it!", even if ALL of the signs along the way say, "just be smart and turn back, save it for another day, the mountain ain't going anywhere". Coming soon: (and everyone will justify it by saying...) "At least they died doing what they loved". Too bad bro, they sure had an awesome KZbin channel...I'll miss their videos, like the one that was recovered from their GoPro of them videoing their own death. :-/ Recovered several frozen bodies from backcountry Juneau... Stay safe my friends.

[@ivanmoen9982]

@@bbfoto7248 Yeah, I agree.. They should censor away all bad decision making.. That way inexperienced people will stay home and not go outside and die in avalanches.. It is totally the creator of this video who is responsible for how other humans are evaluating risk and how they go about living their lives..

[@bbfoto7248]

@@ivanmoen9982 Now you're just being silly. You can ALWAYS get out and have fun and adventure, but still be SAFE and LIVE to do it another day. But too many these days have no sense of social responsiblity and are glorifing extremism and *senseless* risk taking just to "rack up KZbin views" in order to lure sponsors/advertisers and MAKE MONEY. I have no problems with someone trying to make a living from their skills and craft, but, we're all responsible for the influence of other's actions to some degree whether we admit it or not. I'm not saying the content creators are directly responsible for anyone's peril. But videos like these will NO DOUBT "inspire" many others to take similar risks with MUCH less hesitation, consideration, or honest reasoning. Once you've actually pulled a few dead bodies out of the ice and snow and see the reality of death stare you in the face by people who obviously took similar risks (but in even less "sketchy" conditions), get back to me. Hopefully it's never one of your personal friends or family members. Survival of the fittest. Live long and prosper, mate! Cheers.

[@antonioa.pillitteri9845]

man your videos are absolutely stunning, i think i'm addicted to them

[@whatittakes5443]

Oh snap Nikolai putting out fresh content. Grabbing my popcorn now. Miss your videos

[@fdavie2]

3:50 “this is how you do it” making an avalanche sure 😂

[@braishermosilla]

I am missing some kind of acknowledgement about all the poor decisions that you took that day. Even if you feel that you are taking controlled risks some unexperienced skiers may think that it is not dangerous to follow some of the patterns you did here, as: - Skiing steep terrain without helmet. Especially while descending a couloir. - Not bring crampons/piolet with you and still continue in dubious terrain. - Continue with your journey even detecting clear avalanche prone terrain. Besides that great video! stay safe!

[@RyandeMilliano]

True visual storyteller, keep up the great work Nikolai!

[@gregoryfoster2547]

So I ski in the Washington cascades. Different snow and terrain. I've skied the backcountry since 1975. If I find "shooting cracks" on lower angle terrain I'm not risking myself, partners or rescuers and ski even steeper terrain. And film it so even others with fewer skills will think it ahhh cool rad fakey.

[@a.miller8316]

The idea you can ride out an avalanche is horribly wrong and giving others bad information. Going to get people killed.

[@MorganGoins20299]

Shocked you only got 30k followers... after watching one of your vids I had assumed a million as least!!

[@willskiing]

@nikolai don’t you think it’s a bit problematic for some of your viewers, to keep posting videos like this that glorify you essentially knowingly dropping into a line you think will slide?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

I get where you're coming from, and I had plenty of debates about this with Vegard prior to publishing. Essentially my take on it is that this could happen in any of the runs that I ski. There is always some risk of a slide no matter how good you've been at assessing the snow. So I think not showing it would give the impression that avalanches never happen in the lines I ride, which I think would be even more problematic.

[@willskiing]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer thanks for your response, I get where you’re coming from as well. But we’re talking about two separate issues here that shouldn’t be conflated: publicizing the prevalence/gravity of avalanches versus publicizing the right type of decisionmaking to avoid them. I think it is possible to convey to viewers that avalanches do happen, are dangerous, and should be avoided, without making it seem “cool” to nonetheless drop into a line you know is not safe and come out lucky. The two should go hand in hand but your account glorifies bad decisionmaking - just look at the titles of your recent videos. I’ve made bad decisions myself and skied lines I shouldn’t have, and gotten lucky. But I am ashamed, not proud of this, something that the broader ski community emphasizes which KZbin does not, since it’s about views and not safety. I totally get it, this perspective undermines the draw of a lot of your content, but I simply think it’s unethical to make it seem like the decisions you made in this video were sound. It’s possible to take risks and make entertaining videos while being honest about when you cross the line. At least at the end of the video acknowledge where you went wrong and how you can improve next time. I understand we didn’t see all the mitigation that went on behind the scenes - but why not? Thoughts?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

