As a bit of a disclaimer, I’ve spent a fair bit of time in the mountains. Many hundreds of trips across the UK but also time filming in the mountains of Austria, Norway, Finland, Canada, Korea, Russia and Kazakhstan to name a few. I’m also ex-forces, and no stranger to tough environments. More about me www.chrishomer.uk I say this to point out that you should take the mountains very seriously. This film has been lovingly produced over many weeks and while I’d love it to inspire someone, I feel I should also point out the need for respecting the environment. It can be very dangerous. I’m sure that goes without saying. I’m not trying to preach who should go into the mountains and when, what equipment you should or shouldn’t take or anything else. Having all the correct gear is a good start, but we’ve all heard the expression “all the gear, no idea”, or my personal favourite, “all the clobber, still a knobber”. You probably shouldn’t just go pickup a walking axe and crampons and head for the winter summits alone. It’s all none of my business really, but I felt the need to point out that I’m moderately experienced and of course, without wanting to spoil it... it’s a bloody RU-vid video. Creative license was used. Precautions were taken. Things happened off camera. Shots were setup and selected for dramatic effect where necessary. I belayed where I wanted to. Wore the boots I wanted to. Wore the microspikes I wanted to. Used the tent I wanted to. Got water out of the lake because I wanted to. Chose the Pot Noodle flavour I wanted to. Did everything because I wanted to. Funny that, in 2021, maybe I'm old-school? In the grand scheme of my life, this is closer to the safest thing I’ve ever done than it is to the most dangerous, so chill your beans… Hope you all enjoyed the video and thanks to everyone who supported it, I really appreciate it. The map - amzn.to/3bsMOPy
Also, as someone mentioned in the comments and worth pointing out here in the pinned comment, is that at the time of posting this, the UK now has all kinds of travel restrictions in place. It's "lockdown", so someone tells me, and a lockdown with some extra BS categories or something. Whatever that means. I don't know, I don't watch TV, haven't watched the news in a decade, and don't consent to BS or big daddy government unjustly telling me what to do. I don’t know, and again, it's not my place to preach to you, do what you want, but don't bother trying to tell me what I can and can’t do. All the best to you all.
@@chrishomer Loved this video Chris. Thanks for showing us how it's done, both the winter camping and the film production - not to mention the magnificent views. Useful to have the disclaimer for perspective 👍
Thanks mate. Hope you’re doing well. Yes I think so, although I’ve rewritten it a couple of times. Don’t feel great about telling people they should take a map, they should take an axe, they should take a PLB or sat messenger etc. It’s none of my business 😜 So I left it pretty vague but hopefully it comes across that it should be taken seriously, and this is just a film, although I’m sure that’s obvious for most. Cheers buddy.
My God, how beautifully you've captured Snowdonia in winter. It's very interesting how you did those drone shots with no music in the background. Somehow the silence brings forward the vastness of such a place. I absolutely love Snowdonia. I love Wales! Happy St David's day. Thankyou for this :)
@@CeridwenHafMorys thanks! We really do have a lot to offer, buttons so big and we’re located right in the middle so it’s about a 10 hour drive for us in any direction before things start to really get interesting... but road trips are a lot of fun in the ole USA! 😊
I can't praise you enough for the overall quality of this one. Not to mention the extra miles and strife that must've gone in to setting up those scenes in the snow and then collecting the camera each time! Your narration at the end was a nice little surprise. I look forward to more of that in the future. Happy New Year!
I just shared this video with my wife and that is what I said...this guy is setting up his camera tromping thru knee/waist deep snow and being careful to not show any footprints so that the 3rd person shots are so pristine! Crazy effort. Great video.
This is the first video of yours I have seen (it popped up in my YT timeline), the first part without narration I thought brought me as a viewer into the wintery environment, I was almost shivering watching. The narration at the end was an absolute bonus. I will watch back through your older videos and look out for new ones.
Amazing film! Snowdonia lives up to its name. Blown away by the scenery, my ears loved all the snow crunching sounds and yep, I agree with other viewers that it was nice to hear from you. Looking forward to your breathtaking adventures in 2021.
Great video Chris! You captured the feel of Dyffryn Ogwen perfectly. It looks amazing with a covering of snow!! The talk to camera was great as well. good to hear you explain a few things about the hike ... and it does get easier the more you do it. Keep up the great work! 👍
Enjoyed your UK winter hills adventure. I think every one has to cope with the cold and strain of winter mountains in their own way. I was surprised and dissapponied to see people who have not been in such conditions lecturing you. There are all sorts of goals and equipment possibilities that might cause a person to take on the climb in a particular way including just enjoying the snow and getting a good work out. Respects.
