Balandrau: Where the Fierce Wind Blew (2026) Movie Script
1
A blizzard is a wild wind
that lifts up the snow,
making it fly through the air
relentlessly, by the ton.
It can happen suddenly
and anybody trapped in it
sees the world disappear.
Frozen, deaf and blind,
there's no path, direction or time.
Only cold, fear and the howling wind.
This film is based on a true story.
Some facts and characters have been
adapted for dramatic purposes.
ONE WEEK EARLIER
25 DECEMBER 2000
- We're later than last year.
- It's fine.
Gran doesn't get angry, right?
High five!
Merry Christmas!
We're here!
They're finally here!
Merry Christmas!
I'm sorry.
Hi, Marta.
- How are you?
- We didn't get much sleep.
Oh, no!
Who wants to sleep with Gran?
There you go.
Go sleep with Gran.
La la la-la la la
Sing a happy song...
- Hi.
- Hi, mate.
- Good morning.
- God willing.
- Where shall we put the Ti?
- Here.
Shall we leave it here? Yes?
Great.
That's it, cover him.
Merry Christmas
and summer, almost!
Hey!
Do you always
have to wear the same jumper?
It's a high performance garment.
- But you have to wash it.
- Yes.
Everything okay?
- Great.
- Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas.
Handsome!
How are you?
- Great, you?
- Really good.
- Hi, Pep. How's it going?
- Merry Christmas, love.
- This jumper is awesome.
- Yes.
- Same jumper as always?
- You see?
What's up with my jumper?
You love it. Have a sniff.
Where's Cludia?
Isn't she here?
- Eh...
It seems ten months is my limit, Pep.
- You're single again?
- Yes.
Isn't it time for verses?
Slvia, love.
- Slvia!
- Yes, verses.
- Shouldn't we eat?
- No, now.
- Let's do it now.
- Come on.
Shall we get tambourines
and sing carols, too?
We'll end up eating late.
- Your niece has been rehearsing.
- You'll see.
Come on.
- Ready?
- Yes.
- Have you learnt it?
- Yes.
Go on, then.
"Oh, it's so cold.
My legs are frozen.
My hands are numb.
My nose is like a block of ice.
If this goes on, goodness me!
The cold comes from a white country.
With its skin all frozen.
There's a snow angel in its heart
with two lilies of the valley.
Winter is a sad man
with neither place nor chair,
who finds no bed
when his eyes get sleepy."
"Close the door, everyone.
'Get out, cold!'.
And the cold leaves
with no more companions
than the breeze or the rain."
"The breeze."
Merry Christmas!
Good night.
"The houses in the city glow
with the Christmas lights.
But in the furthest one,
when God was born,
the cold finds the heat of the herd
in a manger at a fair."
How do you remember all that?
I don't know,
but I want my pesetas.
I'll see what I have.
What's this?
It's my mum's.
I asked your dad for it.
And this means...
that...?
This means...
will you marry me?
Yes.
But, when?
Whenever you want. Spring?
Here, in the village?
To fit everyone,
we'll do it at the camps.
Yes.
- Yes.
- You'd like that?
- The whole village?
- Yes.
- We'll invite everyone.
- Yes.
Did you plan this, too?
You make the magic here.
We'll need magic
to get this finished before the wedding.
DAY 1
SATURDAY, 30 DECEMBER 2000
The weather.
Thanks to snowfall over Christmas
the winter season has been saved.
The ski resorts
expect many visitors this...
Where are they?
Did you talk to your mum?
Josep Maria Vil.
Yes, doctor?
Where are you?
With the plasmid vectors.
I asked if you talked to your mum?
She's sad
we're not going for New Year's.
I said we'll take the king's cake
in January.
Put the book down.
Take the day off.
I can't if I want this PhD
before the wedding.
Time is linear.
I can't do it all.
You're wrong.
Time is a human construction
to fill with experiences.
So close the book...
and take in the view.
What?
- Get a room, you two.
- Yes.
Josep Maria, save your strength.
What happened to you?
We ran into that herd
heading up to Vallter.
Follow us, Mnica.
See you there.
We're not late.
- No...
I don't trust Jordi.
I'm telling you.
Any plans for New Year's?
- We've booked a hotel.
- Really?
Two days without the kids.
Nndez...
How long
since we spent some time alone?
It'll do us good.
- Yes.
I bet you brought work with you.
No, I haven't.
I told Jordi
he'll have the report after Christmas.
I'm going to get drunk
and sleep like a baby.
Good for you.
- Have the kids seen the snow?
- Yes.
We already came.
- How was it?
- So cute.
We had a great time.
What are your plans?
We'll be scraping and painting walls.
- No, that's not right.
- Yes.
We've inherited a relic
from the last century.
Tomorrow it'll be
from last millennium, right?
No, Elena.
That was last year.
- No.
Yes. 1999...
- It's this year.
- ...and 2000.
This is the new millennium.
- These skis are thinner.
- They're lighter.
For going uphill...
If not, it's impossible.
You'll get used to it.
How's it going?
- Are they okay?
- Yes.
Their ski skins are almost on.
- Morning.
- Hi, morning.
What a beautiful day.
Yes, lovely.
Where are you headed?
Up Balandrau.
- So are we.
- Really?
- Wow, with snowshoes?
- She likes a challenge.
We'll go
as far as our legs will take us.
Do you know a good restaurant
around here?
La Fonda de Rig.
Good food and incredible views.
- I know it, I'll call them.
- Yes.
- Maybe we'll see you later.
- Okay.
- Let's go.
- Come on.
Have fun.
Happy new year!
Come on, Maria ngels!
They're always at the head of the rope.
- Rightly so.
- Happy new year.
- Bye.
- Happy new year.
If I book a table,
we have a challenge to meet.
Perfect.
Bye.
I doubt we'll catch them.
- Why?
- We'll need to get a move on.
We'll be lucky to make it for dinner.
What?
Balandrau's a morning's work.
But it's Josep Maria's first day.
- Ah!
- He said he can ski.
On the piste.
He knows the basics, then.
Don't worry, I'll help him.
We'll take it slow.
Do either of you have a mobile?
- Yes.
Can I use it?
- There's no signal.
- Ah!
Josep Maria, are those piste boots?
Yes, big mistake?
You'll have less mobility in your foot.
I can tell.
Don't worry, even the cows
make it up Balandrau.
We're here to enjoy ourselves.
- Yes.
We'll be taking some beautiful routes,
you'll see.
Shouldn't we take a direct route?
Through Fontlletera?
Maybe.
- Not because of me?
- Don't worry.
They all lead to the top.
- They're all good.
All that matters is who you're with.
- Yes!
- Get your skis on.
- Lock the cars.
- Let's go!
- Don't forget the keys.
Hang on, I have to put film
in the camera.
Where for the next one?
There.
MRG FIREFIGHTERS
And there.
And under that rock?
There, too.
Siscu.
They're ready for the next one.
Let the trainee do it.
Really?
Good.
This is Bernat.
Ready?
We're ready.
Okay.
Go ahead.
That's a lot of snow.
We've never provoked
so many avalanches at once.
The pistes will be full for the weekend.
Exactly.
We'll see, they've closed Port Ain
because of a blizzard.
Hi, Siscu.
Santi, where are you?
Busy at the shop.
See you in half an hour at the station.
Okay.
- Okay, see you.
- That's the first 40 minutes done.
- Oh!
- Everyone okay?
- Excellent.
- Really?
- Yes.
Okay.
We're out of the forest now.
There are streams here.
All of those are streams.
Take care in the uneven areas.
Okay?
- Okay.
- I'll take the lead, follow me.
- Let's go.
Let's go.
Oriol says to be careful,
there are streams here.
Your friends think I'm an idiot.
What? They're all so nice.
Yes, but I'm slowing them down.
Do your boots hurt?
I'd give anything for a ski lift.
Shall we go back?
No. No way.
- You're not having fun.
- Yes, I am.
I am.
Okay?
We're coming.
Come on.
Come on.
Hang on, wait up.
What's more,
I have a great view
of your ass from here.
Let's go, Josep Maria!
Isn't it magnificent?
SKI CENTRE
VALLTER 2000
Pass it!
- Here!
- You're in the middle!
FIRE STATION
Guys,
a ski instructor
has disappeared in Port Ain.
He was checking
for people on the pistes.
What?
He must really know the mountain,
how come?
