Backcountry Film Festival | Lake Placid | January 10, 2025

Saturday, January 10, 2026
5:30 PM 9:00 PM

North Country School 4382 Cascade Road Lake Placid, NY, 12946 United States (map)

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BETA Backcountry Film Festival Brings Winter Stoke to the Adirondacks

Photo of backcountry skiers like the ones in the Adirondacks. — Backcountry skiing.

Winter in the Adirondacks isn’t just a season—it’s a way of life. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, that spirit takes center stage when the Barkeater Trails Alliance hosts an evening of connection, conversation, and cinematic inspiration with the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival.

Equal parts happy hour and film screening, this event celebrates the power, creativity, and resilience of humans who embrace winter through human-powered adventure.

Whether you’re a backcountry skier, Nordic skater, cyclist, or simply someone who loves Adirondack winters, this is an evening designed to leave you inspired—and maybe itching to get outside.

An evening that celebrates winter community.

The night begins with a relaxed social hour, inviting attendees to gather, snack, sip, and connect with others who care deeply about winter recreation in the Adirondacks. Representatives from several local and regional organizations will be on hand, including the Barkeater Trails Alliance, Adirondack Community Avalanche Project, NoCo Kneedroppers, High Peaks Cyclery, and the Adirondack Powder Skiers Association.

Panoramic photo of the Adirondack backcountry in the winter, from Redfield with Marcy, Colden, Grey, Skylight, Algonquin, and Iroquois mountains against a blue sky. — Adirondacks mountains panorama in the winter, from Redfield. Marcy, Colden, Grey, Skylight, Algonquin, Iroquois against a blue sky.

It’s a rare chance to put faces to names, learn more about the groups advocating for safe and sustainable winter access, and swap stories with fellow snow lovers before the lights dim.

Films that capture the human-powered spirit.

The Backcountry Film Festival features 10 short films that explore the many ways people engage with winter landscapes—physically, emotionally, and creatively. Activities showcased include ski touring, backcountry skiing, Nordic skating, surfing, and more, all bound together by themes that resonate deeply in the Adirondacks: independence, family, art, conservation, community, and exploration.

These are not just action-packed edits (though there’s plenty of eye candy). The films dig into why winter matters—how cold, snow, and challenge can bring people together, spark creativity, and strengthen our connection to wild places.

Schedule at a glance.

Saturday, January 10, 2026
Location: North Country School and Camp Treetops Performing Arts Center

5:30 pm – Doors open for a social hour with snacks and drinks (while they last)
6:30 pm – First half of the Backcountry Film Festival
7:30 pm – Intermission
7:45 pm – Second half of the Film Festival
9:00 pm – Films conclude (travel home safely!)

Tickets and who should attend.

Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids 16 and under, making this an accessible, family-friendly event. Tickets are on sale now and will also be available at the door while supplies last.

This event is ideal for:

Backcountry and Nordic skiers
Winter cyclists and outdoor athletes
Families raising the next generation of winter adventurers
Anyone curious about Adirondack winter culture and community

Backcountry hiker in the winter. — Backcountry hiking in the winter.

Why this event matters.

By hosting the Backcountry Film Festival, BETA is doing more than screening films—it’s strengthening the social fabric of winter recreation in the Adirondacks. Events like this remind us that trails, access, and outdoor spaces thrive when communities come together to support them.

Come for the films. Stay for the conversations. Leave inspired for winter.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BETA’s event webpage.