MOUNTAINS NOT FOR PROFIT - OFFICIAL FILM

[@jh9992]

Been skiing for over 45 years. I've skied all the big corporate fancy mountains in the Northeast, CO, WY, CA, and Switzerland. Nothing against them. I've been an Indy Pass holder for 4 years now and have loved every minute of it, and I look forward to continuing to support the little guys for many years. They are the heart and soul of the ski industry. Skiing is not supposed to be this luxury privilege for the elite.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

You realize it is though right ? Just a quick search shows it’s the most expensive thing you can do. It cost as much to ski for one day as it does to go to a theme park. Average is 100 a day. And we know that’s low. But average. So if your a family of 4 your spending what 600 for a Saturday with food and gas etc ? Name anything even remotely comparable. Sad.

[@courtneycraft6342]

@SticksAandstonesBozo I'm fortunate to live near a hill that offers Friday night skiing. $15 for rentals and $15 for lift tickets for 5 hours of skiing. It's allowed me to get my kids into it without completely breaking the bank.

[@thom_xyz]

I hope to join Indy pass community over the next few seasons 🙏 Grew up in a ski/golf town. Blessed and cursed. It’s the history and passion to keep the operations open for everyone to experience what Mother Nature has to offer. ❤

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

@ I live in the black hills where we have a small nice place. I’ve spoken to them about this and they think I’m insane. Meanwhile they are on the razors edge of going out of business every season. But trying to tell greedy people that taking less money equals more money in the long run ? Good luck.

[@gabrielkarr8755]

@@SticksAandstonesBozo Right at larger resorts but if you take some time and do some research and find the little spots that are still all over you can pretty easily get 50 dollar or less day passes all over the place, and if you’re just starting out all you need is a magic carpet and even the little places have them.

[@playswithwood]

The young lady at Antelope Butte who said she wasn't popular in high school but has found such a fulfilling experience being a lifty and community member at the ski area is inspirational. So glad that these places are contributing to mental health of the youth and, as was said, helping to nurture the next generations of skiers/riders who will carry the sport forward.

[@ryanvanheck2571]

This damn near brought me to tears, I’m headed up to my local mountain tomorrow and I just have so much love for this beautiful sport, keep on thriving lil hills

[@DjNicholasM]

second that!

[@srdjankalinic]

Same here !

[@Tolli.Forker]

it did for me! I grew up up on a tiny hill with 2 poma and a rope tow.

[@clayfan408]

Me too. Its the same as supporting your local Bike Shop or Local Ski Shop

[@RD1R]

@@clayfan408 beyond that, sometimes the experience is just better. I've skied more pow at June than Mammoth. More at Eaglecrest than Alyeska. Lookout than Schweitzer. Not that those big mountains aren't great in their own ways... But you can't replace the small mountain.

[@kristenphilippi3528]

This documentary moved me to tears. I grew up ski racing in Ontario, Canada at Talisman Mountain. Skiing in Ontario is not glamorous but always memorable, and I loved every minute of it! Whether we were skiing on ice, or hiking up the hill because the lift broke down, it didn't matter - the love of skiing was so deep, the community so strong, I don't know a single person who wasn't bitten by the ski bug. Thank you to Teton Gravity Research and the directors of this film for capturing that feeling so well. Can't wait to get out this season!

[@scottmoynihan_realestate]

perfect description of skiing/snowboarding in Ontario. Life long Collingwood snowboarder here, still love it to this day.

[@jeffmarcoux9265]

Thank you TGR and IndyPass for giving these (4) Non-Profits their well deserved attention. The community spirit is alive and well in an increasingly difficult business landscape. Margins have never tighter yet mission statements to help keep skiing affordable and approachable for working families are greatly aided by non-profit status. We still need creative ways to attract and maintain skiers' interest. Playing to the strengths of unique assets and leaning heavily on volunteers are just a few ways to gain customers' life-long interests. From everyone at Black Mountain of Maine, we offer sincere gratitude for spending some time with us and welcome all to the BMOM family. Keep the stoke high. Jeff Marcoux (Angriest Beaver)

[@Mrmecom2]

I think this is the first time a ski movie has made me emotional. Growing up at a small local hill that taught me so much about skiing and life in general. Leaving it for 5 years to go to another 501c3 hill that was also local to that community was a great time for the good years. After leaving the city life and back home, I’m ready to go shred my home hill even more now. Shout out to Loup Loup Ski Bowl, my OG stomping grounds, and Mt. Spokane, my home for the last few years.

