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Most of the Rockies are still bare, and temps in Denver are expected to climb into the 70s this weekend. But that’s not enough to stop us from celebrating winter’s imminent return—we’re still crossing our fingers for heavy snowfall from the El Niño gods. In the meantime, live vicariously through the some of the best shredders around with these these five snow-tastic films. As Chasing Shadows rider Rob Kingwall put it, “There’s something that is just intrinsically fun about sliding down a mountain.” Cowabunga, dude.
Paradise Waits: Much of this documentary looks like something out of a skier’s nightmare: the poor crew trudging through rain, zero visibility, and ice. But spending most of winter on the hunt for powder makes that perfect run even more euphoric.
Watch: October 14, 8 p.m., Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave.; October 15, 8 p.m., Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs; October 28, 7 p.m., CSM Green Center, 924 16th St.,Golden
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Jumbo Wild: More than 20 years ago, a massive ski resort was proposed deep in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia. Conservationists, backcountry skiers, and First Nations have fought it ever since. Learn about the plan, the risks, and why the people who know the area best want to keep the Jumbo Valley wild.
Watch: October 22, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Mayan Theatre, 110 Broadway St.; October 23, 7:30 p.m., Patagonia Boulder, 1212 Pearl St., Boulder
Chasing Shadows: There’s no shame in watching a little ski porn. This film is, more or less, an hour and a half of spectacular high-definition shots of backcountry plunges. The stars of the film travel around the world jumping from helicopters, zipping over glaciers, and hang-gliding off towering cliffs.
Watch: November 12–15, times vary, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder; November 19–21, times vary, at Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl.
The Sammy C Project: Follow seven-time X Games medalist Sammy Carlson as the 26-year-old does what he does best: execute insane tricks while speeding down courses or in the backcountry. Produced, written, and directed by the man himself with Teton Gravity Research.
Watch: local showings TBD, stay tuned.
For Lack of Better: Filmmaker Clayton Vila captures his own obsession with street skiing—riding off highway overpasses, down stair railings, and sometimes into the street—all while getting the perfect shot.
Watch: Still no set release date, but after its rave reviews at the iF3 International Freeski Film Festival in Montreal last month, someone is bound to host a showing once it’s out.