In Pursuit of Soul

[@pierrrejette9023]

After 40 years in Whistler, I see the billionaires taking over the resort, they have absolutely killed the spirit of skiing in this valley. Congratulation to all those small ski resorts who keep fighting for the soul of skiing.

[@ghotio1927]

been like that from the beginning , its the same all over the world .

[@johnklaus9111]

I think folks forget how this industry (amusement parks) started. I would suggest that if you don't know where a model came from, you will not predict where it is going. Specifically, folks like hersey needed a way to attract workers away from cities to their chocolate mines (hmm, delicious).... Saying mine was no accident!

[@timothytao898]

Whistler has been conglomerate owned since 1996, Blackcomb since its founding.

[@thechildren8359]

I legitimately teared up a bit watching through this. So many good memories at the tiniest little hills. I love New England so much

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

I felt the same way, very emotional.

[@davemanago7678]

Same here. Grew up night riding at Bolton 6 nights a week. Was so bummed when Deslauriers had to sell, but SO happy they’ve got it back! Spread the love!

[@bumppinugleees9726]

same man, glad you said it too made me tear up this is the story of America and the world right now

[@scarfinkel]

Me too

[@mountaingoat1975]

Me too, I will always feel connected to Bolton Valley.

[@GriffonWalker-y8t]

First ski film to bring me to tears. This is what the sport is all about. Bravo

[@briansoule1002]

Please do a few more of these. So many little ski areas have a great story.

[@kylebetley5770]

Please include Mad River Glen in VT if you do another! The only privately and independent mountain owned by the people with some of the deepest ski roots and one of the only operating single chairs left!

[@lvidmar]

@@kylebetley5770 I could be wrong, but I think Ferguson Ridge ("Fergie") in Oregon, and Little Mountain in Idaho are similarly owned/operated.

[@tomboywo]

shoutout magic mountain my favorite! My grandfather took my dad there since he was kid and my dad has been taking me ever since I was kid.

[@cliang001]

The story of the kids, really brought tears to my eyes. Bravo.

[@303jeanski]

This film makes me want to burn my multi megaresort ski pass and support these amazing places!!

[@scottsandquist5381]

You're spot on with this show. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan... The far west end. Our hills started in the early 60s and we're exactly what your show was about. We've recently seen corporate takeovers and the old Riblets torn out and replaced by $6 million hi speed for a 1 (one) mile run.... I guess it's better than them folding up, but the soul is gone. The carcasses of a double a triple and a quad Riblet are left on the hills and it looks like a post apocalypse seen. Your comments about the time we spend on a lift is the first thing I thought about when the 6 seat hi speed came to town. We are/ were.. Indianhead MTN, White Cap mtn. Big Powderhorn MTN, Blackjack Sku area. Now a few of the names have been stripped all signage, all run names etc sold off.... 60 plus years of family, friends and memories.... Gone ( Indianhead and Blackjack) thank you for your show

[@rickgodinproductions]

I am in tears! So well done, you have captured the essence of what skiing means to all of us. Bravo!!!

[@Max_brook742]

Hehe

[@ErikFullmer]

Just a few tears. Ok maybe more than a few. I'll be forever grateful to Bolton Valley and its family. Without the school programs they referenced I don't know if I'd ever learn to ski. They made it affordable for my family. Thank you 🙏 I'll never forget my first day skiing there and all the following years.

[@Pkurkowski2]

Lost Trail is absolutely spectacular. I went there on a road trip with 2 buddies as we were on our way to Bozeman. I came back with my wife the following year and will be going back as often as possible. It's an absolute GEM of a mountain. The gated terrain is amazing.

[@JollyLamaCom]

Hit up maverick mountain and Elkhorn hot springs too when you head back to LT.

[@parkerdailey7321]

Lost trail has a true variety of runs, from the gated area, blues, greens, jumps, and everything in between. The staff their is also amazing, not to mention great snowfall. I only have gone there once but still fell in love with the mountain and everything about it.

[@justinburgan]

bravo, tgr! a beautiful story that needs to be shared and told.

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

26:00 this is the real and spiritual connection that I love about the small ski resorts, the real people...I can't stand those big ski resorts anylonger...the crowds are soo naughty! My respect and love goes to all these hard workers in Pursuit of Soul.............I love this short film, love it. TGR this is my favorite one! Alohas from Maui!

