Watch Sammy Carlson's Instant Classic 'KAMASE', Win A Heli Skiing Trip

A subtle, yet palpable, shift took place in skiing when Sammy Carlson released his short film called OVERTIME in 2019.

With OVERTIME, Carlson made it clear he wasn't interested in conforming to the model of gaming algorithms and flooding social feeds with an endless stream of clips.

Instead, his subsequent series of annual short films cemented him into skiing's general conscience as one of the best freeskiers on the planet.

Modern skiers yearn for more Sammy Carlson, but he doesn't seem interested in turning into a content factory anytime soon.

He bet on himself, and it's paid off. His edits are the closest thing to 'appointment television' that we have today.

Well friends, the wait is over. Carlson is dropping his new film titled 'KAMASE' today, December 1, 2023 at 12:00PM PT. Check it out below:

As part of the film's release, Carlson has partnered with Black Ops Valdez (Alaska) to give away an incredible heli skiing trip for you and a friend. The details are below:

WHAT: KAMASE/Black Ops Valdez Heli Skiing Giveaway

WIN: (2) 3 day all-inclusive heli skiing trips courtesy of Black Ops Valdez

HOW: 
-Follow and tag @blackopsvaldez

-Upload your favorite ski photo/video and tag who you would want to go heli ski with and why we should pick you

-Use HASHTAG #kamaseblackops to enter

POWDER's Ian Greenwood spoke with Carlson in-depth about KAMASE in a recent interview. Click here to check it out.

I was given an unexpected opportunity to ask Carlson a few more questions about KAMASE, and I simply couldn't resist.

Like many of you, Carlson is one of my favorite skiers to watch. It would have been silly to not fire a few questions his way.

The plan was to include a couple of quick Q&As to build out the article, but Carlson went above and beyond what I asked of him. Instead, he provided insightful and thoughtful answers that help us understand him as a skier, and as a person.

Without further ado, check out our Q&A below:

What motivates you to keep progressing with each film you work on?

"My love for skiing. 

Skiing continues to be my main driving force in life. I feel the most alive in the mountains, I don't really have the words to describe my love, but it's deep. It's such a powerful feeling riding out the bottom of a dream line, or stomping a trick exactly how you envisioned it in your mind.

Skiing has always been there for me throughout my life, it still brings me so much joy. It's given me my highest highs and helped me get through the lowest of lows, and ultimately shaped the person I am today. The mountains have been my greatest teacher in life.

I'm very grateful for everything that skiing has taught me. Essentially my whole life is built around my love for skiing, and I try my hardest to stay true to the sport that has giving me so much. It's easy to get caught up in BS along the way and get distracted, but at the end of the day when I step into my skis, I can get away from all that.

At the end of every season, I want more and know my work isn't done. I recognize this opportunity wont last forever, but while that fire continues to burn inside I can't waste it. Every year is a new year and skiing is my voice, my art form.

I try to work my hardest to represent for the sport and push my self along the way while being wise and not taking stupid risks. If I don't put in the work, I can't expect to ride tuff. That motivates me to stay focused on and off the hill.

It's amazing what you can accomplish with hard work and dedication. We always put so much into these films. I'm very grateful to work along side such a talented crew.

From the riders to the cinematographers and post production crew, I'm really grateful for everyone involved with the films year after year and proud of what we accomplish together. I wouldn't have the opportunity without such amazing sponsors. The main reward for me is getting to ride such amazing lines and focus my energy on what I love doing, being able to share it with everyone else is a bonus and I hope my skiing inspires others to follow their passions in life as well."

What lessons have you learned the 'hard way' in your career?

"Attitude is everything. Don't feed into the haters. I've reacted in situations in the past that ultimately took me further away from my goals.

Sometimes people want to bring you down, but you gotta be strong and not feed into it. I've used a lot of negative experiences to drive and motivate me to go in even harder and help me accomplish my goals.

Also, a dream with out a plan is just a wish, this couldn't be more true. 

"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold", a Bob Marley quote that has stuck with me. Skiing is not a competition, it's not about winning but living a life of freedom.

If you ski to win, it will all be over one day, but the feelings of joy and friendships can stick with you forever."

Check out a clip from KAMASE below:

How does it feel when your peers refer to you as one of the best skiers on the planet?

"It's an honor, it feels really good to have all the hard work that goes into it be recognized. I know a lot of skiers that deserve more so I'm grateful for the opportunity. I'm still very much connected to the 15 year old me riding on Mt. Hood dreaming of the life I'm living now. It's been a journey and I'm grateful for all of it."

What was an unforeseen challenge with filming KAMASE?

"Starting off the season, we planned to shoot most the year in British Columbia and finish up in Alaska at Black Ops.

Going into our filming window there was a nasty (DPWL) deep persistent weak layer across Canada that was not worth the risk. Knowing what we wanted to shoot we decided to just avoid the backcountry entirely to not put anyone at risk and completely eliminate our chances of triggering the beast.

We decided to switch it up and go over to Japan and start shooting there. We ended up scoring. It snowed over 10 ft while we were there, and we walked away with some epic footage.

A good reminder you can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather. This is so crucial for making ski films. If you plan too much you can get skunked. Every season presents new challenges and it doesn't really get easier, I've learned if you want to put out good video parts, you gotta put in the work and always be ready. The mountains can be unpredictable, always be ready.

What do you have planned for this season?

"Picking up where we left off in Alaska. I got to step into some of my bigger, more technical lines last season. It was an epic experience, but I didn't quite get it the way I wanted to.

I left a few lines on the table, and I'm stoked to ride more with my brother from another Vinzenz Keller. Also planning something special with Armada and the rest of the team over there."

Related: Sammy Carlson Talks About His Mind-Blowing New Film

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