It’s that time of year…the days start to get shorter, the leaves begin to turn, and there’s a little crispness in the air. You can feel it coming, and the stoke starts to build as skiers and snowboarders everywhere begin thinking about putting the bikes away, getting the skis/boards waxed, and counting down until opening day.
Some people call me old, but I prefer nostalgic.
I had the privilege of growing up during what I consider the golden era of ski movies. McConkey and Seth Morrison were gods, Ingrid Backstrom was laying down GS turns on Alaskan faces, Jeremy Jones was blowing the doors off what people thought was possible on a snowboard, and Sage was doing tricks where people probably shouldn’t have been doing tricks.
TGR and MSP movies were the highlight of our fall. We’d sit there with our jaws on the floor, nursing a warm beer while watching the best athletes on the planet travel to far-off destinations to shred pow and air huge cliffs. Add in a banger soundtrack and, before you knew it, we all wanted to quit our jobs and chase storms all winter.
Sure, times have changed. Athletes can now put out face-melting content whenever they want, and you can watch the sport progress in real time while sitting at your desk. That being said, there’s still something special about going to a ski movie premiere.
Maybe it’s the anticipation. Maybe it’s the giant screen and a theater full of stoked-out skiers. Maybe it’s running into people you haven’t seen since last winter. Or maybe it’s just the shared feeling that winter is coming and we’re all about to have a hell of a lot of fun sliding on snow.
Whatever it is, ski movie premieres still hit different.
This fall, I’d encourage you to grab the kids, round up your crew, or reconnect with your best ski buddies and go watch some ski movies. Support the athletes and filmmakers…most importantly, get yourself fired up for winter.
Films & Dates:
TGR: Actually, it is Rocket Science - 9/21 (SLC) and 9/23 (Park City)
The crew out of Jackson is at it again with their 31st annual film. No formula. No equation. Just speed, gravity, instinct and everything you’re willing to risk. From Bute Inlet and Haines to Japan, Finland, Andorra, Montana, Vermont, and home in Jackson Hole, the world’s best skiers put the physics of the mountain to the test. So, is it rocket science, or is it not?
Girl Winter - 9/24 (SLC) and 11/19 (Park City)
You’ve heard of “Girl Dinner” – the perfectly chaotic spread of favorite snacks, little treats, and whatever sounds good at the moment. This film tour carries that same energy: a lineup of short films with range. From big mountain skiing and storytelling to humor and human experiences, each film brings something different to the table–the kind of mix that leaves you fully satisfied by the end of the night.
Each event will showcase five films followed by a Q+A and poster signing with the athletes and filmmakers who brought the films to life.
MSP: The Way Out - 10/15 (SLC)
A raw tribute to the timeless culture and lifestyle of skiing. Dropping you straight into heavy Alaskan spine lines, deep Japanese powder, and iconic Swiss villages.This film shows skiing as far more than a sport; it’s a path toward total freedom. From legendary veterans to rising breakout talent, the question is simple: Is the soul of skiing dead or is it alive and well wherever the snow falls?
Cardiff's Annual Season Kickoff Party - 10/15 (SLC)
Join us as we celebrate 10 years of Cardiff Snowcraft with a fun season kick off! Check out new product launches featuring Sam Bawden, enjoy a new film from Cardiff Global Pro Jason Robinson, and get ready for a huge raffle packed with prizes from incredible local brands.
Mountain In My Mind - 10/16 (SLC)
Join us for a high-energy night celebrating snowsports, mental health, and the community that brings us together. Each premiere kicks off with a keynote from director and producer John Padilla, sharing the story and inspiration behind the film, followed by a full screening of Mountain In My Mind 4.
Quality Ski Time Film Tour -10/22 (SLC)
Brought to you by the athletes and creative minds at Salomon and The Blank Collective, this evening features a lineup of films showcasing everyone from the young up-and-comers Wyatt Gentry and Tucker Carr to your favorite skier’s favorite skier, Josh Daiek.
Think old-school ski movie vibes, a killer lineup, and plenty of swag giveaways. Basically, a throwback to the good old days when ski movie premieres were as much about the community, the characters, and the free stuff as they were about the skiing.
Warren Miller: Days Off - 11/2 (Orem), 11/4 (Ogden), 11/6 (SLC), 11/7 & 11/8 (Park City)
Drop in on winter’s favorite tradition with Warren Miller’s 77th film, Days Off. Join host Katie Burrell on a day off with the pros—no competition, no agenda, just pure unscripted joy from Deer Valley and Canada to the untracked terrain of Japan, Chamonix, and Alaska.