[@jeremystevens6020]

I love those little close by places.

[@erickrantz7250]

Early 2023 my 20 year old Tahoe took me on a two week adventure of peace, pondering, powder and people sleeping in the back in parking lots, rest areas, woods, and truck stops my dog and I skied and apres’ as many independent ski areas in MT, ID, and WY as we could get to including Powder Mountain and Brundage. Too many skj areas have closed. Keep ‘em alive folks. You might say you don’t have the time but if not today, then when.

[@kasonfrigetto3824]

I’ll be skiing the Beav this season👌🏼

[@davenelson9578]

I now have a new goal in life... To also be skiing at 93 years old.... Only 34 years to go... hahaha

[@mad3inbc]

As a Canadian who grew up skiing at Harper Mountain in the BC interior, this film is beautiful. My childhood was just like the ones in the video, and it's important for everyone to recognize the amazing people at the mom and pop operations. They fully deserve the community's support.

[@42kitt]

Nice one! I will always remember how easy it was to wake up for the Saturday morning school bus ride to Soildier Mtn or Bogus Basin compared to my normal bus trip to school. Great to see Magic and Lost Trail in here. Bucket list to get back for some turns.

[@Highnoonshred]

Berkshires East family was a big part of my life!!! Glad they got spot lighted!!!! Thanks Roy!!! #berkshireeast

[@andrewbodager2651]

As Papa Muntz would say..."don't go changing"

[@slayjwood]

Thank you so much for putting this together!! My hometown hill isn't on here, but my heart is!!

[@mattyfro73]

If it weren’t for Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY I probably would never have embraced skiing. I was just out of the military, no money, but my younger brother brought me there for night skiing. We drove down in the parents station wagon in a Lake Effect snowstorm on a Friday night. I was hooked! Powder conditions and night skiing was magical!! Thanks Adam, and thanks to the awesome staff at Holiday Valley for welcoming the average Joe and making skiing affordable for the masses!

[@pe5smith]

Saddleback!

[@jonspinks9572]

Damn, you captured it. Very well done.

[@guillaumepuzenat34]

moving and so pleasant I am French and I find their spiritual skiing so good. I maintain that the small ski resorts are very pleasant.

[@mikegallagher2732]

TWO HUGE THUMBS UP... BRAVO ....Its SOOOOOO sad what has happened to the ski industry ..I Grew up skiing MT. Whittier , Black Mtn.( And Wildcat) As a kid Back in the day...SOOOOO Happy that Black is STILL alive and kicking it !!!!.. SUCH A GREAT MTN . !!! TGR is the Fucking BEST. From A MASSIVE fan since the Beginning !!!!!

[@UncleJerrys]

I dream of places like these. Spending hours in traffic only to spend hours in lift lines at big popular resorts kills the soul of skiing. Oh and so does the $15 hot dogs.

[@laxbro2286]

I've been binging ski films as the season kicks off and oh my gosh this was refreshing. A beautiful story about the culture and places that really makes skiing great

[@CBonesey]

Love this message. Well done TGR and to all the Mom and Pops out there - please keep up your mission, we support you!

[@CraigLowe-ip4ld]

Now that I'm 65 and skiing on silver sneakers days it definitely made me tear up too! Been skiing the mega small resorts of Michigan since a kid and it brought back tons of cherished memories. Kudos goes out to Caberfae, Michigan my favorite small gem!

[@knighttuttrupriprock9733]

This brings back memories of the great times I had learning to ski in Wisconsin, early 70's. This video was beautiful, thanks.

[@piture]

Love that sound of the chairlifts at the very beginning, all you hear when alone on a perfect day

[@tavakessler]

Great film! Combining the unique stories of so many people/resorts is really challenging, but you nailed it!

[@Wrangler98JPTJ]

Best Ski video of 2021!!!!! Ride Independent!!!

[@ericstenglein4661]

I learned in the Midwest. Sharing a slow double chair at Devil’s Head with my 10 year old son is the best. This short film is gold. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@josephhertzberg2734]

I'm going to go to these resorts. It's rekindling my love

[@Circu1t]

This hits home, in so many ways. My Home Mountain got bought by Vail Resorts recently. It'll never be the same. :'(

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

Which one?

