Mountain Mayhem: Let’s get radical — Aspen Film’s Wednesday ski film screenings

Living in a ski town, it’s easy to relate to the phenomenon of ski movie fever. After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder many moons ago, I moved to Aspen for what was supposed to be a single winter, but that “proverbial” season quickly turned into three. When my parents insisted on a career move, my friend Colleen and I instead informed them — to their chagrin — that we were moving to Chamonix, France, to ski.

Living in the Alps in the late 1990s was an eye-opening experience, an era when Teton Gravity Research was often filming in the region and magazines like Freeze, Powder and Freeskier dominated the culture. The professional skiers of that time were our peers there, and we’d ski together, though they were next level.

Aspen Film’s Radical Wednesdays, held throughout March at the Isis Theatre, harkens back to that high-energy era. Based on the initial screenings, the midweek community gathering for classic films and retro gear remains a staple of local culture. Aspen native Clay Dahlman continues the tradition from the past few years as the host, bringing his signature storytelling to the stage.

I’m looking forward to joining the series conclusion this coming Wednesday, March 25, with a screening of Matchstick Productions’ “Claim, The Greatest Ski Movie … Ever!” As a bonus, anticipate a special appearance by ski icon and part-time Aspenite Kim Reichhelm, a pioneer in women’s extreme skiing who is still charging at 65.

Each week includes a raffle with prizes from local and national brands, like a $2,000 Gorsuch gift certificate for Bogner, ski tunes, Vallon goggles, Lowdown helmets and gear from Baïst, Outpst Aspen and Snow Glow. The first 40 guests to arrive in vintage ski attire receive $2 local beer coupons. As a pro tip — films are featured on two screens in the theatre — get your ticket early online to secure your favorite seat in the house before they sell out.

Visit, aspenfilm.org/radical-wednesdays-2026.