Perched at an altitude of 6,437 m in the Indian Himalayas, the Papsura fascinates with its impressive line that has become a challenge for the world's best ski mountaineers. The film " Papsura: Peak of Evil "follows the adventure of snowboarders Nick Russell and Jerry Mark, from the Sierra Nevada to this remote region, where they put their expertise to the test on the most daring line of their lives.
Latest Patagonia films The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow and The Scale of Hope explored powerful tales of wilderness adventure, combining self-transcendence, commitment and awareness of nature conservation. In the same vein, Papsura: Peak of Evil plunges us into the heart of the Himalayas, where Nick Russell and Jerry Mark push their limits on one of the most challenging descents of their careers.
From Delhi to Papsura, the expedition begins with an epic 10-day trek through the spectacular scenery of the Indian Himalayas to reach base camp, situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters. With this physically and mentally demanding trek, snowboarders Nick Russell and Jerry Mark will immerse themselves in the raw beauty and solitude of these mountains.
Once at base camp, the real challenge begins: the ascent of Papsura, culminating at 6,437 metres above sea level. For the record, Papsura, nicknamed the "Peak of Evil", rises like a deity alongside its twin, Dharmsura, also known as the "Peak of Good". Crossed by a magnificent line, for a long time one of the great enigmas of the steep slope, it was Hilaree Nelson and Jim Morrison who signed the first ski descent in 2017. A feat never repeated since. In 2024, Nick and Jerry tackled it on snowboard.
The ascent, in a region as majestic as it is unforgiving, is an ultimate test of endurance and technique, where every step in the rarefied air becomes a struggle. Once at the summit, the team must face hostile climatic conditions, complex terrain and oxygen depletion.
This unique combination of trekking, mountaineering and snowboarding makes Papsura is more than just a sporting feat: it's a quest to explore and surpass oneself in some of the most remote and demanding terrain on the planet.
The team
Nick Russell
As passionate about climbing as he is about descending, he devotes his life to the quest for powder. A native of California's Sierra Nevada, he traverses remote terrain on his splitboard, exploring the most remote slopes of the world's highest mountains and relentlessly pushing the boundaries of adventure.
Jerry Mark
An avid snowboarder, he grew up in Telluride, Colorado, a town primarily dedicated to skiing. At the age of 15, he turned to splitboarding as a means of accessing remote, unexplored territories. Now based in Verdi, Nevada, he divides his time between his passion for the mountains and his job as an intensive care nurse.
Morgan Shields
A filmmaker captivated by outdoor adventures and the stories they inspire. His love of action sports, especially skiing, took root in the hills of Minnesota. Now based in Jackson, Wyoming, he combines his passion for filmmaking and winter sports, bringing authentic stories to life in the heart of the mountains.
Blake Gordon
As a photographer and filmmaker, he strives to forge deep bonds with the places he explores. On his third expedition to the Himalayas, he was as fascinated by the region's cultural richness as by its landscapes. A certified FAA 107 drone pilot, Blake is also the chief pilot of Mountain Rescue Aspen's drone team.
PHOTO CREDIT: © Blake Gordon