[@willcabana2527]

I think this is my favorite work you guys have done and I've been watching TGR for well over 10 years... I'm from New Hampshire.

[@riccapatrol]

I cried 😭 the entire 34 minutes! That was beyond any words in the ski industry 😢

[@hiapom9590]

Well done. If there weren't a pandemic, a road trip covering a bunch of small resorts would be in the works.

[@EJurkovic]

Incredible film, well done.

[@KarolKClips]

Respect for these people! I watch and I miss skis. I will be there soon...unlucky meniscus...:(

[@AllEgoSports]

Way to go TGR, nailed it! Nothing better than checking out these resorts. Like anything, the people make the experience

[@ryangilbert2244]

This is a wonderful film. In Michigan we have so many small ski hills like these (not much for mountains except for Bohemia) that revolve around family and community. The last few winters have been mild and along with the pandemic just tough. So far this year has been sooo much better for snow/ snow making it makes me so happy to see everyone out shredding and generally just having a good time at the local hills. Side-note many of the places listed in this video have been/are partner resorts with a place here in the upper peninsula of Michigan and I can totally see why now!

[@danielclipper931]

They just made a second film all midwest resorts

[@andyrkeller]

I was already excited to be back in NH after spending 10 years in Colorado... then I watched this and cried. I love this place so much.

[@izenlonghurst4589]

Super great film TGR, Beaver mountain is my favorite resort!! I learned how to ski at these small resorts and they really do have something special.

[@Wandering_whatsnext]

Oh man am I happy this video popped up. What a great tribute.

[@johnames5486]

The most beautiful ski flick I have ever seen.

[@takeo593]

Merci TGR, those people are beautiful. We are free, we are communities, we are independant.

[@Abellephoto]

I had the privilege of growing up with a small locally-owned hill called Glen Mountain. There were no snow-making facilities. It had one chair and one t-bar. I too learned to ski via a local school ski program. Once a week, we'd finish school at lunch, eat on the bus and head out to the mountain to go skiing. They outfitted me with hand-me-down boots, skis and poles. Parents and volunteers taught me how to ski. I am forever grateful. It made me a skier for life. Thank you for sharing this. It reminds me of home.

[@rainerbenz3611]

Right on, definitively deserves a repost!

[@paultindall1235]

There’s just something so special about the sport. If you love skiing you can’t help but tear up when someone shares why skiing matters so much to them. Love this

[@cpk313]

Started skiing when I was 3. Our family spent a lot of the winter on the slopes. There used to be a couple small, family run ski places locally and now there is one that was bought out a few years ago. Years ago before it was bought out I worked there as a lift operator. Our area has been hit hard by winter's being a few degrees warmer. It is the difference between snow from Nov. to March to it being end of Dec. Jan. Feb. and that makes a huge difference. It is the 5th of Dec. now and there is no snow and it hasn't been cold enough to make it.

[@markbrawley3198]

I have worked at several mountains and have seen one resort go totally corporate. It was really sad to see the arrogance take over. I have been a lifty for a lot of seasons and several other departments. I love to work the bunny hill and watch the kids progress. See their fear the first few runs and see the excitement and energy grow. Interaction with them and encouraging them and being a friend at the lift is a awesome feeling.

[@mooresmedia5006]

Incredible work. Brought a tear to my eye to see what a family affair this whole business is.

[@markweitz2289]

Come see us at Antelope Butte in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, we resuscitated our mountain after 14 years down. You'll feel the vibe!!

[@treeski2010]

One of the best ski films I've EVER seen! Thank you!

[@MrSpartanPaul]

Bolton Valley is so beautiful. Loved it there.

[@marioborregowalker8766]

Beautiful, guys!

[@integralmalfunction]

This was an absolute soul replenisher!