The people who dislike the video probably never get off their as and get out there and actually do. Any one who actually does can have respect for the conditions and situation you’re in. The footage is beautiful, the editing is great, and the natural sound is fantastic. People suck, and those people usually suck at at many things and are good for very little. I watch a lot of videos on camping all four seasons from all over the world and all styles of being out there. This was a badass camp and good video. F-em. They don’t deserve the beauty I’m looking at
Brilliant Chris, really inspirational and so well put together..who needs the BBC when you have this. I will be taking notes for my next outing. All the best. Paul.
This is the most amazing winter mountain backpacking video that I have watched recently. I hike alone and don’t venture out to the mountains in the winter. Thank you for this experience.
Wow, where do I start. That was absolutely phenomenal, from start to finish. The time lapses, the music choices, the lovely ambient sounds. That was just stunning! Surely there’s something you aren’t tell us, you MUST have a full filming crew with ya 😉. Looks a tough hike with all that (very deep) Snow, good work. Also let it be said, the dedication you have for filming. Hike looked tough, never mind all the putting down the camera and walking past it! Liked the talking at the end, think it explained everything well. Loved the drone shots! The editing was class, quite unique and just class. Such an underrated channel, should have 100’s of 1,000’s. Buzzing found it. All the best, that was MINT! All the best Also, that butty looked class.
Such an awesome comment. It’s me that doesn’t know where to start! Much appreciated. Means a lot to read great feedback and support after putting in a lot of effort. 👍
This is beautifully done! The sounds, the shots, the location - everything. I hope to make it here some day. Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure! 🙂
One truly amazing film Chris, hats off to you for capturing the winter landscape so well. I’m really envious of you being in the places that I was once able to go. I remember one ML training weekend up by Tryfan with the same amount of snowfall, where we were able to build snow shelters to spend the night in. Only one thing I believe you were missing and that was an ice axe. Cheers Mike and that was a Five Star Film ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sounds awesome! I’ve never been up Tryfan with significant snow. I think I’d be pretty uncomfortable with it to be honest. Yep, no axe. I didn’t take it at all and regretted that, it was partly the reason for not going higher that day.
EPIC Chris, best of both worlds in this one. The silent and the narration, 👍 deep snow, puts our caradoc flutter to shame 😂 great work once again... Some great footage for me there 😜 happy new year to you chap.... Hopefully join up with you once we're out of tier 3 👍
Dumped a bit more than I thought it would. Up to my armpits a couple of times, didn’t get it on film unfortunately. Good fun though. Thanks mate, definitely. I’ll pick the day and weather though if you don’t mind... 🤪
Great video loved the format of video first and chat later allows the viewer to enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere. Cant wait to get back out hiking and wild camping again, all the best and stay safe.
Thanks Keith, appreciate that feedback. Me too, I’ve got nothing but cities and desert for a while now. Then hopefully back to Wales in spring. All the best
As always the food of champions is pot noodle and drink of choice a nice IPA haha now I’ve gone up Snowdon when it’s nice and warm and it was still bloody cold at the top god knows of cold it was when you where there Chris ,but I’ve gotta say your the king of making a 20min vid with no speaking but making viewing essential MINT
I work as an actor and theatre director, and I have to say your voice to camera work is good. You have a good voice and a likeable presence. Its just a case of practice. If you look at the early videos of people like Paul Messner and Scottish Mountains, they all started off nervous. Just plan the story of what you are saying in your head (roughly) and commit. But the photography work on this is superb.
Absolutely loved this. I love the silent approach because you can hear the sounds all around you and it put me there. Scary but very exciting! And so beautiful. Thanks a lot.
