Sammy Carlson Finds "HARMONY" in Valdez, Alaska

Featured Image: Luke Bredar | Skier: Sammy Carlson

It's hard to appreciate greatness as it happens. This is one of those moments. Sammy C has been at the forefront of freeskiing for nearly two decades, and he's shown no signs of slowing down. Edit after edit, he continues to release clips that feel like a video game and push skiing a step further. "HARMONY" is the next chapter in this journey.

In Alaska, the search for that idyllic balance can be tedious, and at times, downright maddening. Weather windows are short, lines are intimidating and your abilities cannot waiver. But when it all comes together, it's unlike anything else. Over the course of three weeks last spring, Sammy and crew achieved this elusive balance.

"I was way more at peace this year," says Sammy. "I felt in tune on my skis and with the mountains. I was confident when I needed to be confident and humble when I needed to be humble. The crew was solid and tight. As a result, we were able to strike, get in and out safe. Alaska is the ultimate freeride experience—powerful and humbling." Dim the lights and dive into the latest offering from one of the best to ever do it.

From YouTube:

Sammy Carlson- HARMONY

Peace amongst the chaos.

We’re back and beyond excited to share HARMONY with you.

Every diehard skier & boarder knows the feeling of harmony in the mountains. It’s that moment when you step your boots into bindings and everything else clicks into place. You’re calm in the chaos. Your body and mind are one, your skis/board an extension of self and soul. All those years of honing your craft have come to this. But you don’t force it. Instead, the mountains set the rhythm, inviting you in, and you oblige and dance, It's these moments that keeps bringing us back, year after year.

Of course, harmony is elusive, especially in Valdez, Alaska. Here, in the promised land of Big Mountain skiing, storms can ground the most motivated crew. Steeps can freeze the fearless in their tracks. Slough can take down the strongest skier. But if you pay your dues and get lucky with a bluebird window and a stable snowpack—and you do find harmony in this ruthless range, it’s more rewarding than a lottery jackpot. And harmony is exactly what Sammy Carlson and his skeleton film crew found in Valdez on a three-week strike mission with Black Ops Heli last spring.

This project is the definition of Harmony. It’s the result of Sammy’s body, mind, and equipment, all working together. It’s a testament to the tight-knit team behind the project, from the heli pilot to the drone operator and the guides, all working towards a common goal: elevate the culture by showcasing not just the artistry of backcountry freestyle, but also raw freeriding and envelope-pushing first descents.

“I was way more at peace this year,” says Sammy, looking back. “I felt in tune on my skis and with the mountains. I was confident when I needed to be confident, humble when I needed to be humble. The crew was solid and tight. As a result, we were able to strike, get in and out safe. Alaska is the ultimate freeride experience—powerful and humbling.”

We hope you enjoy the flick as much as we did making it. If nothing else, we hope it helps you find your own version of HARMONY in the mountains.

Thanks for watching and being part of the journey. Many thanks to everyone who had a hand in bringing this project to life.

–Sammy and the crew.