Alaska loses its popularity among film companies this season
After the Chugach Mountains experienced one of the worst springs in the last 30 years, the snow eventually came and improved the conditions. However, still quite unsatisfied with the current snow conditions, the action sports film companies, athletes and
photographers have decided to cancel their trip to Alyeska Resort in Alaska, USA. Instead, they have picked up their cameras and are headed off to locations that offer more snow and consequently a more exotic setting for their footage.
The film crews seek top-quality footage but the snow and weather at Alyeska is just not quite there yet in their opinion. Rather than settling for a compromise, they have decided to explore and exercise other options.
Matchstick Productions is one of the many film companies that have been compelled by the less than ideal snow conditions at Alyeska to desert Alaska this year and take their cameras elsewhere.
It was Matchstick, also known as MSP, who filmed American freeskier Bobby Brown’s first-ever triple cork 1260 last spring in Alyeska. They had planned to make a return to the location this spring as well, but mother-nature caused
them to have a change of heart.
“Even though the snow could be OK now ... our guys are looking to ski spines,” said MSP's Steve Winter. “In a low snow year the spines do not develop. I am sure there is plenty of snow for most skiers to have fun in AK this year but our crew was just not
feeling it.”
Winter, however, said that they still plan on returning to the Chugach Mountains later in the season to film a big jump session.
Since Alaska has failed to deliver the desired amount of snow this season, MSP packed up their equipment and flew off to Canada, this week.
The snow conditions at The Skeena Mountains in British Columbia have been quite alluring because of the large amount of snowfall that the mountain has experienced this season. This has convinced MSP and a number of other film companies to book a trip to
Northern Escape Heli Skiing in Terrace.
Aside from MSP, other filming companies, which include Standard Films, have also chosen Northern Escape Heli Skiing (NEH) for their sessions this year. The owner of the skiing resort, John Forrest, who is quite happy with the companies choosing NEH this
year, has welcomed them with open arms. Confirming the resort’s popularity among the film companies this season, Forrest said, “With the poor snow in AK, we've had an onslaught of requests from film companies to come back.”
Alyeska Resort may have seen a decline in its popularity this season, but things are bound to get back to normal in the future. It has remained a playground for skiers and riders of all levels over the years, with its steep and deep trails offering the right
amount of thrill and challenge. The reputation still remains intact and will definitely attract hordes of filming crews and athletes.
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