Short films of backcountry skiers gliding through powder and outdoor enthusiasts ice-picking their way to the top of a glacier will be the main draw of the Tsalteshi Trails Association’s annual meeting this Saturday.
Jenny Neyman, the administrative coordinator of Tsalteshi, said she hopes the movies, which are part of the Backcountry Film Festival, will pique public interest in the organization and what it does.
“We started doing that as a way to get a little bit more interest in our annual meeting,” she said.
The film festival is made possible by the Winter Wildlands Alliance — a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting winter land and sports, according to the website.
The films feature an array of stories and backcountry-inspired experiences.
Neyman said the lineup of short films range from extreme sports to outdoor winter hobbies, while also promoting sustainable recreation.
“The production quality is always super good,” she said.
In addition to the film festival, Neyman said Tsalteshi members vying for the four empty board of directors seats will have an opportunity to introduce themselves at the meeting Saturday.
The voting, only open to Tsalteshi members, will commence online after the meeting.
Neyman said the event is a great opportunity to both meet local recreational enthusiasts and recruit new members to the association. Members, she said, cover operational costs of the free public trails system in Soldotna.
“Membership is how we pay for grooming,” she said. “It’s how we keep our lights on.”
Annual fees are $20 for students and seniors over 60, $50 for adults and $120 for families with up to five members.
The doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex conference room. Presentations and board member elections begin at 6:30 p.m. and the Backcountry Film Festival premiers at 7 p.m.
Tsalteshi members get in for free. Nonmember admission is $20. Entrance also includes one free beer or root beer courtesy of Kenai River Brewing Company.
“Come for the films and stay to learn about Tsalteshi,” Neyman said.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