The blizzard.
With 200 km I h winds,
what can you do?
You think it could reach us.
In Port Ain,
they were caught completely unaware.
And the forecast was good.
Just like here.
We'll stay and keep watch.
Silvia will be seven then.
But Albert will be very small.
Are you going to take them with you?
We'll see,
but it's summer in December there.
- Ah, yes.
- I don't know.
We'll look into it.
Who's climbing the six-thousand?
Just her, I'll stay with the kids.
I thought as much.
- Smile...
- Picture?
- Go on, then.
- Picture.
- Come on.
- This light is great.
- Is this okay?
- Yes.
You're so cute.
I got that.
Open your eyes.
Josep Maria, let's see a smile.
- With my mouth full?
- It doesn't matter.
This light is gorgeous.
- Shall we take a family photo?
- Yes.
- Shall I take it?
- Yes.
Come on, then.
- Remember how the timer works?
- Yes.
- First photo of the season.
- First of many.
- The first of many.
- Yes.
What about the kids?
With my parents?
Don't count on mine,
they're getting old.
- Whose are they staying with?
- His.
- Is this okay?
- Perfect.
Ten seconds.
Run, run.
Run!
- Seven, six, five, four...
- What do we say?
- Llus?
Llus!
Not an eight-thousand,
he suggested something smaller,
a six-thousand.
- A six-thousand?
- Yes, next year, in the Andes.
This time of year.
Have you lost it?
No.
December is summer in Argentina.
I don't mean the season, Mnica.
You don't want to.
You don't want to.
- Love...
The renovations, the wedding,
my thesis, the trip to America...
A year has 365 days,
you have to choose.
I don't want to.
Mnica...
The fixing is loose.
We'll check it later.
Bastards.
How are they so fast?
Do their snow shoes have engines?
- They're sure hungry.
- Shall we catch them?
Yes?
Loser has to babysit
crying kids for a month.
One, two, three.
- Yeah, right.
Where are you going? Bastard!
Wait!
- Elena, you can do it!
- What's up?
Referee, referee!
- Go on.
- Sorry, I can't.
Hang on.
- Josep Maria!
- Go on!
Catch him, Josep Maria!
- Run, Uri!
- Catch him!
Good!
- Catch him!
- That's it, Josep Maria.
You're so close!
Go on, Uri!
Uri, stop messing around!
Let's stop.
This is all frozen.
Well done, Josep Maria.
You kept that quiet.
- And with piste boots, too.
- I think I burst my blister.
Take a break.
I'll see if there's more ice ahead.
Mnica!
Mnica, come here!
Mnica!
Coming.
What?
It was a chamois.
It's gone now.
It was looking at me.
Isn't it cold all of a sudden?
A little.
Do you want the other gloves?
- And you?
- Mine are polar.
Thanks.
- Isn't it cold?
- Yes.
- Well, Uri?
- There's more ice ahead.
Let's skip the top.
- And go back?
- Yes.
- It's lunch time.
Josep Maria, ski skins off
and secure your boots.
Is everybody ready?
Yes, we're ready.
Let's go down.
Okay.
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Are you okay?
What's happening?
I don't know!
I can't see anything!
Pep!
Josep Maria, are you okay?
I can't see my sister!
Elena!
Mnica!
And the others?
We need to get out. Where are they?
Elena!
- Are you okay?
- Yes.
We're all here.
Josep Maria, your mobile!
Call 085.
There's no signal.
Does anyone know we're here?
That we're climbing Balandrau?
No?
No!
Okay! Get in a line!
Everyone stay together!
Don't lose sight of each other, okay?
To the cars!
Follow me!
The ski slope!
I think I saw the ski slope!
The ski slope!
Mnica!
Wait!
Wait! Mnica!
Pep!
Pep!
Uri!
Mnica!
Mnica! Mnica!
Josep Maria!
Josep Maria!
I found Mnica!
Help me get her out!
Quickly, Josep Maria! Let's go!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica! Mnica!
We're here!
Don't worry, we're here.
Don't worry.
Josep Maria!
Stay with her.
Honey, are you okay?
I'll look for the others.
Help her.
My boot,
it's jammed in the skis.
Here!
Here!
I can't get out.
Are you okay? Come on!
We need to chip it away.
Chip the ice away.
Behind!
Harder!
Harder, Pep!
Hey, Pep! Hey!
You have to help me.
Don't go to sleep
or you'll freeze, okay?
Move!
Come on!
You can do it.
Hang in there.
Pep!
Behind!
Pep!
Hang in there, love.
Yes.
The boot.
I found Oriol and Pep!
Oriol is buried.
I can't do it alone. Help me!
I can't!
- The boot.
- Help me!
Help!
- Stop. Let's go with her.
- The boot.
The backpack.
Put it on my foot.
- Are you okay?
- Yes.
We need to chip the ice.
We need to chip it.
No, he'll lose his boot like that.
Dig.
It's okay, it's okay!
...how the disruption is unfolding.
The cloud mass has reached Catalonia.
Careful in the wind,
which could exceed 130 or 140 km/h.
The wind
will heighten the cold temperatures.
Images from one
of the few cameras in the Pyrenees,
because the snow
has blocked all of them.
The wind is very strong.
See how the snow flies,
lifted by the strength of the wind?
A truly wintery image.
Three kids?
Yes.
They fell in the river.
Near the Coma de Vaca shelter.
The blizzard of 1968?
Two froze to death.
And the third,
when everybody had given up on him...
someone found him.
It was my first rescue.
I'll call Control Girona.
Afternoon.
Attention!
How are you, Artur?
- Siscu.
- You okay?
- How are you?
- Good.
I'm glad.
Listen...
you can't go on like this.
You need somewhere better.
No, we need to go up to Vallter.
That's what we need.
Come.
Bye, guys.
Let's go next door.
Are you gonna tell me off now?
Look, Siscu,
Vallter is closed, okay?
- Is anyone hurt?
- No, just some minor incidents.
People are agitated, nothing serious.
But the bar and car park are full.
I see.
And outside the resort?
Skiing on the mountain or climbing?
It's a big mountain, Artur,
it has a lot of peaks.
Lots of people went up this weekend.
That's why you're on alert.
And the guys at Olot, Ripoll,
la Pobla, Cerdanyola...
All the MRGs in Catalonia,
in case people are reported missing.
And nobody has been yet.
People are getting to the shelters.
Okay, you're in charge.
But this blizzard...
it's not like the others.
If an alert comes in,
I'll deploy you.
Is that clear?
- Crystal clear.
Okay, then...
Josep Maria!
I can't!
Pep!
Honey!
No!
Pep!
We can't get you out, Oriol.
What?
- I can't!
- Josep Maria...
Fuck, Josep Maria, don't leave me here.
Get me out of here!
Get me out of here.
We can't.
Josep Maria, get me out, please!
Get me out of here!
Don't leave me!
Please.
I'm almost out!
Just release the fixture!
Josep Maria, come on!
The fixture!
Stay here.
Elena, get me out, please!
Can you reach?
- The fixture!
- What?
- A fixture!
Yes? Got it?
Okay! There we go!
No!
Wait, wait.
Thank you!
We need to keep going down
before it gets dark.
- You go.
- No!
Go and get help.
We can't go.
You'll get there quicker.
We won't make it.
Uri.
Everyone stay with their partner, okay?
Keep moving down.
Josep Maria!
Here! Switch your gloves!
Move your arms
so the blood reaches your hands.
Okay? Thanks!
I'll be right back with help.
Hang in there.
Hang on.
I'll be back with help.
Hang on, please.
Keep moving down.
Siscu, it's Artur.
Yes? Siscu speaking.
Go to Vallter. Some climbers
say their group got left behind.
Their last position?
Between La Coma de l'Orri
and the Ulldeter shelter.
But it's almost dark.
Siscu, the wind lowered
the temperature to minus 30.
Be careful, please.
Keep me informed.
I'll alert the other units.
Okay, I'm on my way.
If you don't feel up to it,
you should stay.
Well?
No, no.
Pep, no.
Pep, no.
Where are the kids?
I can't find them.
Pep...
Go. You go, please.
No.
No!
No.
We won't leave you.
Mnica, go!
We'll get help.
Nobody knows we're on Balandrau.
Nobody.
Artur, we're at the Vallter car park.
Radios in your jackets
so the battery doesn't freeze.
Relax.
Where should we go up, Siscu?
