A new season is upon us and we all know what that means: It’s time for the annual deluge of new ski movies. Here’s our list of projects dropping this fall.
Did we miss something? Drop an email to scott@downdays.eu with a link to your movie trailer and we’ll add it to the list.
What they say: “WASTELAND: a featurette film. With new faces and old friends, both in front of the lens and behind it. Celebrating 25 years of Level 1, but focused only on the future. Coming to a city near you in September via the Level 1 Film Tour. Online release this Fall.”
What we say: Holy shit, a new Level 1 movie? Five years after they retired from the “feature film” game, it looks like Level 1 is back! But let’s manage expectations: this is a “featurette,” not a “feature,” and it’s got an almost entirely new cast of characters both in front and behind the lens. Be that as it may, this is the biggest ski movie from Level 1 since Romance, and we’re here for it.
Featuring: Parker White, Chris Logan, Jake Mageau, Dakota Connole, Anni Karava, Harald Hellström, Taylor Lundquist, Jonah Williams, Lucas Wachs, Oscar Weary
What they say: “Calm Beneath Castles is an awe-inspiring ski movie that delves into the heart, soul, and mind of skiers driven by an insatiable thirst for adventure and discovery. This epic film explores the essence of finding solace in nature and being one with the mountains. Following the world’s best skiers to breathtaking locations, it captures their quirks, instincts, and passion as they prepare and take on the mountain.“
What we say: With a lot of flippy-spinnies in the trailer and a distinct lack of narration in the trailer, could this be the year that the park rats actually enjoy watching an MSP movie again? Time will tell—but only a fool would want to miss out whatever insanity Colby Stevenson did last season.
Featuring: Sam Kuch, Michelle Parker, Dennis Ranalter, Colby Stevenson, Jess Hotter, Craig Murray, Janelle Yip, John Collinson, Coline Ballet-Baz, Mark Abma, Ari Tricomi, Sam Cohen, Nadine Wallner, Eric Hjorliefson, Finn Bilous, Emily Childs, Karl Fostvedt, Gen Sasaki, Stinius Skjøtskift, Xander Guldman, Cole Richardson, Marcus Goguen, Max Palm, Manon Loschi
What they say: “Teton Gravity Research is proud to present “Beyond the Fantasy,” its 29th annual ski and snowboard film. This year, we’re diving headfirst into the whimsical imagination that our athletes embrace to turn improbable mental images into reality. Mountains provide the ultimate canvas for our community to evolve dreams into truth, and with no lack of adrenaline-pumping action, this film is also a celebration of the contagious camaraderie and joyous absurdities that make riding on snow a way of life. Join us as we take you beyond the fantasy.“
What we say: Most of us can agree that the filmmaking of the big-name production companies has gotten stale over the years—it’s not just me, right? Judging by the somewhat off-the-wall character of this trailer, we might see TGR taking a new tack in 2024. It’s a bold move Cotton—will it pay off for them?
Featuring: Cam Fitzpatrick, Yuki Cadono, Griffin Post, Parkin Costain, Nick McNutt, Nikolai Schirmer, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Sammy Carlson, Kai Jones, McRae Williams, Colter Hinchliffe, Ian Macintosh, Emily Childs, Janelle Yip, Cooper Branham, Tim Durtschi, Alex Armstrong, Jim Ryan, Simon Hillis
What they say: “Warren Miller is going big for 75 years! Stacked with unbelievable action and unexpected stories, Warren Miller’s 75 will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, and New Jersey. Catch a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls, world champions, X Games stars, and emerging talents on the big screen this fall. With original segments and unique collaborations, this year’s film will set the tone for the next 75 years of ski and snowboard filmmaking.“
What we say: Real talk, we haven’t given much of a hoot about Warren Miller Entertainment since they sued Warren Miller and Level 1 (we didn’t care much about them before that, either). But that aside, it’s the 75th anniversary of the company that the legendary Warren Miller built, so we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt this time. If you were really missing some captivating narration in the MSP and TGR trailers, you’ll be well served here.
Featuring: Max Hitzig, Caite Zeliff, Mark Abma, Noah Maisonet, Lexi duPont, Aaron Blunck, Parkin Costain, Alex Ferreira, Connery Lundin, Cassie Sharpe, Juho Kilkki, Daron Rahlves, and many more
What they say: “From her childhood to her latest X Games, this short documentary follows Megan Oldham’s journey. Discover a part of her life, her family and friends, her first medals, her daily training sessions, and, above all, how she forever marked the history of women’s freestyle skiing.”
What we say: It’s not every day that a female freeskier gets her own movie project. So it’s cool to see Megan Oldham and her history-making triple cork getting the respect that it deserves with what looks to be a polished project from France-based filmmakers Blue Max.
