The Freshtival in Calgary continued to be THE place to soak your brain with the best freeride movies. The venues were packed with pros and fans for a weekend that peaked in a parking lot where some of the world’s best skiers were turned loose on a wall ride stunt.

Other small events fueled the fire like the ‘Night of Lies’ at Banff’s Mountain Magic. 200 plus people squished into the store to watch the humble tales of bold skiers and climbers. Some of Canada’s top guides and mountain pro’s presented stories of adventure from amazing places around the globe; all proceeds went to the Fay Hut restoration project.

Chic Scott provided an excuse for the old-guard of the mountain community to meet by hosting a book launch party at the Whyte Museum in Banff. Experience and accomplishments were in high supply as many of Canada’s most notable skiers and climbers, the history makers of our sport, showed up in support for Chic’s new Powder Pioneers: Ski Stories from the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains. It was like a live history lesson; everywhere you turned was someone with an incredible story, many of which are featured in Chic’s book. An inspiring bonus was the current showing at the Whyte museum, which for the first time ever, was showcasing Peter and Cathryn Whyte’s work. (It’s still on so get out there and take it in.)

The most produced event of the fall, as always, was the Banff Festival of Mountain Films. Once again we were reminded that ridiculous ideas are possible and make for great stories. The Banff Festival celebrates mountain adventure like no other event by squeezing in the most amazing, funny, and notable films in the world into one weekend. 350 plus films were submitted from over 39 countries and only the best of the best was shown. Look for the world tour in your area.

Now that we’ve had our fill of adventure celebration and smack talk after parties it’s time to come through with the winter plans that have been inspired by these displays so that we have something to talk about next fall.

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