Some mothers and daughters go to a coffee shop or spa to spend quality time together.
Martina and Tania Halik conquer mountains.
Last year, the Fernie photographer and avalanche technician, and her 60-year-old mom attempted a six-month ski tour of the Coast Range, covering 2300km of treacherous terrain from Squamish, B.C., to Alaska.
It’s a trip that had only been done once before and never by a female duo.
The women are featured in a new documentary This Mountain Life, which weaves together six mountain stories with Martina and Tania front and centre.
Martina’s business partner Todd Weselake also appears in the film.
“We also were incredibly lucky to find truly amazing subjects who were willing to let us share their stories on camera. I filmed Todd’s story first and he introduced me to Martina. I couldn’t believe no one else was documenting their amazing journey,” said Vancouver-based director and cinematographer, Grant Baldwin.
Other people featured in the documentary include a group of nuns inhabiting a mountain retreat to be closer to God; a photographer who is buried in an avalanche; seasoned alpinist Barry Blanchard; a focused snow artist; and a couple who has been living off grid for nearly 50 years.
This Mountain Life recently won Best Snow Sports Film in Banff and Best Visuals at the Kendal Mountain Film Festival.
It will screen at the Vogue Theatre in Fernie on Wednesday, December 5 at 9 p.m.
“The Fernie screening will be special because it will be the first time Martina and Todd can share the film with their friends and family in their own town,” said Baldwin.
There will be a Q&A after the film.
Advance tickets are sold out, however, limited number will be available at the door for $17.
For those who miss the Fernie screening, This Mountain Life will also be shown at the Crowsnest Mountain Spirit Festival on Saturday, December 8. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Crowsnest Orpheum Theater.
Tickets are $20 per person and are available at Scotiabank Blairmore.