SKI BUMS Film Shows in 10th Anniversary Screening

Hands up, tell the truth. If you could have it your way, how many of us want to just not give a crap about anything and live life as a ski bum?

That’s what I thought. Luckily, Ski Bums, the cult classic documentary that not only sums up why we do what we do but also introduced the world to Johnny Thrash, is screening at the Whistler Film Festival. It’s a special heavy-pocket, late-nite screening at 11:15pm on Dec 2^nd at the Conference Centre, so expect a party-like atmosphere as like-minded souls emerge from their vans, squats and closets to celebrate the simple life.

I worked on this film and still can’t believe it was ten years ago. I was a camera assistant (for one day) to the legendary Beat Steiner, one of the most precise and talented filmers Whistler has ever seen. But before that I also fell into the job of first unit cameraman on Whistler Mountain Opening Day–hired to follow the ski bums on those glorious first turns of the season.

Gondola traditions were fulfilled, we follow-cammed a few groomers (not much pow that day but the stoke level is always the same regardless) and finished off with a hearty après at the GLC– Another fine day and only the first of the season.

I think director Johnny “Amsterdam” Zaritsky absolutely nailed it with Ski Bums . That film not only speaks true to the people of Whistler, but also to the people we secretly wish we could be.

The Whistler Film Fesitval is always awesome and has over 70 films this year. Check it out here. – Feet Banks