Insight

Sideproject: Empire of Mountains

Sports Project

It all started 2012 with a vision I shared with three friends. From the onset, I was the driving force behind this initiative. Together, we founded a freeride team for Vivalpin, a renowned mountain school nestled in the heart of Garmisch.
From my teenage years, I felt an irresistible pull towards the mountains. Driven by an intense passion, I ventured into backcountry skiing, always on the lookout for pristine snow and uncharted routes. But beyond the allure of nature, it was documenting these adventures that truly captivated me. Camera in hand, we often filmed and photographed each other, encapsulating not just the breathtaking landscapes but also the unbreakable bonds and cherished memories we made with friends.

The initial support from Vivalpin led to other opportunities, and I soon found myself at the heart of partnerships with iconic brands like Pyua, 10Peaks, and Majesty. I was the primary liaison, frequently engaging with these companies, even leading business discussions at events such as ISPO. These partnerships were not merely transactional; they were rooted in mutual respect and blossomed into friendships that transcended professional boundaries.
image to illustrate the project's text section
image to illustrate the project's text section
Parallel to our adventures, we ventured into the digital world. Harnessing the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr, we created a thriving community. Our exploits, perfectly encapsulated in videos, found a dedicated audience on Vimeo. As I delved deeper into the intricacies of social media marketing, I realized the potential of creating compelling content for our sponsors. This proactive approach fostered a symbiotic relationship, where we not only showcased their products but also provided them with valuable media material.
However, like many stories, ours too faced challenges. The advent of the coronavirus pandemic brought unforeseen difficulties to the sporting world. Companies grappled with disruptions, and we experienced a significant reduction in our media output. Alongside the global challenges posed by the pandemic, our own personal journeys began demanding more of our time. As we transitioned and delved deeper into our professional careers, the hours we could dedicate to our shared passion dwindled. The vibrant collaborations that had once flourished began to wane due to these combined factors.
image to illustrate the project's text section

Handcrafted with by Martin Knoche © twentytwentythree