@@willskiing Hmm. Thinking here. I'm not sure where you get the impression that I think avalanches are cool. And how I was not honest about crossing the line here, or that I'm not ashamed of my screw ups. Titles are for clicks, not to look cool. If anything it's uncool to write those titles, I'd much rather go for something abstract and indirect instead of just blurting out the most dramatic thing that happened in the video. Furthermore, following your reasoning one would have to assume all the horror Joe Simpson goes through in Touching the Void is something he found "cool". Conveying your experience in a way that entertains the viewer/listener/reader is not the same thing as saying the experience should be sought after. I think we should trust that the audience aren't complete idiots. Hope you have a good winter Will :-)

[@chidofu4922]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer Agree. I didn't get the impression you were glorifying or recommending that anyone else do this. You were showing the pucker that resulted from being somewhat overexuberant about skiing a line. We have all been there and this is a good reminder of what can happen. For someone like me who has been pretty risk averse and not experienced many avalanches it is also quite informative to see how it develops from the skiers perspective. People with enough focus and drive to undertake ski mountaineering are capable of processing videos showing good, bad and marginal decision making and reaching their own conclusions about how they will handle a similar situation.

[@gretabird7305]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer Interesting hearing your take. From the commentary it seemed to me that you both subconsciously felt that it may go. Anyway, it's interesting to see your line of thought. My husband and I will be launching a channel next year with the goal being to show that with some work and practice crazy things are possible. But we've talked alot about whether its safe to show how to become a mountaineer and how we approach safety narratives. Just found your channel today and the production value is crazy! Maybe we'll see you up there next year :)

[@xertz4267]

BEAUTIFUL!!! as always!

[@kinnklem8534]

which video is the clip of the guy caught in the avalanche from? used several times here and also in another video

[@seb5995]

sick! super underrated youtuber

[@tommyb261]

"No shame" *hangs head in silence and contemplates shamely.

[@adri0095]

What an amazing setting to do some skiing

[@scottwestover786]

There was once a thing here in the US called personal responsibility and to take a little further parental responsibility. Where in the title of this video does it say “how to” or “what not to do”, no where, this is an entertainment video with excellent content. Viewers should take their own experiences or lack there of and learn as they see fit or just watch for the entertainment. Do any of you get all bent out of shape on Alex Honnold because some adult or kid goes rock climbing without a rope and gets killed? We saw 13 minutes of what i would assume was a long day, therefore there were many conversations that Nikolai had with his partner regarding the conditions and their choices they made. It is not their responsibility to turn this into a teaching video. Make your own choices and teach your kids good choices and don’t worry about what someone else is doing. Those that are complaining, do you also yell at the person not wearing a mask, even if they are within local guidelines to not wear one. Don’t assume your choice, and your opinion is good for everyone, let everyone make their own decisions. I’ve been climbing and BC skiing for 30 years, but i have my experiences and i make my choices based on my thought, not what i see in a video. Great video, as all of Nikolai’s content is.

[@christinesowell7681]

"chill hikes turn gnarly without crampons" a bit of esoteric wisdom there... 🤔

[@walterrios6088]

Totally missed your videos, the off season sucks

[@sazHD]

where is this?

[@rainerbenz3611]

Top quality material!!!

[@ThatSB]

What country do you live in that doesnt have a bad Covid outbreak this winter? Lucky

[@nicthegiant]

absolutely stunning

[@carsonreid7133]

You running into Merrik was so wholesome

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

She is one wholesome lady

[@murraypendergrass8077]

@3:47 Bro you need to get a pair of whippets! I don't have them either but that's the exact move they were invented for.

[@Brady_acker]

What GoPro hero 8 settings r good for some clouds in the sky and include the iso and white balance and all of that stuff

[@LastAvailableAlias]

If you do something daring and no one sees it does it count?

[@GOLH]

Great storytelling!

[@schoolaccount9028]

Why would u risk ur life if u see cracks?

[@yaface120]

Great success 👨🏻‍🦱👍

[@5mark492]

I have been Skiing and Your feet get so cold with the boots on how are you keeping yourself warm.

[@Oscar-os7fj]

What skis is he using?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

This one: www.black-crows.com/se/en/p/atris/101213-darkblue-bianchi-vg.html

[@Oscar-os7fj]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks!

[@anthonydevellis6708]

Hey all, I'm a newbie skier, I was wondering what exactly is going on in this video? Some people think he was irrationally dangerous, but why? What do cracks in the snow mean? I've only ever been on curated/official/managed ski trails, never mountaineering like this.

[@cheesus8594]

Avalanches my guy

[@anthonydevellis6708]

@@cheesus8594 cracks in snow cover mean potential avalanches?

