Huge shoutout to Matt Stauble, Felix Rioux and Charles Spina for providing great photography for the event. All photos courtesy of them/If3.

It's undeniable that Montreal is home to one of the most energetic, enthusiastic ski crowds in the world. And as the International Freeski Film Festival continues to plow through the city, that crowd has become even bigger and more crazed. Yesterday was the first full day of the Festival, as seven films were screened, and one party went late into the night. Unfortunately, I didn't get in to Montreal until after most of the movies played. But I got there just in time for the theatre to empty after the premiere of one of the most anticipated movies of the year, Tanner Hall and Eric Iberg's Like a Lion, an unapologetic look into the life of Tanner Hall.

The 2010 IF3 winners.

Was it good? "It was heavy. Really heavy," said Riley Poor, a sentiment repeated by everyone I spoke to. "Movie of the year," said a prominent movie maker. "That was sad. But amazing," said another. The mood after the film was somber, as tears, laughs and cheers were shared by all in the movie. If there's one movie you must watch this year, it's Like a Lion. After a short break, Punch Line played, a movie that oozed with style. Great music, and a lot of French killers made it an exciting film. If Rolland, Bertoni and Favre are skiers on your radar, pick this one up immediately. 

 Then it was time for Eye Trip, the Level 1 movie that premiered in Denver last week. The crowd went ape shit. If Montreal knows one thing, it's quality urban, and, as always, Level 1 absolutely destroyed it in the Urban category. Yeah, you need to pick this one up, too. The movies this year are just so well done. I would argue that skiing has hit a new plateau, one of uber legitimacy, and there isn't a serious film company out there missing a beat, which has made this year's IF3 even that much more enjoyable.

Level 1 takes home the award for best trailer.

The night ended with the Like a Lion party, hosted by Tanner Hall. The live reggae music blared all night, with BigA*Ranx, Mikey Dangerous and Cali P. bringing seriously solid music to the Telus Theatre. The vodka flowed like wine, and the packed house got crazy until there was nowhere to go but home. Day two is underway now, with 13 movies playing today, followed by the Newschoolers Video Awards tonight. If you're in Montreal, we'll see you there. If you're not, wtf are you waiting for? Get here. I promise it's impossible to have a bad time.