In Pursuit of Soul 

After 40 years in Whistler, I see the billionaires taking over the resort, they have absolutely killed the spirit of skiing in this valley. Congratulation to all those small ski resorts who keep fighting for the soul of skiing.

I legitimately teared up a bit watching through this. So many good memories at the tiniest little hills. I love New England so much

First ski film to bring me to tears. This is what the sport is all about. Bravo

Please do a few more of these. So many little ski areas have a great story.

shoutout magic mountain my favorite! My grandfather took my dad there since he was kid and my dad has been taking me ever since I was kid.

This film makes me want to burn my multi megaresort ski pass and support these amazing places!!

Early 2023 my 20 year old Tahoe took me on a two week adventure of peace, pondering, powder and people sleeping in the back in parking lots, rest areas, woods, and truck stops my dog and I skied and apres’ as many independent ski areas in MT, ID, and WY as we could get to including Powder Mountain and Brundage. Too many skj areas have closed. Keep ‘em alive folks. You might say you don’t have the time but if not today, then when.

Just a few tears. Ok maybe more than a few. I'll be forever grateful to Bolton Valley and its family. Without the school programs they referenced I don't know if I'd ever learn to ski. They made it affordable for my family. Thank you 🙏 I'll never forget my first day skiing there and all the following years.

I am in tears! So well done, you have captured the essence of what skiing means to all of us. Bravo!!!

The story of the kids, really brought tears to my eyes. Bravo.

As a Canadian who grew up skiing at Harper Mountain in the BC interior, this film is beautiful. My childhood was just like the ones in the video, and it's important for everyone to recognize the amazing people at the mom and pop operations. They fully deserve the community's support.

26:00 this is the real and spiritual connection that I love about the small ski resorts, the real people...I can't stand those big ski resorts anylonger...the crowds are soo naughty! My respect and love goes to all these hard workers in Pursuit of Soul.............I love this short film, love it. TGR this is my favorite one! Alohas from Maui!

I now have a new goal in life... To also be skiing at 93 years old.... Only 34 years to go... hahaha

As Papa Muntz would say..."don't go changing"

If it weren’t for Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY I probably would never have embraced skiing. I was just out of the military, no money, but my younger brother brought me there for night skiing. We drove down in the parents station wagon in a Lake Effect snowstorm on a Friday night. I was hooked! Powder conditions and night skiing was magical!! Thanks Adam, and thanks to the awesome staff at Holiday Valley for welcoming the average Joe and making skiing affordable for the masses!

Now that I'm 65 and skiing on silver sneakers days it definitely made me tear up too! Been skiing the mega small resorts of Michigan since a kid and it brought back tons of cherished memories. Kudos goes out to Caberfae, Michigan my favorite small gem!

I dream of places like these. Spending hours in traffic only to spend hours in lift lines at big popular resorts kills the soul of skiing. Oh and so does the $15 hot dogs.

I have worked at several mountains and have seen one resort go totally corporate. It was really sad to see the arrogance take over. I have been a lifty for a lot of seasons and several other departments. I love to work the bunny hill and watch the kids progress. See their fear the first few runs and see the excitement and energy grow. Interaction with them and encouraging them and being a friend at the lift is a awesome feeling.

I love those little close by places.

bravo, tgr! a beautiful story that needs to be shared and told.

Lost Trail is absolutely spectacular. I went there on a road trip with 2 buddies as we were on our way to Bozeman. I came back with my wife the following year and will be going back as often as possible. It's an absolute GEM of a mountain. The gated terrain is amazing.

I’ll be skiing the Beav this season👌🏼

Saddleback!

Every upload the video gets better and better!

I've been binging ski films as the season kicks off and oh my gosh this was refreshing. A beautiful story about the culture and places that really makes skiing great

Thank you so much for putting this together!! My hometown hill isn't on here, but my heart is!!

Nice one! I will always remember how easy it was to wake up for the Saturday morning school bus ride to Soildier Mtn or Bogus Basin compared to my normal bus trip to school. Great to see Magic and Lost Trail in here. Bucket list to get back for some turns.

