Virgile, a promising young skier, grew up with the mountains as his playground and alpine skiing as his passion. But a major setback forces him to question his path and rethink his goals. Rather than giving up, he chooses to reinvent himself by turning to freeride skiing — a more instinctive, expressive discipline where each descent is a blank canvas.
This shift marks the beginning of a deeper journey, carried by the strength of his circle. Surrounded by friends, family, and mentors who support him even in moments of doubt, Virgile draws new energy. Their presence becomes a vital anchor, just like the hard work he commits to: mental training, physical discipline, and everyday perseverance.
Season after season, through falls and recoveries, he learns that excellence isn't a gift — it's the result of a demanding path, sometimes solitary, always driven by a desire to grow.
By the end of the 2023/24 season, he qualifies for the Freeride World Tour — not as a finish line, but as a new starting point. A platform that validates his journey and opens the door to greater ambitions, powered by effort, resilience, and collective strength.
Initium is more than the story of an athlete. It's the story of a young man who, through human connection and relentless work, turns setbacks into stepping stones.
A personal journey shaped by doubt, effort, and small victories — where each step forward is a chance to learn, grow, and keep building.
France
Switzerland
Spain
Austria
Aurélien Collet
Réalisateur / Cadreur / Monteur
Aurélien Collet
Réalisateur / Cadreur / Monteur
Athletes
Virgile Didier
SKI CATEGORIES
For this year’s iF3 Movie Awards, any and all films about skiing, snowboarding or a mixture of the two are eligible.
AMATEUR
ATHLETE
PRO
SNOWBOARD CATEGORIES
Whether it’s focused on freestyle, freeride, urban, backcountry, telemark skiing, mountaineering, adventuring, a documentary subject, or anything in between, your film is welcome at iF3.
AMATEUR
ATHLETE
PRO