Soulstice Films' Detours features only the local rippers at the locations in each segment — folks who ski and ride for one reason: they love it.

In a departure from last year's Locals Only, this movie explores the theme of divergent lifestyle choices — people who have positioned themselves in unique mountain towns and ski every day.

Take Jack, who moved to Telluride, Colorado, in '72 after seeing the film The Performers. Twenty-eight season passes later, his now gray beard hangs down to his chest as he describes his days as a life-long ski bum. His life took a detour when he left his job as a history teacher and football coach after his first visit to Telluride.

Extensive interviews give viewers a sense of depth that many feel is lacking in more mainstream ski flicks.

Seattle-based filmmaker Riley Morton probes into the very essence of locations such as Fernie and Rossland, British Columbia; Whitefish, Montana; Taos, New Mexico; and, Telluride. He explores the factors that make up these unique mountain areas by delving into the fibers that hold it together: the people, the terrain, the snow pack and the towns themselves.

Scenic shots give viewers the flavor of the locations, while interviews with resident skiers and snowboarders explore the motives for their pilgrimages. In interior British Columbia, the powder skiing is equally as religious as Taos' long, fast run from the top of Kachina Peak. The skiing and snowboarding footage conveys the love these locals have for their home mountains, both in bounds and out, as they shred as hard as they possibly can.

After seeing this flick, you'll realize the person who answers the resort phone or serves your steak might be the most ripping skier on the hill, and you just might want to befriend them.

Photographer Chase Jarvis will host an event featuring the Seattle premieres of both films, an evening that promises to mix Seattle's glitterati with its grommits. Check it out at Seattle's i-Spy on Wednesday, November 8th. Doors open at 8pm with an ambient set of the electro-grooves of local talents Electron Love Theory.

— Michelle Quigley, MountainZone.com Staff

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