Berkshires East family was a big part of my life!!! Glad they got spot lighted!!!! Thanks Roy!!! #berkshireeast

I cried 😭 the entire 34 minutes! That was beyond any words in the ski industry 😢

TWO HUGE THUMBS UP... BRAVO ....Its SOOOOOO sad what has happened to the ski industry ..I Grew up skiing MT. Whittier , Black Mtn.( And Wildcat) As a kid Back in the day...SOOOOO Happy that Black is STILL alive and kicking it !!!!.. SUCH A GREAT MTN . !!! TGR is the Fucking BEST. From A MASSIVE fan since the Beginning !!!!!

Love that sound of the chairlifts at the very beginning, all you hear when alone on a perfect day

This brings back memories of the great times I had learning to ski in Wisconsin, early 70's. This video was beautiful, thanks.

I had the privilege of growing up with a small locally-owned hill called Glen Mountain. There were no snow-making facilities. It had one chair and one t-bar. I too learned to ski via a local school ski program. Once a week, we'd finish school at lunch, eat on the bus and head out to the mountain to go skiing. They outfitted me with hand-me-down boots, skis and poles. Parents and volunteers taught me how to ski. I am forever grateful. It made me a skier for life. Thank you for sharing this. It reminds me of home.

MRG 🤜🏽…75 years strong and still magical

I learned in the Midwest. Sharing a slow double chair at Devil’s Head with my 10 year old son is the best. This short film is gold. Thanks 🙏🏻

I grew up in Ottawa, skiing at Camp Fortune in Quebec. I met my best friend, to this day, on a school ski trip to Camp Fortune. Moved west to Jasper (Marmot Basin) and was soon a lift operator the first year, an instructor the second. After missing a couple of years (after never missing a year in 47 years) my joy of skiing is solidly rekindled and I will ski...eternally Shout out to Powder King, Hudson Bay Mountain, Shames, and all the other small local hills that keep the spirit and soul alive.

Love this message. Well done TGR and to all the Mom and Pops out there - please keep up your mission, we support you!

There’s just something so special about the sport. If you love skiing you can’t help but tear up when someone shares why skiing matters so much to them. Love this

What a movie. I grew up skiing Saddleback. Haven't cried happier tears in a long time. Thanks guys.

I was already excited to be back in NH after spending 10 years in Colorado... then I watched this and cried. I love this place so much.

Have to say, can't believe I'm seeing this 2 years after it's released, I live in New England, have a friend group that we started doing a yearly trip to Bolton valley. The place just embodies local and old school vibes. It really is the locals Mountain. So happy that it's back in the original owner's hands. Stay Indy ✊🏻

Damn, you captured it. Very well done.

Merci TGR, those people are beautiful. We are free, we are communities, we are independant.

My first ski day in my life was in 1977 at Gov't Camp on Mt. Hood in Oregon. 2 layers of cotton "long johns", 2 pair of cotton jeans. Many layers of cotton shirts and a cheap, somewhat water repellent jacket. I fell constantly. The snow would stick to my cotton clothes, then melt into them. I was soaked to the bone by noon. I remember my aunt asking "aren't you miserable? You're soaked and cold!". I was, I was dripping wet. And grinning ear to ear. That sliding thing, on two boards... I'm going to master the turn so I don't fall all day and get wet. I was hooked on this sport. Later, I learned that the entire lifestyle around this activity was even more addictive. This film reminded me of that feeling. Thank you TGR. This was the message I didn't know I needed. It's time to seek out those indy resorts and find again, that magic.

Right on, definitively deserves a repost!

I think this is my favorite work you guys have done and I've been watching TGR for well over 10 years... I'm from New Hampshire.

What a beautiful film about some amazing ski places and people, thank you.

3rd and I am 15 mins in and I love it

Oh man am I happy this video popped up. What a great tribute.

You're spot on with this show. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan... The far west end. Our hills started in the early 60s and we're exactly what your show was about. We've recently seen corporate takeovers and the old Riblets torn out and replaced by $6 million hi speed for a 1 (one) mile run.... I guess it's better than them folding up, but the soul is gone. The carcasses of a double a triple and a quad Riblet are left on the hills and it looks like a post apocalypse seen. Your comments about the time we spend on a lift is the first thing I thought about when the 6 seat hi speed came to town. We are/ were.. Indianhead MTN, White Cap mtn. Big Powderhorn MTN, Blackjack Sku area. Now a few of the names have been stripped all signage, all run names etc sold off.... 60 plus years of family, friends and memories.... Gone ( Indianhead and Blackjack) thank you for your show

This was an absolute soul replenisher!