Brilliant short film Chris ! I think your piece below that detailed your experience & some of the places that you have been I think is a very valuable ! As you say & I know myself spending a lot of time in the mountains in all weather's; As a ski instructor, mountain biker, & mountain walker for many years how very dangerous the mountains can be especially in winter ❄️ time ! & Have the right clothing & equipment ! Love your style ! 👌🌨️❄️👍
Absolutely brilliant Chris. You can tell how much work you put into that just from all the tough walk by shots👍🏻 this is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I got to say it was amazing, definitely got a subscribe from me bud! I’ve not long started doing RU-vid, probably 6 months or so and I found it weird strange and awkward talking to the camera at first but the more I done the easier it was. While I was watching and I got to about 18 minutes in and thought this is amazing but surely he’s going to talk in the minute and then I watched more and then it clipped back to the bacon cooking scene and I thought what’s going on here then you spoke and for me it was the icing on the cake. Watching a lot of RU-vid especially photography/videography and outdoors stuff, you can see you’ve got a talent and dedication there to produce and I think you could of probably said anything and people would of liked it because of the quality you have already there to back you up. Everyone loves hearing about gear (me included) what sleep set up did you use? How much did your bag weigh? Sorry for the long comment. Cheers for the video bud 👍🏻ATB George 🏕
George, appreciate the long comment. Great to read. I’m pretty sure I’ll add some talking on to the end of future films, and talking about bits of kit will be included. Although probably not too much, there are some really great channels out there dedicated to that who do it really well. So I’m unsure. Not the greatest talker, but I’ll include something. Let’s see how it goes. It’ll probably be another month or 2 before another film. Thanks again mate.
Well this turned out to be a surprisingly awesome RU-vid recommendation! I feel like I need to rewatch this on my tv, absolutely incredible to watch, makes me really miss being able to get away over the last months. Thanks so much for making this it’s beautiful.
That’s awesome that it’s being recommended! Thanks. I shot it in 4K, some of the mountains look absolutely stunning on a TV. Made a few mistakes with the sounds though, hope that’s ok for you. It’ll struggle on good speakers, surround sound etc 😞 Thanks again, much appreciated
Thank you for this. I am currently self isolating and have been unable to spend time in the mountains even though I live ten minutes from Cwm Idwal. Although it’s looking like the crampons won’t be dusted off this year and the ice axe will stay hung up, watching this warmed my heart and reminded me that the things I love are out there so thank you so much.
4:16 Chris have been missing seeing your videos. Man that looks majestic yet FREEZING 😁👍 Is that beef jerky you're eating. A blackbird all the way up there, is it usual ? That solitude though must be sometimes delightful. Just you & nature. I loved that about kyacking around Key Largo...no one around just slowly paddling your way around nature. Chris I know you get a clear mind up there. It's why I used to love the kyacking it was alone time, and in the late stages of Liza's cancer it gave me a chance to ponder & think of life without her, and I let go of emotions there and it was cleansing. I heard criticism behind my back that I didn't cry or was emotional enough about losing her but it was my times like you have it that allowed me to cry secretly & think about things and get over them so I could be strong for everyone else.
I watched this just a couple of days ago just before bed and commented “brilliant “ what a beautiful silent movie from someone who not only has a wonderful grasp of photography but has also given an in depth feel of the true beauty of solitude, what you can do and see in your own company. Pictures without words that conjure up feelings. I look forward to seeing more films and keep it up 👍🏻
Stunning Chris. What camera did you do the internal car shot with? It’s a pretty wide angle and looked amazing. I think you should do this type of film more often, with a bit of narration towards the end. It’s gives the best of both worlds. Perhaps cover some of the kit you take and how you do a couple of the shots etc. Really enjoyed it mate 👍🏻
Thanks mate. Inside shots were with a Sony A7riii, kindly being loaned to me by WEX while mine gets repaired. I’ll do some more discussion and talking, just gotta get a bit better at it. Cheers
Amazing video as always Chris, and thanks for the monologue at the end. Was great to get your comments on the trek and camp. You have a healthy respect for the hills which came across in your very amenable and humble persona. Keep up the good work and take care!
Wonderful cinematography. It would have been a tremendous adventure in normal circumstances but as your and other comments have alluded to we are in serious lockdown in Wales and even with all of your disclaimers I'm worried that it might inspire too many ill equipped, under-experienced, ill prepared knobs to try similar ventures putting immense strain on, especially, voluntary emergency services when it goes wrong. Unfortunately that's a scenario that plays out in Snowdonia almost on a weekly basis. Some of the tales are literally unbelievable.
I hear you, 100%, but I didn’t want to wait much longer to release it. And the whole disclaimer thing still doesn’t feel right, don’t feel like it’s my place to try to tell people what to do. Thanks, appreciated
Omg this is breath taking..im literally no breathing while watching this..im doing just videos with my phone but I know how much work is behind Scenes to shoot every single angle..and in snow..wow...all respect...im planning to do one winter camping but I'm not concerned about my gear and skills... I have no words, way you making films so detailed so real... amazing..your such a inspiration for me ..Thank you ...