[@manhatton407]

Did not expect to see Whaleback when I opened this. So proud to see where our Indy Pass dollars go. Especially saving the other Black Mtn (NH) last season.

[@Big.D.]

Thank you for telling these stories. Faith in the industry: restored.

[@Pancakepopple]

Thanks to Whaleback and the programs with Inclusive Ski Touring for introducing me to splitboarding last year. You all bring so much value to New England. Proud to be an Indy Pass skier and snowboarder. I grew up skiing and snowboarding these same mountains, when I was able to move to New Hampshire, I have felt so grateful to continue to patronize these mountains that may be physically smaller but big in heart and experience.

[@williambrenner8806]

Learned how to ski at Black Mountain of Maine, my brothers and I were all skiing by ourselves by eight or ten with complete freedom of the mountain. It will always be a special place.

[@shawn-baby]

@@williambrenner8806 I learned to ski at evergreen valley in North lovell Maine Riding a lift by myself at 4 and 5 years old no polls day and night Used to scare the crap out of everybody when I went to raise the lift bar and I had to sit way out on the edge of the seat but they still let me do it.

[@JourneyofSyrinx-pg5jz]

This is such an amazingly inspirational down-to-earth ski story! I honestly just love watching these real worlds folks having the time of their lives on genuine slopes. Seriously beats yet another dude hucking his meat off a massive cliff or charging some “extreme” slope. BIG THANKS to TGR for making this available to all of us on KZbin and getting back to the roots of skiing and boarding. Now I need to get off the couch, strap on the skis, and get after it!

[@dennismurray3673]

Really appreciate TGR telling this story. It's a hopeful story of people working together for everyone's benefit.

[@GODZclaN11]

Brought back memories of skiing small hills in New England as a kid in the 1970s. Sundown and Powder Ridge CT, King Ridge NH, Gunstock NH, Bretton Woods NH, Berkshire East MA, Yagoo Valley RI. This film has me feeling the pull of the mountains again after a 30 year break.

[@shawn-baby]

Do you remember evergreen valley North lovell Maine or Stoneham Maine.

[@GODZclaN11]

@@shawn-baby Never skied Maine except for week longs at Sugarloaf. Far journey to Maine from SE Connecticut.

[@andrewlaubi4448]

The Highland

[@czar_ben]

We need more mountains like this

[@parkmanproductions]

Top shelf production. I learned to ski at "the butte" during the 14 years it was closed. Walking/ crawling up that first time had me hooked. Kids ski free might be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Whoever made that happen is a hero.

[@1015Media]

It’s a great moment, hopefully it catches on and all resorts adopt something similar.

[@1015Media]

Antelope Butte Is a hidden gem! Huge thanks to Teton Gravity Research for showing it to the world, and letting me be a part of it. 1015!! **posted go pro footage of filming with the crew, so lucky to get to see how the pros do it!

[@joshuagravel2565]

Say hi to JD for all of us back at Cannon.

[@1015Media]

@@joshuagravel2565 I’ll tell him tomorrow!

[@1015Media]

I’ll let him know!

[@scottyaghe9106]

Antelope butte will always hold that special place in my heart! This movie gave me chills and such inspiration for our home mountain🙏🙏

[@1015Media]

@@scottyaghe9106 excited too see what’s in store for this season!

[@Kat-fx2sz]

I've never skied a day in my life but I was very emotional while watching this. This is what community is all about, banding together for mutual interest and success. I wish all of these places the best of luck and thank you Teton for putting this video out there so more people will be aware that this is a valid way to run things. The true spirit of being outdoors.

[@freekick129]

This video brought tears to my eyes multiple times. This is what it’s all about man.

[@mella9619]

Gosh dang, this video got me good!! I work at Whaleback and it’s the place to be. Big mountains can’t exist without the small mountains that make skiing accessible for people! We’re all out here just trying to spread the passion for winter sports. It’s not about the money. I feel so lucky to have grown up skiing at a small mountain with that ‘ol ski charm and close community. It will never compare to corporate mountains.