Straight to La Coma de l'Orri.
The climbers were heading for there.
All the snow
from the top will fall on us.
We'll go as far as we can.
Mind the avalanches.
Don't split up.
Maintain visual contact, okay?
Let's go.
Here!
We're firefighters!
Don't split up!
Here!
Santi, go on!
Rai, with me!
- I'm behind you!
Rai!
Hello!
Over there!
Siscu!
Keep climbing!
Here!
We're firefighters!
Careful!
Bernat!
Bernat!
- I'm okay!
- Let's go down.
- What do we do, Siscu?
Let's go down!
No! I can go on!
We can't stay here, got that?
It'll be bad, Bernat.
It'll be bad for us.
Everyone down!
- I said I can go on!
- I said let's go down, Bernat!
- Follow me!
- All together!
Be careful!
Down, everybody!
We'll make it!
Mnica...
We have to hold on a little longer.
You hear me?
Mnica...
Mnica.
Who are you?
We need to eat something.
We'll spend the night here.
We'll be fine here, okay?
Mnica!
Please!
Mnica...
Mnica, look at me.
Look at me.
Look at me.
Mnica...
Please...
Mum?
There's enough space here
to set up a base camp.
Yes.
What time
are the search helicopters arriving?
First thing, if there's no wind.
We'll bring sandwiches and drinks.
I called other mayors for help.
- Great. Thanks, Esteve.
- Siscu.
You gave it a shot.
Thanks, Nitu.
Good night. Thanks.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Guys,
you go home, okay?
See if you can get a few hours' sleep.
Okay.
- Rai, good night.
- Good night.
Bye.
Good night, Santi.
- And you, Dad?
- Bernat...
Go to your mum,
look after her.
She'll be worried.
Go on.
DAY 2
SUNDAY, 31 DECEMBER 2000
Flying over Vallter,
reaching La Coma de l'Orri.
The missing climbers
should be in this area.
This is where
we abandoned the search last night.
There, Jordi! Ten O'clock!
Zulu six.
We've found two bodies, zulu six,
in La Coma de l'Orri.
Okay.
Have you found anything?
Have you found their ID cards?
You never forget
the first dead people you find.
How could this happen?
We were so close.
It's not your fault, son.
They probably couldn't hear us.
How will you tell their family?
Families want to know the details,
Bernat.
However painful they are.
It's the closest they get
to saying goodbye.
There's one climber left.
Shall we go?
You go, yes...
Go with them.
Here, here!
Oriol.
Oriol.
Oriol!
Elena! Pep!
Elena!
Pep!
Hello!
It's the firefighters!
Hello!
Can you hear me, guys?
Yes, Siscu. It's Santi and Bernat.
We found the climber,
he's alive, but weak.
Go back to Camprodon.
Santi!
On the last day of the year,
the news is marked
by mountain accidents,
which have taken three lives.
Two climbers and a ski instructor
were the victims
of one of the most violent storms
in the Catalan Pyrenees.
At 2:15 p.m.,
the rescue teams found
the last missing climber
between Vallter and Nu'ria.
In La Coma de l'Orri, two hikers
were trapped by the storm.
The rescue teams found the bodies:
A 28-year-old woman
and a 35-year-old man.
The storm claimed a third victim,
a ski instructor in Port Ain.
An avalanche hit the monitor
during a search with two colleagues
to check there was nobody on the pistes.
His two colleagues were saved.
The victim
was a 42-year-old Chilean man...
Won't you be late, love?
No.
No, I...
I'd rather stay home this year.
...in the Huesca Pyrenees
the rescue teams found
the body of a 25-year-old
in the Panticosa municipality.
Rita...
Bernat's really upset.
He doesn't want to go to the party.
Siscu,
what happened to you out there?
Well, his first rescue
was as hard as mine was.
What can we do?
Nothing.
Nothing...
Yes.
Live life as normal.
Nuri, how long until midnight?
Two hours.
I won't make it this year.
I'm shattered.
I want you in bed at 00:01 a.m.
You need to sleep.
- Yes.
- We don't.
- No.
Siscu, it's Artur.
Siscu.
Siscu.
Yes, Artur?
Siscu, it's not over.
We found some skiers' cars
at Balandrau.
Siscu?
Yes, Artur.
Sorry. I'll be right there.
It's okay, Nuri.
- Bye, Dad.
- Happy new year.
Come on, Bernat.
Let's go.
- Tell me when you get there.
- Yes.
HAPPY 2001
Siscu.
Where do we start?
- Didn't you wash the grapes?
- Yes, they're small ones.
Come on, it's starting.
10 seconds to go.
Time to grab your grapes.
Five seconds...
First chime...
That's weird.
Answer it.
- Really?
- Answer it.
Hello?
Josep, love. It's Mum.
The police called us.
Are you there?
If you're home, answer, please.
Happy new year!
DAY 3
MONDAY, 1 JANUARY 2001
Yes, their relatives
didn't know they were missing.
A boy called in, worried,
and told us his mother was missing.
She called him from the top
before the blizzard hit.
What stage is the rescue mission at?
We know there were two groups,
one of three, another of five.
We're concentrating all our efforts
on the Balandrau area.
After 36 hours missing,
is this considered a body recovery?
We've been joined by firefighters
from all over Catalonia,
and from Madrid, and Andorra
and we're doing everything we can.
I don't understand.
So, it's not a rescue?
- What?
My son
is alive.
Can you take her to the relatives area?
Yes, Artur.
I don't understand.
Come with me, please?
It's calmer over there.
- I don't understand.
I'll leave you with the representative
for the families,
this is Elisenda.
Thank you.
How was your night?
- Which way?
- Here, please.
This way.
- Good morning.
Thanks, Felip.
- Okay.
I'm Artur Caparrs,
director of the operation.
Matilda, mother of Josep Maria Vil.
Great, okay.
Come with me, please.
We've set up a space
that's nice and calm,
away from the journalists.
- This way.
- Please.
I know you'll bring him back.
- Go ahead.
- Thanks.
Hello.
Hello.
- Hello.
- Hello. Good morning.
Hello.
Matilda.
Jaume.
It's a nightmare.
Where's your husband?
At his parents' house.
They're looking for a flight.
- Shall we sit?
- Yes.
Do you like tuna?
Good luck.
Here you are.
Forward!
Probe.
Here!
No!
- They told you this week?
- Yes.
It was a surprise.
They're getting married?
In May, probably.
A lovely month for a wedding.
Elena and Pep
got married in May too, right?
Yes.
- Ah.
- Mid-May, yes.
How lovely.
I like your jumper.
Thanks.
Do you play football?
- No.
I do mountaineering like my mum.
With snow shoes...
It's lucky you called.
Yes.
But if I'd called earlier...
Hi.
Good morning.
- Morning.
Morning.
- Sorry.
- The snow's six metres deep...
We still have no news.
You have no idea where they are?
We're looking below the summit.
We need to narrow down the search area.
We should go search, too.
We're useless here.
They'll come back.
They've been through a lot
and always been fine.
The man they found yesterday
went through hell and survived.
But he's a climber, our kids aren't.
My dad is.
He knows these mountains.
So does my son.
He probably led them to a shelter.
If they find one, they find them all.
They'll leave nobody behind.
That's for sure.
It would be helpful
to know if any of your relatives
had been to Balandrau before.
And if they had a favourite route...
- Any ideas?
- No.
Anything that could help us.
Anything at all.
- Think.
- I don't know...
Please.
Okay.
We won't stop until we find them.
You have my word.
Thank you.
Hey, I've found something.
Artur!
- Who is it?
- A man from the group of three.
- And the psychologists?
- They're not here yet.
These are difficult days.
To the changing rooms.
Dad!
No!
I'll go, Siscu.
Go back to the mountain.
I'll take care of it.
Hang on, Xnia.
- It's my Dad. It's his boot.
- Hang on.
- No!
- Xnia, one second.
- Let me go!
- Hang on.
Xnia, listen.
One second, please.
Come on, inside.
Mum...
What is it?
What is it?
- What?
- They told her something.
Mum, I saw Dad.
I saw Dad.
Mum, he's dead.
Dad's dead!
He's dead!
- Wait, hang on.
- Mum... Mum, no...
Wait a moment.
There's nothing here.
Then we move on down.
The other two must be nearby.
We won't find Maria ngels here.
Why?
The blizzard hit them here.
