This article was written by guest author Dmitry Surnin
Turnagain is a special place for me. One of my first backcountry experiences happened there—back when I had snowshoes, cotton sweaters, and too much excitement. Fast forward fourteen years, and I still can’t get enough of how magical this area is. Countless memories and long adventures with incredible people will forever be in my heart. When I decided to make a film that could even begin to capture that magic, I didn’t expect it to take two years.
Carving Lines was something my friend Wongi and I dreamed up together. I’d always wanted to mix art with a human-powered sport, and Wongi knew just the right artist—Kristin Vantrease.
Kristin is a talented printmaker who, like most Alaskans, spends much of her time exploring the outdoors. Her linocut work reflects the landscapes and emotions of her adventures. When she collaborated with Kaladi Brothers Coffee, she created a stunning piece titled Decisions, featuring iconic backcountry ski areas—with Turnagain Pass front and center. The artwork appeared on a line of merchandise, with 20% of proceeds donated to local avalanche organizations, raising more than $14,000.
Filming Carving Lines wasn’t easy. Shooting a human-powered ski film meant hauling heavy camera gear up steep lines, dealing with short winter days, and constantly managing avalanche risk. In the end, we logged about nine days in the backcountry over two years, carefully coordinating between snow, light, and athlete schedules.
Beyond capturing Kristin’s incredible printmaking process in her studio, this film became a testament to patience, safety, and the magic of shared effort. Although the true spirit of Turnagain can only be experienced firsthand, this film is my contribution—a way to honor the place and the organizations that help keep it safe.
To support Southcentral Alaska’s avalanche organizations, you can purchase the Adrift Prints x Kaladi Brothers Coffee collection at Kaladi.com.
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Carving Lines is supported by Kaladi Brothers Coffee and produced by Wongi Kim. Featuring: Kristin Vantrease, Pete Ostroski, Colin Gordon, Caite Zeliff, and Tanner Cabana. Grateful thanks to Charlie Renfro, Brendan Wells, and Josh Corbett for their work behind the scenes and on the slopes. Music by Tone Ranger, with supervision by Sami Posner of Blue Lily Music.
