YUP: SAMMY CARLSON - a Backcountry Freeski film | 2022
Experience the raw power, flow, and creativity of one of skiing’s most innovative backcountry athletes. "YUP" is a short film featuring Sammy Carlson's exploration of British Columbia and Alaska's remote terrains. Showcasing massive pillow lines, steep spines, and Carlson's signature fluid style, this film captures the essence of freeskiing and big mountain lines. Film Highlights: Athletes: #SammyCarlson, with appearances by Vinzenz Keller and Todd Ligare Locations: British Columbia backcountry and Alaska Director: Blake Vincent Kueny Cinematography: Danny Leblanc, Brody Jones, Ed Clem Runtime: Approximately 13 minutes Presented by: Quiksilver & Monster Energy #YUP is not just a display of technical prowess but also a testament to sustainable filmmaking, with all CO₂ emissions from production offset to support clean energy projects. #skiing
Sammy Carlson
Sammy Carlson (born January 11, 1989 in Portland, Oregon) is an acclaimed American freeskier known for his prowess in slopestyle competitions. He shocked the skiing world in July 2010 by landing the first-ever switch triple rodeo 1260 at Mount Hood. Carlson captured X Games gold in slopestyle in 2011 and added a silver at the World Championships in Park City the same year. After a knee injury, he shifted focus in 2013 from freestyle contests to backcountry film projects, earning multiple “Real Ski Backcountry” titles at the X Games. He’s starred in influential ski films, including The Sammy C Project, Over Time, and Grown. Based in Revelstoke, BC, and sponsored by Armada Skis, Oakley, Monster, and others, he continues to push the sport in big-mountain terrain. Today, Carlson is renowned not only for his competitive achievements but also for his creativity, mountain maturity, and contributions to ski filmmaking.
Todd Ligare
Todd Ligare, born in 1982 in Park City, Utah, grew up in a skiing family and began with collegiate racing before fully committing to freeride. Nicknamed “Big Air Ligare,” he made a name for himself with spectacular descents in Alaska and British Columbia, appearing in over a dozen major ski films. Sponsored by Armada and SCOTT, he actively contributes to developing skis like the Declivity and Locator series. After more than two decades in the sport, Todd remains an iconic figure in extreme skiing, known for his technical mastery and passion for tackling big, challenging lines.
Alaska
Alaska, the last state to join the United States in 1959, has a history shaped by the gold rush and the exploration of its wild territories. Early on, its immense mountains and harsh climate drew adventurers and pioneers seeking new challenges. In the ski world, Alaska became a legendary playground for freeriders from across the globe. Skiers like Doug Coombs helped build the myth of daring descents on its remote slopes. Today, iconic spots like Haines, Valdez, and the Chugach Range are famous for heliskiing, offering spectacular lines and endless powder fields. Alaska also hosts extreme competitions like the Freeride World Tour in Haines. A true paradise for off-piste skiing, Alaska remains a symbol of pure adventure and freedom in the high mountains.
British Columbia
British Columbia, a province in western Canada, is known for its vast mountain ranges and a history deeply tied to forestry and mining, before becoming a top outdoor tourism destination. As early as the 20th century, local pioneers explored snowy peaks, paving the way for strong alpine and backcountry skiing development. The province has nurtured or attracted great skiers and freeriders like Mike Douglas and Sammy Carlson, drawn by its exceptional snow quality. Among its flagship destinations are Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, Revelstoke famed for massive vertical drops and backcountry access, as well as Fernie and Kicking Horse with their technical slopes and deep powder. The Nelson and Rossland areas are also famous for their freeride culture and intimate resorts. Thus, British Columbia is today a true paradise for ski enthusiasts, whether seeking groomed runs or wild backcountry adventures.
Armada
Armada was born in 2002 from a vision shared by a small group of professional skiers and friends, including Tanner Hall, JP Auclair, Julien Regnier, and photographer Chris O’Connell. Frustrated by big traditional brands that didn’t understand the booming needs of freestyle and freeride skiing, they decided to build their own company, dedicated to this new generation of skiers. Their goal was simple: design skis by riders themselves to push limits in parks, powder, and big mountain terrain. Based in Costa Mesa, California, Armada quickly earned a reputation for its innovative, independent spirit. It developed iconic models like the ARV for freestyle and the JJ for backcountry. Thanks to the direct involvement of its founders in design and marketing, the brand cultivated an authentic, rebellious image closely tied to freeski culture. Even today, Armada remains true to the legacy left by its founders, keeping passion and creativity at the heart of its identity.
Black Ops Valdez
Alaska’s Best Heli-Skiing & Snowboarding! Small Groups! Private Boutique Lodge! World-class Terrain for all abilities! Snowcats! Snowmobiles! Yachts!
Monster Energy
Monster Energy, founded in 2002 in the United States, is best known for its energy drinks with the iconic green claw logo. Early on, the brand heavily invested in extreme sports to build its bold, rebellious image. In skiing, Monster sponsors some of the world’s top freeriders and freestylers like Sammy Carlson, Henrik Harlaut, and Tom Wallisch, supporting both their competitions and film projects. Through these partnerships, Monster Energy has become a major force at the X Games and in top ski productions, helping push the sport’s boundaries. Beyond sponsorships, the brand also organizes and funds dedicated events that showcase skiers’ creativity and style. Today, Monster stands as a symbol of performance and freedom in the freestyle and freeride ski world.
Oakley
Founded in 1975 in California, Oakley first specialized in sports eyewear before becoming a global leader in technical gear. In skiing, the brand is famous for its high-performance goggles, offering cutting-edge optics and extreme durability. Oakley outfits and sponsors many top skiers like Henrik Harlaut, Eileen Gu, and Sammy Carlson, strengthening its reputation among freeriders and freestylers. It also invests in events and films that highlight creativity on snow. Thanks to its constant innovation, Oakley is now a symbol of style and technology on the slopes.
Quiksilver
Founded in 1969 in Australia, Quiksilver first made its name with innovative surf boardshorts before growing into a global action sports giant. The brand later expanded into snowboarding and skiing, sponsoring iconic riders and creating technical apparel for the mountains. Today, Quiksilver remains a benchmark for surf and snow lifestyle, embodying a youthful, free, and adventurous spirit.
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