[@darinjoseph7251]

This made me smile, having grown skiing in Quebec and New England, I was fortunate to experience Cannon, Mad River Glen, and a host of areas in Quebec that were served by 1-2 t-bars. I travel with my kids from our home in Whistler to let them experience these types of ski areas, Mt Cain in BC, Anthony Lakes in Oregon, and a host of other areas. Their exuberance is palpable when we arrive at any smaller, soulful ski area, we all find it hard to return to Whistler...largely soulless, and such a scene. Having said that, they can ski everywhere and can just blissfully enjoy every other area we ski at, because of the terrain at Whistler/Blackcomb. But...it is a tough place to actually fall in love with skiing like all those corporate soul suckers. Thanks for the film, it is part of our regular roster, alongside Steep and Streif.

[@paisleymackenzie8139]

I loved Mad River Glen as a kid

[@rogerjohnson3558]

Well done. Nordic Mountain on Thursday nights. Got my kids home and in bed by 11:00. Grade school on Fridays was easy.

[@kathedillmann164]

Terrific film - hope it get widely seen! You folks captured the true spirit of skiing - THANKS

[@badhorse84]

3rd and I am 15 mins in and I love it

[@raisinglittlerippers9232]

So many great quotes from this movie! Love it!

[@ml242]

best ski flick i have seen this year. thank you, tgr!

[@user-ej8uh3lb9o]

MRG 🤜🏽…75 years strong and still magical

[@ClayTJohnson]

That is some wisdom at 8:00.

[@robmaccormick3398]

Good on ya!

[@versace_dime_bag4178]

wow what he said about the old lift and how it’s so special but how everybody wants to make things bigger and faster now. It really hit home. I remember the mountain I had season passes to when I was younger had a very old 2 seater just like that one. But memories like finally getting to take it with the girl you had a crush on will always make me smile, if I could have I’d have made it go slower. Such special moments.

[@alexjordan467]

So great to “put a face” to all these resorts and make us all aware of how much dedication and hard work goes into making skiing possible for everyone. Amazing job, everyone and a special hats off to the 92 year old man who keeps enjoying life because of skiing

[@gazoomj]

Yes, this movie did bring me to tears. Two of the best little ski areas that ever existed in Colorado,where I grew up skiing are no longer there. And that's a shame. Berthoud pass and Geneva basin. These little resorts are needed and this movie was really good.

[@jeramywatembach8673]

I grew up on a mom 'n pop ski area, Lassen Ski Area. Best time of my life!!!! All so true. I am fiercely independent, and vocal of that independence, and I equate that to going up in the mountains!! Splitting the wood you need to burn through the winter for your heat teaches a lot of lessons. I so miss the mountains!

[@noneone2u]

Greatest ski film I've ever seen! Miller made bigger, but never touched my heart and soul like this. Just so moved. No more corporate take overs of family owned ski areas. Please. Fantastic job on the film!

[@cjvirginia7510]

What a beautiful story.

[@ryancarlisle5945]

Have to say, can't believe I'm seeing this 2 years after it's released, I live in New England, have a friend group that we started doing a yearly trip to Bolton valley. The place just embodies local and old school vibes. It really is the locals Mountain. So happy that it's back in the original owner's hands. Stay Indy ✊🏻

[@snowlover3675]

Thank you so much for this TGR. I had a HUGE smile and a few tears the whole way through. Such an important message in this wonderful film.

[@Punz18]

What is great about Magic is there is always hidden gems cut through the trees by locals. It might not be marked, but if there are tracks, it's a trail. Best tree skiing in the east imo

[@stevefrink4842]

Resorts with those bus programs have all the employees they need.

[@14erGuy]

My first ski day in my life was in 1977 at Gov't Camp on Mt. Hood in Oregon. 2 layers of cotton "long johns", 2 pair of cotton jeans. Many layers of cotton shirts and a cheap, somewhat water repellent jacket. I fell constantly. The snow would stick to my cotton clothes, then melt into them. I was soaked to the bone by noon. I remember my aunt asking "aren't you miserable? You're soaked and cold!". I was, I was dripping wet. And grinning ear to ear. That sliding thing, on two boards... I'm going to master the turn so I don't fall all day and get wet. I was hooked on this sport. Later, I learned that the entire lifestyle around this activity was even more addictive. This film reminded me of that feeling. Thank you TGR. This was the message I didn't know I needed. It's time to seek out those indy resorts and find again, that magic.

