End of an Era: Entourage shows their last ski film to sold-out audience

On the evening of Nov. 6, Bozemanites sold out the Kimpton Armory Hotel event space to watch two ski films. “Static,” performed and created by MSU Alumni Zach McKee and student Harper Mallett, set the stage for “Grace” — Entourage’s purported last film. 

Entourage is a Bozeman-based ski crew that has created seven films in the last seven years. They have accrued sponsorships and financial support from both local businesses and industry leaders — Montucky beer and Rossignol skis being two of the standouts. Despite the success,  creator of Entourage Jacques Price noted the discussion about a last film is not unfamiliar.

“[Entourage] started just out of curiosity, and then it grew into Bozeman backing, into industry backing and into this crazy beast. We've talked about having the last film happen a few times, and it just has kept going,” he said.

The skiing community of Bozeman showed up for the film in numbers, packing the Armory out to capacity and forming a crowd of rolling cheers as the film was displayed on the big screen.

Onlookers described “Grace” as more than a compilation of impressive ski clips. Shane Nairne, an MSU alumni in attendance, described the film as “a pure creation of heart and friendship,” going on to compare Bozeman ski culture with the skate culture he grew up around in Cayucos, California. 

“[It’s] extremely beautiful to see these types of films,” he said. “They do a lot for the youth and everyone around, emphasizing the importance of friendship and creativity and getting outside with your buddies.” 

“Grace” included many different, expressive styles of filmmaking, with a portion dedicated to the surgeries and medical procedures the skiers of Entourage endured. Price described the choice for the name and the emotions behind the film.

“'Grace’ is a film that encompasses the grace of God with the grace of [the] universe, or higher powers. With our buddy Jasper, who almost died in a snowmobiling accident,” Price said. “And also just wanting to have a graceful exit with the ski industry and make a film that we are still proud of.”

Jasper Skidmore, a skier and designer for Entourage, recorded immensely personal moments in the hospital that were included in the film. They depict moments from his treatment and recovery, adding an important aspect to the film about the inherent danger that comes with the extreme sport. Within the film, stunts were intercut with shocking moments in Skidmore’s recovery, drawing aahs from the crowd.

Price emphasized the importance of the Bozeman community to Entourage, saying that the energy of the crowd is “uncanny” in comparison to their other touring locations. The filmmaker attributes that difference to the unique composition of the ski community within Bozeman.

“I'm so lucky to have launched Entourage here and not elsewhere because the soul is here. It's not like a cool guy contest or people trying to big dog each other, it's a lot of just raw love and support in Bozeman that I feel like the crew also emulates. And so I'm just happy to show that on screen,” Price said.

The film certainly highlighted the connection between the Entourage team. Montages at the conclusion emphasized the unique skillset each team member developed and how they contributed to the team as a whole over the last seven years. The community-centered spirit was reflected by the crowd, which cheered for each individual. 

“I'm really grateful to see art come from these young people in this community, bringing everyone together, showing off what they love, hopefully making other people love it and also getting to do some sick-ass art,” said MSU alumni Isaac Dershin.

The message of love resonated with audience members. Haley Janus, sister of Entourage team member Benjamin “Benji” Janus, shared her history and experience with the Entourage team in the context of the film.

“‘[Grace]’ is showing you a story and passion and everything about the sport. But this movie, in my opinion, was for these boys. It showed them from the beginning to the end, and what they've done and what they've persevered through and who they are today. It was just beautiful,” Janus said.

She continued to articulate her feelings about the ski community of Bozeman and the members of the Entourage team, reflected by the cheering crowd in the sold-out show in the Armory.

“I feel like sometimes the ski community can be perceived as intense but also intimidating,” Janus said. “But you also just have to realize that we're all here to love what we do and love that we're on the hill and have two sticks on our feet and love that there's snow on the ground and just love everything about it.”