Friedl documentary film at Tabor Opera House

Professional skier and filmmaker Chris Anthony brings to the screen the extraordinary life journey of Austrian Skiing Champion, WW2 Veteran, and founder of  Aspen Ski Corporation, Friedl Pfeifer.

While researching material for a sequel to his still-touring, award-winning documentary “Mission Mt. Mangart,” which tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division from 1939 to June 3, 1945, Chris Anthony encountered the name Friedl Pfeifer while in Austria, digging through skiing archives. Recognizing Pfeifer only from his statue at the base of Aspen Mountain in Colorado, Chris’s curiosity led him to explore Friedl’s remarkable story and the connection between the Arlberg Region, Sun Valley, Idaho, Colorado, and the 10th Mountain Division.

Friedl Pfeifer was born and raised on a farm in St. Anton, Austria, and grew to be one of Austria’s top alpine ski racers, winning many classic events, including the legendary Grossglockner. Mentored by the iconic Hannes Schneider, Friedl’s life changed dramatically after Schneider’s arrest by the Nazis. This compelled Friedl to flee Austria, beginning an incredible journey: through Italy, by ship to Australia, then to New York City, and by train to Sun Valley, Idaho. There, after meeting his wife, Friedl was temporarily arrested by the FBI and interned. Upon release, he became an instructor with the 10th Mountain Division and served on the front lines of Italy during WWII. Left for dead on the battlefield, he barely survived, returned to the United States, and eventually founded Aspen Ski Corporation.

Chris Anthony has retraced Pfeifer’s path, inspiring his documentary to highlight not only Friedl’s story but also the world from the 1920s through the 1950s. Anthony creates these films through his Youth Foundation to educate and inspire youth, while raising funds to enable underserved individuals to experience skiing for the first time.

Some of the proceeds of “FRIEDL” will also kick back to support the Colorado Snowsports Museum.

“FRIEDL”. The story of Friedl Pfeifer

Running time: 53 minutes (with Q&A with the filmmaker to follow)

All Ages $21 adults, $11 Veterans/Active Duty, $11 youth 11-18 years old, under 10 free

Doors at 6:30 / Film at 7:00