Truly outstanding journey Chris. The effort required to capture this epic winter experience is there for all to see. I loved it.. It was great to hear you share your thoughts and wonderfully timed and edited. I certainly need to talk less and capture more of my surroundings. Keep up with what you’re doing. HNY to you. 🏔⛺️👍
Thanks for that a bit of tranquility in a difficult period. Thank you for your obvious time and effort and I did appreciate the few comments at the end.
First time I have viewed any of your videos Chris and I was blown away....stunning shots and I’m sure you have memories there for a lifetime. No doubt you were a tired man after slogging backwards and forwards through all that snow, a few inches usually kills me. Regards the narration, I for one am glad you spoke. I like to hear your thoughts and what you can see etc.....looking forward to viewing your other videos and your future adventures. Stay safe.
Thanks, very pleased to read this. Yes, very tired indeed. Sand and snow both kill me! Always have. Don’t think I’m built for it, that’s my excuse anyway. Thanks again, much appreciated
Great job! Very important disclaimer. So many people now desperate to get out without any experience of being in the wilderness. Walking in the mountains is a very different thing from walking on the city street and gym workout, particularly in winter. Be safe.
Thanks. Wasn’t too sure about putting that on here, hate to sound “preachy” and wanted to avoid telling people what they should or shouldn’t do or should or shouldn’t take with them, that’s not my place, but really wanted some kind of notice. Makes me feel better about it anyway. Thanks!
@@chrishomer It's not about being "preachy". Hiking in Norway I found a young couple on remote trail a few days away from nearest village eating candy for the last 2 days. You should see their faces when I shared some of my food supply.... :-)
The time and dedication it must have took to film each of this shots is insane. Walk back & forth, setting up the camera/tripod to capture shots etc. Amazing mate. Top class cinematography.
Winter, Snowdonia, video, camping, captured actual shite what you do, captured an experience, NO bullshit, puts every other winter Snowdonia video on here to fucking shame. Needed it. Cheers 🏔🤙🏻
Brilliant, loved the whole film, the silence is essential but including the chat at the end is a great idea, totally enjoyed it please keep them coming. Last year I bought everything I need to wild camp, I am now inspired to winter camp and I love Snowdonia.
Nice job on your video. Looked like a really cold trip. Parts of the journey looked like snowshoes would have come in handy. Great views and drone footage. Stay safe out there and have a great day.👍😀
Cheers buddy, yeah a few people mentioned he snow shoes, I dunno I’ve never tried them. Would surely have saved a lot of effort but anywhere near those slopes I’m unsure. I’ll look into it. Thanks again, appreciated. Have a good one 👍
@@chrishomer Snow shoes would only help you and work best on flatter terrain only. Depending on how much climbing you were going to do would certainly be a deciding factor. Great trip. Take care.
The "fridge" shot, and driving on "the wrong side" of the road, made me watch the whole thing! No regrets! Flabbergasting nature shots! Thank you, and greetings from the Netherlands.
Thanks Simon, really appreciate the feedback on that part. Hope you get out in the snow soon, unfortunately it’s not possible for me now due to travel rules, ah well, hopeful of another chance before winter is done with. Cheers 👍
absolutely fantastic video Chris. I admire the time it took up on the mountain to think of and execute these shots. purely brilliant. also liked the chat at the end, if a quick chat at the end is what your comfortable with then awesome, I love your ambient video style anyway however it is a little more immersive for the audience when we meet the person we are watching doing this amazing stuff, keep it up!
There are some seriously stunning shots here and first class editing. Your film reminded me of Erik Normark, who makes in my opinion the best outdoor films. Please keep making your films, that fact you have no comments and no music just ADDS to the whole thing. I haven’t been able to winter camp this year due to lockdown. Thank you for this. I hope to get out soon in the snow and mountains. Definitely subscribing 👍👍👍👍
Thanks Steve, someone else just mentioned Erik Normark, I think he’s great, super relaxing videos and there’s some influence there for sure. Never thought I’d watch a bloke sit under a tarp making coffee for 20 minutes and enjoy it..... 😆 Thanks mate, appreciated
Spectacular! You are a truly talented film maker. As someone said, like a top BBC programme. I liked everything about this video. I particularly liked the subtle lesson on winter camping in mountains I.e. don’t try it unless you really know what you’re doing. No preaching, just giving us a small slice of what it takes. If anyone goes straight out on the mountains in winter without building up a level of relevant experience, they’re mad and probably a hazard to mountain rescue. Slowly slowly catch the monkey I reckon. Very inspiring and wonderful for the spirit in such depressing times. Thanks Chris.
Thanks Ivor that’s very kind. Particularly like the feedback on my little attempt at a disclaimer, it made me uncomfortable writing that. Very true. Slowly slowly catchy monkey. Wise. Thanks again
Wow.... Well what can I say that hasn’t already been said & shared regarding most of your reviews!? Spectacular! I was just about to watch it as it popped up on my phone, as I was in the kitchen making abit of supper.... It seemed like 5 to 6 seconds, I laughed to myself, from the inside your fridge shot, trying to figure out wether you looked happy or bemused showing your full face so early in? Then diving into that amazing transition from coffee to car lapse... I was hooked & exited!! Had to switch my phone of immediately!! It was Big Tv screening time! You made me feel like I was there! Congratulations mate!
😂..... I was thinking about it, & then thought you might of done it, sort of hoping, & then I thought definitely too dangerous on ya lone wolf!! Awoooo!!
First time I've watched any of your videos and I didnt know they were generally silent. I was so hoping that you might speak at the end, and you did! You look so at peace and completely at one with your surroundings. Thank you for such a calm and awe inspiring vision of your experience on the mountain. I'll be looking out for future uploads on your channel. Stay safe. Happy travels x
Deeply enjoyable, thank you - both the silent parts and your commentary! I'm a humble paraglider pilot, far beneath your level of mountain skills, but the images remind me of how much I long to return to the Welsh hills (the more forgiving, southern ones until I reach your level!) when all the current madness is behind us. There can be no new normal: here's to the old one returning!
Awesome. I do a little aviation my self, never paragliding, although I have on a couple of occasions seriously considered it but never followed through. I pick my weather for these trips very carefully, and through that I’ve been on the summits at the same times of guys launching a few times. Always stopped for a chat and to watch them fly off into sunset in awe. Maybe one day I’ll get round to it. Looks absolutely fantastic! Thanks. Hope the world settles and you get back there. All the best
@@chrishomer Sir, If the idea grabs you, you should absolutely go for it! Paragliding is very achievable and, personally speaking, the closest feeling to those childhood dreams of being able to fly that I've ever experienced: beats flying heavier craft into a cocked hat! Hope to see you on a hill one day... :-)
I can’t really state this quite strongly enough but being outside really gets me in such a positive way. Nature is amazing. I’m also a photographer. Your vids really do keep me glued. You are filming and photographing beautiful things and really well. I Like the chat bit, a glimpse of the person who’s behind it all is interesting as is what you have to say. Really appreciate the time it takes to put these together, I certainly value watching these it very much. Keep it up and thank you!
Wow Chris , that was a stunning film and I appreciate how much work you put in with the camera . Proper wildcamping in real life conditions loved it atb Dave
I subbed over the weekend after watching this. Just watched a second time now and absolutely in awe with what you did and how you did it. I went camping for the second time in my life in Cornwall last summer and even that was out of my comfort zone! What I like from your earlier videos is the genuine joy you show when you're above the clouds and take the timelapses. Hope to see more lifting videos from you soon - I powerlift. Hopefully you make more videos like this as they are brilliant. Be safe 👌
Beautiful scenery another amazing video Chris! Got so mountain envious watching this! When I climbed Snowdon it was super foggy so didn’t get to see all this beautiful scenery Some long shots with the drone had me thinking if the Rocky IV mountain scene ... you shoulda shouted “Drago” at the top! Great hearing you again at the end! You clearly know your routes!! I MUST join you for one of these this year 🙌
Fantastic film... really well done. Beautiful shots and great sound. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kudos for documenting a winter wildcamp... It can't be easy to operate a camera in those conditions. Thanks for making and sharing this. All the best, Richard
I'm a backpacking person in Korea. I happened to watch the video, and I was deeply moved. And the style of food you eat is kind of like a Korean backpacker and it's fun.
What a great video Chris. The effort that you’ve put into this is phenomenal and the production excellent. If anyone ever wanted to see a video of what a big mountain can be like in winter from the comfort of their own home then you nailed it my friend. 👍
Bloody hell! Snowdonia lives up to its name alright! Awesome footage. I generally put my tent away from the end of October until mid-March but I end up spending all winter longing for hikes and wild camps. I wish we'd get some snow down here in Southern England to give a snow camp a try... Anyway, RESPECT. I just subscribed to your channel, so I'm looking forward to watching more of your adventures... And to going back to Snowdonia at some point...
Thanks Stefan, appreciate that. Winter camping is enjoyable when the weather is right I think, for me it has to be below zero, otherwise it can just feel wet and miserable. Hope you’re able to get some trips in at some point mate
