Empire Attire

So, as we all know, tis the season for the best in new snow sports films. Of course, we here at Empire always love to see what’s new in the sport, as well as to see our athletes getting the coverage they so rightfully deserve. So rather than having just one of our contributors give you a rundown of what to expect, this week we had TWO of our illustrious writers provide you with their version of the season’s best. The only crossover on the list is “Attack of La Nina”, but every one of these films is noteworthy.

Whether you’re looking for epic slope style, the best in super pipe, or just want to catch up with you favorite athletes, here’s a little roadmap for this years cream of the snow vid crop. So, for those of you tired of the heat and your boards and skis picking up cobwebs, here are two articles, replete with trailers, listing the films that we are looking forward to. We hope they are a reprieve for your senses. So, without further ado:
1. Seasonal Disorder
by: Malinda Mosholder

7/22/2011: I don’t know about all of you, but my seasons are not dictated by the calendar—they follow sports and snow. Ask any normal person, and they will tell you that the current season is summer. Ask a winter action sports enthusiast, and they will tell you that it is the magical time known as trailer season (only second in importance behind actual winter). Not the ‘double-wides/Confederate flags/Milwaukee’s Best’ breed of trailers, but ‘double corks/pow lines/general shenanigans on beautiful HD video’ trailers. They exemplify last winter’s poetry in motion, interwoven with music and passion—teasers to help us forget that it is not winter where we are, and make us remember that snow is just around the corner.

Since my first and foremost goal is to always be in tune with the needs of the people, I have selflessly reviewed 6 skiing and 4 snowboarding trailers. While remaining in a fair and journalistic state of mind, I have chosen a choice few that are my cream of the crop. You will find my notes below. They are all that is left from this daunting task.

7/23/2011: Change of plans on the story. I simply cannot choose favorites and subsequently produce comprehensive reviews. There are only so many synonyms for ridiculous, epic, mind-blowing, sick, insane, rad, absurd, beautiful, and heart-stopping, and my lexicon well has been rendered dry. Instead, I come to you. What is your run-away favorite of the 2011 trailer season, and more importantly, what do they make you feel?

A few of the best, in no particular order:

“Being There” Field Productions

2. A Trip Through the Trailers
by: Brian Schroy

It is that time of year when all the ski movie trailers come out and everyone looks forward to snow. Unfortunately, for most people, there is no snow to be found in July. I suppose this is why these three-minute clips are often referred to as teasers. However, it is an exciting time for skiing. We get to take a look at what our favorite athletes have been throwing down over the past season. We also get to see the “banger shots” and secret tricks that are finally revealed, even if it is only for a glimpse. Here I have compiled a list of the five movies that I am most excited for. I hope they get you stoked.

THE GRAND BIZARRE by Poor Boyz Production
Like many others, I grew up watching Poor Boyz movies. They helped revolutionize the twin tip ski and helped freeskiing grow exponentially as a sport. They continue to produce some of the most jaw dropping footage each year. PBP also has the exclusive footage that everyone has been dying to see… the Cube Pipe! Poor Boyz has added a bunch of up and comers to their roster. I can’t wait to see what they throw down.

ATTACK OF LA NINA by Matchstick Productions

Matchstick Productions is another veteran production company in the world of Freeskiing. Last year, their movie, The Way I See It, won the prestigious IF3 Best Film award. This year, their trailer looks even bigger and better. Matchstick combines the best in freesking, big mountain, and base-jumping into one epic picture. It looks as if Matchstick has stepped up their game with their filming and equipment. This is going to be one ski flick that you won’t want to miss.

AFTER DARK

Level 1 has evolved from a film company to a lifestyle within the ski industry. Each year they sell out their world premiere in Denver and have to upgrade to a bigger theater the following year. A cult has formed around Level 1 and it is awesome to see how excited people get about their latest and greatest films. They combine the best in urban action with insane park shoots and gnarly backcountry lines. In the long run, it is all about style for these guys. There is no doubt in my mind that this video is going to be sick.

RETALLACK by Inspired Media Concepts

What happens when Tanner Hall and crew head up to Retallack, BC, to film a ski movie? The answer is absolute insanity. Retallack is notoriously known for having the best Catskiing and Heli-skiing in the world. When some of the most elite skiers are sent there to film for a season it is hard to fathom what might go down. This is going to showcase the steepest and deepest terrain mixed with unreal big mountain booters. Hold on to your seats because this video is going to rock your world.

Mt. Hood, OR, is a Mecca for skiing. It hosts some of the finest camps in the summer and contains a permanent snow cloud above it in the winter. People produce plenty of Mt. Hood edits each year, but this group of skiers decided to dedicate an entire film to conquering the mountain. Sammy Carlson and the Nimbus crew are going to expose the world to a side of Mt. Hood that has never been seen before. Lets see if these boys can take the title as kings of the Hood.