[@justinsober1053]

Growing up skiing at a tiny mountain in Massachusetts this pulls the heart strings just right! Brings back years and years of incredible memories

[@wyohorsenut]

min ago I grew up at Geneva Basin Colorado. So many great memories. It's gone and will never come back. I now patrol at Antelope Butt Wyoming. Because we need this great family experience to keep going on. Thank you for bringing this to light.

[@1015Media]

Thank you!

[@tompeters6701]

Thank you so much for this film and coming to my home mountain! Black Mountain of Maine is where it’s at. It more than a ski mountain, it’s a family and a way of life! BMOM one you ski or ride it you will know it’s magic!

[@AndreasScharl]

This gave me goosebumps. Community instead of profit, that's the way to go for pretty much all aspects of life! Living a 10 minute car ride from one of the biggest ski and mtb resorts in Austria and having access to dozens of lifts and gondolas skiing does not feel like a community activity but a race for a few laps of powder. paying 700 eur for our season pass (8 and 5 year old kids and me) i wish i could spend that money on a little hill and enjoy the community vibe instead. only thing better than that is going for a backcountry adventure with your friends.

[@johngeronimo8172]

Love this!!! I grew up skiing on a small mountain, but with a great community. Today, it feels more important than ever to make skiing accessible for everyone.

[@PlaneImpactGolf]

Thanks for the film a wonderful reminder of my local ski mountain in the 60s Big Tupper . It closed in the late 90s and hopes to open again. The memories of friends all learning to ski is what kept me going . Now 73 and still skiing and every day I ski , Big Tupper is with me. I owe so much to Big Tupper and wish my son had a place like Big Tupper to understand some of life’s lessons. God Bless these ski hills .

[@Ofvandelayindustries]

BLACK MOUNTAIN of Maine is so overshadowed by corporate giants. THEY HAVE THE ACTUAL BEST back country Maine skiing. The VOLUNTEERS who do the cutting are Rockstars. MOST MAINERS in the area have hiked and skied white cap, even fewer hiked and then skied the back half of black mountain, after hiking its sister mountain and skiing down it.

[@Ofvandelayindustries]

If you'd like to see butterfly camp ground me and one other human k ows where it is ❤ LONG LIVE BMOM

[@biduracharya6630]

By h7hgggg) TBH by!

[@powdork]

One of TGR's best movies right there.

[@eliruhm]

First comment woohoo!!! This film reminds me of growing up in Eaglecrest: community-driven, pure skiing, no distractions.

[@anthonyciaran1]

This had me crying the entire time. I feel real lucky to have grown up with my hometown mountain of Santa Fe. Maybe co-op ownership is in the future 😉 that would be a dream.

[@jjsjeeps1907]

Grew up skiing Whale Back and am eternally grateful for the memories I made there! 30 years later and my life is still centered around skiing! Thank you so much for making this film! ❤️

[@davenonya8854]

Amazing the community came together to save their hill. We need to keep places like these alive. I fear some of my favourite places became way too commercialized.

[@nealfuhrer-sc1qy]

i love how they want to give down they‘re passion from skiing down to the new‘er generation and contiue the passion of skiing

[@ben10nnery]

Shames is an amazing place for the views and the powder, but also for the people in the community. There's so many unique ideas and ways it's kept going over the years.There's just so much stoke

[@ethanklein982]

I've skied all over New England and even the US and gotta say Black Mountain is one of my favorites ski mtns all time. I've never skied a mountain where almost everywhere on the entire mtn when you hop off a groomer into the woods there's a marked glade. Glades off of every single groomer - all natural baby! It's almost magical in a sense. Tree skiing is my fav though so I could be biased. The back country moxie expansion is sooo cool too. Such a special place.

