Avalanche Alley

Through the last 20 years, both working behind the camera and also spending recreational time in the mountains, I’ve grown increasingly interested by the beauty and awesome power of avalanches. Often sensationalized in the media, they are a much misunderstood part of the natural world, albeit deadly at times.

This documentary will center around the science, beauty and importance of seasonal snow and avalanches. The increase in back country sports and seasonal decreases in ski resort snow cover, are now bringing more and more people into contact with avalanches. While this can sadly, result in tragedy, it can’t be forgotten that these are a part of nature, just any other. Nurturing an understanding of avalanches as a natural part of the mountain environment and one that has beneficial rewards to it, will be a main aim and focus.

As many people are now aware, global warming has made an impact in the Alps and mountain ranges worldwide, particularly over the last 20 years. Coupled with changes in our habits, this becomes an inevitable factor in how avalanches affect us, as well as the impact on wildlife and the habitat of the Alps. The documentary intends to explore this aspect of the subject and probe some of the science behind the humble snow flake.

So far the film has taken two winters of research and filming in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps. I’ve put together two early teasers from these two winters and am continuing to film footage. The spring of 2011 proved a major set back on this project, with a seasonal snow drought, which seems to be turning into a regular event in recent years. Hopefully, spring 2012 will see the completion of most of the filming. If you’re interested in learning more about the film and my trials, then please subscribe to the blog, where there will be periodic updates.