The Pure Powder Ski Film Awards

To keep your skiing and snow boarding appetite duly satisfied over the long summer months, we’ve pulled together a collection of some of our favourite ski films. Don’t drool too much over the powdery steeps, heli skiing and off piste skiing is just around the corner. So without further ado, let the awards ceremony begin…

BEST PIONEER FILM-‘Blizzard of Ahhh’s’

Director Mark Obenhaus called it “Unconventional and irreverent”, and that’s exactly what it was.  I’m sure that no ski film enthusiast could deny the innovative impact of this movie.   Granted that it was by no means the first film to be created, but it was the first film that showed us how ‘extreme’ extreme skiing could actually get! There is no doubt that this film was a catalyst for many extreme skiing movies that followed, and it is for this reason that we believe this 80’s flick will never become obsolete.

BEST FILM DOCUMENTARY- ‘Steep’

This utterly captivating film considers the insatiable nature of extreme skiing, against the indisputable risk factors involved, as it follows the amazing stories of its true innovators.  Mark Obenhaus’s documentary has an almost romantic feel to it, exploring the legacy and most profound moments of extreme skiing in history.  Team this with the outstanding skiing footage (Most notably of Alaska) and you’ve got yourself an unmissable movie.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY- ‘The Art of Flight’

Astonishing camerawork and an unbeatable soundtrack gives this film its edge. However, we’re not just judging this book by its cover… Curt Morgan exhibits a very clever juxtaposition of the good, the bad and the ugly, with the unfathomable snowboarding skills of Travis Rice, relentless avalanches and gut-wrenching falls.

BEST CONTEMPORARY FILM- ‘Dynasty’

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Warren Miller films, is what perhaps makes this film particularly special.  Of course there is plenty of footage of pillow drops and reckless descents, but the running theme of nostalgia really sets the film off, interspersing photos and videos of skiers in the 60′s and 70′s throughout.  A big highlight is the footage of the mono skiers at the Winter X Games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMHHMb63xjA

BEST UP AND COMING FILM- ‘Few Words’

‘Few words’ is accurate indeed – the trailer alone left us speechless. With cinematography that looks set to rival the likes of Warren Miller, the skiing world waits with baited breath for Candide Thovex’s first feature length film.  After two years of filming incredible skiing and snowboarding across the world, the premiere will finally be screened in Paris this autumn – definitely one for the diary.

We can’t promise skiing or snowboarding that’s quite as extreme as what the ‘athletes’ are up to in the ski films, but if you don’t just want to watch from the sidelines and are keen to get involved then check-out Pure Powder’s off piste and heli skiing offerings.  We have a whole range of incredible powder skiing adventures perfect for the seasoned pros, as well as those just starting out…