The documentary NORDEND – Dreaming Beyond Limits (NORDEND – Rêver au-delà des limites) is a 17-minute Swiss production directed by Guido Perrini. Made in French, it recounts a unique sporting feat combining snowboarding, mountaineering and aviation.
The film's central subject is the descent of the north-west face of Nordend, a summit in the Monte Rosa massif reaching 4,608 metres in altitude. It is one of the Alps' most extreme descents, with a 55-degree slope and often prohibitive conditions.
The documentary's protagonist is Géraldine Fasnacht, a Swiss athlete and pioneer of extreme sports. Fasnacht takes on the challenge by reaching the mountain aboard her ultralight aircraft “Roméo”, combining her passions for snowboarding, flying and exploring the most spectacular Alpine lines. The narrative follows the three years of waiting and preparation before the feat, culminating on 13 June 2024, when she made the highest landing ever achieved in the Alps, at around 14,000 feet on a crevasse-strewn glacier, before attempting the descent.
The documentary shows Géraldine Fasnacht's direct participation in her real capacity as athlete and pilot, documenting the journey from observing weather conditions to technical and physical preparation.
The film's message concerns overcoming limits, balancing risk with technical mastery, and seeking a deep connection with the natural elements. As the athlete says, “Flying and riding are my way of expressing myself. For a brief moment, I’m one with the elements”.
The project was produced by Swiss company Line Prod Sàrl, with Géraldine Fasnacht also involved in production. It is neither a student film nor the director's first work. The documentary was completed on 24 January 2025.
Film Details
Title: NORDEND – Dreaming Beyond Limits
Original title: NORDEND – Rêver au-delà des limites
Director: Guido Perrini
Production: Line Prod Sàrl – Géraldine Fasnacht
Country: Switzerland
Language: French
Running time: 17 minutes
Genre: Documentary
Sport featured: Snowboarding, alpine aviation
Protagonist(s): Géraldine Fasnacht
Completion date: 24 January 2025
Premiere: [not stated]
Distributor: [not stated]
Shooting format: Digital, colour
Director's first film: No
Student project: No