Featuring: Megan Oldham
What they say: “Bucket Clips – A Skiing Mixtape gathering talented Flinta*/female athletes from all over the world. A short movie highlighting the diversity and talent in the game right now – a platform for flinta*/female skiers worldwide. The idea behind the 20 minute movie is to elevate the often-overlooked talents in our sport outside of the competitive sphere. The goal is to showcase the vibrancy and skills of flinta* folks, proving that these skiers are not just pushing boundaries but are crushing the streets and conquering the backcountry. And all you need are a camera and good friends. To build upon the concept and strengthen the community, three dynamic teams of flinta*/female riders from around the world have been putting in work filming specifically for the project. Two teams have been focused on street skiing, while the other one is dedicated to backcountry and freeride. Additionally we invited skiers worldwide to submit their best clips from the streets to the backcountry.“
What we say: Power couple Rosina Friedel and Ludwig Hagelstein’s awesome Bucket Clips project enters its third round. If you’re stoked to see stoked amateur women out there getting it done, look no further. P.S. Flinta* stands for female, lesbian, inter, non-binary, trans and agender.
Featuring: Amanda Krüttli, Claudia Rohrer, Flurina Bieger, Laura Pöbl, Nina König, Rosina Friedel, Stefanie Mössler, Theresa Heckele
What they say: “The summer of 2021 turned California into an inferno. Years of relentless drought culminated in the largest wildfires in the state’s history. The Caldor Fire ravaged the Sierra Nevada, destroying homes, ski resorts, and everything in its path. As the fire closed in on Lake Tahoe, professional skier Josh Daiek and the local community were forced to abandon their homes and possessions. No one could have foreseen the extent of the destruction or the profound impact the fire would have on their lives. A year later, just as the community began to recover, tragedy struck again, leaving Josh to grapple with renewed loss and uncertainty. This film delves into the heartache of saying goodbye to your home, cherished friends, and the beloved forest that served as your playground.“
What we say: Josh Daiek caught our eye with his “Mountain State” movies exploring the ski terrain of Nevada. His next project is closer to home, examining the impact of the 2021 Caldor fire. Yes, ski movies can be about more than just ski porn!
Featuring: Josh Daiek & friends
What they say: “Introducing OIWAI. A visual manifesto by Laurent De Martin and Sampo Vallotton This time, exploring the captivating beauty of powder, taking us on a journey from local mountains in Switzerland to the serene snowscapes of Japan, all while riding Simply.’s upcoming tools.“
What we say: Not gonna lie, I’ll take the time to watch LDM and Sampo frothing through Japow on fishtails any day.
Featuring: Laurent De Martin, Sampo Vallotton
What they say: “The adage goes that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and ‘Painting the Mountains’ is a testament to that. Through a journey into the heart of one of the most unpredictable mountain ranges in the world, we dive into the passionate gaze of Matthew, a photographer/journalist who fell in love with El Chaltén, this iconic place at the foot of the Fitz Roy massif in Argentine Patagonia. This season, a team of French skiers comprising Aurel Lardy, Vivian Bruchez, and Jules Socié arrives with the ambition to pioneer new ski lines in the granite walls of Fitz Roy. Where ropes are typically used for climbing, they want to place their skis and carve turns. Their unique skiing visions offer Matthew a chance to photograph the unprecedented, documenting extreme steep skiing, or ‘big wall skiing.’ At the intersection of two artistic approaches, the film blends photography, journalism, and high-level skiing. The visions intertwine to honor these mythical lines that the three skiers came to carve. Beyond the film’s opportunity to bring us close to some of the world’s most daring descents, we get to know the population and customs of a unique village whose surrounding mountains and weather captivate the world.”
What we say: Is steep skiing what floats your boat? Then this is the movie you want to watch this fall.
Featuring: Aurel Lardy, Vivian Bruchez, Jules Socié
What they say: “Full Movie this fall! The 9th addition to the OS film collection.”
What we say: The OS Crew has been going hard for nearly a decade. If you like no-frills amateur skiing, give these guys a look.
Featuring: Kyle Johnston, Jake Barrett, Aden Moore, Emma Jones, Jake Cress, Josh Karcher, Carson Sharp, Mason Kennedy, Ian Russell, Keegan O’Brien, Julian Gluck, Graham Gray, Juice Kennedy
What they say: “After 3 intense years on the Freeride World Tour, Ross Tester steps away from the competitive spotlight to rediscover his love for skiing in its purest form. Journeying from his current home in Salt Lake City, UT to his roots in Tahoe, CA, Ross remembers the droughts of his childhood that taught him to embrace skiing no matter the conditions. No longer driven by medals or rankings, Ross embraces the unpredictability of nature, finding beauty in its imperfections and challenges as he learns to live in the now.”
