Valhalla

This well made documentary will appeal to different kind of people. People enjoying nature landscapes, amateurs of skiing and snowboarding, or just people that like to watch people living one with nature and the elements. The film crew definitely knows what they're doing as the documentary contains beautiful images, using several different filming techniques to satisfy the eye of the viewer. Stunning slow motion pictures and great close-up photography make this documentary worth watching. It becomes a bit psychedellic at times, which fits perfectly with the different characters in this movie, who are basically just a bunch of hippies enjoying the snow. The soundtrack also fits well with the ambiance they searched for. To me it's not about the message, it's all about the cinematography and photography, that's what's worth the detour.

As a longtime snowboarder, I tend to shy away from ski-oriented films (especially the corny self-absorbedness of Warren Miller's yearly offerings), however, the description for this one on Netflix piqued my interest as it seemed to offer something other than toothy grins in day- glo jumpsuits.

The film's dramatized story revolves around a community of free spirits who have set up camp ("Valhalla") in the snowy mountains of BC, led by a bodhisattva of sorts. Mesmerizing footage of skiing and snowboarding is interspersed with biographies of - and tales associated with - various "tribe" members. The common Warren Miller devotee will likely find such depth and reflection unappealing, but for those of us who enjoy something more to life than Jaegerbombs with "bros" and Dave Mathews Band playlists, this film is very refreshing.

The soundtrack alone (criminally unreleased, btw) is worth the price of admission as it features an eclectic, dreamy tapestry designed to further enhance the inescapable feelings of bliss obtained while viewing.

Check this one out. You don't have to be a skier, snowboarder or even an outdoors enthusiast to enjoy it - just someone who can appreciate life outside of societal conventions and constraints.