All Images: Frederik Kalbermatten | Skier: Elisabeth Gerritzen
Unlike most sports, a professional skier has no set route. They could dive into the world of competition, build their life around the reliability of sponsors and broadcasts, and then completely pivot into the unknown and trust that their craft and passion will show the way. That’s exactly what freeride legend Elisabeth Gerritzen has done over the course of her career. If it sounds like an unnerving path, that’s because it has been, as Gerritzen divulges in the latest episode of Faction Skis’ Portrait series.
A product of the formidable lines in Verbier, Switzerland, Gerritzen spent seven years competing on the Freeride World Tour gaining global recognition and prowess amongst her peers. But inside, a different battle was raging, one that we’ve all felt at one time or another. “Oftentimes I had trouble making sense of it all.. because I felt like I was part of the system that I was criticizing very much, so it felt very hypocritical,” Gerritzen told Faction.
It’s natural to feel engulfed or trapped in your work, and as we learn here, that emotion can extend to pro skiers, too. But as is always the case, what you’re doing is less important than how you’re doing it. For Gerritzen, this meant using her platform to speak up about the causes and issues she believes in. She was and is determined to be more than just an athlete. That riotous spirit is embedded in who she is, and fellow Faction riders Sam Anthamatten, Andrew Pollard and Sophia Rouches confirm this time and time again throughout the film.
“It was f*cking fun,” Gerritzen said when elaborating on her time on The Tour. “But for the longest time… I was following train tracks. And now, everything is kind of up in the air and I’m figuring out ‘Who am I? What am I doing?’ It’s a nice feeling.” While those question marks can be daunting, they can be a source of liberation as well. And for Eli, as she’s affectionately known, the questions, opinions and ideas seem endless, which is what makes her so special.
Dive into the mind of this freeski dark horse in the full film below. Shoutout to Blue Max Media and Etienne Mérel for once again delivering unparalleled storytelling in the wide world of skiing. Be sure to enjoy the full photo gallery below for more stellar shots from Frederik Kalbermatten.
From YouTube:
She rose to fame on the global freeride stage with bold line choices and unwavering determination.
In the second episode of the Portraits short film series, Unfiltered, we reflect on Elisabeth Gerritzen’s remarkable competitive skiing career. After a 7 year campaign on the Freeride World Tour, Elisabeth—fondly known as “Eli”— won the crown in 2021. At what seemed like the peak of her career, it spurred on a soul search for what competing truly meant for her.
With her riding peers in tow, Unfiltered captures Elisabeth at a turning point of her career, as she charts a path beyond competition. Armed with her freeskiing mastery and a frank worldview that’s as sharp as her ski edges, Eli’s skiing journey is far from finished.
A co-production with Blue Max Media
Directed by Etienne Mérel
Featuring appearances by Faction athletes Sam Anthamatten, Andrew Pollard and Sophia Rouches
Shot on location in the Swiss Alps
Eli rides the Mana 3 EG in this film — Buy now
