Teton Gravity Research Celebrates 30 Years with Film Premiere
The 30th annual film from Teton Gravity Research premiered at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen last night, featuring breathtaking backcountry skiing footage from the United States and Norway. The event showcased the film titled “Pressure Drop,” marking a significant milestone for the extreme sports media company founded in 1995.
Doors opened at 18:30 local time, with tickets available for $23 prior to fees at aspenshowtix.com. Teton Gravity Research has a rich history in adventure sports filmmaking, having released its first film, “The Continuum,” in 1996. This year’s film, directed by Todd and Steve Jones, pays homage to the company’s roots, featuring early clips and a narrative of its evolution.
A Celebration of Passion and Progress
Colter Hinchliffe, a prominent figure in the skiing community and a veteran of TGR, expressed his excitement about the film’s release. “They show some of their very first clips they ever made and tell the story of how they began,” he noted. “It’s interesting and ski-bum centric, with deep roots in the culture of the sport.” Hinchliffe has been part of the company since the production of “The Dream Factory” in 2012 and emphasized the importance of bringing the films to Aspen, a community he cherishes.
This year’s filming took place in notable locations including Jackson Hole, Lofoten Islands in Norway, Valdez, Haines, and Palisades Tahoe. Hinchliffe remarked that filming for “Pressure Drop” remained closer to home compared to previous years, with a focus on showcasing local talent alongside renowned athletes.
Kelly Hilleke, a rising star in big mountain skiing, made his film debut in “Pressure Drop.” He described the experience as a significant departure from his usual skiing routine, highlighting the logistical challenges of coordinating the crew and capturing the right moments. “A lot goes into each little shot,” Hilleke said, noting his involvement with snowmobiles and the intensive preparation required for filming.
A Full-Circle Moment
For Hilleke, the screening at the Wheeler Opera House was a poignant moment. Having grown up watching ski films at this venue, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his journey with the Aspen community. “I’m really grateful for the community and obviously I couldn’t have done it without everyone in town,” he said. “Showing a movie that I’m in at the Wheeler, where I grew up going to watch ski movies, is pretty cool.” This sentiment reflects the enduring impact of ski films, even as technology evolves and access to high-quality video production becomes widespread.
Hinchliffe acknowledged that traditional film productions are becoming less common, yet events like last night’s premiere serve as a vital gathering point for the skiing community. “It brings a lot of people together to hoot and holler and just get stoked for the winter,” he remarked. “For me, that’s kind of what it’s all about.”
The film features an impressive lineup of athletes, including Kai Jones, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Jeremy Jones, and Maggie Voisin, among others. The tour for “Pressure Drop” will continue until the end of January 2024, concluding with a final showing at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride on January 29.
This film tour is not only a celebration of Teton Gravity Research’s legacy but also a testament to the vibrant communities that support the sport worldwide, from the mountains of the United States to skiing locales in Norway and the Netherlands.
As the winter season unfolds, the excitement generated by events like these continues to inspire both seasoned athletes and new enthusiasts alike.
