Friedl: World War II Veteran, Ski Racer, Teacher, Leader

Professional skier and filmmaker Chris Anthony brings to the screen the extraordinary life journey of Austrian Skiing Champion, WW2 Veteran, and founder of Aspen Ski Corporation, Friedl Pfeifer. Friedl Pfeifer was born and raised on a farm in St. Anton, Austria, and grew to be one of Austria’s top alpine ski racers, winning many classic events, including the legendary Grossglockner. Mentored by the iconic Hannes Schneider, Friedl’s life changed dramatically after Schneider’s arrest by the Nazis. This compelled Friedl to flee Austria, beginning an incredible journey: through Italy, by ship to Australia, then to New York City, and by train to Sun Valley, Idaho. There, after meeting his wife, Friedl was temporarily arrested by the FBI and interned. Upon release, he became an instructor with the 10th Mountain Division and served on the front lines of Italy during WWII. Left for dead on the battlefield, he barely survived, returned to the United States, and eventually founded Aspen Ski Corporation. Chris Anthony has retraced Pfeifer’s path, inspiring his documentary to highlight not only Friedl’s story but also the world from the 1920s through the 1950s. Anthony creates these films through his Youth Foundation to educate and inspire youth, while raising funds to enable underserved individuals to experience skiing for the first time.