Exactly.
There's no signal here.
She would have gone higher
to try to make a call.
We need to get out of this hollow.
Shall we go?
We found the mobile.
But it was a man's.
Her friend.
The woman must be close.
They will have wanted
to stay together.
What is it?
Look.
Look.
You see there?
That white is brighter.
The snow.
- Yes.
- Yes.
- What's that?
- An avalanche.
- Exactly.
There was an avalanche down there.
We need to look
for the group of five here.
Let's probe.
Siscu.
What?
How do you do it?
What?
What you do.
I don't know.
You just feel it.
You look for the woman here,
the rest will probe lower down.
What are you looking at?
What do you want?
You can go get some rest.
And we also have psychologists
here for you.
Any news, we'll let you know, okay?
Come on, let's eat something.
Irieix, dear...
And my mum?
There's a lot of snow, okay?
It's really deep.
- You found her under the snow?
- No, no.
Not yet.
- Then where the fuck is my mum?
Let me come up there.
- You can't.
It's not possible. We can't let you go.
Irieix...
I'm sorry.
It's fine.
Bring her back to us.
Ready! Probe.
Left foot, centre, right foot.
One step.
Probe.
Left foot, centre, right foot.
It's frozen. It won't go in.
What? Can't you touch the bottom?
- It's frozen.
- Shit.
- It's no good, Siscu.
- I know, Santi, but it's all we can do.
I'd like to have a Recco
like the French, but...
Siscu!
Look what we've found!
It must be the skis
from the group of five.
Why would they come down by the streams?
The slope is right here.
- They wouldn't have seen it
in that blizzard.
They unintentionally
ended up in a death trap.
What should we do, Siscu?
Get the saws, Rai.
It's frozen solid and it's getting late.
We'll start probing here.
The working conditions
of the specialists
are still very hard.
In some cases,
the ice is over a metre thick
with three metres of snow.
At least the weather is improving...
We've found some skis
and some belongings up there.
That means our hypotheses are right
and that's where
we're focusing our efforts
to find the people
who are unfortunately still missing.
Is there still any hope
of finding anybody alive?
Look...
up there,
hope is the last thing we lose.
The very last thing.
Believe me.
Yesterday, I found...
this photo,
which I'll show you now,
in one of the missing people's cars.
This is Mnica and Josep Maria.
We're looking for them.
Them and four other hikers.
Elena and Oriol Fernndez,
Josep Artigas and Maria ngels Belsa.
It may not look like it,
but we're doing all we can
on the mountain.
No matter the resources we have,
while there are people
out there who may still be alive,
we'll keep looking for them.
Even if the mountain protests.
We'll keep looking for them.
That's our hope.
Okay.
Thank you.
We'll have more information shortly.
Bye.
- Look here. My God.
- Siscu, how are you?
Thanks for coming, Jacint.
- How are you, Siscu?
- Good.
The old watch.
- Morning.
- You never let us down.
- Okay?
Xevi! What are you doing here?
Marta, thanks.
- Hi.
More people are coming.
From all the hiking centres
in Catalonia.
- As long as it's not a problem.
- No.
We don't have resources
to move everybody.
We'll get up there one way or another.
Thanks, I mean it.
Thank you all for coming.
Thanks. Cheers.
- Thanks, my friends.
- Siscu...
- Thanks.
- What do we do?
Where should the volunteers go?
For now,
get into groups of five
and wait here.
- Siscu!
What?
- What's all this?
- The Cavalleria rusticana.
We can't have volunteers
on the mountain.
Enough people are missing,
don't you think?
I know.
But they've come all this way.
What do we do?
Send them home, or what?
We could broaden the search.
Yes...
You decide.
I decide?
Couldn't you have told me before?
- Why are the French here?
- Didn't you want them?
I called Madrid.
Here's the Recco you need.
Thanks.
- Good morning.
- How's it going?
- Good morning, how are you?
- Hello.
If the helicopter is ready,
we can start.
- Let's go.
- Let's go.
What? Yes?
Jordi, there's something here.
Which...?
Which one?
It's your son, Oriol.
I'm so sorry.
It can't be.
Excuse me.
I'm sorry, but you have to do
the visual identification.
I'll go.
I'll do it.
I'll do it, okay?
If Oriol is dead...
they're all dead.
They're all dead.
Hey! Here!
Probe here!
Three probes!
- There! Quickly!
Three!
Three here.
- Okay, let's probe. Come on!
Another here! Three more probes!
Quickly!
I've made contact!
Miquel, shovel!
- Another here!
- Keep going. Another shovel!
- Dig here, come on!
- Here!
Come on!
Let's go!
- Here, too!
- Come on!
This way, please.
Good job, Lia.
Good job.
See you tomorrow, Siscu.
Tomorrow?
Yes, Control ordered us to go back.
Artur, it's Siscu.
Can you hear me?
Siscu, I hear you.
Why are the volunteers
being told to go back?
It's for safety, you know that.
Send them back
when the last one arrives.
Send them back?
Three people are missing,
there's still an hour of light.
Okay, you have one hour.
Okay?
Siscu.
We have one hour.
Let's go!
We'll start in this area.
Bernat!
Bernat!
Probe.
One step.
Probe!
Probe!
One step!
Probe!
One step!
Probe!
Here.
Let Artur know.
Go on.
Oh, it's Mnica...
Oh, Jaume.
I want to see my daughter.
Of course.
Felip, are you stopping?
No, we'll continue tomorrow at dawn.
Try to get some rest.
See you tomorrow.
Come on, Siscu.
We'll continue tomorrow.
He'll be dead tomorrow.
Mnica.
Mnica, wait.
Mnica.
Mnica, wait.
What?
How do you do it?
What?
That.
See it all like it's so easy.
I like living, Josep Maria.
We can start by climbing that mountain
and see the world from up there,
see everything
as if it were the first
and last time.
Hotel-02. All aboard.
We're returning to base.
No more news.
Okay, we'll see you here.
We're going to keep looking.
Siscu...
Today's operation is over.
I don't care, Artur.
I don't care.
There's time for one last try.
No, there's not enough light.
Well, Jordi?
We have ten minutes.
Listen, Artur...
someone put Mnica against the rock
to protect her.
Someone covered her with clothes,
put her gloves on,
looked after her to the end.
One last try, Artur, please.
Okay. Last one.
Then you come back.
Hear me, Siscu?
Go down the stream.
Get as close as possible.
I can't see anything.
Jordi, go a little lower.
A little more.
Siscu.
Jordi, go a little lower.
The last time, Siscu.
Try that waterfall.
I saw him!
I saw him!
- What?
Turn around, Jordi!
Permission to open the door. Santi!
Where is he?
- He's alive!
- He's alive!
Artur!
Artur, we've got him!
- What?
We found him!
Josep Maria?
He's fucking alive!
He's alive.
He's alive!
- That's the stuff, Siscu!
- Jordi!
Go on, Santi.
Go, go, go!
Put me on with Xavier Poms.
Xavier. They've found one.
Alive, alive!
Matilda!
Matilda?
Are you looking for me?
Jordi, bring them up!
Thank you!
It's over.
- Thank you.
- They're bringing him here.
Thank you!
Thank you!
- It's over.
Up, Jordi, bring them up.
That's it. Perfect.
Santi, come in.
On the count of three.
One, two, three!
Now!
That's it, legs in.
Steady.
That's it.
That's it. Come on.
Look at me.
Are you okay?
Do you know who we are?
What day is it?
What day is it?
What's your name?
Shall we take a family photo?
Yes, let's!
Do you know who you are?
This film is a tribute
to those who lost their lives
due to the blizzard
in the Pyrenees at the end of 2000.
Firefighters, volunteers,
friends and relatives
looked for Maria ngels Belsa
for months.
She was found on march 24,
during the thaw.
What happened on Balandrau
changed the action protocols
of the mountain rescue teams forever.
Shortly afterwards,
the Camprodon volunteer firefighters
got a new fire station.
Siscu and Bernat continued
to carry out rescues together
for over a decade.
After over 800 interventions
on his beloved mountain,
Siscu retired in 2016.
He always kept the radio on at home
in case somebody needed him.
Siscu left us in 2024.
This film is in his memory.
Fifty days after his rescue,
Josep Maria left hospital.
In 2014, he decided
to go back to Balandrau
and climb to the summit,
with his friends
forever in his memory.
