DEEP AND MEANINGFUL
The title of the brand new Patagonia movie, does an injustice to the extraordinarily deep and significant function the backcountry performs within the lives of these featured…
‘Driving powder is a futile quest, and but individuals all around the world dedicate their lives to it.’
Can I rapidly make clear that the above phrases usually are not mine however a quote from Patagonia, introducing their current movie, The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow, which follows 5 completely different backcountry riders, all united by the hunt to interrupt path and lay down tracks within the powder.
In what’s changing into one of the crucial fashionable ski movies of current years, we’re mercifully not subjected to backcountry professionals scoring epic strains off stomach-churning steep ridges that you simply watch and assume thank God that is not me. As an alternative the persons are chosen due to their love of the backcountry, whose ski touring journeys would encourage any viewer to placed on skins.
Having watched this inspirational hour-long movie by Sweetgrass Productions, the title sits uncomfortably. Or is Patagonia being tremendous ironic as a result of for the individuals featured – in addition to for all of us who regard powder because the Holy Grail of snowboarding – there’s nothing extra significant than the pursuit of snow.
And that is what comes throughout within the movie. Shredding pow within the backcountry might not remedy ailments or save lives (and certainly might, sadly, take them because the movie reveals) however it’s, no doubt, one of the crucial pleasurable pursuits on the planet.
And, okay, we have all heard the remark, ‘Why are you strolling up a mountain when there are ski lifts?’ However any ski tourer is aware of precisely why. As a result of it is exhilarating, liberating – and enjoyable.
There’s Atsushi who spends his winters residing out of his van chasing snow throughout Japan powsurfing on his strapless Yuki-Ita snowboard – and, sure, who knew that it’s potential to experience with no bindings, with out slipping off whereas hucking a pillow and saying sayonara to your board?
Throughout within the USA, Vanessa, an undocumented immigrant, solely found snowboarding as a school pupil and is now a backcountry convert in Jackson, whereas Melissa is rediscovering her mountain mojo following the tragic demise of her companion, Joe Lohr whereas touring in Wyoming’s Teton Vary.
Again in Europe, Aurelien and his companion purchased a spoil above La Grave, which they’re presently renovating whereas promoting eggs from their chickens to provide them the peace and pow driving the legendary descents of La Meije. In Vermont, Vicki. an ex-Olympic ski racer shreds the timber on the East Coast together with her daughter. Now in her 60s, there’s not often a second when she’s not smiling as she skis.
Like all these featured in The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow, she proves together with her joie de vivre that it’s removed from meaningless. The Pursuit of Happyness would have labored higher if not already a Hollywood title. Or Society of the Snow, besides that is the movie about a completely completely different group of individuals united by snow within the current true-life based mostly drama on Netflix!
