Teton Gravity Research Releases In Pursuit of Soul featuring Indy Resorts
12 Indy resorts are featured in the short film documentary now available to view for free on TGR TV
PORTLAND, Ore. (October 19) – Indy Pass and TGR (Teton Gravity Research) have teamed up to bring you the story of what it means to be an independent resort in today’s world. In Pursuit of Soul explores the fiercely authentic culture alive in independent resort towns across the country, and in the people that call those mountains home - the true heart and soul of skiing and snowboarding.
Partnering with TGR has been a great venture for Indy Pass. “TGR is an action-sports powerhouse with the passion and experience to uncover the unique energy and culture of these independent resorts,” said Doug Fish, Indy Pass founder. TGR typically films on big mountains and exotic destinations, but In Pursuit of Soul highlights the media company’s ability to deliver the rich storytelling of independent resorts in a beautiful way.
Big corporate ski resorts are pricing out large portions of skiers and snowboarders, making these more affordable mountains even more vital. However, with the global pandemic, skyrocketing real estate prices, and worker shortages, life as an independent operator becomes a lot more difficult. These smaller resorts must remain diligent and scrappy. “At Indy Pass, our mission is two-fold. To give skiers and riders an affordable option to expensive day tickets and to raise the awareness for the amazing experience people get at a small-to-midsize independent mountain,” said Fish.
In Pursuit of Soul explores the stories that make independent resorts so unique. Each resort brings something special to the table that makes them their own hidden gems but they all offer smaller crowds, lower costs, and welcoming authentic vibes. Some are rich with stories of generations of skiers and snowboarders, who learned to take their first turns on their slopes. Some are pristine time capsules of calmer and easier times of riding. Some are big regional competitors that simply keep it real. “The passion that goes into running these resorts is felt by everyone who takes the lift up and enjoys the ride down,” said Fish.
Indy Pass was created with the belief that independent ski resorts have an authentic, mom-and-pop magic that is impossible to find at larger corporate resorts. Independent resorts hold a special place in their communities' souls, and we want to make that feeling accessible for everyone.
Indy resorts featured in the film include: 49 Degrees North, Beaver Mountain, Berkshire East, Black Mountain, Bolton Valley, Brundage Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Magic Mountain, Mission Ridge, Saddleback Mountain, and Snow King.
In Pursuit of Soul was directed by Jeremy Grant, who most recently directed TGR’s latest mountain bike film, ACCOMPLICE. THE FILM IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD ON TGRtv (available for download on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon, and most major streaming platforms).
In its third season, the Indy Pass is the fastest-growing multi-mountain pass in North America. It offers 80 resorts across the US, Canada, and Japan, each providing two days of skiing or riding for an affordable price. Indy Pass resorts are independent and uniquely authentic, and many are owned and operated by multi-generational families.
21-22 PARTICIPATING RESORTS
WESTERN REGION -- 30ALASKA -- Eaglecrest Ski Area
ALBERTA -- Castle Mountain Resort, Ski Marmot Basin
ARIZONA -- Sunrise Park Ski Area
BRITISH COLUMBIA -- Apex Mountain Resort, Manning Park, Sovereign Lake, Sasquatch Mountain
CALIFORNIA -- China Peak, Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Snow Valley
IDAHO -- Brundage Mountain, Silver Mountain, Tamarack Resort, Pomerelle, Soldier Mountain
OREGON – Hoodoo, Mt. Ashland
MONTANA -- Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Red Lodge Mountain
UTAH -- Beaver Mountain, Eagle Point, Powder Mountain
WASHINGTON -- 49 Degrees North, Hurricane Ridge, Mission Ridge, White Pass
WYOMING -- Snow King Mountain, White Pine Ski Area, Antelope Butte
MIDWEST REGION -- 20
IOWA -- Seven Oaks, Sundown Mountain
MICHIGAN -- Big Powderhorn Resort, Caberfae Peaks, Crystal Mountain, Pine Mountain Resort, Shanty Creek, Swiss Valley Ski Area
MINNESOTA -- Lutsen Mountains, Spirit Mountain, Powder Ridge Winter Recreation, Detroit Mountain, Buck Hill
SOUTH DAKOTA -- Terry Peak Ski Area
WISCONSIN -- Granite Peak, Little Switzerland, Nordic Mountain, Trollhaugen, Tyrol Basin, The Rock Snowpark
EASTERN REGION -- 26
CONNECTICUT -- Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
MASSACHUSETTS -- Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Catamount Mountain Resort*
MAINE -- Saddleback Mountain
NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Cannon Mountain, Pats Peak, Black Mountain, Waterville Valley
NEW YORK -- Catamount Mountain Resort*, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Swain Resort, Snow Ridge Ski Resort, Titus Mountain, West Mountain
NORTH CAROLINA -- Cataloochee Ski Area
PENNSYLVANIA -- Blue Knob Resort, Montage Mountain, Shawnee Mountain
TENNESSEE -- Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area
VERMONT -- Bolton Valley Resort, Magic Mountain, Suicide Six, Jay Peak Resort
VIRGINIA -- Bryce Resort, Massanutten Resort
WEST VIRGINIA -- Canaan Valley Ski Resort, Winterplace Ski Resort
*Catamount straddles NY/MA border
JAPAN TOHOKU REGION - 4
Okunakayama Kogen - Ninohe District, Iwate
Geto Kogen - Kitakami, Iwate
Shimokura/Pandora - Hachimantai, Iwate
Tazawako - Semboku, Akita