[@gclepine]

This movie is terrific. I am 73, I started skiing at Mt Tom in Holyoke MA when I was 12. When it closed, I discovered Berkshire East. I have a midweek pass there and I absolutely love skiing Berkshire East. Anyone who skis should watch this fantastic and inspiring movie⛷ I have always said I don’t need a big mountain to ski. I just need a ski area that isn’t too crowded and has a great atmosphere and well groomed slopes. My father skied from age 46 until his early 80’s and he became best friends with all of us kids (6 of us) because he skied with us. A family that skis together stays together!

[@jessehensley1171]

Wonderful documentary. So many truths. At least 6 small areas from my childhood are gone. 3 more have been taken over by the big three. If not for the small areas I would never have learned to ski…my parents couldn’t afford it. I can only ski now because I worked in the industry, know where to find deals, backcountry tour, and these independents. Still thousands I spend every year on gear for me and the kids. The industry wouldn’t have that from me if not for independents. A week in Jackson for me is two days at Snow King, two days on the pass, one day at the Village. Bless the people who keep fighting for people like me

[@kristinjones5297]

My home mountain is Breckenridge...this film makes me want to move back east :) Beautifully done TGR.

[@kevinpratt8597]

Very Nice, not what we were expecting, Thank You!

[@bank5y]

These guys don’t miss. Great work to everyone involved

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Fantastic Film. Cant wait to Ski the Mid West - East Coast runs.

[@nickmarchionda4345]

I have a vacation house in the Poconos in Pennsylvania and it has a small mom and pop mountain. So this video was a joy to watch and it’s good to know that corporations haven’t fully taken over the ski/snowboard industry just yet.

[@aliwasiutynski4631]

Absolutely wonderful!!! A must see and all those resorts are a must ski. Watch to the end, past the credits, and try not to cry.

[@GG-xd2pd]

Huh…probably best TGR I’ve seen. Well done guys.

[@skigoofy]

In the description it list Black Mountain as being the one from Maine. But it is the Black Mountain in Jackson, NH. Great view from the top of Mount Washington. I have skiied all the New England mountains mentioned here and they are all great.

[@davidreynolds1368]

Black mtn in Rumford Maine also a cool little spot.20 mins west of Sunday River, it's run by Chisolm ski club. And Sunday River ...WAS a cool little spot to grow up on in the 60s and 70s...1 peak, Barker ..and 3 t bars!

[@stephankremer3160]

The Bolton Valley story about school programs is so much like Boston Mills / Brandywine when I started to ski back in 1978. Well done Teton. Loved this.

[@patrickcsizmazia8826]

I really liked this film. I grew up on Whistler then Sun Valley. Still live in SV. I owe this to my parents. This film makes me want to go ski. Thank you, “In Pursuit of Soul”.

[@johnwinkler6377]

Could be the best ski movie ever made. Bigger isn’t always better

[@dborchardt100]

Just got back from skiing at Catamount owned by Berkshire east. It was $35 for a senior mid-week ticket. I brought my own lunch but bought drinks there. I've been skiing there since my son was a little kid. It isn't huge, but I love it so much. I like seeing people in mismatched cobbled together outfits without the latest equipment. As an older person, I can't ski 8am to 4pm anymore. I've got about 4 hours in my legs and at this price I can keep doing a sport I love. Thanks for making this film! If anyone is interested. Catamount is selling old ski lift chairs for $800. They are from the 1960's and sooooo cool.

[@jh9992]

As someone who has skied most of the major big resorts during my life and have cherished those memories there, so much has changed in the past several years where I'm drawn only to independent mountains now. I love them and only take my family to these mountains now.

[@martinbailly573]

Loved it ! Thank you TGR for your celebration of the smaller and indépendant ski resort that keeps snowboarding accessible !

[@scottfederoff353]

I have skied my whole life and live in Indiana. My kids all started at 4. Nothing better in life than making turns with your kids. Love the local mountains.

[@ploglet]

Fantastic film and stories. Long live the independent areas.

[@timguthrie5583]

Great movie, I feel the same way as a small business owner. I will add though, that the map of Independent ski areas was blank in Indiana, and that is a huge omission. The Perfect family (yes that is there name) have built a wonderful little ski area in Indiana and been operating it for over 40 years. They do every little thing to make the skiing and experience better and better. It is a mission, and a thing of beauty to see and experience. They may be the best snow makers in North America.