When the season throws curveballs, the skiing—and the stories—just get better
If you reckon ski films are just about perfect powder and flawless runs, Cold Calls: Canada is here to shake things up. Screening as part of the 2026 Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour of Australia, this short film is a refreshing blend of raw honesty, wild skiing and the kind of off-the-cuff stories that make mountain culture so damn addictive.
More Than Just Powder Dreams
Directed by Canadian skier-turned-filmmaker Alexi Godbout, Cold Calls isn’t your typical ski flick. It’s built from conversations, memories, and whatever the season decided to throw at the crew — which, spoiler alert, wasn’t always ideal.
Alexi grew up in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, and has become a key creative force behind Blank Collective Films, known for mixing high-energy action with playful, character-driven storytelling. This film continues that tradition, bringing you a genuine slice of the Whistler winter that’s equal parts gnarly runs and good-natured chaos.
When the Snow’s Against You, You Get Creative
Filming last winter in Whistler was no walk in the park. The snowpack was a bit tricky, conditions were less than perfect, and the elements weren’t exactly playing nice. But the team stuck with it, pushing through broken snowmobiles, rescue missions, and even injury extractions. The result? Enough killer footage to surprise even the filmmaker when he sat down to edit.
Alexi recalls plenty of big touring days that tested everyone’s grit — but also plenty of laughs and good vibes that kept the crew’s spirits high. Because in the mountains, sometimes it’s the stories behind the scenes that stick with you the longest.
Meet the Crew
The film showcases a tight-knit group of skiers who know how to handle whatever winter throws their way:
- Alex Armstrong from Squamish, BC — originally a ski racer turned full-on freeride ripper, with a reputation for technical skills and big style.
- Jacob Belanger from Pemberton, BC — a force on the slopes and an essential part of the crew’s dynamic.
- Emma Patterson from Taos, NM — bringing some serious flair and finesse to the team’s mix.
- Wyatt Gentry from Jackson, WY — a skier who knows his way around challenging terrain and steep lines.
And of course, Alexi himself, now based in Squamish, BC, leading the charge with his camera and ski gear in tow.
Why You’ll Love Cold Calls: Canada
This film is for anyone who loves the unpredictability of the mountains and the stories that come with it. It’s real, it’s fun, and it captures the spirit of a ski season that wasn’t perfect — but was unforgettable.
Think less polished Hollywood flick and more fireside chat with your mates after a big day. It’s about the people, the laughter, the challenges, and, yes, some seriously rad skiing.
See It on the Big Screen This May
Cold Calls: Canada is part of the 2026 Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour of Australia, hitting cinemas nationwide this May.
If you’re keen to see ski culture in its rawest, most engaging form — packed with action, big air, and gnarly lines — don’t miss it.
Snag your tickets, gather your crew, and join us in theatres this May for a true taste of the highs and lows of ski life with Cold Calls: Canada.
Get tickets HERE
