Backcountry Film Fest Nov. 18

Get psyched for snow at the High Country Nordic Association’s first Backcountry Film Fest Friday, Nov. 18, at the Watauga High School Auditorium in Boone.

The festival kicks off at 7 p.m., and the $5 admission helps offset recent budget cuts to Mountain Alliance, a Boone nonprofit that provides leadership, service and adventure learning opportunities to Watauga High students.

A portion of the funds also goes to Nordic Association efforts to create rental availability of backcountry winter sports equipment in the Boone area.

“This event is about bringing the snow sports community together to enjoy an evening of inspired backcountry riding – for a couple of good causes,” Nordic Association president Russel Hiatt said.

Two critically acclaimed films are featured: “Solitaire,” a 2011 epic on its inaugural tour of North American cities and hip mountain towns, and “TeleVision” (2010).

The one year-old High Country Nordic Association (HCNA) is dedicated to spreading enthusiasm for cross-country and Telemark skiing on the trails and meadows of the Southern Appalachians when big snow arrives. The films also showcase snowboarding, a growing backcountry sport near Boone.

Through events like the Film Fest, where the group’s car decal will also be for sale, and events like the upcoming second annual Telemark Festival at Beech Mountain Jan. 21, the HCNA hopes to make it easier for local people to try Telemark skiing or snowshoeing.

“Our focus is growing participation in the sport of telemark skiing, but many of us are avid cross country skiers and boarders, too,” Hiatt said. “We hope these films inspire locals to take a new perspective when snow turns our mountains into winter playgrounds.”

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page by searching for High Country Nordic Association or clicking to http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/173986319312664/.