Well done. If there weren't a pandemic, a road trip covering a bunch of small resorts would be in the works.

Way to go TGR, nailed it! Nothing better than checking out these resorts. Like anything, the people make the experience

Well done. Nordic Mountain on Thursday nights. Got my kids home and in bed by 11:00. Grade school on Fridays was easy.

Best Ski video of 2021!!!!! Ride Independent!!!

wow what he said about the old lift and how it’s so special but how everybody wants to make things bigger and faster now. It really hit home. I remember the mountain I had season passes to when I was younger had a very old 2 seater just like that one. But memories like finally getting to take it with the girl you had a crush on will always make me smile, if I could have I’d have made it go slower. Such special moments.

Wonderful documentary. So many truths. At least 6 small areas from my childhood are gone. 3 more have been taken over by the big three. If not for the small areas I would never have learned to ski…my parents couldn’t afford it. I can only ski now because I worked in the industry, know where to find deals, backcountry tour, and these independents. Still thousands I spend every year on gear for me and the kids. The industry wouldn’t have that from me if not for independents. A week in Jackson for me is two days at Snow King, two days on the pass, one day at the Village. Bless the people who keep fighting for people like me

Through the heavy and light parts of life, this video is with me:)

Respect for these people! I watch and I miss skis. I will be there soon...unlucky meniscus...:(

God Bless the small resorts, and those keeping the passion alive. There is no better way to enjoy friends and family. I love skiing Monarch, here in Colorado because, it is an independent and it caters to locals not to mention the snow is just as good as Aspen, Snowmass and Vail for a fraction of the price.

Great film! Combining the unique stories of so many people/resorts is really challenging, but you nailed it!

I'm going to go to these resorts. It's rekindling my love

This hits home, in so many ways. My Home Mountain got bought by Vail Resorts recently. It'll never be the same. :'(

Great movie, I feel the same way as a small business owner. I will add though, that the map of Independent ski areas was blank in Indiana, and that is a huge omission. The Perfect family (yes that is there name) have built a wonderful little ski area in Indiana and been operating it for over 40 years. They do every little thing to make the skiing and experience better and better. It is a mission, and a thing of beauty to see and experience. They may be the best snow makers in North America.

This movie is terrific. I am 73, I started skiing at Mt Tom in Holyoke MA when I was 12. When it closed, I discovered Berkshire East. I have a midweek pass there and I absolutely love skiing Berkshire East. Anyone who skis should watch this fantastic and inspiring movie⛷ I have always said I don’t need a big mountain to ski. I just need a ski area that isn’t too crowded and has a great atmosphere and well groomed slopes. My father skied from age 46 until his early 80’s and he became best friends with all of us kids (6 of us) because he skied with us. A family that skis together stays together!

Bolton Valley is so beautiful. Loved it there.

Greatest ski film I've ever seen! Miller made bigger, but never touched my heart and soul like this. Just so moved. No more corporate take overs of family owned ski areas. Please. Fantastic job on the film!

I live in a small ski town called Rossland in BC. Currently our local ski resort, Red Mountain, seems to be getting ready to sell. It tears me apart. I grew up skiing at a locally owned resort in northern Ontario that has remained independent. I had an amazing childhood because of it. Truly makes me sick to see the changes happening where I live now. Hopefully the owners realize that money is not everything.

This is a wonderful film. In Michigan we have so many small ski hills like these (not much for mountains except for Bohemia) that revolve around family and community. The last few winters have been mild and along with the pandemic just tough. So far this year has been sooo much better for snow/ snow making it makes me so happy to see everyone out shredding and generally just having a good time at the local hills. Side-note many of the places listed in this video have been/are partner resorts with a place here in the upper peninsula of Michigan and I can totally see why now!

This made me smile, having grown skiing in Quebec and New England, I was fortunate to experience Cannon, Mad River Glen, and a host of areas in Quebec that were served by 1-2 t-bars. I travel with my kids from our home in Whistler to let them experience these types of ski areas, Mt Cain in BC, Anthony Lakes in Oregon, and a host of other areas. Their exuberance is palpable when we arrive at any smaller, soulful ski area, we all find it hard to return to Whistler...largely soulless, and such a scene. Having said that, they can ski everywhere and can just blissfully enjoy every other area we ski at, because of the terrain at Whistler/Blackcomb. But...it is a tough place to actually fall in love with skiing like all those corporate soul suckers. Thanks for the film, it is part of our regular roster, alongside Steep and Streif.