Translation: Amy Sue Bennett
A blizzard is a wild wind
that lifts up the snow,
making it fly through the air
relentlessly, by the ton.
It can happen suddenly
and anybody trapped in it
sees the world disappear.
Frozen, deaf and blind,
there's no path, direction or time.
Only cold, fear and the howling wind.
This film is based on a true story.
Some facts and characters have been
adapted for dramatic purposes.
ONE WEEK EARLIER
25 DECEMBER 2000
- We're later than last year.
- It's fine.
Gran doesn't get angry, right?
High five!
Merry Christmas!
We're here!
They're finally here!
Merry Christmas!
I'm sorry.
Hi, Marta.
- How are you?
- We didn't get much sleep.
Oh, no!
Who wants to sleep with Gran?
There you go.
Go sleep with Gran.
La la la-la la la
Sing a happy song...
- Hi.
- Hi, mate.
- Good morning.
- God willing.
- Where shall we put the Ti?
- Here.
Shall we leave it here? Yes?
Great.
That's it, cover him.
Merry Christmas
and summer, almost!
Hey!
Do you always
have to wear the same jumper?
It's a high performance garment.
- But you have to wash it.
- Yes.
Everything okay?
- Great.
- Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas.
Handsome!
How are you?
- Great, you?
- Really good.
- Hi, Pep. How's it going?
- Merry Christmas, love.
- This jumper is awesome.
- Yes.
- Same jumper as always?
- You see?
What's up with my jumper?
You love it. Have a sniff.
Where's Cludia?
Isn't she here?
- Eh...
It seems ten months is my limit, Pep.
- You're single again?
- Yes.
Isn't it time for verses?
Slvia, love.
- Slvia!
- Yes, verses.
- Shouldn't we eat?
- No, now.
- Let's do it now.
- Come on.
Shall we get tambourines
and sing carols, too?
We'll end up eating late.
- Your niece has been rehearsing.
- You'll see.
Come on.
- Ready?
- Yes.
- Have you learnt it?
- Yes.
Go on, then.
"Oh, it's so cold.
My legs are frozen.
My hands are numb.
My nose is like a block of ice.
If this goes on, goodness me!
The cold comes from a white country.
With its skin all frozen.
There's a snow angel in its heart
with two lilies of the valley.
Winter is a sad man
with neither place nor chair,
who finds no bed
when his eyes get sleepy."
"Close the door, everyone.
'Get out, cold!'.
And the cold leaves
with no more companions
than the breeze or the rain."
"The breeze."
Merry Christmas!
Good night.
"The houses in the city glow
with the Christmas lights.
But in the furthest one,
when God was born,
the cold finds the heat of the herd
in a manger at a fair."
How do you remember all that?
I don't know,
but I want my pesetas.
I'll see what I have.
What's this?
It's my mum's.
I asked your dad for it.
And this means...
that...?
This means...
will you marry me?
Yes.
But, when?
Whenever you want. Spring?
Here, in the village?
To fit everyone,
we'll do it at the camps.
Yes.
- Yes.
- You'd like that?
- The whole village?
- Yes.
- We'll invite everyone.
- Yes.
Did you plan this, too?
You make the magic here.
We'll need magic
to get this finished before the wedding.
DAY 1
SATURDAY, 30 DECEMBER 2000
The weather.
Thanks to snowfall over Christmas
the winter season has been saved.
The ski resorts
expect many visitors this...
Where are they?
Did you talk to your mum?
Josep Maria Vil.
Yes, doctor?
Where are you?
With the plasmid vectors.
I asked if you talked to your mum?
She's sad
we're not going for New Year's.
I said we'll take the king's cake
in January.
Put the book down.
Take the day off.
I can't if I want this PhD
before the wedding.
Time is linear.
I can't do it all.
You're wrong.
Time is a human construction
to fill with experiences.
So close the book...
and take in the view.
What?
- Get a room, you two.
- Yes.
Josep Maria, save your strength.
What happened to you?
We ran into that herd
heading up to Vallter.
Follow us, Mnica.
See you there.
We're not late.
- No...
I don't trust Jordi.
I'm telling you.
Any plans for New Year's?
- We've booked a hotel.
- Really?
Two days without the kids.
Nndez...
How long
since we spent some time alone?
It'll do us good.
- Yes.
I bet you brought work with you.
No, I haven't.
I told Jordi
he'll have the report after Christmas.
I'm going to get drunk
and sleep like a baby.
Good for you.
- Have the kids seen the snow?
- Yes.
We already came.
- How was it?
- So cute.
We had a great time.
What are your plans?
We'll be scraping and painting walls.
- No, that's not right.
- Yes.
We've inherited a relic
from the last century.
Tomorrow it'll be
from last millennium, right?
No, Elena.
That was last year.
- No.
Yes. 1999...
- It's this year.
- ...and 2000.
This is the new millennium.
- These skis are thinner.
- They're lighter.
For going uphill...
If not, it's impossible.
You'll get used to it.
How's it going?
- Are they okay?
- Yes.
Their ski skins are almost on.
- Morning.
- Hi, morning.
What a beautiful day.
Yes, lovely.
Where are you headed?
Up Balandrau.
- So are we.
- Really?
- Wow, with snowshoes?
- She likes a challenge.
We'll go
as far as our legs will take us.
Do you know a good restaurant
around here?
La Fonda de Rig.
Good food and incredible views.
- I know it, I'll call them.
- Yes.
- Maybe we'll see you later.
- Okay.
- Let's go.
- Come on.
Have fun.
Happy new year!
Come on, Maria ngels!
They're always at the head of the rope.
- Rightly so.
- Happy new year.
- Bye.
- Happy new year.
If I book a table,
we have a challenge to meet.
Perfect.
Bye.
I doubt we'll catch them.
- Why?
- We'll need to get a move on.
We'll be lucky to make it for dinner.
What?
Balandrau's a morning's work.
But it's Josep Maria's first day.
- Ah!
- He said he can ski.
On the piste.
He knows the basics, then.
Don't worry, I'll help him.
We'll take it slow.
Do either of you have a mobile?
- Yes.
Can I use it?
- There's no signal.
- Ah!
Josep Maria, are those piste boots?
Yes, big mistake?
You'll have less mobility in your foot.
I can tell.
Don't worry, even the cows
make it up Balandrau.
We're here to enjoy ourselves.
- Yes.
We'll be taking some beautiful routes,
you'll see.
Shouldn't we take a direct route?
Through Fontlletera?
Maybe.
- Not because of me?
- Don't worry.
They all lead to the top.
- They're all good.
All that matters is who you're with.
- Yes!
- Get your skis on.
- Lock the cars.
- Let's go!
- Don't forget the keys.
Hang on, I have to put film
in the camera.
Where for the next one?
There.
MRG FIREFIGHTERS
And there.
And under that rock?
There, too.
Siscu.
They're ready for the next one.
Let the trainee do it.
Really?
Good.
This is Bernat.
Ready?
We're ready.
Okay.
Go ahead.
That's a lot of snow.
We've never provoked
so many avalanches at once.
The pistes will be full for the weekend.
Exactly.
We'll see, they've closed Port Ain
because of a blizzard.
Hi, Siscu.
Santi, where are you?
Busy at the shop.
See you in half an hour at the station.
Okay.
- Okay, see you.
- That's the first 40 minutes done.
- Oh!
- Everyone okay?
- Excellent.
- Really?
- Yes.
Okay.
We're out of the forest now.
There are streams here.
All of those are streams.
Take care in the uneven areas.
Okay?
- Okay.
- I'll take the lead, follow me.
- Let's go.
Let's go.
Oriol says to be careful,
there are streams here.
Your friends think I'm an idiot.
What? They're all so nice.
Yes, but I'm slowing them down.
Do your boots hurt?
I'd give anything for a ski lift.
Shall we go back?
No. No way.
- You're not having fun.
- Yes, I am.
I am.
Okay?
We're coming.
Come on.
Come on.
Hang on, wait up.
What's more,
I have a great view
of your ass from here.
Let's go, Josep Maria!
Isn't it magnificent?
SKI CENTRE
VALLTER 2000
Pass it!
- Here!
- You're in the middle!
FIRE STATION
Guys,
a ski instructor
has disappeared in Port Ain.
He was checking
for people on the pistes.
What?
He must really know the mountain,
how come?
The blizzard.
With 200 km I h winds,
what can you do?
