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
IUAGM Guide
FURA
Alpinist
MINGMA
Alpinist
MAIA
Alpinist
PHURBA
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