What we say: Ross Tester was one of the most fun athletes to watch on the Freeride World Tour. Now that he’s stepped back from contest skiing, it’s great to see him dabbling on the film side of the business.
Featuring: Ross Tester
What they say: “HEAD & Tyrolia are proud to present the official trailer for BEYOND. For every HEAD athlete, the concept of ‘Beyond’ holds a unique significance. In our first HEAD team film, we were Unified. Now, in 2024, we aim to look to the future and redefine ‘beyond’ in this action-packed freeskiing film. Whether it’s experience, companionship, exploration, or progression, these are just a few of the ways we seek to push our limits. Each moment of going ‘beyond’ is an opportunity to surpass personal boundaries and discover new heights of achievement and camaraderie.”
What we say: Too many ski brands have teams but don’t make team movies. Last year Head rectified this with Unified, bringing their whole freeski squad into one film. Beyond continues the tradition for another year, and we’re looking forward to seeing them push the concept further.
Featuring: Jess Hotter, Xander Guldman, Hedvig Wessel, Tao Kreibich, Emil Granbom, Sam Cohen, Jenna Keller, Jordy Kidner, Ian Morrison, Meg Cumming, Aaron Blunck, Evan McEachran, Jonathan Rollins, Zoe Atkin, Cole Richardson and others from the HEAD Freeskiing team
What they say: “SPLIFF is a ski movie made to make you want to go out and make your own ski movie. No helicopters, no superstars, no epic monologue behind the moments. Just trying to Spread Positive Loving Intimacy, for Friends. Coming Fall 2024.”
What we say: When Dylan Siggers makes ski content, we watch it. ‘Nuf said.
Featuring: Dylan Siggers
What they say: “‘Going East’ is a self-documented film that follows a group of curious skiers on a mission to travel as far east as possible and ski along the way using only public transport. They want to find out if a three-week ski trip is doable by public transport and how far it can take them. As they traverse diverse mountain ranges, immerse themselves in various cultures, and spend over 140 hours in transit, they ultimately realize that the true essence of these trips lies not just in the skiing, but in the journey itself.”
What we say: I love me some public-transport-powered skiing. Get on the train with this crew and enjoy the ride.
Featuring: Max Kroneck, Silvia Moser, Joi Hoffman, Loic Isliker
What they say: “Although freeskier Nadine Wallner has been to Peru and Alaska for her skiing, this year she makes good on a plan she had for a while: Five freeride descents, 3,000 vertical meters, 29 kilometers – all in one day in the backyard of her home in Arlberg.”
What we say: A titan in the world of freeride skiing, Nadine Wallner is back with a gripping project in her own backyard. Freeride fans won’t want to miss this one.
Featuring: Nadine Wallner
What they say: “In February of 2024, our freeride team set out on a 3 week emotional bonding experience to the northern reaches of the Rocky Mountain Trench. Making a sled skiing video is a lot of things happening at once. It’s fun, it’s scary, beautiful, and humiliating. Every day comes with its own sets of pressures and fears, be they personal or environmental. But at the end of the day when you get to watch the 20 seconds of footage you captured. It makes you feel like maybe you’re actually doing something right out there, and sometimes that’s the best feeling in the world.”
What we say: When it comes to ski brand content, Line rarely misses. This one’s going on the watch list for sure.
Featuring: Dylan Siggers, Garrett Capel, Ben Richards, Rachael Anderson, Ana Eyssimont, Jake Hopfinger, Jonnie Merrill, Kate Targett, Liam Morgan, Wing Tai Barrymore, Val Festevan
What they say: “FULL FILM DROPS ONLINE FOR FREE NOVEMBER 4, 2024.”
What we say: Crazy Karl is a force of nature, and he won’t stop brapping. Whether or not you’ve ever been on a snowmobile, I personally guarantee you will love this movie.
Featuring: Thayne Rich, McRae Williams, Karl Fostvedt, Addie Rafford, Toby Rafford, WingTai Barrymore, Kai Van Bueren, Collin Collins, Keith Curtis, Sam Peterson, Tal Roberts
What they say: “Smash est un film de ski freestyle 100% backcountry tourné dans les Alpes de Lyngen au nord de la Norvège. Pendant 1 mois, nous avons gravi les montagnes norvégiennes afin de créer nos propres modules et de vous montrer des paysages à couper le souffle 😮💨”
What we say: The Mediappiness crew from France does Norway in style.
Featuring: Andreas Herranz, Julian Caillet, Leo Fourcade, Hugo Monmont
What they say: “FULL VIDEO ONLINE FALL 24″
What we say: Swiss jiblord extraordinaire Migi Reibenschuh heads for Finland; street insanity ensues.
