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Deep Dive: Summit Fever (2021)

Film Lens

Summit Fever
Summit Fever follows Cody Townsend, Dan Corn, Nick Russell, and cinematographer Bjarne Salen as they attempt to ski Mt. St. Elias in Alaska, a peak known for its extreme conditions and difficulty. At 18,008 feet, Mt. St. Elias is notorious for violent storms that descend from the northern Pacific, making it a formidable challenge for even the most experienced skiers. The film captures their climb and ski descent of this mythical mountain, which has seen only a handful of successful descents in history. The documentary focuses on the risks and rewards of skiing one of the Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America. It emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the summit, as it is unknown how many people have ever reached the top, but it is clear that most attempts end in failure. Through stunning cinematography and firsthand accounts, the film presents a gripping narrative of adventure in one of the most challenging environments for skiing.

Why Watch

  • Follow Cody Townsend's attempt on Mt. St. Elias
  • See the extreme weather conditions of Alaska
  • Meet the team behind the ski descent

Did You Know

Mt. St. Elias rises 18,008 feet straight out of the ocean.
In May 2021, four individuals attempted to ski Mt. St. Elias.
Most people who try to summit Mt. St. Elias fail.

Perfect For

Extreme skiing enthusiastsAlaska adventure seekersMountain climbing fans