www.christieimages.com

Bella Coola

Adventure and exploring is is often full of the unknown. True fulfillment and accomplishment would not be as gratifying if we knew the outcome. The mountains are clearly unpredictable and good risk management is essential if you want to keep going back to them.

Last winter I was fortunate enough to spend some time in a remarkable place many of us have seen in the Sherpa’s latest film “Into the Mind”

https://sherpascinema.com

I was doing a story on the proposed Enbridge Pipeline with Tobin Seagel, Dave Gheriani and Penny Lafrance. We began in Kitamat and worked our way down the coast to the dramatic mountains of Bella Coola.

SBC Skier

This small town situated deep in a Fjord off of the pacific has the potential to be impacted in the event of a tanker disaster on the coast line. We were taking the ski mountaineer perspective on the pipeline project.

Our camp spot would be on an exposed Col between “Mad Dog Spires” and “Orbit Spires”.

Our 1^st night we experienced a large wind event with accumulations of snow that created an unstable snowpack. A stark contrast to our optimism on arrival of crushing lines everywhere.

We were able to explore but some of the gems were to remain on the bucket list for a future trip.

I often thought about this place and was looking forward to making another trip happen.

The opportunity presented itself sooner than later when I heard “Reel Water Productions”

http://www.reelwaterproductions.com

was collaborating with RedBull on a series with the legendary skier "Chris Davenport".

CHRIS DAVENPORT-REDBULL

I quietly mentioned that I would be interested in shooting a 2^nd angle if another filmer was needed.

A few hours later I got a call to set up a meeting and discuss joining the group on the project shooting the “Ski Mountaineer” Segment.

I was beyond stoked to be part of this project. Having spent some time in the proposed location gave me some insight into what to expect and immediately I got to work to make sure I was as prepared as possible for shooting in this dramatic landscape.

Through my photography and locations I place myself I've been super fortunate to do some product testing and utilize tools that help me bring back visuals and experiences from the journey's.
MEC initiated the Envoy Program last year and it's been incredible sharing adventures while hopefully inspiring folks to explore.
Chris Christie "Envoy"

As a photographer and videographer efficiency is key to getting the shot. Part of being efficient is accessing your tools easily. I've used many packs over the years for adventure sport and each has it's strong points. In steep terrain it is intimidating and awkward to take a pack off and pull a camera out. On the flip side, a chest pack is great but often you can't see your feet which is terrifying.

I started to search around for an alternative and stumbled on a new product made by "MINDSHIFT".

http://www.mindshiftgear.com

Mindshift was founded by the creators of Think Tank, a well respected camera bag and accessory producer.

Mindshifts rotation 180 bags systems seemed to address many of the issues I've had with other bags so I sourced out the Rotation 180 Pro to test and review in a wild place. The Rotation system allows you to keep the bag on your back while rotating a camera block around the waist belt.. Brilliant !

ROTATION 180 PRO

A few day's later a unit arrived in the mail and preliminary dry land testing was impressive. I've read a few reviews on the bag and I'm confident it will allow me to run and gun in steep terrain efficiently. The bags also has many accessory options so it's easily the most versatile bag I've seen.

On return from this project I will write up a full review/explanation of use with images.
One of the most challenging difficulties in efficient movement in the mountains is energy wasting post-holing to access ski lines or climbs. Billygoat Technology has quietly been sending wild boot packs in the coast mountains. Check it !
http://vimeo.com/85467657

Once your up you gotta come down.
DPS skis has been leading the charge in carbon skis. Low weight, well dampened with many different technologies for charging powder to steeps. I'm most often on the DPS Lotus 120 with Spoon Technology. When things go firm or difficult travel is anticipated the Wailer Pure3 99 has seen me through difficult conditions but still skis like those with bigger girth when needed.
DPS SKIS

Grabbing creative angles in unlikely positions is key to unique perspective cuts in an edit. GoPro Hero 3+ new body is ideal for the job

http://gopro.com

At times expeditions demand travelling light. Base camping is a luxury where you can bring some comforts of home and stay in one location and do smaller trips from that base. One of these luxury's is having a place to cook and meet with other teammates. I've been on a few trips where we did not carry a common area for the group to convene. Group dynamics were never as strong as when we had a place for everyone to comfortably hang out on weather day's. A sense of camaraderie and belonging is really strengthened over a good coffee or scotch.
Mountain Hardware has a few designs and we are using the "Stronghold" on this trip.
MOUNTAIN HARDWARE "STRONGHOLD"