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80 for 80

Set in the mountains of Aspen, Colorado, 80 for 80 follows Niklaus Kuhn—a Swiss adventurer with his sights set on hiking Highland Bowl 80 times in one season, all leading up to his 80th birthday.

Highland Bowl isn’t just any ski run. At 12,392 feet, it’s one of the toughest—and most beloved—spots in North America. For Niklaus, the climb isn’t just about the challenge. It’s where he feels closest to something bigger than himself.

This film is about more than just ticking off laps. It’s about grit, passion, and the kind of quiet determination that pulls people together. As Niklaus pushes toward his goal, he becomes a reminder that it’s never too late to chase what lights you up—and that sometimes, the wildest dreams bring out the best in all of us.

  • Tamara Susa
    Director
  • Tamara Susa
    Producer
  • Niklaus Kuhn
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Adventure, Sports
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 6, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Tamara Susa

Tamara Šuša is a documentary photographer and filmmaker originally from Belgrade, Serbia, now based in Aspen, Colorado. Since 2012, she has been telling stories from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond through a mix of commercial and documentary work. With a Master’s degree in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from the University of the Arts London, she brings a distinct visual perspective rooted in both journalistic integrity and artistic sensitivity.

Her directorial debut, 2 Legs Is 2 Easy, premiered at festivals around the world—including BANFF, 5Point, and VIMFF—earning recognition for its heartfelt storytelling and dynamic visual style. Inspired by wild landscapes and the people who inhabit them, Tamara is especially passionate about using her work to raise awareness around climate change and environmental issues.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I first heard about Niklaus Kuhn’s goal to hike Highland Bowl 80 times before his 80th birthday, I was struck by its simplicity and depth. This isn’t a record-breaking feat in the traditional sense. It’s about one man choosing to keep moving forward, day after day, in a place he loves.

Prior to filming with Niklaus, I had only hiked the Bowl a dozen times. It’s a place that humbles you with its steep terrain and takes your breath away with its views. Watching Niklaus climb it over and over again, with quiet determination and a smile, reminded me that the mountains don’t care about your age or your limits – they just ask that you show up.

This film isn’t just about skiing. It’s about resilience, community, and finding purpose at any stage of life. Through Niklaus’s journey, I hope viewers feel inspired to keep pursuing what makes them feel alive, no matter where they are in their own story.