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Ravinos

Travel back to Vail, Colorado in the early 1970s, where the Ravinos challenged mainstream culture and sparked a revolution in extreme skiing.

Identifiable by the iconic flaming skull insignia patches on their cutoff denim jackets, the Ravinos gained prominence by hosting parties on St. Patricks Day to showcase inverted aerials.

The crowds grew bigger and rowdier and eventually led to them being shutdown by the authorities.

After a 30 year hiatus, the descendants of original Ravinos discovered their parent’s colors in the late 2000s. With a new vision of becoming ambassadors for the mountain, they have carefully regained access to the original location (a 20ft cliff gap called the 'Wailer') and continue to fight for acceptance and belonging.

Meet recent and hopeful ‘prospects’ as they attempt to backflip down the ‘Wailer’ gap – the only way to earn a coveted patch.

Against the backdrop of a busy mountain town, they continue to challenge authorities to do right by the community and foster future generations of Ravinos.

  • Alex Clapin
    Director
  • Fred Winter
    Producer
  • Drew Balfour
    Camera Operator
  • Alex Clapin
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Mountain Culture, Ski & Snowsports
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Various
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Alex Clapin

Alex is a filmmaker with around 10 years of experience, both locally and internationally. Much of his work has included capturing adventures and outdoor activities, including snowboarding, surfing, skydiving, hiking and highlining to name a few.

He and the team are very excited to be sharing this project!

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I met the Ravinos 8 years ago while living and working in Vail and experienced firsthand the joy of being surrounded by a group that bring each other up and celebrate progression. Their contagious energy and support to overcome boundaries and try things I otherwise wouldn’t have has stuck with me ever since.

Upon moving to another ski town and seeing the same challenges faced by the locals that live there, I’ve realised just how important it is to celebrate and maintain communities like the Ravinos.

I want this film to give a voice to the locals at the root of these ski towns and show the value that groups like the Ravinos create for the individual members as well and communities that surround them.