Filed under: Action Photography, Events, Italy, Outdoor Photography, Salomon, Skiing | Tags: Amie Engerbretson, Anne-Sophie Bron, Champoluc, Italy, Julien Henry, Spring Skiing, Tyler Ferris, Winter
SMP X Italy Trip 2012
I had heard stories and seen photos of the incredible winter that was happening in Europe this year, so when I got the call from Salomon to fly over for a shoot in Italy last month, I was more than excited. When we got there, winter had shut off and spring had taken over the Alps. It was warm and sunny, the snow was melting fast, and the forecast projected even warmer temps for the next several days.
Riding up the lifts the first day looking at nearly brown south facing slopes, I wondered how we were going to be able to pull off this shoot and make it look like winter. But, we were surprised to find cold, dry snow on the north faces and large swaths of powder sitting untouched almost a week after the last storm.
Italians ski like they drive, fast and seemingly on the edge of control. Setting up a shot on a groomer was a scary proposition with people flying by way too close for comfort, but as soon as we skied off-piste it was as if we had the mountains to ourselves. It was an amazing contrast, and one of the things I love about skiing in Europe. There are so many areas where the vast majority of skiers stay on the groomed runs, leaving great off-piste powder skiing for days after a storm.
I love skiing and shooting in Europe. No matter what the conditions, there is nowhere else where food, culture, and history are as much a part of the experience as the skiing itself. We had an incredible week with great food, fun times and a really productive shoot. Thanks to Salomon for bringing me over and thanks to the great crew of skiers – Amie Engerbretson, Tyler Ferris, Anne-Sophie Bron, & Julien Henry.
Until next time, Cheers!
–Scott
