Steep Roots
When climbing mountains marries free skiing, the circle is complete.
Winter – Episode 1: Steep Roots.
Adventure type: Extreme Skiing, Mountaineering & Paragliding
Adventurer: Johanna Stålnacke (IFMGA/UIAGM/IVBV Mountain Guide)
Location: Kebnekaise / Toulpagorni / Sarek, Swedish Lapland
Steep Roots – A journey to complete the circle.
For elite mountain guide and steep skier Johanna Stålnacke, the mountains have always been home—whether in the legendary peaks of Chamonix or the vast wilderness of Swedish Lapland. But now, she returns to Kiruna, the place where she grew up, to reconnect with her roots, her family, and the untamed landscapes that shaped her love for adventure.
This is more than just an expedition. It’s a journey of self-discovery and reconnection, blending extreme skiing, ski touring, mountaineering, and paragliding into a breathtaking experience that merges heritage, adventure, and the raw power of nature.
Her dream? To ski and paraglide from the legendary Dragon’s Spine, carving through untouched slopes before soaring above the frozen wilderness—where her father waits at an alpine lake, fishing in the silence of winter. Here, they share a moment of reflection: on their roots, on life in the mountains, and on the journeys that take us home.
A Story of Heritage, Adventure & Human Connection
For Johanna, the mountains are more than just peaks to conquer—they are a place of belonging, of personal growth, and of passing on traditions from one generation to the next. This episode explores:
- The balance between modern adventure and traditional wisdom.
- How reconnecting with our past can inspire our future.
- The role of extreme sports in finding meaning beyond competition.
I’m an IFMGA/UIAGM/IVBV Mountain guide, a passionate free skier/steepskier & climber who has Chamonix as my home. I spend most my days in the winter searching out fun, adventurous ski descents and good snow to ski. I’m not gonna hide that crack climbing holds a special place in my heart summer time alongside alpine climbing and some surfing.
Our love for the mountains stretches beyond work, we love guiding but we also love going on own adventures and keep on progressing! It is an endless journey that takes place as much outside as on the inside. Mountains allow one to grow and give us the most amazing and fun experiences we know.
To work as a mountain guide is more than just leading people in the mountains. It’s about creating relationships and share a journey in which there is the potential to see people progress and fulfill goals that one first thought would be out of reach.
WORK IN PROGRESS – TO BE UPDATED.
1. Introduction (5 mins)
Back to Her Roots
We are introduced to Johanna Stålnacke, an extreme skier and adventurer, who leaves her life in Chamonix to return to Kiruna and the Swedish mountains. Through her story, we gain insight into her childhood and her deep connection to the mountains.
The episode opens with a glimpse into the history of the Kebnekaise and Abisko areas. A narrator describes the significance of these mountains over time, including their connection to the Sami people, who have long lived and worked in this landscape.
2. The Journey Begins (7 mins)
From Chamonix to Kiruna
Johanna travels back to Kiruna, where she reconnects with her family before setting off on her adventure. Her father tells her about a special fishing spot at a remote mountain lake and suggests they meet there. Inspired by his story about the unique location, Johanna decides to make the journey even more remarkable by combining skiing and paragliding to reach the lake.
3. Scouting the Terrain (6 mins)
Understanding the Challenge
Johanna arrives in the Kebnekaise and Abisko area and begins scouting the Dragon’s Spine, a technically demanding mountain ridge that offers perfect conditions for both skiing and paragliding. She studies the terrain, plans her route, and prepares her gear.
The stunning natural beauty of the mountains is showcased, with a focus on Johanna’s preparations and how she envisions her adventure.
4. Preparing for the Descent (7 mins)
Risk and Reward
At the top of the Dragon’s Spine, Johanna makes her final preparations for the challenging ski descent and the subsequent paragliding flight. She reflects on the physical and mental demands of tackling steep slopes and executing a flawless takeoff with her paraglider.
5. The Descent (7 mins)
Skiing and Paragliding from the Dragon’s Spine
Johanna tackles the steep and demanding ski line down the Dragon’s Spine. Upon reaching her designated launch point, she attaches her paraglider. With an elegant motion, she lifts off the mountain ridge and soars over the snow-covered landscape.
From the air, we see her father’s small camp by the frozen lake, where he is ice fishing. Johanna’s flight captures the untouched beauty of the mountains and the profound connection between humanity and nature.
6. Arrival at the Lake (6 mins)
Connection Through Nature
Johanna lands gracefully by the mountain lake and joins her father. They share a moment of connection as he tells her why this place is so special to him—a spot he has visited since his youth. Together, they reflect on how their different passions for the mountains are united by their love for nature.
7. Reflection and Achievement (5 mins)
Victory and Gratitude
Johanna reflects on her journey, not just as a physical achievement but as an opportunity to reconnect with her roots. She speaks about how the stillness and power of the mountains uniquely make her feel both small and invincible.
8. Conclusion (2 mins)
The Mountains of Home
The episode closes with views of the mountains at sunset, with Johanna and her father as small figures in the vast landscape. A narrator summarizes the significance of the mountains and their timeless beauty. For Johanna, this was more than just an adventure—it was a reminder of the value of coming home.
Intresserad av att samarbeta? Hör av dig!
Anders Klapp
Producer/Director
+46 706 21 15 00
anders@klapp.se
Robin Trygg
Producer
+46 70 401 89 61
info@robintrygg.com
Frederic Liberman
Producer
+46 70456 94 45
fredericliberman@gmail.com
Agnes Klapp
Director/Editor
+46 701 64 63 25
agnes@klapp.se