Featured Image: Courtesy of Peak Performance
The 2026 Winter Olympics are inching closer every day. X Games Aspen was out of this world, and it's one of the final big competitions before the world turns its eyes towards Milano-Cortina, Italy. While X Games wasn't an Olympic qualifier, it still served as a reminder of the high level of talent that's prevalent throughout the freeski scene.
With this rising talent comes increased competition. To make your respective national team, it takes immense training and an unrivaled love for the craft. Thanks to cinematographers Morgan Tien and Jared Putnam, and our friends at Peak Performance, we get an inside look at the mentality of four skiers as they train for the biggest stage in the world.
Episode one follows halfpipe phenoms Hunter Hess and Svea Irving as they head to Kitzsteinhorn, Austria, in search of the 22-foot wall of ice - a glorious, pristine superpipe. Episode two takes us into the minds of Anni Kärävä and Chris McCormick. See the pair hit the pre-season grind strong at the famous Prime Park Sessions in Stubia, Austria.
And beyond the action shots and insane skiing (there's plenty of that), these first two episodes deliver a beautifully shot, in-depth look at the toll this kind of work takes. It's anything but easy to roll with the best of the best, but these four skiers give everything, remaining humble and eager for more along the way.
Stay tuned for Episode Three of "Reaching for the Peak" dropping soon
From YouTube:
In the first of a three-part series, we follow Hunter Hess and Svea Irving’s 2026 pre-season training at Kitzsteinhorn in Austria. The two Team USA athletes are positioned on one of the most dominant and competitive Freestyle Ski teams of all time.
Their battle to compete, qualify and succeed has been a long, grinding journey. But this season is truly the moment where they are reaching for the peak.
Director & Editor: Morgan Tien
Cinematography: Morgan Tien & Jared Putnam
Original Score & Sound Editor: Matthew Young
Typography and Credits: Laura Escueta
From YouTube:
In the second of a three-part series, we join the start of the World Cup Freestyle Ski season with Anni and Chris as they train at Prime Park in Stubia, Austria. Like many years past, their season is a non-stop battle as they lap the world and fight for the podium, and it’s all about to begin again. This year, however, marks a special event that drives the competition in the World Cup to another level and drives everyone on it to pursue the world's biggest stage.
Starring: Anni Kärävä & Chris McCormick
Director & Editor: Morgan Tien
Cinematography: Morgan Tien & Jared Putnam
Original Score & Sound Editor: Matthew Young
Typography and Credits: Laura Escueta
