The 30th annual film from Teton Gravity Research premieres tonight at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, showcasing elite backcountry skiing across the United States and Norway. The screening of “Pressure Drop” marks a significant milestone for the extreme sports media company, which was founded in 1995.
Doors for the event open at 18:30, with tickets priced at $23 available on aspenshowtix.com. “Pressure Drop” serves as a retrospective of TGR’s journey, highlighting its evolution since the release of its inaugural film, “The Continuum,” in 1996.
The film, directed by brothers Todd and Steve Jones, features a combination of new footage and clips from TGR’s early days. “They show some of their very first clips they ever made and tell the story of how they began,” said Colter Hinchliffe, a Roaring Fork Valley native and long-time TGR collaborator. “The reason behind it and the soul behind it is still the same.”
Hinchliffe joined TGR for the 2012 film, “The Dream Factory,” and has remained an integral part of the team. He noted that this year’s filming locations included renowned sites such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Lofoten Islands, Norway; and Valdez, Alaska. While the team usually ventures farther afield, Hinchliffe emphasized that they chose to stay “a little closer to home” for this year’s production.
The film not only features established athletes but also introduces emerging talent. Kelly Hilleke, a 19-year-old big mountain skier, makes his debut in “Pressure Drop.” “It was very different from my usual day of skiing,” Hilleke explained, reflecting on the logistical demands of filming. “A lot goes into each little shot that shows up in the movie.”
Hilleke expressed his excitement about bringing TGR’s film to Aspen, where he grew up watching ski movies. “I’ve always looked up to people in ski movies, so now to be the one on stage throwing out swag is an unreal feeling,” he said, highlighting the community support he has received.
As ski films evolve with high-end video technology and social media, Hinchliffe remarked on the significance of film festivals and live showings. “It brings a lot of people together to hoot and holler together and just get stoked for the winter together,” he stated.
“Pressure Drop” features a lineup of prominent athletes, including Kai Jones, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and Maggie Voisin. The film tour continues until January 29, 2024, culminating in a final showing at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride. Stops are planned in skiing communities worldwide, including locations in Norway and the Netherlands.
Tonight’s premiere at the Wheeler Opera House promises to be a celebration of TGR’s legacy, showcasing the passion and dedication of those involved in the sport. With the film starting at 19:00, attendees are eager to witness the culmination of thirty years of adventure and storytelling in the world of backcountry skiing.
