Backcountry Film Festival Tour Comes Back to Golden and Denver

Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) is kicking off the winter adventure season with three dates of the Backcountry Film Festival tour: two specialized education and community nights at CMC Basecamp in Golden on December 11th and 12th and a screening at The Oriental Theater in Denver on January 29th, 2026.

All Backcountry Film Festival ticket proceeds will go towards the CMC’s Snow Rangers program, which recently lost federal funding and is at risk this upcoming winter season. Snow Rangers support the U.S. Forest Service in patrolling, visitor education, user counts, trailhead and toilet maintenance, partnership development, and more. Their primary goal is reducing environmental impacts and user conflict in high-use and remote winter recreation areas.

“Backcountry use in the summer is straightforward for a lot of Coloradans and people visiting from out-of-state. But in the winter, it's a different ball game,” says Brian Bergeler, CMC Conservation Director. “There are more dangers and negative impacts that recreationists can have on these areas, so as people try to get away from crowded ski resorts and seek solace in the backcountry, there is a steeper learning curve that many aren’t prepared for. The backcountry is much less forgiving than resort terrain, and the Snow Ranger program is vital to ensuring safety for recreationists, for protecting the natural environment, and for respecting the wintering wildlife patterns.”

Golden's showings feature a happy hour; a gear swap and sale hosted by Out & Back; tables from non-profit partners CO Search & Rescue group Alpine Rescue, the Lockwood Foundation, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and Wintering Wildlife; backcountry-focused clinics from CMC schools and courses; and door prizes and raffle items. There is an option to just buy tickets for the Gear Sale and not attend the films.

Denver’s showing is a film-forward night celebrating the human-powered stories and the stunning beauty of our winter wilderness.

Join us for an evening of inspiring films, great gear deals, and hands-on learning. For tickets, visit www.cmc.org.