[@cheesus8594]

@@anthonydevellis6708 yes. You’re very lucky if it just stays a crack

[@anthonydevellis6708]

@@cheesus8594 so how dumb is what they did on a scale from 1 to 10

[@cheesus8594]

@@anthonydevellis6708 cracks shot around on the way up when they were still on mellow slopes, signaling that the snowpack was unstable. They proceded anyway climbing up a very steep slope, “zigzaging between small pockets of snow that if they do slide they won’t harm us”. Yeah good luck with that hahah. Then he knowingly yeeted himself down a couloir with a nice wind slab on top which he promptly triggered. Sure you can outrun it, but it’s like a russian roulette. So yeah, pretty dumb, would say 7/10 because at least they knew what they were getting themselves into. I’ve seen worse here on KZbin

[@Yan-rv8mi]

Where are these mountains located?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

On Kvaløya, in Norway

[@asdfdfggfd]

Im trying to wrap my head around climbing while inside ski boots...

[@Rufusdos]

Awesome spirit and footage!

[@bones9790]

Korsn ski e de anima eller noctra?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Atris :) 108mm

[@hyattcohen9247]

sick! what was this filmed on ?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Gopro8 and a mavic 2 pro 😊

[@meinblubber]

Ride for tomorrow. The mountain is not going anywhere.

[@haydengreywolf9834]

I have so much respect from you stay healthy man.

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

Thanks!

[@josephastier7421]

How often do people climb to the top of some huge mountain, take a good look at their planned line, and think "This snow looks like it could easily slide" and then hike all the way back down?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

You can generally ski down a route that's below 30 degrees steep, so there's no risk of an avalanche.

[@josephastier7421]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer I mean steep ones like this.

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

@@josephastier7421 Even this run, we could have skied down the way we climbed up and not been in any serious avalanche terrain :)

[@josephastier7421]

@@Nikolai_Schirmer Sure, I get that. I'm wondering how hard it is to break the social pressure to ski a given line that day and just go home instead because your instincts are telling you that the snow looks funny but you can't really explain why.

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

@@josephastier7421 It depends on the avalanche situation. If it's clearly very sketchy, in terrain where an avalanche will have bad consequences, then it's easy. If it's just a little bit sketchy, in terrain where an avalanche most likely won't kill you - then it's a lot harder.

[@danielscheuch]

Damn that was a sick line

[@benjaminschumacher8532]

I’m going to find whoever disliked this video and ask them what they didn’t like about this video .

Yeah that's a good question, there's literally nothing not to like. Awesome work bois!

[@chriscrawford2977]

@ I was going to suggests why some one may not like it, but I dont feel like it anymore ... and I cant delete my comment only edit it... please disregard. I liked this video

[@p0tatogod533]

that it ended

[@pierrrejette9023]

43 seconds in the video. He just finished talking about safety and goes flying over a bunch of rocks. Sure you can do that, but is it a smart safe decision in a remote location. And not ski cutting the chute. Thumbs down

[@DillSkin]

@@pierrrejette9023 it’s called sending

[@katelyn5625]

Love these!

[@maximus7947]

Thanks

[@javierylleramedina5615]

This is TOP NOTCH

[@77hoolie]

This should be called the best skier in the world - with absolutely no knowledge of anything else - other than being a really good skier. How many people are watching your videos - thinking - I’ll just wing it - who needs one of those pesky expensive avalanche safety courses - or the common sense to show - making proper decisions like turning back. Love the videos - it would be great if you now made some - of your learning from a professional and taking it seriously - but like I said. Amazing skier - only in my dreams.

[@eliashackhofer1949]

fuck how can you ski this fast with this flatlight? :D

[@MrA1582000]

I don’t think you are as skilled as you think.

[@stellahell1269]

What a random comment...

[@robbiesharp311]

Does nobody own a truck?

[@materlicante1615]

Been too long

[@maxwbrown]

👍

[@alexbarth1904]

Why does Nikolai sound like he's from California?

[@Nikolai_Schirmer]

And he's only ever been there for three days! It's a mystery for sure

[@oskar0109]

Reckless.

[@Elmoboy]

LOL. Love the way these guys can ski down a steep couloir in high risk avalanche areas, yet they are careful about a virus that has a 99.9% survival rate. Actually, I don't love it, it terrifies me that the whole world are beholden to this utter BS. Still. nice to see some good skiing and adventure. PS think for yourselves and trust your instincts

[@chronosmagia]

I like your name

[@bbfoto7248]

Coming soon: Everyone will justify it by saying... "At least they died doing what they loved". Too bad bro, they sure had an awesome KZbin channel...I'll miss their videos, like the one that was recovered from the GoPro of them videoing their own death. :-/ Stay safe my friends.

[@chrisfuchs6268]

The thumbnail is wack

[@chavenord]

Poor decision making on display. How not to ski tour should be the title.

[@kanyewest3762]

The windy cotton evidently tug because children simplistically snow a a depressed camel. abashed, simple bonsai

[@jamesbadham228]

This looks crazy irresponsible.