This season, The Epicentre in Ambleside was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the stops on Peak Performance's ski film tour, welcoming the team to our store for a special screening of We Can't Not. Even more exciting, Ambleside was the only stop on the tour outside of a major city, making it a bit of a special detour from the usual city track. We were also joined by Sheffield based freeride skier and filmmaker Paddy Graham, who gave everyone the chance to hear more about the film and the stories behind it.
The evening kicked off with drinks, plenty of conversation and a chance to catch up around the shop. There was lots of chat about Peak Performance's 40th anniversary collection, celebrating four decades of the brand, alongside plenty of ski stories and winter plans. With a good mix of keen skiers and those who enjoy getting out on the snow whenever they can, there was no shortage of shared enthusiasm.
After a Jubel or two, everyone headed upstairs, grabbed some popcorn and settled in for the main event. Paddy introduced the film before the lights went down and the screening began.
We Can't Not offered a fresh take on the traditional ski film. Rather than focusing solely on the skiing, it gave an insight into what goes on behind the scenes of making one. Following Paddy and his filmmaking crew at Legs of Steel, it explored the people, planning and work that go into bringing these productions to life. Packed with plenty of laughs, a few nostalgic touches and plenty of unexpected moments, it made for a brilliant watch. And if anyone wasn't already thinking about their next ski trip, they certainly were by the end!
Once the credits rolled, Grace from the shop took the lead for a Q&A with Paddy. race kept things light-hearted while giving everyone the chance to hear more about Paddy’s experiences both on the mountain and behind the camera.
Things took a competitive turn after the questions, with a rather unique game of rock, paper, scissors against Paddy to win a limited edition jacket from Peak Performance's 40th anniversary collection. After battling it out against the competition, one lucky winner walked away with the prize!
We rounded off the evening with pizza, a few more beers and plenty of chat, with Paddy taking the time to speak with guests and signing a few posters for guests to take home as a little memento of the evening.
A huge thank you to Paddy and the Peak Performance team for making the trip to Ambleside and bringing the film tour to our corner of the Lakes. A brilliant evening all round. Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a good one.
One thing's for sure, we're ready for ski season. See you out there.
