The 30th annual film from Teton Gravity Research (TGR) premiered at the Wheeler Opera House on the evening of March 15, 2024, showcasing elite backcountry skiing across the United States and Norway. The event featured the screening of “Pressure Drop,” a film that not only highlights the thrilling world of skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling but also celebrates TGR’s storied history in extreme sports.
Founded in 1995, TGR has developed a reputation for producing high-quality films that capture the essence of adventure sports. “Pressure Drop,” directed by Todd and Steve Jones, serves as a retrospective, integrating early footage from the company’s beginnings with contemporary scenes. “They show some of their very first clips they ever made and tell the story of how they began,” said Colter Hinchliffe, a veteran athlete with TGR. He emphasized the film’s nostalgic elements, stating, “The reason behind it and the soul behind it is still the same.”
Hinchliffe, who joined TGR for the 2012 film “The Dream Factory,” expressed pride in being part of the celebration. He noted that this year’s filming locations included renowned spots such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Lofoten Islands, Norway; and Valdez, Alaska. Unlike previous years, this edition focused more on local terrains, which Hinchliffe found refreshing.
The film features rising star Kelly Hilleke, a local skier making his film debut alongside Hinchliffe. Hilleke described the filming experience as a significant shift from his usual skiing routine, saying, “It’s a lot more logistical planning and timing.” He recalled his journey, which involved snowmobiles and extensive preparation to capture each shot on camera.
For Hilleke, screening the film in Aspen was a poignant experience. “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 remarked. His enthusiasm reflects the impact that ski films continue to have on the culture, even as technology and distribution methods evolve.
Hinchliffe acknowledged that while full film productions may seem traditional, events like the one at the Wheeler Opera House remain vital. “It brings a lot of people together to hoot and holler together and just get stoked for the winter together,” he said, capturing the communal spirit of skiing enthusiasts.
“Pressure Drop” features a lineup of prominent athletes, including Kai Jones, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and Maggie Voisin, further solidifying its appeal among adrenaline seekers. The film tour continues through late January, concluding with a final showing at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride on January 29, 2025. Stops are also planned in skiing communities globally, including locations in Norway and the Netherlands.
Tonight’s event at the Wheeler Opera House began with doors opening at 18:30, followed by the screening at 19:00. Tickets were priced at $23 before fees, available through aspenshowtix.com, making it accessible for local skiing fans eager to witness the latest in extreme sports cinema.
