Armada's ORNADA Just Changed The Ski Movie Game Forever

“If you need to use the freight elevator again, just let me know.”

The stagehand whisking me through the bowels of Salt Lake City’s The Depot was overly kind, but she was confused about my purpose for being there. “Thank you,” I replied, “but I’m just media. I’m not even sure if I’m supposed to be back here yet.”

I expected the freight elevator would lead us to another series of labyrinth-style hallways, but no, as the door opened, I was immediately greeted by various musicians and their instruments. Odd notes rung out. The drummer was laying down a constant beat. The piano player was frustrated as he attempted to tune each key.

Phil Casabon, aka B-DOG, was standing quietly in the empty space where more than 1,000 skiers would soon gather to watch Armada’s new film, ORNADA. As a key producer, and one of the main feature athletes of the film, I wanted to pick his brain ahead of the show, but the flurry of activity during rehearsal gave me pause.

Not wanting to be that guy who interrupted artists at work, I picked a corner of the venue and sat for 90 minutes. ‘Being a fly on the wall is actually kind of fun. Let’s see how this plays out,’ I thought to myself.

The band sounded bad on their first song, but it didn’t seem to deter them. They huddled together, exchanged notes, and jumped back into it. Much better the second time around. B-DOG hopped on stage and offered some feedback to the piano player after the third attempt. Even better.

I continued to listen as the violinist, flute player, pianist, guitar player, bass player, and drummer began to sync. It was remarkable to witness as their facial expressions turns from frustration to joy. Their negative feedback became pats on the back and smiles.

I didn’t learn this until later, but this rehearsal was the first time that ORNADA’s live band was practicing the score together, and showtime was in less than six hours.

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The Depot was packed to the brim with skiers from all walks of life. Overly-stoked groms crowded Tanner Hall and Sammy Carlson’s poster signing booths before showtime. Septuagenarians sipped Coors Lights and stayed out of the way. Families wrestled their kids, who were flinging free copies of POWDERMagazine around like they were footballs.

Standing there, with a light beer of my own in hand, I experienced a moment of zen. ‘This is skiing,’ I remember thinking to myself. Only skiing could bring these different walks of life together for a shared night of entertainment. That, or Armada is as cool of a brand as I think they are.

After a few pump-up speeches from Armada athletes, the band took the stage, the lights went out, and ORNADA, perhaps the most-anticipated ski movie in years, began to roll on the screen. A hush fell over the crowd as the opening scene welcomed us on a journey to a faraway planet called ORNADA.

In an effort to take it all in, I diverted my attention from the film and live band at various segments. I wanted to see how my fellow skiers were reacting to the masterpiece that was unfolding in front of our very eyes.

As Sammy Carlson smashed an insane pillow line on screen, the band played with a fierce energy that sent the room alight. Smiles, audible cheers, and hoots and hollers rung out like NFL fans watching their favorite quarterback throw a touchdown. As the live MC began to rap over the track, heads bobbed, feet moved, and energy coursed through the crowd.

The band, only six hours removed from their rough first rehearsal, was on fire. With every big hit or trick thrown on screen, the band was right there on queue. As the film’s pace slowed, so did the band.

For a moment, as I was locked into skiers like Quinn Wolferman, Kim Boberg, Olivia Asselin, and Toby Rafford throw down, I forgot there was a live band. That’s how good they sounded. Then, when an odd note would ring out, I would smile.

Humans are performing, I would remember, and they’re not perfect. What a treat.

The SLC live show of ORNADA was the best ski movie experience I’ve ever attended, and it wasn’t a fluke.

The intention of Director Corey Stanton and Producer Phil Casabon was evident. ORNADA was supposed to be a ski movie experience like no other, and I can happily confirm the team nailed it, but don’t take it just from me. I wrote down a few quotes that I heard in passing from other moviegoers throughout the night:

• “Dude. What did I just watch? That was insane.”
• “Armada just changed the game.”
• “Did you hear that flute?!?!”
• “Whoah.“
• “Oh hell yeah.”
• “Was that a triple?!”
• “I can’t wait for ski season.”

I want to write a full film review that breaks down each incredible segment and live score, but in the interest of facilitating more experiences like the one I enjoyed in SLC, I highly encourage you to see one of ORNADA’s live shows before they’re over.

At the time of publishing, the ORNADA live experience still has the following stops: Innsbruck, Austria, October 31, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, November 13, 2025; and Quebec City, Canada, November 14, 2025. You can buy tickets here.

Stay tuned in for more stories about ORNADA right here at POWDER. We have a feature coming about Armada’s growing freeride team, and a BTS look at ORNADA with exclusive interviews.

Related: Armada Drops Exciting Trailer for Seminal Film Project, ‘Ornada’