Alex Clapin has lived in Whistler for about two-and-a-half years to date. His passion for making movies began in Colorado as he followed his buddies around skiing and snowboarding in the American Rockies.
Those experiences convinced Clapin to leave his native Perth behind. He witnessed many acts of adrenaline from behind a lens and found himself spending more time outdoors in the process. Eventually the Aussie doubled down on a narrative-focused, documentary style of filmmaking which led him to his latest project.
Ravinos will premiere on Feb. 26 at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF).
The Ravinos originated in the 1970s: a time when Vail, Colo. had yet to discover its identity. A group of Midwesterners burst onto the scene, turning eyebrows with their flaming skull patches, unexpectedly high snow-sport prowess and desire to push the envelope. Their St. Patrick's Day gatherings grew in notoriety, drawing crowds eager to witness (or replicate) their midair manoeuvres.
However, authorities took notice as well. As the greater ski community banned the practice of inverted aerials, law enforcement departments ordered the Ravinos to shut down. The flame was doused… but much like a smouldering ember at an improperly-tended campsite, it had not been extinguished.
Some three decades later, children began discovering their parents' old skull-adorned denim jackets and posing questions about them. Eventually they resuscitated the Ravinos movement while adopting a new vision of being ambassadors for their home. Today's wave of Ravinos can still be found sending backflips down a beloved 20-foot cliff gap dubbed the "Wailer."
A handful of Clapin's friends knew the Ravinos, and he eventually got to ride with them.
"They're all incredible skiers and snowboarders," Clapin said. "You see them around the mountain and just wonder what they're all about. There's this bit of an aura around them. I just love the camaraderie in the group, the culture and traditions that they celebrate, and the way they support progression within each other."
'Progression, freedom and creativity'
Both Vail residents and Whistlerites are likely to complain about controversial corporate management in their backyards. They also love their homes with an unbridled fervour.
The Ravinos' signature iconography may be reminiscent of a biker gang, but they give back to the municipality of Vail by fostering future generations. Its members coach local youths who can't wait to get "patched in" while looking out for people of all backgrounds. Whether it's helping folks overcome injury and addiction or consoling those who've tragically lost loved ones, the Ravinos are there.
"The Ravinos’ ability to uplift not just their own, but everyone around them, resonated deeply with me. Their culture of unwavering support, progression, and camaraderie creates a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the mountain," said Clapin. "Witnessing their support first-hand, and the ripple effect it has on other Ravinos and the local community, I hope this film captures just how vital these groups are in fostering resilience and keeping the soul of ski-town culture alive."
This gang's love of on-mountain progression mirrors its love of people, and the attitude is contagious. Even Clapin found himself attempting things on his snowboard he wouldn't have otherwise, including a series of log rails elevated several metres off the ground. He says the Ravinos have built "a great relationship" with Vail.
"As ski towns like Vail and Whistler evolve under corporate influence, groups like the Ravinos are vital in preserving the spirit of local communities," Clapin added. "They embody a counterculture that values progression, freedom, and creativity: principles that shaped these towns into what they are today.
"It’s important for the Ravinos to invest in the local community to ensure that a space remains for future generations to push boundaries, express themselves and experience the same sense of belonging that the previous generations did. Otherwise, ski towns risk losing the raw energy, character and soul that made them so incredible in the first place."
Tickets and more details about Ravinos can be found at vimff.org/show/ski-snow-show.
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