“Circle of Madness” – A Snow Sports Masterpiece that Pushes Limits and Redefines Greatness

Circle of Madness, the latest film from acclaimed director Christoph Thoresen, has rapidly earned its place among the greatest snow sports films of recent years. Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Haines, Alaska, the movie follows skiing icon Markus Eder and snowboarding legend Victor de Le Rue as they return to the region’s iconic spine walls to chase new lines, test their limits, and deepen their friendship.

Released for free on YouTube in November 2024 by The North Face, Circle of Madness quickly captured the snow sports world’s attention. It’s already been crowned ‘Ski Film of the Year’ by the International Freeski Film Festival (iF3) and has drawn praise from top athletes, fans, and filmmakers alike. Legendary filmmaker Scott Gaffney called it “one of the wildest, most beautiful, best ski and snowboard movies ever.”

The film thrives not on gimmicks or overly dramatic narratives, but on raw, world-class action and sharp filmmaking. Eder and Le Rue are at the top of their game, carving down near-vertical faces and pulling off jaw-dropping tricks—dub tens, cork nines, and more—all in no-fall zones that would unnerve even seasoned pros. Their seamless chemistry creates a dynamic reminiscent of a buddy-cop film, minus the chaos—just two elite athletes pushing each other to greater heights.

Thoresen, who also worked with Eder on the viral hit The Ultimate Run, delivers a visually stunning and tightly edited film. Every frame bursts with crisp color and fluid motion, giving the audience a visceral sense of both the beauty and danger of big mountain riding. Rather than dwelling on the idea of “madness” in a metaphorical or psychological sense, the film leans into the sheer magnetism of Alaska—a place so powerful, so mesmerizing, it can drive a person to obsession.

Audience reactions have been glowing. One viewer summed it up as “the best ski film in 5+ years,” praising the execution from riding to editing. Others described it as “surreal,” “a work of art,” and “just absolutely pure madness.” Comments flooded in celebrating not only the visuals but the emotional gravity and mental toughness of the athletes involved.

With Circle of Madness, Eder, Le Rue, and Thoresen have crafted more than a film—they’ve delivered an instant classic. It’s not just about steep lines and big airs; it’s about partnership, passion, and the ever-persistent pull of wild terrain. And thanks to its free release, it’s a gift to every snow sports fan ready to be blown away.