What to Expect at Backcountry Film Festival

Whether you’re a seasoned splitboarder, an aspiring ski mountaineer, or simply someone who loves the majesty of winter and the spirit of adventure, Colorado Mountain Club's Backcountry Film Festival promises an evening of inspiration, community, and world-class short films. Backcountry Film Festival, curated by Winter Wildlands Alliance, brings together award-winning cinematic masterpieces. You’ll be transported to remote peaks, feel the rush of untouched snow, and witness incredible feats of athleticism and resilience. From epic lines and daring expeditions to poignant stories of conservation and connection to nature, these films capture the essence of human-powered winter recreation.

All ticket proceeds from our Backcountry Film Festival screenings support Colorado Mountain Club’s Snow Rangers Program. The CMC Snow Ranger program supports the U.S. Forest Service in patrolling, visitor education, user counts, partnership development and more. “Snow Rangers are a big help with the mitigation of user conflicts and educating people at the trailhead,” explains Conservation Director Brian Bergeler. “Sometimes people aren’t aware that there are limitations on how and where they can recreate, and the Snow Rangers can prevent them from making that mistake and impacting delicate ecosystems.” Read more about the program and why it's in danger over on our blog. 

NOTE: CMC is hosting several Backcountry Film Festival screenings in Golden, Denver, Salida, and Leadville. Scroll down to see specific details for each screening location.

^{Credit: Tony Deboom @EnduranceConspiracy}

2025/2026 Dates

• Golden, CO - Get tickets for December 11th, 2025 (for backcountry beginners)
• Golden, CO - Get tickets for December 12th, 2025 (for experienced explorers)
• Salida, CO - Get tickets for January 15th, 2026
• Denver, CO - Get tickets for January 29th, 2026
• Leadville, CO - Get tickets for February 6th, 2026

GOLDEN

December 11th - Backcountry Beginners
Colorado Mountain Club Basecamp - 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO

New to the backcountry? This night is for you. Join us at the Backcountry Film Festival for an evening of inspiring films, great gear deals, and hands-on learning. Join us ahead of the films for a Happy Hour & Gear Sale starting at 5pm hosted by Out & Back along with tables from our non-profit partners and CMC schools and courses, as well a backcountry communications clinic based on Rocky Talkie's Community Channels. We'll have door prizes as well as raffle items with tickets available for purchase. Light snacks will be available for purchase and we'll be selling a variety of Sierra Nevada alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Schedule of Events

• 5pm: Doors open for Happy Hour & Gear Sale
• 5:30-6:30pm: Clinics start (run every 15min)
• 7-9pm: Film screening with intermission

What to Bring

• Your ticket (either printed or on your mobile device)
• Cash or card for any merchandise or refreshments available at the venue
• Water bottle (refill fountains on site)

Arrival Tips

• Free parking available, but come early to get a good spot. Carpool if you can!
• Arrive early to join clinics and participate in the gear sale.

December 12th - Experienced Explorers
Colorado Mountain Club Basecamp - 15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401

Already chasing lines beyond the resort? This events is built for seasoned adventurers ready to level up. Join us for an evening of powerful films, pro-level gear, and expert connections. Join us ahead of the films for a Happy Hour & Gear Sale starting at 5pm hosted by Out & Back along with tables from our non-profit partners and CMC schools and courses, as well a backcountry communications clinic based on Rocky Talkie's Community Channels. We'll have door prizes as well as raffle items with tickets available for purchase. Light snacks will be available for purchase and we'll be selling a variety of Sierra Nevada alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Schedule of Events

• 5pm: Doors open for Happy Hour & Gear Sale
• 5:30-6:30pm: Clinics start (run every 15min)
• 7-9pm: Film screening with intermission

What to Bring

• Your ticket (either printed or on your mobile device)
• Cash or card for any merchandise or refreshments available at the venue
• Water bottle (refill fountains on site)

Arrival Tips

• Free parking available, but come early to get a good spot. Carpool if you can!
• Arrive early to join clinics and participate in the gear sale.

CLINICS

Attend clinics to learn more about some of our winter schools, including:

• Beginner Snowshoe
• Avalanche Terrain Avoidance
• Ski Mountaineering School
• Winter Camping School
• Telemark Ski School
• AIARE 1
• Glacier Travel School
• Intermediate & Lead Ice Climbing

Our Partners

We're grateful to our event partners whose support makes Backcountry Film Festival possible:

• Alpine Rescue Team
• Friends of CAIC
• Wintering Wildlife
• Sierra Nevada

GEAR SALE

Join us for our Community Winter Gear Sale both night of Backcountry Film Festival from 5-7pm where you can sell your gently used winter sports equipment, purchase pre-loved gear from other outdoor enthusiasts, and get exclusive deals on new gear from Out and Back. Gear experts from Out and Back will evaluate and price your items on-site. Entry is included with a Backcountry Film Festival ticket, but you can also purchase a ticket only for the gear sale on the event ticket page. 

SALIDA

January 15th at Salida SteamPlant - 220 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO

Schedule of Events

• Doors at 6PM
• Film screening at 7PM

Join us for an evening of inspiring films that honor the joy, resilience, and connection found in the backcountry. Together, we’ll celebrate the stories that fuel our love for wild places and the community that protects them.

DENVER

JANUARY 29TH AT THE ORIENTAL THEATER - 4335 W 44TH AVE, DENVER, CO

Adventure, deep powder and storytelling await. Join Winter Wildlands Alliance and Colorado Mountain Club for the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival at the Oriental Theater, featuring human-powered winter films, music, giveaways, drinks, community connection and more. Grab your friends and your tickets, and get ready to celebrate winter!

All proceeds support Winter Wildlands Alliance, a nationwide nonprofit organization working to empower and inspire people to protect America's wild snowscapes, and Colorado Mountain Club, a local nonprofit organization fostering connections to Colorado landscapes through community, stewardship, and outdoor education and recreation.

What to Bring

• Your ticket (either printed or on your mobile device)
• Cash or card for any merchandise or refreshments available at the venue

Arrival Tips

• Paid and free street parking available, so come early to get a good spot. Carpool if you can!

Schedule of Events

• 5:30pm – 6:30pm Pre-Party: Enjoy music, get your giveaway tickets, and reconnect with all your backcountry buddies. All kinds of drinks available at the Oriental's bar and support Winter Wildlands Alliance and Colorado Mountain Club!
• 6:30pm Films Start
• 7:30pm Intermission: Giveaway drawing.
• 8:00 pm Second film reel
• 9:00pm End of night

LEADVILLE

FEBRUARY 6TH AT FREIGHT - 320 E 9th St, Leadville, CO

Join us for an evening of inspiring films that honor the joy, resilience, and connection found in the backcountry. Together, we’ll celebrate the stories that fuel our love for wild places and the community that protects them.

THANK YOU TO THE BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS FESTIVAL POSSIBLE: