Ski Media Gathers At Red Mountain, BC

Once a year for the past four years, an eclectic mix of ski world characters has been gathering at Red Mountain in Rossland, BC. Actually named the Gathering, it involves a little catching up with old friends, new introductions, inspiring presentations, your occasional all night party, and skiing pow.

The Gathering’s most impressive attribute is the seamless melding of the industry’s current stars, newcomers, and those that broke ground using the sport as a way to make a living and travel the world. 

Mitchell Scott and Mark Shapiro at The Gathering.

Hosted by writer, editor and stand-up comedian Mitchell Scott, the presentations varied enormously. Pete Velesik and Leah Evans presented from the athlete viewpoint, on the lighter side of skiing (such as naked pillow lines) and on using skiing to give back, respectively.

Canadian freestyler John Eaves, gave a spectacular show on his extremely successful ski career – as a stuntman for James Bond movies and basically, anyone else who asked – and paid. Eaves’s narration before each segment consisted of  “I was really scared for this one, too, but, they paid me well.” The footage – despite the fact it is on skinny straight skis, redefines your definition of bad-ass in about 60 seconds.

Blake Jorgensen.

Some of today’s most celebrated photographers and filmmakers – such as Blake Jorgensen, Re Wikstrom, Dave Heath, Scotty Carlson, Steve Ogle, Garret Grove and Bruno Long overloaded the senses with stunning shows, talks and presentations.

But the most special part, perhaps even the central part of the Gathering was another reunion of the legendary, Verbier-based Team Clambin. The Clambin crew gelled in the ’80s in some cabins on an Alp named Clambin, outside of Verbier. Photographers Ace Kvale, Marko Shapiro, and mountain guide and adventurer John Falkiner got together, skied, shot photos, traveled, and pushed ski culture toward what we know as the ski world today.
 
Bruno Long speaks at The Gathering.

The Clambin kids opened the door not only to being skiers for their business, but inspired generations of skiers to come. Iconic ski writer Leslie Anthony says in his book “White Planet” that Team Clambin showed “that skiing could take you to distant lands was a revelation that changed many lives, including my own.” 

“The Clambin kids are the reason I became a ski photographer,” emphasized Re Wikstrom.

Mark Gallup.

The crew showcased their current projects: Ace Kvale has involved himself in projects giving back to the places they’ve traveled, such as the Himalayan Cataract Project and earthquake relief, and photography for National Geographic. Mark Shapiro still shoots skiing and adventure, and John Falkiner still lives it in remote ranges across the world.

All in all, Red Mountain’s effort to bring the diversity of skiing and achievements into one room – open to the public no less - made for an incredible, unique event. It is well worth a trip – ski Red, meet legends, be inspired, and make ski dreams happen. See you next year.

Ace Kvale and Mark Shapiro converse at The Gathering 2012.