From Powder to Purpose: The Inspiring Stories of the Girl Winter Film Tour
In a space long dominated by single-track narratives, the Girl Winter Film Tour is cutting a fresh line through the industry. This all-women-led film series, which is back for its second year, is changing what a ski and snowboard film night can look like.
The tour is produced by Moonrise Studio, a women-led creative collective. They’ve taken a cue from the viral “girl dinner” trend—you know, that curated mix of small, perfect snacks—to create a film program that is diverse, satisfying, and full of range. Instead of one long feature, you get a collection of "snack-size" short films, running from three to 25 minutes, that offer a mix of high-action skiing, deep personal narratives, and good humor.
Stories That Resonate: Motherhood, Identity, and Resilience
The true power of the Girl Winter Film Tour is its dedication to showcasing the full spectrum of experiences in the mountains. The films aren't simply pure action flicks; they lean into narrative and personal depth.
The 2025 lineup features a handful of compelling short films. For example, Trails Still Blazing features Olympian Megan McJames and explores the dual role of being both an adventurer and a mother. Another film, Dear Superhero, features athlete Janina Kuzma alongside Leanne Pelosi and Evelina Nilsson, as Kuzma grapples with her identity as a professional athlete and a mother.
Other films explore identity and connection to the land. Let My People Go Skiing features Tlingit skier and scientist Ellen Bradley as she uses skiing to reclaim her connection to her traditional homelands. Furthermore, the film Queen of the Catskills tells the story of an English teacher who finds healing and a renewed love for skiing by embarking on a multi-year quest to be the first woman to backcountry ski 33 of the highest Catskill peaks alone. These stories are personal, powerful, and incredibly relatable.
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Inspiring the Next Generation of Mountain Athletes
Representation matters, and that is a core message of the tour. Professional skier and the tour’s Brand Director, Sierra Schlag, emphasizes that the goal is to inspire the next generation to believe they belong in the snow community. The tour provides role models, both in front of and behind the camera, which is essential for building a more diverse and equitable snow community.
The Moonrise team, who also created the acclaimed feature-length film Advice for Girls, is already looking ahead. They are currently working on a new feature film, Winter Elements, which will highlight women across the entire ski industry, including patrollers, avalanche forecasters, and snowcat drivers. A teaser for this new work will premiere during the current tour. This demonstrates the collective's commitment to showing that women are already at every level of the ski industry.
Beyond the Winter Stoke: The Film Tour
The Girl Winter Film Tour is more than a screening; it's a community gathering. Most events include a Q&A session with the athletes and filmmakers, allowing for deeper engagement with the creative minds shaping the future of mountain storytelling. Even though the focus is on celebrating women in snow sports, all are welcome, making it a space for the entire community to appreciate these groundbreaking stories.
With stops hitting major mountain towns like Jackson, WY, Steamboat Springs, CO, and Bend, OR, as well as metropolitan hubs, there is a good chance the Girl Winter Film Tour is making a stop right in your backyard. Don't wait to grab your friends and your tickets; this is the mandatory way to build the stoke for the upcoming season.
