Whitefish Mountain Films come to Kalispell, Whitefish
Bluebird Guides, a Whitefish-based backcountry ski touring company, and Outside Media, a marketing firm in Columbia Falls, are marking season five of Whitefish Mountain Films with a milestone. For the first time ever, Whitefish Mountain Films will show two full evenings of films, with the first evening in Kalispell and the second in Whitefish.
Different films will be shown each night.
“In the last five years, this event has grown in a really responsible way,” says event founder Greg Franson. “We didn’t get too big too soon — but each year it’s been a packed house. So, we decided to celebrate that growth by adding a Kalispell venue, and we’re really excited about it.”
On stage as emcee will be Mike Douglas, widely known as the “Godfather of Freeski.” Douglas, who lives in Whistler, British Columbia, has impacted the sport of freeskiing like no one else. He is credited with creating the first-ever twin tip ski, which eventually became the iconic Salomon 1080.
In his 25-year ski career, Douglas has done it all. He has been a World Cup competitor, coach, film star, TV commentator, product innovator, adventurer, event director, writer and more.
He is also an award-winning film maker. Douglas is the owner, director, producer and editor at his film company, Switchback Entertainment. In the last two years, he and his team have taken home more than a dozen major film awards, including Best Mountain Sports Film at the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2011.
Douglas also produces Salomon Freeski TV, the most watched Web series of its kind. In 2013, Salomon Freeski will show its 100th episode. For the last three years, Douglas has donated several never-before-seen episodes to Whitefish Mountain Films for inaugural screenings.
The first screening is Nov. 8 at the Kalispell Eagles Club, 37 First St. W. Doors open at 6 p.m.; films start at 7 p.m. There will be an after party and concert at the Eagles.
The Nov. 9 screening is at the O’Shaughnessy Center, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish. Doors open at 5 p.m.; films start at 6 p.m. There will be an after party at the Great Northern Bar.
Tickets are $12 per night or $20 for both nights. Tickets are available online at www.whitefishmountainfilms.com or at Jersey Boys Pizza in Whitefish, the Flathead Beacon in Kalispell or Outside Media in Columbia Falls.
The event is a nonprofit fundraiser for Whitefish Legacy Partners and Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol.
As in years past, professional athletes and filmmakers will be on hand to introduce their films and meet their fans. The event is open to all ages.
Food and beverages and raffle tickets will be available for purchase before the films and during intermission.
For more information, visit www.whitefishmountainfilms.com.