Featuring: Migi Reibenschuh & friends
What they say: “Somewhere deep in the desolate landscape of Swedish Lapland lies the mountain hut of Nallú, a part of Sweden’s STF hut system. Here, skiing, hiking and outdoors enthusiasts find shelter on their journey through the ancient valleys and peaks of the Scandinavian mountain range, crowned by the mighty Kebnekaise, 2097 meters above sea level. In The Unnamed Peak, Swedish freeskiers Jacob Wester and Evelina Nilsson join forces on a mission to ski the east face of a mountain visible from the hut, named only by a height marker on the maps, but with a steep and aesthetically pleasing ski line plunging into the Stuor Reitas valley. Far from civilisation, with no contact with the outside world, the film follows the process of taking on the unknown, the mental battle of the balance between pushing the limits of freeskiing while keeping ourselves and the crew safe. This is The Unnamed Peak.”
What we say: Jacob and Evelina take on an unnamed peak deep in the Swedish backcountry, and the teaser is a true cliffhanger. Did everyone make it out okay? P.S. Is the European Union seriously funding this? Damn, we need to get on that gravy train fr fr.
Featuring: Jacob Wester, Evelina Nilsson
What they say: “Embarquez avec l’équipe de REWIND : des potes, du ski et beaucoup de fun !! On vous promet juste une chose, vous ne vous ennuierez pas !”
What we say: Another entertaining entry from our friends in France.
Featuring: Enzo Scotto, Quentin Ladame, Lucas Romain, Thomas Nicoud
What they say: “A film by Rudy Lepine, featuring Chris Boyer, Stephan Siska, Loic Dumont-Thivierge, Zach Pfieffer, Will Pachat, and Phil Gaucher. Cinematography by Rudy Lepine and Tristian Steen. Coming to you fall 2024. ”
What we say: Skiing in a hockey helmet seems seriously underrated.
Featuring: Chris Boyer, Stephan Siska, Loic Dumont-Thivierge, Zach Pfieffer, Will Pachat, Phil Gaucher
What they say: “It is the long reflection of a shy child who has a special relationship with nature and snow, of a teenager who miraculously survives and loses his best friend, of a young adult lost by discovering a society he struggles to understand. To make his life, and sometimes help others to do theirs, he must free himself: accept that life is an eternal goodbye to what he loves, to enjoy goodness, beauty: men, nature, the moment. It is the child and the adult who fight together to accept the world as it is. It is both joy and disappearance, since it speaks of snow. It is a poetic ode to the inevitable, ephemeral”
What we say: After knocking socks off last year with “Realis,” up-and-coming filmmaker Baptiste Sjöström is back with a project with Edgar Cheylus. Art appreciators, pay attention please.
Featuring: Edgar Cheylus
What they say: “Welcome to Camp Blank everybody.”
What we say: Sooner or later, everybody will let us down. However, I have never been disappointed with a Blank Collective film. Strange.
Featuring: Stan Rey, Emma Patterson, Alexi Godbout, Josh Daiek, Wyatt Gentry, Tenra Katsuno, Trevor Semmens, Leo Drouet, Nemo Plagne, Ugo Troubat, Mike Douglas
What they say: “Our new femme street skiing film”
What we say: An all-girls crew out doing work in the streets of Europe. Color me attentive.
Featuring: Nivi Sachse, Hannah Langes, Alice Michel, Maya Casier, Ellen Damsgaard, Isabella Tvede-Jensen
What they say: “The Harvest follows the season of Jacob Belanger, Jonathan Rollins, Shonny Charbonneau, Luca Natale, William Fossum, Jake Sandstrom, Tristan Underhill, and others from the Whistler Backcountry to the streets of Nelson BC.”
What we say: Last year’s effort from Joey Kraft, “Water The Plants” scored awards as one of the best am movies of the year. Looks like Joey and the crew have stepped things up a notch for their next film. The hype is real.
Featuring: Jacob Belanger, Jonathan Rollins, Shonny Charbonneau, Luca Natale, William Fossum, Jake Sandstrom, Tristan Underhill and others
What they say: “Author’s project by Andrey Anufriev about street and backcountry skiing in Russia..”
What we say: The Russian gang with an action packed trailer. Conditions look pretty good in the east.
Featuring: Andrey Anufriev, Anton Samorokov and others
What they say: “Circle of Madness features star athletes Markus Eder (ski) & Victor de Le Rue (snowboard) returning one more time to the legendary spine walls of Haines, Alaska. In the place where extreme free-riding movies were born, standing on the shoulders of their peers, their emulated friendship will help them push it to the very next level. From the most renown and historical lines to a camping mission in the middle of a never-skied-before mountain face, Markus and Victor’s obsession becomes a descent into madness.”
What we say: Markus Eder and Victor de Le Rue pushing the limits of where you can set up camp in Alaska. Will we see these two FWT champions redefine what else is possible in the freeride Mecca?
Featuring: Markus Ede, Victor de Le Rue