You think it could reach us.
In Port Ain,
they were caught completely unaware.
And the forecast was good.
Just like here.
We'll stay and keep watch.
Silvia will be seven then.
But Albert will be very small.
Are you going to take them with you?
We'll see,
but it's summer in December there.
- Ah, yes.
- I don't know.
We'll look into it.
Who's climbing the six-thousand?
Just her, I'll stay with the kids.
I thought as much.
- Smile...
- Picture?
- Go on, then.
- Picture.
- Come on.
- This light is great.
- Is this okay?
- Yes.
You're so cute.
I got that.
Open your eyes.
Josep Maria, let's see a smile.
- With my mouth full?
- It doesn't matter.
This light is gorgeous.
- Shall we take a family photo?
- Yes.
- Shall I take it?
- Yes.
Come on, then.
- Remember how the timer works?
- Yes.
- First photo of the season.
- First of many.
- The first of many.
- Yes.
What about the kids?
With my parents?
Don't count on mine,
they're getting old.
- Whose are they staying with?
- His.
- Is this okay?
- Perfect.
Ten seconds.
Run, run.
Run!
- Seven, six, five, four...
- What do we say?
- Llus?
Llus!
Not an eight-thousand,
he suggested something smaller,
a six-thousand.
- A six-thousand?
- Yes, next year, in the Andes.
This time of year.
Have you lost it?
No.
December is summer in Argentina.
I don't mean the season, Mnica.
You don't want to.
You don't want to.
- Love...
The renovations, the wedding,
my thesis, the trip to America...
A year has 365 days,
you have to choose.
I don't want to.
Mnica...
The fixing is loose.
We'll check it later.
Bastards.
How are they so fast?
Do their snow shoes have engines?
- They're sure hungry.
- Shall we catch them?
Yes?
Loser has to babysit
crying kids for a month.
One, two, three.
- Yeah, right.
Where are you going? Bastard!
Wait!
- Elena, you can do it!
- What's up?
Referee, referee!
- Go on.
- Sorry, I can't.
Hang on.
- Josep Maria!
- Go on!
Catch him, Josep Maria!
- Run, Uri!
- Catch him!
Good!
- Catch him!
- That's it, Josep Maria.
You're so close!
Go on, Uri!
Uri, stop messing around!
Let's stop.
This is all frozen.
Well done, Josep Maria.
You kept that quiet.
- And with piste boots, too.
- I think I burst my blister.
Take a break.
I'll see if there's more ice ahead.
Mnica!
Mnica, come here!
Mnica!
Coming.
What?
It was a chamois.
It's gone now.
It was looking at me.
Isn't it cold all of a sudden?
A little.
Do you want the other gloves?
- And you?
- Mine are polar.
Thanks.
- Isn't it cold?
- Yes.
- Well, Uri?
- There's more ice ahead.
Let's skip the top.
- And go back?
- Yes.
- It's lunch time.
Josep Maria, ski skins off
and secure your boots.
Is everybody ready?
Yes, we're ready.
Let's go down.
Okay.
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Are you okay?
What's happening?
I don't know!
I can't see anything!
Pep!
Josep Maria, are you okay?
I can't see my sister!
Elena!
Mnica!
And the others?
We need to get out. Where are they?
Elena!
- Are you okay?
- Yes.
We're all here.
Josep Maria, your mobile!
Call 085.
There's no signal.
Does anyone know we're here?
That we're climbing Balandrau?
No?
No!
Okay! Get in a line!
Everyone stay together!
Don't lose sight of each other, okay?
To the cars!
Follow me!
The ski slope!
I think I saw the ski slope!
The ski slope!
Mnica!
Wait!
Wait! Mnica!
Pep!
Pep!
Uri!
Mnica!
Mnica! Mnica!
Josep Maria!
Josep Maria!
I found Mnica!
Help me get her out!
Quickly, Josep Maria! Let's go!
Mnica!
Mnica!
Mnica! Mnica!
We're here!
Don't worry, we're here.
Don't worry.
Josep Maria!
Stay with her.
Honey, are you okay?
I'll look for the others.
Help her.
My boot,
it's jammed in the skis.
Here!
Here!
I can't get out.
Are you okay? Come on!
We need to chip it away.
Chip the ice away.
Behind!
Harder!
Harder, Pep!
Hey, Pep! Hey!
You have to help me.
Don't go to sleep
or you'll freeze, okay?
Move!
Come on!
You can do it.
Hang in there.
Pep!
Behind!
Pep!
Hang in there, love.
Yes.
The boot.
I found Oriol and Pep!
Oriol is buried.
I can't do it alone. Help me!
I can't!
- The boot.
- Help me!
Help!
- Stop. Let's go with her.
- The boot.
The backpack.
Put it on my foot.
- Are you okay?
- Yes.
We need to chip the ice.
We need to chip it.
No, he'll lose his boot like that.
Dig.
It's okay, it's okay!
...how the disruption is unfolding.
The cloud mass has reached Catalonia.
Careful in the wind,
which could exceed 130 or 140 km/h.
The wind
will heighten the cold temperatures.
Images from one
of the few cameras in the Pyrenees,
because the snow
has blocked all of them.
The wind is very strong.
See how the snow flies,
lifted by the strength of the wind?
A truly wintery image.
Three kids?
Yes.
They fell in the river.
Near the Coma de Vaca shelter.
The blizzard of 1968?
Two froze to death.
And the third,
when everybody had given up on him...
someone found him.
It was my first rescue.
I'll call Control Girona.
Afternoon.
Attention!
How are you, Artur?
- Siscu.
- You okay?
- How are you?
- Good.
I'm glad.
Listen...
you can't go on like this.
You need somewhere better.
No, we need to go up to Vallter.
That's what we need.
Come.
Bye, guys.
Let's go next door.
Are you gonna tell me off now?
Look, Siscu,
Vallter is closed, okay?
- Is anyone hurt?
- No, just some minor incidents.
People are agitated, nothing serious.
But the bar and car park are full.
I see.
And outside the resort?
Skiing on the mountain or climbing?
It's a big mountain, Artur,
it has a lot of peaks.
Lots of people went up this weekend.
That's why you're on alert.
And the guys at Olot, Ripoll,
la Pobla, Cerdanyola...
All the MRGs in Catalonia,
in case people are reported missing.
And nobody has been yet.
People are getting to the shelters.
Okay, you're in charge.
But this blizzard...
it's not like the others.
If an alert comes in,
I'll deploy you.
Is that clear?
- Crystal clear.
Okay, then...
Josep Maria!
I can't!
Pep!
Honey!
No!
Pep!
We can't get you out, Oriol.
What?
- I can't!
- Josep Maria...
Fuck, Josep Maria, don't leave me here.
Get me out of here!
Get me out of here.
We can't.
Josep Maria, get me out, please!
Get me out of here!
Don't leave me!
Please.
I'm almost out!
Just release the fixture!
Josep Maria, come on!
The fixture!
Stay here.
Elena, get me out, please!
Can you reach?
- The fixture!
- What?
- A fixture!
Yes? Got it?
Okay! There we go!
No!
Wait, wait.
Thank you!
We need to keep going down
before it gets dark.
- You go.
- No!
Go and get help.
We can't go.
You'll get there quicker.
We won't make it.
Uri.
Everyone stay with their partner, okay?
Keep moving down.
Josep Maria!
Here! Switch your gloves!
Move your arms
so the blood reaches your hands.
Okay? Thanks!
I'll be right back with help.
Hang in there.
Hang on.
I'll be back with help.
Hang on, please.
Keep moving down.
Siscu, it's Artur.
Yes? Siscu speaking.
Go to Vallter. Some climbers
say their group got left behind.
Their last position?
Between La Coma de l'Orri
and the Ulldeter shelter.
But it's almost dark.
Siscu, the wind lowered
the temperature to minus 30.
Be careful, please.
Keep me informed.
I'll alert the other units.
Okay, I'm on my way.
If you don't feel up to it,
you should stay.
Well?
No, no.
Pep, no.
Pep, no.
Where are the kids?
I can't find them.
Pep...
Go. You go, please.
No.
No!
No.
We won't leave you.
Mnica, go!
We'll get help.
Nobody knows we're on Balandrau.
Nobody.
Artur, we're at the Vallter car park.
Radios in your jackets
so the battery doesn't freeze.
Relax.
Where should we go up, Siscu?