[@peterfrinton7572]

I've skied for 69 of my 74 years, been on ski patrol at Whistler, which is all of 1 hr 15 minutes from me. Buying an Indy Pass and skiing the smaller mountains in Wa, Id, Or, Montana has been a wonderful counterpoint to the madness of an international resort like Whistler. Arriving at Turner Mtn. on the Friday before President's week, the sole lift was spinning, and about 3 other cars in the lot. The liftee said they expected maybe 50 skiers that day, and I got some runs in with the only patroller on scene.... Nearby Lookout Pass had 50 inches of fresh snow when I arrived there, with under a hundred eager snow sport enthusiasts waiting for lifts to open. Big smiles all around. There is simply no comparison to the feeling of a local, independent ski hill, where EVERYONE will talk to you, show you around, tell tales. Seeing kids eg at Phoenix in BC racing and skiing/boarding like fiends warms the heart of even people who are indifferent in another setting. This IS the future, because as the film states, the kids will grow up and want to do for their kids what was done for them.

[@srpmike]

Thank you IndyPass for sending me an email to promote this short film. Otherwise I never would have seen it. It was inspiring and may motivate me to visit one of the two spots profiled in New England since they're relatively close.

[@mattrose6783]

“We can blow it up but let’s not blow it up too much” was all I was thinking the entire time watching this video. Great to see slopes without long lines and high prices

[@pottery1950]

Excellent video. I can’t wait to visit one or more of these community ski areas.

[@JordanLaboucane]

This right here is what it's all about! The film instantly had me reflecting back on my childhood and growing up at the small local community hill "Misery Mountain" of Peace River, AB Canada and also taking family trips to Powder King in British Columbia. Both hills have faced similar hurdles over the years and it breaks my heart to see them struggle. I hope the spirit of skiing is preserved by these small community gems that preserve the essense of this way of life for so many. Thanks for telling the stories!

[@ovegel]

These people are absolute legends!

[@noveltynation8759]

Thank you TGR, Indy.

[@SamSoMite421]

Great film! It's pure joy to see good people doing good things in a turbulent era filled with greed.

[@mikeprice1875]

What a beautiful film! Thank you!

[@michaelfoster-q7g]

This is skiing!!!!!❤️

[@paulabarros4327]

Heartfelt purpose in building and maintaining community as a family of intentional human beings

[@colehafner-now]

This is inspiring to know there are mountains out there that are still accessible to the entire community. They're doing it for the love of skiing, it's a beautiful thing!

[@1015Media]

@@colehafner-now it’s more fun this way!

[@zeosaverio]

i cried watching it. when the ski passion it's stronger tha profit

[@bitjockey]

This is incredibly done. As a young east coast ripper we need more of these films showcasing where we learned the ropes before moving out west. I love the rockies but the mountains of Western NC always draw me home to slide down the shit snow. It’s not where I ski now, but it’s what ignited the flame inside me. Mountains like whaleback have to be saved and kept honest.

[@billabongpro999]

These resorts need to be the example for the entire industry. Vail resorts are slowly destroying the industry. Non profit skiing makes more sense as probably the only way to save this industry.

[@HeyMatthew303]

@@billabongpro999 more things that are communal based is what can help small town America and will hopefully it will already to larger communities. MegaCorp is what’s destroying America. I’m not knocking the freedom of capitalism but when you look at that time period of when people think America was “great”, corporations didn’t have a grasp on society, they were just a convenience of society. Americans went for the convenience of one stop shopping and “small prices” at the sacrifice of small business. Town once had a Main Street full of local businesses but now sit unused after a mega-mart was built on the outskirts of town. We can still use Walmart and Amazon, but we really need to get back to supporting the local community, and from there those small groups can work together as a larger community.

[@vidyoyo]

I grew up skiing Antelope Butte prior to the not for profit days. When the runs had the names "A", "B", "C" etc. you knew it is going to be about the fun and not about the brand of ski apparel you were sporting. The community these type of hills create and foster are ones you just don't find anywhere else. I've been fortunate enough to ski most of the big name areas from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Coast since moving away, but the days at AB are what I still remember the most. Thank you, Emerson Scott, for keeping it open as long as you could. Thank you, AB Foundation, for bringing it back.

[@smkjumpr]

Great Film.... so inspirational!!!

