The ICGC provided technical advice for the film about the Balandrau tragedy and contributed eleven maps from the Map Library
Specialists in avalanche forecasting and snow science from the ICGC took part in the technical advisory work for the film Balandrau, vent salvatge, contributing specific knowledge about the torb phenomenon, avalanches, and snow science.
The movie, directed by Fernando Trullols and written by Danielle Schleif, premiered in theaters on February 20 and recreates the events that took place on December 30, 2000, at Balandrau in the Catalan Pyrenees. That day, a sudden episode of torb -a very strong, turbulent wind that lifts and transports snow- caught several hikers in the high mountains and caused one of the most extreme situations ever recorded in the Pyrenees.
To ensure scientific accuracy in depicting snow and avalanche phenomena, the ICGC’s Avalanche Forecasting and Snow Science Unit advised the production team on describing the torb, as well as on avalanche behavior and high-mountain snowpack conditions.
In addition, the film includes eleven maps from the ICGC Cartographic Archive, helping to geographically contextualize the events. It also features a map from the Camprodon Fire Brigade, specially scanned for the occasion, reinforcing the film’s visual and documentary narrative.