Straight to La Coma de l'Orri.
The climbers were heading for there.
All the snow
from the top will fall on us.
We'll go as far as we can.
Mind the avalanches.
Don't split up.
Maintain visual contact, okay?
Let's go.
Here!
We're firefighters!
Don't split up!
Here!
Santi, go on!
Rai, with me!
- I'm behind you!
Rai!
Hello!
Over there!
Siscu!
Keep climbing!
Here!
We're firefighters!
Careful!
Bernat!
Bernat!
- I'm okay!
- Let's go down.
- What do we do, Siscu?
Let's go down!
No! I can go on!
We can't stay here, got that?
It'll be bad, Bernat.
It'll be bad for us.
Everyone down!
- I said I can go on!
- I said let's go down, Bernat!
- Follow me!
- All together!
Be careful!
Down, everybody!
We'll make it!
Mnica...
We have to hold on a little longer.
You hear me?
Mnica...
Mnica.
Who are you?
We need to eat something.
We'll spend the night here.
We'll be fine here, okay?
Mnica!
Please!
Mnica...
Mnica, look at me.
Look at me.
Look at me.
Mnica...
Please...
Mum?
There's enough space here
to set up a base camp.
Yes.
What time
are the search helicopters arriving?
First thing, if there's no wind.
We'll bring sandwiches and drinks.
I called other mayors for help.
- Great. Thanks, Esteve.
- Siscu.
You gave it a shot.
Thanks, Nitu.
Good night. Thanks.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Guys,
you go home, okay?
See if you can get a few hours' sleep.
Okay.
- Rai, good night.
- Good night.
Bye.
Good night, Santi.
- And you, Dad?
- Bernat...
Go to your mum,
look after her.
She'll be worried.
Go on.
DAY 2
SUNDAY, 31 DECEMBER 2000
Flying over Vallter,
reaching La Coma de l'Orri.
The missing climbers
should be in this area.
This is where
we abandoned the search last night.
There, Jordi! Ten O'clock!
Zulu six.
We've found two bodies, zulu six,
in La Coma de l'Orri.
Okay.
Have you found anything?
Have you found their ID cards?
You never forget
the first dead people you find.
How could this happen?
We were so close.
It's not your fault, son.
They probably couldn't hear us.
How will you tell their family?
Families want to know the details,
Bernat.
However painful they are.
It's the closest they get
to saying goodbye.
There's one climber left.
Shall we go?
You go, yes...
Go with them.
Here, here!
Oriol.
Oriol.
Oriol!
Elena! Pep!
Elena!
Pep!
Hello!
It's the firefighters!
Hello!
Can you hear me, guys?
Yes, Siscu. It's Santi and Bernat.
We found the climber,
he's alive, but weak.
Go back to Camprodon.
Santi!
On the last day of the year,
the news is marked
by mountain accidents,
which have taken three lives.
Two climbers and a ski instructor
were the victims
of one of the most violent storms
in the Catalan Pyrenees.
At 2:15 p.m.,
the rescue teams found
the last missing climber
between Vallter and Nu'ria.
In La Coma de l'Orri, two hikers
were trapped by the storm.
The rescue teams found the bodies:
A 28-year-old woman
and a 35-year-old man.
The storm claimed a third victim,
a ski instructor in Port Ain.
An avalanche hit the monitor
during a search with two colleagues
to check there was nobody on the pistes.
His two colleagues were saved.
The victim
was a 42-year-old Chilean man...
Won't you be late, love?
No.
No, I...
I'd rather stay home this year.
...in the Huesca Pyrenees
the rescue teams found
the body of a 25-year-old
in the Panticosa municipality.
Rita...
Bernat's really upset.
He doesn't want to go to the party.
Siscu,
what happened to you out there?
Well, his first rescue
was as hard as mine was.
What can we do?
Nothing.
Nothing...
Yes.
Live life as normal.
Nuri, how long until midnight?
Two hours.
I won't make it this year.
I'm shattered.
I want you in bed at 00:01 a.m.
You need to sleep.
- Yes.
- We don't.
- No.
Siscu, it's Artur.
Siscu.
Siscu.
Yes, Artur?
Siscu, it's not over.
We found some skiers' cars
at Balandrau.
Siscu?
Yes, Artur.
Sorry. I'll be right there.
It's okay, Nuri.
- Bye, Dad.
- Happy new year.
Come on, Bernat.
Let's go.
- Tell me when you get there.
- Yes.
HAPPY 2001
Siscu.
Where do we start?
- Didn't you wash the grapes?
- Yes, they're small ones.
Come on, it's starting.
10 seconds to go.
Time to grab your grapes.
Five seconds...
First chime...
That's weird.
Answer it.
- Really?
- Answer it.
Hello?
Josep, love. It's Mum.
The police called us.
Are you there?
If you're home, answer, please.
Happy new year!
DAY 3
MONDAY, 1 JANUARY 2001
Yes, their relatives
didn't know they were missing.
A boy called in, worried,
and told us his mother was missing.
She called him from the top
before the blizzard hit.
What stage is the rescue mission at?
We know there were two groups,
one of three, another of five.
We're concentrating all our efforts
on the Balandrau area.
After 36 hours missing,
is this considered a body recovery?
We've been joined by firefighters
from all over Catalonia,
and from Madrid, and Andorra
and we're doing everything we can.
I don't understand.
So, it's not a rescue?
- What?
My son
is alive.
Can you take her to the relatives area?
Yes, Artur.
I don't understand.
Come with me, please?
It's calmer over there.
- I don't understand.
I'll leave you with the representative
for the families,
this is Elisenda.
Thank you.
How was your night?
- Which way?
- Here, please.
This way.
- Good morning.
Thanks, Felip.
- Okay.
I'm Artur Caparrs,
director of the operation.
Matilda, mother of Josep Maria Vil.
Great, okay.
Come with me, please.
We've set up a space
that's nice and calm,
away from the journalists.
- This way.
- Please.
I know you'll bring him back.
- Go ahead.
- Thanks.
Hello.
Hello.
- Hello.
- Hello. Good morning.
Hello.
Matilda.
Jaume.
It's a nightmare.
Where's your husband?
At his parents' house.
They're looking for a flight.
- Shall we sit?
- Yes.
Do you like tuna?
Good luck.
Here you are.
Forward!
Probe.
Here!
No!
- They told you this week?
- Yes.
It was a surprise.
They're getting married?
In May, probably.
A lovely month for a wedding.
Elena and Pep
got married in May too, right?
Yes.
- Ah.
- Mid-May, yes.
How lovely.
I like your jumper.
Thanks.
Do you play football?
- No.
I do mountaineering like my mum.
With snow shoes...
It's lucky you called.
Yes.
But if I'd called earlier...
Hi.
Good morning.
- Morning.
Morning.
- Sorry.
- The snow's six metres deep...
We still have no news.
You have no idea where they are?
We're looking below the summit.
We need to narrow down the search area.
We should go search, too.
We're useless here.
They'll come back.
They've been through a lot
and always been fine.
The man they found yesterday
went through hell and survived.
But he's a climber, our kids aren't.
My dad is.
He knows these mountains.
So does my son.
He probably led them to a shelter.
If they find one, they find them all.
They'll leave nobody behind.
That's for sure.
It would be helpful
to know if any of your relatives
had been to Balandrau before.
And if they had a favourite route...
- Any ideas?
- No.
Anything that could help us.
Anything at all.
- Think.
- I don't know...
Please.
Okay.
We won't stop until we find them.
You have my word.
Thank you.
Hey, I've found something.
Artur!
- Who is it?
- A man from the group of three.
- And the psychologists?
- They're not here yet.
These are difficult days.
To the changing rooms.
Dad!
No!
I'll go, Siscu.
Go back to the mountain.
I'll take care of it.
Hang on, Xnia.
- It's my Dad. It's his boot.
- Hang on.
- No!
- Xnia, one second.
- Let me go!
- Hang on.
Xnia, listen.
One second, please.
Come on, inside.
Mum...
What is it?
What is it?
- What?
- They told her something.
Mum, I saw Dad.
I saw Dad.
Mum, he's dead.
Dad's dead!
He's dead!
- Wait, hang on.
- Mum... Mum, no...
Wait a moment.
There's nothing here.
Then we move on down.
The other two must be nearby.
We won't find Maria ngels here.
Why?
The blizzard hit them here.
Exactly.