[@parkcityguide5207]

So absolutely STOKED with this loving concept🙏 as a resident of PARKCITY Utah we dream of this kind of Community supportive model that could be the catalyst for big change bringing Skiing/Snownoarding back to its holistic roots of loving & sharing the goodness of the mountain for ALL. If it were to present itself as such there would be mile long lines of locals looking to work hard and support our home & community with love and passion for ALL.❤️

[@ericstenglein4661]

TGR just gets it. They wholeheartedly understand the spirit of skiing. Well done. Again. Love TGR.

[@micahemerson388]

I’m eternally grateful to call Antelope Butte my home mountain, I’m getting into my 3rd season of snowboarding, I’ve been to some of the bigger resorts and I questioned whether or not I could afford this hobby, but thanks to Antelope butte, I get at least 15-20 days on the mountain every season, nobody is snobby, they do a great job of taking care of the place, and I get to pursue a winter hobby when I’d otherwise be stuck indoors. ❤

[@madisongrooters966]

This video is incredible. All around fantastic vibes. So thankful my feed decided to show me this. You guys do an amazing job showing why small hills are so important in today’s landscape. Can’t wait to see how they thrive in the years to come

[@markboudreau405]

Grew up skiing there as a kid my grandparents lived in Enfield. Went back at age 30 learned to snowboard there of my very first time. Awesome to see.

[@ethancallahan1632]

An amazing watch!!! Inspiring people keeping the heart of the small, but real, side of skiing and snowboarding alive. Coming from a small WNC ski resort myself, this is what it’s all about! 🙌❤

[@firemedic2572]

Love your films. Getting my niece and nephew into the sport at our local hill here in Michigan. Been on the ski patrol for almost 20 years. Love seeing what the school ski club programs do. Hopefully I am fostering the next generation of people committed to sharing our sport we love.

[@neebell5056]

Great energy! I’ve done a lot of seasons too up in the (Swiss) mountains: it’s not fun for „working class“ people nor for us saisoneers. But to leave all the bad things out and just have the spirit of winter/sports and an active community just warms my heart! Great job to all of the people there!

[@alannamoe166]

Great stuff.

[@tjdad13]

Fantastic job TGR, co-opts can be the future of skiing and snowboarding

[@AndrewNazzaro]

Whaleback - is where I learned to ski.

[@SudokuWarriorApp]

The most heart-warming video I've seen for a long time - shout out to everyone involved in all of these projects!

[@neilmeiskey5482]

Gosh, wish I lived closer to one of these mountains!

[@mmacg]

My grandparents were some of the original investors in BMOM. Three generations have learned to ski there, with plenty of knitting done in the lodge. One of the best, most welcoming places you could ever ski. An amazing place to learn, and the Angry Beavers have made glades some of the best in the state. Absolutely incredible place.

[@ParkingLotBacon]

This is skiing. What a beautiful film.

[@ursinidaho]

What an amazing movie! I learned a lot. The old ski Lodges were so full of character. Mammoth and Schweitzer are 2 that come to mind. This presentation made me feel good and hopeful for the future of our ski areas. I love the idea of the community owning it!

[@mprest10]

Wonderful!!! ❤

[@RobertaRussell]

Beautiful!

[@Odhege8262]

Learned to ski at Black. The whole vibe of this vid is great. Honestly drew a tear in my eye. Thanks TGR 🤙🤜

[@MargaretRobinson-y4q]

We started skiing with our 5 and 7 year old boys at Arctic Valley Ski Area (non-profit) in Anchorage, Alaska and loved the family orientation, convenience, and youth programs. My older son is now the General Manager after working in the local tourism industry for years. Along with great volunteers, they have rebuilt and expanded the infrastructure and programs to offer a wonderful alternative to the much larger for-profit ski area. They are part of the Indy Pass program. Come north!

[@whitewalls4409]

We just happened to drive by AB last year and decided to try it and had an absolute blast. So much so we got a hotel in Greybull and came back for a second day. Much love from Wisconsin! We'll see you again this year!

[@1015Media]

This is going to be a much deeper season!

[@bradleyganz4118]

Wow what a great story!! Keep up the great working of bringing sking to more and more people!!!

