Powder and big mountain lines in Montana and Wyoming – in the short film “Press Play,” the crew supporting Isaac Freeland, Riis Wilbrecht, and Sawyer Thomas delivers raw, real freeski action. We talked to the two DYNAFIT athletes and main protagonists, Isaac and Riis, to hear about their personal thoughts on the film.
The vision for Press Play
How would you describe the film in three words and what vibe did you want to capture?
Riis: Simple, Good Time. The film depicts skiing, friends, and fun, without any hassles – non-stop action, big mountain, and free touring, totally in line with Isaac’s “Go-Go-Go” mentality.
Isaac: Deep, Dreamy, Highlights. I wanted to get across a dreamy, almost nostalgic vibe: the transition into winter, deep snowy slopes, cool lines, and adventures with friends.
Do you remember any particular moment that really sums up the project?
Riis: There was this one stormy day in Cooke City. We got lost at first, but then we enjoyed the day in fantastic snow. The mix of chaos and fun really sums up the movie well.
Isaac: I still remember one particular day in the Absaroka Range in the Rockies really well. The snow conditions weren’t exactly ideal, and we weren’t sure if we should even film. But, in the end, we found an awesome line and dared to try something new.
The athletes – roots, mountains and mindset
How did you get into skiing and freeriding, and which mountains have shaped you?
Riis: I first went on skis when I was 2 years old. Alongside competitive sports in the Nordic racing team, I then started freeriding at weekends. The big mountains with their spectacular lines had a special attraction for me from an early age. The Tetons in Wyoming are my home mountains and I think they are by far the best backcountry ski area in the world.
Isaac: I only started skiing at the age of 8. I got into freeriding at 17, when we moved. My local mountain was Snow Summit in California, and later it was Sugar Bowl Resort near Lake Tahoe. These two places really shaped me and my skiing skills.
Is there a motto or quote that inspires you when skiing – and how do you inspire each other?
Riis: A motto that fits me is You learn, share experiences, and keep at it – just like with skiing. With friends like Isaac and Sawyer, chill days quickly turn into exciting moments.
Isaac: Hoji once said, “If you’re not scared, it won’t make the movie” – fear and respect are a natural part of freeriding. Riis’ energy is contagious; even on cold days, you get pumped up by a good line and the crew.
Behind the scenes: challenges and the team
What were the biggest challenges while filming?
Riis: Filming didn’t always go smoothly, but that’s what makes it exciting: you grow from the challenge and learn to develop balance, endurance, and mental strength.
Isaac: The biggest challenge was getting the timing of the weather, snow, and light just right – because it’s only when everything comes together that you get those iconic moments. The conditions might not always have been ideal, but it’s all about what you make of it. And sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone.
How did the teamwork go? How big was the crew behind the scenes?
Riis: The crew differed from place to place. We worked with a small core crew that we were totally in sync with. Especially in the backcountry, it’s really important to have the right people around, who you trust and who can make the right calls together with you. When on site, we then had extra support from local teams to capture those big, stunning scenes. This mix worked really well for us.
Gear talk: what equipment Isaac and Riis use
What setup did you use in the film – and what’s your favorite product from DYNAFIT?
Riis: I used the Tigard 107 skis, the ST 14 binding, and the Radical Pro boot throughout the film – for me, that’s the ultimate setup because it combines long, efficient ascents with strong downhill performance. The Radical Pro remains my absolute favorite: light and comfortable uphill, and the perfect balance between flex and stiffness downhill.
Isaac: I used the entire Tigard collection in the film and combined them with the lighter Radical and Ridge products on long, technical mountain days. My favorite product is the Tigard Boot – thanks to the 130 flex, 4-Schnallen-Konstruktion, and the perfect mix of downhill performance and walking comfort, it’s the most versatile boot in the lineup for me.
Press Play for your winter!
Do you want to tick off the perfect line from your bucket list, just like Isaac, Riis, and Saywer? In the shop, you can find the complete DYNAFIT Free Touring gear with just one click – from skis and boots to high-performance clothing for powder days.
