How do you get the rush of mountain life when it’s too cold to hike but too warm to hit the slopes? The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is the place to find that rush on the big screen. Tickets are available now, and anticipation is building for the October 26-November 3 festival. With over 70 events planned, the 49th annual edition will include guest speakers from around the world, exhibitions, a marketplace, and of course – amazing films. An array of free and ticketed events, taking place at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, downtown Banff’s Lux Cinema, and Canmore’s artsPlace, ensures there is something for everyone.
Festival Director Joanna Croston, says, “The 49th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is full of exciting live events featuring climbers like Dawa Yangzum Sherpa and Beth Rodden, award-winning authors like John Vaillant, and beloved annual free events like our marketplace, the RAB stage, and happy hour parties. I love this festival because it brings the mountain culture community together in a different way. It shows that this lifestyle of adventure and the outdoors is for everyone, regardless of their ability, gender, nationality, or experience.”
Among this year’s guest speakers are Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit thirteen 8,000 metre peaks– who kicks off the Festival on opening night; acclaimed American rock climber Beth Rodden; and celebrated Canadian author of The Golden Spruce and Fire Weather John Vaillant. Additionally, the team that recently free-climbed Patagonia’s Riders on the Storm in Patagonia will share their thrilling journey.
The full lineup of film titles will be announced October 3, but festival goers can now take a peek at the times and locations where films will be shown. By clicking the link, you can plan your week and check out the endless options of free and ticketed events. Tickets range from $20-42 or watch films for an entire epic day from $70-78! Take advantage of the early bird ticket offer available until September 15 and gather your friends – save $5 when you buy four or more tickets to select events.
Those looking to experience the full festival can purchase a festival pass. The Chomolungma Pass offers access to a selection of non-overlapping events from October 26 to November 3, with VIP reserved seating at the Banff Centre’s Jenny Belzberg Theatre, where many screenings and events take place, including the highly anticipated Best of the Festival Awards on the final weekend. Passholders can enjoy convenient VIP parking, a Festival BUFF® and VIP Guest Bag, and an invitation to the Festival VIP Reception on November 1. This pass also includes a Festival Online Film Pass, allowing you to view additional films online from November 6-13, and a Banff on Demand Annual Pass for year-round online film access. Plus, there's the added luxury of booking a room on-site at Banff Centre, ensuring a seamless and immersive festival adventure.
Another option is the Aconcagua Weekend Pass, valid for your choice of opening or closing weekends of the Festival. This pass also offers VIP reserved seating at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre. These passholders can choose from a selection of exciting programs on October 26-28, featuring the inspiring Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, and two fan favourite film collections (Snow Show and Radical Reels) or, on November 1-3, enjoy Beth Rodden, all-day mixed film programs, the thrilling Riders on the Storm, and the Best of the Festival awards presentation and film screenings. This pass also includes an Online Film Pass, a Festival BUFF® and VIP Guest Bag.
Find out more about festival passes by clicking this link.
The Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity website makes planning your schedule easy, with links to book hotels, places to dine, venue and facility information, and more. It’s your one-stop destination for everything you need to know to make the most of your experience at the festival.
For those unable to attend the Festival in Banff in person, online films will be available in Canada and the USA from November 6-13, with Online Film Passes on sale starting October 10.
There is a good reason why this festival has gone on for nearly 50 years. It is a celebration of athletes and adventurers that push the limits of the human experience, a unique way to enjoy the Rockies, and an immersive nine days in the art of film, literature, and mountain culture. Get your tickets today and get ready for an amazing festival unlike any other. Find more information online.