[@AidanCollins-y1n]

TGR absolutely killing it per usual, amazing work. Really resonated with the high schoolers teaching/on patrol in the Black Mountain portion in particular. Seven years ago, I got my first job at pretty much the only ski shop in Baltimore as a sophomore in HS since all I wanted to do was ski, play hockey, and play with cameras but had no clue what I really wanted to do with my life. That job set me down the path I'm on today working in NYC at one of the largest ad agencies in the world (though would really like to return to the industry some day). Crazy where skiing can take you, even if it doesn't have anything to do with the sport

[@jamesnewsom5899]

I grew up on small rope tow mountains in New Jersey and backwater little hills, like Magic Mtn. in Vermont. Have lived now in Teton Valley for 10 years. My favorite Hill has been Snow King. Reminded me of small areas in Vermont. Living on Social Security now. I hope it doesn’t price me out.

[@ChrisPitt-t3k]

Love this, it’s inspired me to look for not for profits in Europe. Would much rather be somewhere like this than some big, soulless mega resort. All the very best to all involved for the forthcoming season.

[@trailbirds4693]

Shames has a piece of my heart. Started as a lifty, rode over 450 days in 5 years there. One year I think it was 98 we had to dig out the chair lift line at tower 13. We finally finished at 330 just in time to close. It snowed over 3 ft in one hour in town. Shames is definitely a gem. Biggest powder in North America.

[@bomchickawahwaaaaah]

Great film ! Inspired to visit both Whaleback and Black Mountain this epic 24/2025 season!

[@M.Mae.M]

Absolutely loved this video, thank you TGR!! ❤

[@ianfaulkner6870]

Great film. Well done.

[@OlexDesign]

Much respect and much love from Austria.

[@josephmassaua5486]

I worked as a Ski Instructor at Bear Creek in PA all throughout High School. Ski small!

[@920HVAC]

So awesome

[@dashnja.9202]

Wonderful!

[@andrewbuchanan6130]

The Future of Mountain Experiences !

[@benjaminallen2370]

Love the movement

[@Boofboy69]

Such a rad video. Love the stuff they’re doing at Shames. Makes me want to buy my local resort and do the same thing. Y’all doin the lords work!🤘🏻💗

[@ur_typical_mtn_girl]

Thankyou for sharing their stories!

[@dougadams7609]

Excellent !!!

[@Ryan_hey]

Great to see these stories as inspiration. The town of Nederland (Colorado) is trying to take back Eldora, a ski resort being sold by Powdr corporation.

[@aaronbrooks7106]

@@Ryan_hey Hi I ah e been to Eldora and I hope you get it back.

[@jameshorwedel6980]

I was on fire in Wyoming and stayed at antelope butte as a base camp the owner was there thanking everyone for being there. I would love to come back and snowboard there when I have the opportunity.

[@vuurtorengroep]

THIS is how it should be! Would love to be part of it but none of that here in europe... keep it the good work!

[@maxbolenkab]

Great one TGR!

[@DA-gc9mc]

I grew up skiing at Skaneateles Ski Club, which is still there. Its got snowmaking, T-Bar and beginner tow. It's under 400 feet of vertical and has easy to steep terrain. Upstate NYer's with an an Indy Pas can check it out as it is part of the Indy Pass system. Your legs will get a workout, the place has the only T-Bar I know of in upstate NY. Still teaches a ton of kiddos. Non profit, community owned. Cheap. The best part of being a kid at a place like this is that you can leave your parents behind and just go. Its where I learned to love skiing, even though there were bigger places within 30 minutes. The idea of kids under 18 ski free is just brilliant. I wish our place would do that. One adult paid pass for Mom or Dad, kids ski free would really boost sales and get them hooked on the sport at a young age. I'd say every place should implement a program like this.

[@donalduck6212]

This is inspiring. The US and Canada need more areas like these. The high end resorts are fine for the rich, but they really miss the point. I hate how 95% of ski areas are going that direction during the past 30 years.

[@matthewweber2455]

Thank you Teton gravity research

[@NormanBerman]

Big thanks to Indy and TGR for featuring these small ski areas. Everyone who enjoyed the film now needs to go out and support them by buying a pass or donating!

[@mattrose6783]

I grew up riding Monday through Friday after school at a one lift hill owned by the city. This was an amazing video!

[@ashlyeeworden4873]

awesome short film!

[@thibodeau6229]

Very well done and encouraging.