There’s something in the water out in Southwest Montana that forges a different breed. Maybe it’s the arctic winds that funnel in the abundant cold smoke snow. Maybe it’s the army of 30-year-old Ford F series trucks rolling coal down main streets near and far. Or perhaps it’s the Southern Cali transplants who are slowly making small towns into the expensive luxury paradises they were destined to be. Thanks, Cali! Whatever the case, the Bridger, Madison, Gallatin and Spanish Peaks mountain ranges have produced incredible skiers from Scott Schmidt to Jake Hopfinger. Some were born there, some voyaged to the promised land later in life. But whatever their story, they unite over a common love of steep runs, deep snow and enough Rainier to kill an elephant.
Out of this madness has come three crews from Bozeman: Carnage, Bandits and Entourage.
Carnage is the grandpa of the trio, having more knowledge, experience, bad deeds and films under its belt. Carnage has built a dedicated following with its four movies over the last five years, each one better than the last. “Carnage Vs. The World” is unfortunately the grand finale two-year project from the group.
Bandits has now completed its third fantastic film, “Bandits Unchained.” The group is proudly the first crew to boast a sponsorship from Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, Lamborghini, AND Folgers at the same time.
Last but not least, Entourage has upped the game with their 2023 film, “Get Burnt,” complete with stellar cinematography, editing and, of course, skiing. Find another crew with a telerail segment. I’ll wait.
These three homegrown films are examples of how great of a project you can make just with your friends. Gather round now, it’s time for the Montana Triple Header.
CARNAGE
“Carnage Vs. The World” is a top-dollar two-year project that was well worth the wait. The team is unfortunately disbanding, but keep an eye out for skier/filmmaker Jonah Elston as he’ll likely be behind the lens with his brother, professional snowboarder Jared Elston. Thank you, Carnage, for putting heart and soul into these movies over the last few years.
BANDITS
Yee Haw, brother. It’s the Bandits… UNCHAINED. Business is indeed boomin’, as you can see. Righteous skiing with a side of comedy—an unbeatable combination. The Bandits take their skiing seriously without taking themselves seriously, and we can all learn from that. Hopefully, we will be seeing more from them this winter!
ENTOURAGE
Entourage is at the top of their game. “Get Burnt” is 40 minutes of pure heat. Word on the street is they had the premier of the century in Bozeman. Probably the music that helped make it. This really is a stellar crew with a wide range of talent; from teleskiing to snowboarding, street skiing to massive kickers and pillow lines. Every minute of this flick is meticulously put together, thanks to lead Director Jack Price. The details in the introductions, the timing of each segment, it all works.
In truth, these movies are everything that’s right with skiing these days—grassroots crews consisting of people who just want to get out there with a camera and their friends. Big money productions might draw the headlights, but these are the films that get remembered because each one is unique. They don’t blend together. Each stands out in the best possible way. Cheers to everyone getting after it for the sake of getting after it!