Could be the best ski movie ever made. Bigger isn’t always better

Incredible work. Brought a tear to my eye to see what a family affair this whole business is.

What is great about Magic is there is always hidden gems cut through the trees by locals. It might not be marked, but if there are tracks, it's a trail. Best tree skiing in the east imo

I grew up on a mom 'n pop ski area, Lassen Ski Area. Best time of my life!!!! All so true. I am fiercely independent, and vocal of that independence, and I equate that to going up in the mountains!! Splitting the wood you need to burn through the winter for your heat teaches a lot of lessons. I so miss the mountains!

So great to “put a face” to all these resorts and make us all aware of how much dedication and hard work goes into making skiing possible for everyone. Amazing job, everyone and a special hats off to the 92 year old man who keeps enjoying life because of skiing

Good on ya!

The most beautiful ski flick I have ever seen.

That is some wisdom at 8:00.

Started skiing when I was 3. Our family spent a lot of the winter on the slopes. There used to be a couple small, family run ski places locally and now there is one that was bought out a few years ago. Years ago before it was bought out I worked there as a lift operator. Our area has been hit hard by winter's being a few degrees warmer. It is the difference between snow from Nov. to March to it being end of Dec. Jan. Feb. and that makes a huge difference. It is the 5th of Dec. now and there is no snow and it hasn't been cold enough to make it.

Incredible film, well done.

So many great quotes from this movie! Love it!

Yes, this movie did bring me to tears. Two of the best little ski areas that ever existed in Colorado,where I grew up skiing are no longer there. And that's a shame. Berthoud pass and Geneva basin. These little resorts are needed and this movie was really good.

Resorts with those bus programs have all the employees they need.

Super great film TGR, Beaver mountain is my favorite resort!! I learned how to ski at these small resorts and they really do have something special.

Just got back from skiing at Catamount owned by Berkshire east. It was $35 for a senior mid-week ticket. I brought my own lunch but bought drinks there. I've been skiing there since my son was a little kid. It isn't huge, but I love it so much. I like seeing people in mismatched cobbled together outfits without the latest equipment. As an older person, I can't ski 8am to 4pm anymore. I've got about 4 hours in my legs and at this price I can keep doing a sport I love. Thanks for making this film! If anyone is interested. Catamount is selling old ski lift chairs for $800. They are from the 1960's and sooooo cool.

Definitely a lot of heart and soul here. One of the well known corporate groups from Colorado bought all 3 of our local ski hills. Hasn't been the same since the families sold them. No more ski swaps, seemingly no investment in the local community, the big spring parties, nothing. They closed the black and double black runs - I guess they are too steep for them to mow with their big mowers, when the families uses to do it by hand with trimmers. Little things like lighting the fireplaces and outdoor heaters around the lodge - gone. In the words of my 16 year old snowboarder son - 'This place sucks now'. He's been skiing or snowboarding since he was 4.

Come see us at Antelope Butte in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, we resuscitated our mountain after 14 years down. You'll feel the vibe!!

The "soul" is pure love.

Thank you so much for this TGR. I had a HUGE smile and a few tears the whole way through. Such an important message in this wonderful film.

ah man, Magic Mountain is where I learned to snowboard and is one of the most formative memories of what a mountain should be, ethos, terrain, community - my heart is alwyays at Magic.

Fantastic Film. Cant wait to Ski the Mid West - East Coast runs.

Beautiful, guys!

Love the little kid on the magic carpet with his red helmet on backwards. Let your freak flag fly high kid!

Terrific film - hope it get widely seen! You folks captured the true spirit of skiing - THANKS

One of the best ski films I've EVER seen! Thank you!

As someone who has skied most of the major big resorts during my life and have cherished those memories there, so much has changed in the past several years where I'm drawn only to independent mountains now. I love them and only take my family to these mountains now.

What a beautiful story.

best ski flick i have seen this year. thank you, tgr!

I have a vacation house in the Poconos in Pennsylvania and it has a small mom and pop mountain. So this video was a joy to watch and it’s good to know that corporations haven’t fully taken over the ski/snowboard industry just yet.

I have skied my whole life and live in Indiana. My kids all started at 4. Nothing better in life than making turns with your kids. Love the local mountains.