Wyoming to AK: Colby Stevenson’s Five Minute Backcountry Film, Phantom

Colby Stevenson is a rare breed in the freeskiing world. His resume is stacked with awards from slopestyle and big air competitions, including X Games gold and an Olympic silver medal. Yet, he continues to grow, proving that his technical park skills translate to the biggest mountain terrain on the planet. His latest project, the short film Phantom, provides the most recent proof of his all-mountain prowess, following up on his solo debut, Proof, from last year.

It’s no secret that some of the most talented park athletes are making the jump to big mountain freeriding. Stevenson's background in freestyle grants him a unique approach to features and line choices in the backcountry. Phantom highlights this transition perfectly, blending the precision of a competitor with the calculated aggression of a veteran freerider.

Stevenson and his crew began their journey in Wyoming, utilizing sleds to access remote terrain. However, the ultimate prize lay in Alaska. The team spent a significant amount of time in the unforgiving Alaskan landscape waiting out a massive storm. Consequently, the endless waiting and anticipation made the eventual payoff even sweeter.

The weather finally broke, offering a narrow window of opportunity. The team, including cinematographers Jack Francis and Luke Bredar, had only two days of blue skies to complete the Alaska segment. When everything finally lined up, the result was a pure skiing chaos. Phantom showcases Stevenson pushign himself to make the most of th every moment in the backcountry. He lays down unforgettable lines of massive Alaskan spines, blending control and style in a way that's mind-blowing.

Stevenson’s story is one of perseverance and versatility. Phantom is more than just a backcountry edit; it solidifies his stop among the rare few who've made the jump from park podiums to high-consequence backcountry filming.