Bending Gates: Binge Watching ADL Style

Published by Kyle Watson on October 26, 2021October 26, 2021

If you have ever been on any of our World Cup Dreamtrips to Kitzbuhel or Wengen then you know how close we get to the action, the athletes, coaches and other people who contribute to the incredible World Cup experience. Two of those behind the scenes people are Amelie Steifvatter & Matthias Hell. We met them at the Schladming Night Slalom a few years back while they were filming and interviewing Marcel Hirscher for Redbull TV in our hotel lobby. Amelie was a TV host interviewing all the top skiers including our own Ted Ligety and others, while Matthias is a top notch cinematographer covering the races and other special features for Redbull Media House.

Which leads us to Bending Gates. In her first Producer/Director role, Amelie has knocked it out of the park with this masterful mini-series which follows the rising stars of the Swiss Alpine Ski National Team, Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard. In these episodes we get exclusive access, following them around the globe as they train, compete and enjoy their free time. The cinematography is beautiful and the intimate footage makes you feel like you are right there, following the team backstage through the World Cup season. It really gives you a feel for what its like to be on the World Cup not only as an athlete but as a spectator, it captures the mood perfectly. This is a RedBullTv production and you can watch on their app on your phone, smart tv or on your desktop computer. Marco just won the first race of this season, the GS at Soelden and after watching this series you wont be surprised why he came out on top.

BENDING GATES: SEASON 1 EPISODES:

Allies in competition: We get up close and personal with the Swiss ski stars and team-mates Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard as they train, compete and enjoy their free time during the FIS Ski World Cup season.
Inside the mind of a ski athlete: What does it take to be a professional alpine skier? Swiss Alpine Ski National Team members Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard give us exclusive insights into their sport.
Team spirit: Swiss alpine skiers Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard are not only friends and team-mates, but also competitors. How do they keep the team spirit alive? We follow them on the FIS Ski World Cup tour.
Preparation is key: Before a race, the visualization and inspection of the track are essential for Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard. Find out how they each get ready for a race, both physically and mentally.
Equipment makes the difference: Next to mental and physical readiness, their skis and other equipment are important essentials to ensure success for Swiss alpine skiing team-mates Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard.
Lights, camera, skiing: As professional athletes, Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard are constantly under the glare of the media spotlight, and they have to find the time to fulfil their commitments to their sponsors and partners.
The pressure is on: How do Swiss skiing team-mates Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard keep their spirits up despite defeats along the way? And, will the FIS Ski World Cup season end on a high note?
All or nothing: It’s the final countdown to the FIS Ski World Cup season finale in the Swiss ski resort of Lenzerheide. How will local heroes Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard handle the pressure?

Watch Bending Gates – Season 1

Matthias filmed much of the footage in the Kitzbuhel episode, which many of you will recognize from our trips. He also sent us this little fun promo video of himself wearing our famous Porsche club shirt. 🙂 We are really proud of Amelie’s work on this, her first producer/director role for such a big production. I think you will all agree she did an amazing job. Enjoy the series and share it with your friends and if you go on a future Dreamtrip and meet either of these two, buy them a drink.