Gravity Feed: A Heli-Drop, Crunchy Spine Run & Sluff-Bomb Escape

In a move that remains one of the most iconic TGR moments, legendary snowboarder Victoria Jealouse sets the tone for commitment. Filming for the iconic High Life (2002) film, Jealouse didn't require a gentle drop-off. Instead, she took the ultimate shortcut. She rode in the external gear basket of the helicopter and initiated a full acid drop straight off the skids. Jealouse’s ability to transition seamlessly from air to snow, maintaining speed and focus, solidified her status as a true pioneer of big mountain riding.

Few athletes embody the term "dialed" quite like Ian McIntosh. In this clip, pulled from the 2014 film Almost Ablaze, McIntosh finds himself on one of those infamous, white-knuckle descents that demand surgical precision. The conditions are brutal: dust on crust. This means minimal edge-hold on an already exposed, technical spine run—a genuine no-fall zone. The slightest slip would lead to a catastrophic tumble. McIntosh's performance is a clinic in technical freeride legends and skiing. It showcases the nerves of steel necessary to ride terrain where the consequences are irreversible.

When you’re skiing steep, exposed faces, managing the snow you break loose—the sluff—is as crucial as picking your line. Pro skier Sam Smoothy learned this lesson in a dramatic fashion. As he initiated his descent, he triggered a heavy volume of sluff that quickly turned into a freight train, chasing him down the mountain. Smoothy, demonstrating the instinct and skill of a seasoned veteran, simply keeps his feet moving and points his sticks straight. He uses every ounce of speed and momentum to stay ahead of the churning snow. This clip is a powerful reminder that even the most calculated lines can turn into a battle for survival.