There’s steep skiing. And then there’s big wall skiing. Photojournalist Matthew Tufts was drawn to El Chaltén many years ago, a small village at the foot of the Fitz Roy massif in Argentine Patagonia. The steep, iconic granite walls have held a prominent place in the climbing community for decades, but it wasn’t until the 1990s, when Argentine guide Max Odell started pioneering ski lines in the area, that skiers began to journey to the steep, unforgiving ski mountaineering terrain. 

Tufts has dedicated many seasons to rooting himself in the small, but hardy mountain community in El Chaltén, always staying for weeks or months on end to truly immerse himself in the place. It’s not an easy place to ski—long approaches on dirt, volatile weather, impossibly steep ski lines. But that’s part of the allure. 

Every ski line comes with its fair share of mileage on dirt to access. Bruchez, Lardy and Socié hauling camp into the Fitz Roy. Photo: Matthew Tufts

In September 2023, French skiers Vivian Bruchez, Aurel Lardy and Jules Socié arrived in El Chaltén for the first time, on a mission to pioneer new ski lines and get to know the ski community. 

“Painting the Mountains” is a story about skiing, but it’s equal parts a story about the craft behind documenting the complex and multi-faceted sport. As Bruchez, Lardy and Socié make their mark on ski descents most would classify as climbing routes—narrow swaths of snow clinging to 50+ degree granite walls—the audience gets a glimpse into Tufts’ process documenting some of the steepest lines that have been skied in the region. 

Bruchez (left) and Lardy (right) discuss possible descent options. The three French skiers bring a new perspective to seldom skied peaks. Photo: Matthew Tufts

Steep and unforgiving. Exactly what Bruchez, Lardy and Socié were seeking in El Chaltén. Photo: Matthew Tufts

What most might consider a big wall rock climb, the French crew was eyeing as prime real estate for their skis. Photo: Matthew Tufts

Aurel Lardy painting his own line in the Patagonian mountains. Photo: Matthew Tufts