There's no signal here.
She would have gone higher
to try to make a call.
We need to get out of this hollow.
Shall we go?
We found the mobile.
But it was a man's.
Her friend.
The woman must be close.
They will have wanted
to stay together.
What is it?
Look.
Look.
You see there?
That white is brighter.
The snow.
- Yes.
- Yes.
- What's that?
- An avalanche.
- Exactly.
There was an avalanche down there.
We need to look
for the group of five here.
Let's probe.
Siscu.
What?
How do you do it?
What?
What you do.
I don't know.
You just feel it.
You look for the woman here,
the rest will probe lower down.
What are you looking at?
What do you want?
You can go get some rest.
And we also have psychologists
here for you.
Any news, we'll let you know, okay?
Come on, let's eat something.
Irieix, dear...
And my mum?
There's a lot of snow, okay?
It's really deep.
- You found her under the snow?
- No, no.
Not yet.
- Then where the fuck is my mum?
Let me come up there.
- You can't.
It's not possible. We can't let you go.
Irieix...
I'm sorry.
It's fine.
Bring her back to us.
Ready! Probe.
Left foot, centre, right foot.
One step.
Probe.
Left foot, centre, right foot.
It's frozen. It won't go in.
What? Can't you touch the bottom?
- It's frozen.
- Shit.
- It's no good, Siscu.
- I know, Santi, but it's all we can do.
I'd like to have a Recco
like the French, but...
Siscu!
Look what we've found!
It must be the skis
from the group of five.
Why would they come down by the streams?
The slope is right here.
- They wouldn't have seen it
in that blizzard.
They unintentionally
ended up in a death trap.
What should we do, Siscu?
Get the saws, Rai.
It's frozen solid and it's getting late.
We'll start probing here.
The working conditions
of the specialists
are still very hard.
In some cases,
the ice is over a metre thick
with three metres of snow.
At least the weather is improving...
We've found some skis
and some belongings up there.
That means our hypotheses are right
and that's where
we're focusing our efforts
to find the people
who are unfortunately still missing.
Is there still any hope
of finding anybody alive?
Look...
up there,
hope is the last thing we lose.
The very last thing.
Believe me.
Yesterday, I found...
this photo,
which I'll show you now,
in one of the missing people's cars.
This is Mnica and Josep Maria.
We're looking for them.
Them and four other hikers.
Elena and Oriol Fernndez,
Josep Artigas and Maria ngels Belsa.
It may not look like it,
but we're doing all we can
on the mountain.
No matter the resources we have,
while there are people
out there who may still be alive,
we'll keep looking for them.
Even if the mountain protests.
We'll keep looking for them.
That's our hope.
Okay.
Thank you.
We'll have more information shortly.
Bye.
- Look here. My God.
- Siscu, how are you?
Thanks for coming, Jacint.
- How are you, Siscu?
- Good.
The old watch.
- Morning.
- You never let us down.
- Okay?
Xevi! What are you doing here?
Marta, thanks.
- Hi.
More people are coming.
From all the hiking centres
in Catalonia.
- As long as it's not a problem.
- No.
We don't have resources
to move everybody.
We'll get up there one way or another.
Thanks, I mean it.
Thank you all for coming.
Thanks. Cheers.
- Thanks, my friends.
- Siscu...
- Thanks.
- What do we do?
Where should the volunteers go?
For now,
get into groups of five
and wait here.
- Siscu!
What?
- What's all this?
- The Cavalleria rusticana.
We can't have volunteers
on the mountain.
Enough people are missing,
don't you think?
I know.
But they've come all this way.
What do we do?
Send them home, or what?
We could broaden the search.
Yes...
You decide.
I decide?
Couldn't you have told me before?
- Why are the French here?
- Didn't you want them?
I called Madrid.
Here's the Recco you need.
Thanks.
- Good morning.
- How's it going?
- Good morning, how are you?
- Hello.
If the helicopter is ready,
we can start.
- Let's go.
- Let's go.
What? Yes?
Jordi, there's something here.
Which...?
Which one?
It's your son, Oriol.
I'm so sorry.
It can't be.
Excuse me.
I'm sorry, but you have to do
the visual identification.
I'll go.
I'll do it.
I'll do it, okay?
If Oriol is dead...
they're all dead.
They're all dead.
Hey! Here!
Probe here!
Three probes!
- There! Quickly!
Three!
Three here.
- Okay, let's probe. Come on!
Another here! Three more probes!
Quickly!
I've made contact!
Miquel, shovel!
- Another here!
- Keep going. Another shovel!
- Dig here, come on!
- Here!
Come on!
Let's go!
- Here, too!
- Come on!
This way, please.
Good job, Lia.
Good job.
See you tomorrow, Siscu.
Tomorrow?
Yes, Control ordered us to go back.
Artur, it's Siscu.
Can you hear me?
Siscu, I hear you.
Why are the volunteers
being told to go back?
It's for safety, you know that.
Send them back
when the last one arrives.
Send them back?
Three people are missing,
there's still an hour of light.
Okay, you have one hour.
Okay?
Siscu.
We have one hour.
Let's go!
We'll start in this area.
Bernat!
Bernat!
Probe.
One step.
Probe!
Probe!
One step!
Probe!
One step!
Probe!
Here.
Let Artur know.
Go on.
Oh, it's Mnica...
Oh, Jaume.
I want to see my daughter.
Of course.
Felip, are you stopping?
No, we'll continue tomorrow at dawn.
Try to get some rest.
See you tomorrow.
Come on, Siscu.
We'll continue tomorrow.
He'll be dead tomorrow.
Mnica.
Mnica, wait.
Mnica.
Mnica, wait.
What?
How do you do it?
What?
That.
See it all like it's so easy.
I like living, Josep Maria.
We can start by climbing that mountain
and see the world from up there,
see everything
as if it were the first
and last time.
Hotel-02. All aboard.
We're returning to base.
No more news.
Okay, we'll see you here.
We're going to keep looking.
Siscu...
Today's operation is over.
I don't care, Artur.
I don't care.
There's time for one last try.
No, there's not enough light.
Well, Jordi?
We have ten minutes.
Listen, Artur...
someone put Mnica against the rock
to protect her.
Someone covered her with clothes,
put her gloves on,
looked after her to the end.
One last try, Artur, please.
Okay. Last one.
Then you come back.
Hear me, Siscu?
Go down the stream.
Get as close as possible.
I can't see anything.
Jordi, go a little lower.
A little more.
Siscu.
Jordi, go a little lower.
The last time, Siscu.
Try that waterfall.
I saw him!
I saw him!
- What?
Turn around, Jordi!
Permission to open the door. Santi!
Where is he?
- He's alive!
- He's alive!
Artur!
Artur, we've got him!
- What?
We found him!
Josep Maria?
He's fucking alive!
He's alive.
He's alive!
- That's the stuff, Siscu!
- Jordi!
Go on, Santi.
Go, go, go!
Put me on with Xavier Poms.
Xavier. They've found one.
Alive, alive!
Matilda!
Matilda?
Are you looking for me?
Jordi, bring them up!
Thank you!
It's over.
- Thank you.
- They're bringing him here.
Thank you!
Thank you!
- It's over.
Up, Jordi, bring them up.
That's it. Perfect.
Santi, come in.
On the count of three.
One, two, three!
Now!
That's it, legs in.
Steady.
That's it.
That's it. Come on.
Look at me.
Are you okay?
Do you know who we are?
What day is it?
What day is it?
What's your name?
Shall we take a family photo?
Yes, let's!
Do you know who you are?
This film is a tribute
to those who lost their lives
due to the blizzard
in the Pyrenees at the end of 2000.
Firefighters, volunteers,
friends and relatives
looked for Maria ngels Belsa
for months.
She was found on march 24,
during the thaw.
What happened on Balandrau
changed the action protocols
of the mountain rescue teams forever.
Shortly afterwards,
the Camprodon volunteer firefighters
got a new fire station.
Siscu and Bernat continued
to carry out rescues together
for over a decade.
After over 800 interventions
on his beloved mountain,
Siscu retired in 2016.
He always kept the radio on at home
in case somebody needed him.
Siscu left us in 2024.
This film is in his memory.
Fifty days after his rescue,
Josep Maria left hospital.
In 2014, he decided
to go back to Balandrau
and climb to the summit,
with his friends
forever in his memory.
Translation: Amy Sue Bennett