15 Freeride Ski Movies You Need to Watch

I love ski movies.

Whether it’s early-season or mid-winter, there is something about a high production edit that gets me stoked to get on the mountain.

So here are 15 freeride ski movies to get amped for your next day on the hill.

15 Freeride Ski Movies You Need to Watch

Level 1 Romance

Since 1999, Level 1 has been documenting the evolution of freeskiing. Romance is the production company’s final full-length ski movie. From skiing powder in Japan to hitting handrails, this movie has it all. This is a must-watch if you like park, urban, and backcountry booter sessions. Plus, Level 1 always throws an artistic flair into their movies. Check out Romance on AppleTv.

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Numinous

Numinous is currently my favorite ski movie because of the opening segment in Whistler Blackcomb. It features Kye Peterson, who is known for his aggressive big mountain skiing. It won movie of the year in 2017 at the Powder Magazine Awards, and Kye won skier of the year. You can watch this movie for free on Amazon if you have a Prime membership. Thanks for showing me it Sean.

GNAR

GNAR is a classic ski movie, right up there with the Warren Miller films. This movie documents a game at Squaw Valley making fun of ski culture. Skiers got points for skiing line, skiing naked, and telling bystanders that they are the best skier on the mountain. If you love skiing, this is a must-watch. Most of the local references you hear on the mountain come from this movie.

Future Retro

Warren Miller is responsible for turning the ski movies into what they are today. His world-famous narration transports you into a film about how the ‘80s and ‘90s ski culture has influenced the current generation of skiers. This film also touches on climate change and how it will dramatically affect the winter sports we love. You can buy or rent this movie on Amazon or iTunes.

Make Believe 

Make Believe is Teton Gravity Research’s 25th ski movie documenting athletes who have chosen to make-believe in their dreams. (Do you love skiing? Learn how to make-believe your dreams as a ski bum here.) This movie is a must-watch. TGR produces super high-quality films with the world’s best athletes, camera equipment, and terrain. If you love the mountains, watch this movie. It will captivate you the entire time. You can watch it for free on Redbull TV.

Day of My Youth

Days of My Youth by Matchstick Production looks at the benefits and hardships in a life built around skiing. I love this movie because of the resort segment. Most ski movies feature amazing mountains and snow only found in the backcountry. But in this film, there is a segment filmed only in the resort, dedicated to those who rip their ski hill daily. Watch Days of My Youth on Amazon.

Same Difference

Same Difference follows skiers in three different disciplines, big mountain, park, and alpine ski racing, as they push themselves to accomplish their goals. This movie highlights how no matter the discipline, all skiers share an underlying love for progression and stepping outside of their comfort zone. You can watch this one for free on RedBull TV.

After the Sky Falls

After the Sky Falls is a short movie featuring Eric Pollard, Chris Bentchetler, and Pep Fujas skiing around the world. This movie is very artistic and has a great soundtrack. All three of these athletes have pushed the sport in their own way, and this movie shows off their effortless style. If you like this movie, I recommend watching Drawn From Here, also produced by Nimbus Independent. It documents Eric Pollard’s injury and return to skiing. You can watch After the Sky Falls on Amazon here.

A Few Words

Candide Thovex is a large reason why freeskiing is at the level it is today. A Few Words follows Candide’s progression from a young skier to a professional. His aggressive but smooth style is mind-boggling and mesmerizing at the same time. Give it a watch, and you’ll be sure to see some of Candide’s influence at your local mountain. 

All I Can

All I Can by Sherpas Cinema presents an artistic view of the skier’s relationship with the environment. It is best known for its urban ski segment featuring the late JP Auclair. But don’t take this movie for another handrail only flick. It features a ton of big mountain skiing with legends of the sport, such as Chris Rubens and Kye Peterson. You watch All I Can with Prime Video here.

Everyday is a Saturday 

Everyday is a Saturday, is one of the classic freestyle ski movies that documents the progression of the sport. This movie is all about style and tricks and features back to back segments of park skiing, urban skiing, and backcountry booter sessions. This throwback to the tall tee era is a staple that you need to watch if you like freestyle skiing. You can watch it here.

Day 1

Day 1 is about Trevor Kennison. A freeride skier who broke his back, returning to the same spot as an adaptive athlete 5 years later. Trevor’s story is an inspiring one and a good reminder not to take anything for granted. This short film was produced by Level 1, so the storytelling and production value is very high. 

Lhotse 

Lhotse is a short film about the first ski descent of the 4th largest mountain in the world. Produced by The North Face and featured in the Banff Mountain Film Festival, this movie documents the hardships of ski mountaineering and the effort required to reach these far-out destinations. If you’re into big-mountain skiing, adventure, and mountaineering, you’ll love this one.

Lee 

Lee is about the career of Lee Cohen, the famous ski photographer. Based in Alta, Utah, Lee is known for his photos of powder skiing. This quick video highlights how Alta’s terrain and snow shaped his career and how his images have influenced skiing. If you head up to Alta on a bluebird powder day and know where to look, you can see Lee doing what he does best.

Children of Winter

Children of winter is a Warren Miller classic. This film is an example of when Warren and his crew were at the peak of their career. This movie talks about ski bum and how children of winter never age (what a relief). If you watch any movie on this list, make sure you watch at least one Warren Miller movie. You can watch it on Amazona here.