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DIDI

Taking on peaks and the patriarchy
with Marion Haerty.

Mountains are more than snow and rock. Climbing them more than a physical act. They have always been, and will always be, a means of emancipation.
DIDI – or big sister in Nepali – follows Marion Haerty to the heart of the Himalayas on a quest that is about much more than medals.

SEEKING A NEW CHALLENGE

As a four-time Freeride World Tour champion, Marion Haerty has won it all. But in September 2022, she was in search of a new challenge.

And this time, she had more than the podium on her mind.
She wanted to achieve something bigger.

“Snowboarding is more than just collecting medals on a shelf; it’s also about meeting people and living extraordinary moments.”

HEADED TO THE HIMALAYAS

Home to the world’s highest peaks, Nepal is at the forefront of mountaineering but in other ways it lags behind.

Women are still subject to archaic traditions including forced marriage, and few make it into mountain jobs. Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, the first female IUAGM guide from Nepal, is an exception.

SETTING SIGHTS HIGH

With Dawa’s help, Marion set her sights high. At 6,119m, Lobuche Peak would be the highest she had ever climbed.
The ascent would be a personal first, while the descent would be a world first for a female snowboarder.

But Marion was here not only to take high peaks…

“I want to test myself by searching for lines at high altitude but also to meet beautiful people on my way and to understand the world from through their eyes.”

BUILDING THE DREAM TEAM

To help her reach Lobuche Peak and, more importantly, gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles facing Nepali women in mountain sports, Marion teamed up with five Nepali alpinists, including fellow team athlete Dawa.

DAWA YANGZUM SHERPA

DAWA YANGZUM SHERPA

IUAGM Guide

IUAGM Guide

FURA

FURA

Alpinist

Alpinist

MINGMA

MINGMA

Alpinist

Alpinist

MAIA

MAIA

Alpinist

Alpinist

PHURBA

PHURBA

Alpinist

Alpinist

CLIMBING FOR EQUALITY

For each of these five women – or DIDI in Nepali – choosing the mountains was a way to liberate themselves from traditional roles in Nepali society. While steps towards equality have been taken in recent years, women still lack equal opportunity, especially in remote mountain areas.

Together, Marion and the DIDI set out to inspire the next generation of Nepali girls to reject the cultural restrictions and enjoy the mountains.

“This film is about sport as an emancipation tool, building role models for future generations of women.”

Alicia Cenci, Producer

MARION HAERTY

Marion Haerty is a freestyle snowboarder. Her journey towards Freeride World Tour success began at the age of ten when she threw herself into the sport, honing her skills on the slopes of Chamrousse. From Alaska to Japan, she is now searching for the best lines around the world.