Freeheel Life

Yesterday we lost one of the great ones. My buddy Steve Berthel, affectionately known as Bert, passed away.

I first connected with Bert back in 2009 when I took over as editor in chief of Telemark Skier Magazine. Someone told me about a guy in the Midwest brewing beer called Telewhacker and bringing it to Telemark festivals. That eventually led me to Bert and his brewery, The Livery, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

That same year I released my first solo Telemark movie, The Freeheel Life, and started touring it around the country. Bert helped me put on a showing in Benton Harbor, and it became a regular stop for years afterward.

Money was always tight on those tours, but Bert always took care of me. He would find me a place to stay, let me keep the door money, and even helped me set up a solo acoustic show once so I could make a few extra bucks passing through town.

One of my favorite memories was Bert bringing Telewhacker beer on the road with me for several Michigan tour stops. I would show the movie, and afterward he would tap the keg for the after party. He did it all on his own dime just to support what I was doing.

Bert was the kind of guy who genuinely cared about people. Every year he would take the time to call me just to catch up and talk about life, skiing, business, and whatever else was going on.

In a world full of social media, busy schedules, and AI, Bert was still the kind of guy who picked up the phone to make sure his friends were doing OK.

That meant something.

Rest easy, brother. Much love.

— Madsen

Last lap of the season.

Soft snow, sun coming through, and one more run to close it out.

In the 1970s, Telemark skiers were modifying old alpine boots to get more support and edge control.

These early Vibram-soled conversions became known as “Stein Comps.”

Crested Butte innovation.

Audio: Keith Calhoun — Freeheel Life Podcast, Episode 18

Freeheel Life Archive.