Banff Mountain Film Festival launches virtual show

Into the canyon film
Into The Canyon is showing at the virtual festival. (Image credit: Banff Mountain Film Festival)

There are a wealth of adventures to enjoy from the comfort of your armchair at the virtual Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland Tour this weekend.

The organisers have launched a Purple Film Programme that features new films from the most recent Banff Mountain Film Festivals.

Films include Myrtle Simpson: A Life on Ice, which unearths the story of this legendary yet little-celebrated Scottish explorer. Myrtle is known as the "mother of Scottish skiing" and she was the first woman to ski across Greenland on an unsupported expedition.

Gone Tomorrow: Kentucky Ice Climbing follows a group of misfit adventurers who find epic ice climbing in the most unlikely of places.

Another highlight film is Zepplin Skiing. You’ve probably heard of heli-skiing, but what about skiing by airship? In a world first, three free-skiers fly by Zeppelin to the Eastern Alps in Austria to abseil, ski and snowboard on gnarly terrain.

Winning best feature-length mountain film at the Banff Festival, Into the Canyon is made by filmmaker/photographer Pete McBride and writer Kevin Fedarko, who tell a story of extreme physical hardship where the bonds of friendship are stretched. 

Myrtle Simpson on mountain

Legendary Scottish skier Myrtle Simpson. (Image credit: Banff Mountain Film Festival)

Myrtle Simpson now

Myrtle Simpson is 91 (Image credit: Banff Mountain Film Festival)

As well as adventure-packed films, viewers will also have access to Banff’s backstage zone, with a live prize draw for outdoors goodies, a kids’ area for young explorers, exclusive film-maker interviews and more. 

Tour director Nell Teasdale said: “We’re thrilled to offer an additional Banff show with new Purple Film Programme, delivered directly to your living room.

“For the ultimate in lockdown escapism and inspiration, the show offer a night of incredible cinematography, award-winning films and adrenaline-fuelled entertainment – to watch from the sofa.”

The show starts on Friday January 22 and the viewing window is open for 72 hours. The films start at 7.30pm, with audience members invited to explore the virtual foyer from 6.30pm, where they can download the tour magazine and enter the prize draw.

Use the code EPIC-TEN at checkout for a 10% discount when you buy two or more virtual passes (valid for any Tour viewing passes). 

For more information, see Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

Zepplin skiing film

Airship action in Zepplin Skiing (Image credit: Banff Mountain Film Festival)
Fiona Russell
Outdoor writer

Fiona Russell is a widely published adventure journalist and blogger, better known as Fiona Outdoors. She is based in Scotland and is an all-round outdoors enthusiast with favorite activities including trail running, mountain walking, mountain biking, road cycling, triathlon and skiing (both downhill and backcountry). Aside from her own adventures, Fiona's biggest aim is to inspire others to enjoy getting outside and exploring, especially through her writing. She is also rarely seen without a running skort! Find out more at Fiona Outdoors.