From Kowloon to your living room, where to watch the best ski movies this fall

TGR's 25th annual ski and snowboard film is coming to Kowloon. (TGR Photo)

As if there needed to be another reminder of the social events that the COVID-19 pandemic has snatched away from us this year, our annual sampling of the latest in ski movies won’t be the same this fall.

A ski movie premiere is normally one of the social highlights of the preseason calendar. It’s a chance for skiers and riders to witness some of the best in the business up on the big screen, all while increasing their personal stoke levels in the midst of the party-like atmosphere.

But while some outfits such as Level 1, Frozen Ambrosia, and Holmlands have already made this year’s entries available online, others are still attempting to proceed with a film tour of some sort. That includes two of the heavyweights in the ski film industry, which have both come up with unique ways to keep the party rolling.

Teton Gravity Research’s “Make Believe” already premiered at the Sunset Drive-In in Colchester, Vt. earlier this month, but on Nov. 5-6, the new film gets a drive-in treatment of a more unique fashion. As part of its way to generate more business during an era of COVID restrictions, the popular Kowloon Restaurant has created a drive-in theater in its Saugus parking lot. Recent features have included “Gremlins” and “Scream,” but the focus shifts from horror to powder when TGR lands on the screen in early November.

“Make Believe” was filmed on location in Japan, Jackson Hole, British Columbia, Colorado, and Montana. Sammy Carlson, Tim Durtschi, Nick McNutt, Caite Zeliff, Griffin Post, Sam Smoothy, Colter Hinchliffe, and Kai Jones are among the athletes featured. Tickets are $40 per carload or table (there is a maximum of four people per table).

Part of the fun of going to a Warren Miller movie every year was the loot involved, free lift tickets and other swag that enhanced the moviegoing fun. Well, Warren Miller Entertainment is trying to replace that experience as best it can with a virtual premiere of its latest film, “Future Retro.”

The East Coast premiere takes place on Nov. 7, when a $30 general admission will be good for up to four viewers. Each ticket will provide access to a sweepstakes and door prizes like ski gear, trips, and swag plus access to coupons and promotional offers from Warren Miller partners after the event. Ticket-holders will have 48-hour access to the film, including a virtual red carpet ceremony hosted by film narrator Jonny Moseley.

Athletes included in “Future Retro” include Scot Schmidt, the Egan Brothers, Tom Day, Parkin Costain, Marcus Caston, and Lexi Dupont. Virtual tours for Mountain Central and West Coast time zones will take place over the next two weeks.

In other local premieres, Matchstick Productions will present its latest, “Huck Yeah!” at the Gem Theater in Bethel, Maine Oct. 16-17 (gates open at 6 both nights). Tickets are $15, and only 50 will be sold per show. Masks must be worn and there will be a raffle.

Among the films available, for free, online, is “North Country,” a wonderful tribute to Joe Lahout and his family’s importance to the ski scene in New Hampshire. The film is now available on Vimeo, a fitting way for Lahout’s Ski Shop to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.