Most people don't head to Whistler to watch movies - but this weekend, lovers of big powder and big-screen cinema can head for the hills and take in the Whistler Film Festival.
Among the highlights at this year's fest - whose guest list includes Atom Egoyan, Monte Hellman and George Stroumboulopoulos - are a gala premiere of Canadian cult film hero Bruce McDonald's Hard Core Logo II, with the affable director in attendance (Saturday), a gala screening of Danny Papineau's 2 Frogs in the West, the story of a Québécois girl who, like so many others, escapes to Whistler in search of herself (Sunday), dozens of premieres and a full industry conference, as well as plenty of schmoozes, parties, and a Sunday morning awards brunch.
But you don't have to hole up in the dark all weekend: On Saturday morning, bundle up and check out the Celebrity Challenge, when top filmmakers, directors, producers, actors and athletes go head-to-head in a charity slalom race.
Want the big-screen peaks without the drive? Don't miss the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, where you'll find top ski and snowboard flicks - many of them shot right in our backyard.
The Whistler Film Festival runs through Sunday, whistlerfilmfestival.com. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is at Centennial Theatre in North Van Saturday, and in communities around BC including Kelowna, Fernie, Vernon, Whistler and more through February, www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival.