Earthside – In Loving Memory of Hilaree Nelson, 1972–2022. Full Film
Mountainwatch | Video
This film documents a trip in the April 2022 by four athletes on The North Face team – Emily Harrington, Brette Harrington, Christina Lusti and Hilaree Nelson – to Baffin Island in far north-eastern Canada.The objective was to climb and ski first descents, some of which are incredibly challenging, in one of North America’s most isolated regions.
The film is beautifully shot, the cinematography capturing not only the mountain and terrain, but also the closeness and camaraderie of the four friends share with each other. The film is interspersed with interviews, the four talking about the risks they take, the unique challenges on this trip and ultimately, why they do what they do.
“Their expedition to climb and ski epic first descents on Baffin Island, Canada became a celebration—of their accomplishments, of their friendship, and of their lives. ”
Five months after this trip Hilaree Nelson died after being swept off her feet during a ski descent on Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest peak, which she had just summited with climbing and life partner Jim Morrison. She remains an inspiration to not only those who knew her but the snow and mountain community worldwide.
Directed by Kaki Orr and Rob Wassmer
Edited by Aidan Haley and Kyle Von Von Hoetzendorff.
Cinematography by Mathias Dumas, Nick Kalisz, and Jordan Manoukian.
Executive Producers include Kaki Orr, Christina Lusti and Aidan Haley.
