Two local athletes have partnered up with one of the biggest names in skiing to help fund their world cup dreams and they want to share the experience with the Bow Valley.
Alpine ace turned downhill mountain bike pro Matt Monod and ski cross athlete Kris Mahler will host the Canmore premiere of Warren Miller’s latest film No Turning Back on Nov. 14 at Cornerstone Theatre. Selling film tickets for $15, plus $5 for a dance afterwards, the two hope to raise $8,000 to help fund their upcoming seasons.
For 65 years, Miller’s films have been the harbinger of the ski season, and this year’s film No Turning Back will examine the evolution of skiing throughout that time. Interchanging new and historic footage, the adrenaline rush film will showcase skiing in all of its forms.
Monod and Mahler got the rights to the Canmore premiere after Mahler startled a woman in a Whistler laundromat. The woman turned out to be a promotional rep for Miller’s films, and offered Mahler a chance to use the film as a fundraiser.
“It’s going to be a fun night with a movie and a dance,” Mahler said.
The film premiere will coincide with opening day at Sunshine Village, so the two are encouraging everyone to ski all day, then catch the movie that night.
“I know that’s what I’ll do. It should be a good time,” Monod said.
The event will also include a silent auction and, even though it’s an all ages event, there is a bar, so moviegoers can grab a drink while they watch the film.
Monod released his own short film on Vimeo this summer, entitled Matt Monod rides Kewlona. He has an interest in cinematography and a two-year plan to reach the mountain bike downhill world cup circuit.
“Last season went well. I missed one race because of a concussion and ended up ranked second for senior men,” Monod said. “I plan to race the Canadian world cup next year in Mount. Ste. Anne, and from there expand to race more world cups. It’s pretty pricey, and it depends if I can hook up with a team.”
He’ll spend this winter coaching with the Banff Alpine Racers U16 team, and will enter a few free ski competitions as well. Monod said he’s chasing a lifestyle that will allow him to ride his bike as much as possible and unleash his creative side – as long as his head co-operates.
“I was battling a concussion for most of July. I stopped hitting my head. I’m definitely better now. It was to the point where I’d hit some break bumps and it would hurt the back of my head,” Monod said.
Meanwhile, Mahler is after a spot at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. After taking time away from skiing to pursue a volleyball scholarship in Fort McMurray, Mahler made the Alberta Ski Cross Team and will try to make his world cup debut this season. After two years away from alpine racing, he’ll try to earn carding, which would give him $10,000 a year – breathing room as he chases the next level.
“I’ve been training in Whistler with the national team and am trying to make the national development team ... There’s testing on Nov. 24, and I hope to do well,” Mahler said. “In four years. I want to be at the Olympics. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Tickets are available at Monod Sports in Banff, with more locations soon to be announced.
