Ranch Hand: A Jackson Hole, WY, Snowboard Film That Brings Riding Back to its Roots

Russell Parker |
The Ranch Hand poster featuring the riders and Shrub Brothers. Photo: Jared Spieker

If your winter stoke meter has been running low, consider this your wake-up call. Ranch Hand isn’t just another snowboarding film—it’s an ode to Jackson Hole, to the kind of riding that comes from equal parts grit, creativity, and deep respect for the mountains. Dropping December 21st on the Shredbots YouTube, this film is primed to light a fire under riders everywhere who are dreaming of powder days and lines yet to be drawn.

Rider Cam Fitzpatrick is in his element. Photo: Keegan Rice

Set deep in the heart of the Tetons, Ranch Hand follows a crew that needs no introduction: Cam Fitzpatrick, Cooper Branham, Yuki Kadono, Taylor Gold, and Bryan Iguchi, along with a stacked supporting cast. After a memorable run-in with the Shrub Brothers last winter, the Jackson-based crew leaned fully into the brothers’  “shrub life,” trading comfort for commitment and embracing a back-to-basics mindset. Before the cameras even started rolling, these riders put in time learning the ways of the ranch—working, scouting, and earning their turns the old-fashioned way. What follows is a season-long journey of powder hunting, wedge building, and locking into lines that only the Tetons can offer.

Rider Cooper Branham surfing his heelside turn. Photo: Keegan Rice

At its core, Ranch Hand is about more than just snowboarding; it’s about the process. This is a film that celebrates the craft: early mornings, long approaches, shovels in hand, and the quiet satisfaction of building something from nothing. Watching this crew move through the mountains feels raw and honest, reminding viewers why snowboard films mattered in the first place. It’s not about chasing trends; it’s about chasing storms, trusting your crew, and letting the terrain tell you where to go next.

Cooper Branham with a major method grab. Photo: Sam Ingles

Visually, the film is nothing short of stunning. Cinematography by Jeff Urbahn and Cam Fitzpatrick captures the Tetons in all their moody, dramatic glory, balancing wide-open alpine shots with intimate moments in the trees. Additional cinematography brings even more depth, with drone work by Matt Baker and extra footage from Sam McMahon, adding perspective and scale without ever pulling away from the soul of the riding. Every frame feels purposeful, putting the viewer right there in the saddle, feeling the impact of each turn and landing.

Cam Fitzpatrick going big. Photo: Keegan Rice

The riding itself spans styles and generations, from Bryan Iguchi’s timeless approach to Yuki Kadono’s powerful precision, Taylor Gold’s fluid creativity, Cooper Branham’s relentless energy, and Cam Fitzpatrick’s unmistakable control. Together, they create a film that feels both grounded and inspiring, proof that progression doesn’t always mean bigger tricks, but a deeper connection to place.

Cooper Branham throwing down. Photo: Keegan Rice

Ranch Hand also sets an example for riders everywhere. Its message is clear: you don’t need helicopters or exotic locations to create something meaningful. Look around your own backyard. Find your powder, build your own booters, and discover the classic lines waiting for you. That narrative carries through every segment, making the film feel personal, relatable, and endlessly rewatchable.

Featured riders Cooper, Cam, and Yuki as Ranch hands. Photo: Jared Spieker

The project is backed by a strong group of supporters who share that same core spirit, including Rossignol Snowboards, Nidecker Snowboards, Blenders Eyewear, Roadhouse Beer, Backcountry Access, Wyoming Whiskey, Bluebird Wax, Teton Thai, Avalon 7, Four Pine Collective, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Their support helps bring the vision to life without diluting what makes it special.

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Ranch Hand Riders

Cam Fitzpatrick – @CamFitzpatrick
Cooper Branham – @coopbran
Yuki Kadono – @yukikadono
Taylor Gold – @taylor_gold
Bryan Iguchi – @BryanIguchi

This is snowboarding stripped back to its roots, delivered with modern power and polish. Whether you’re a lifelong rider or just someone who appreciates mountain culture done right, Ranch Hand is a must-watch. 

Powder is out there—and Ranch Hand proves it’s still worth chasing.

Riders Yuki and Cooper in the saddle. Photo: Jared Spieker

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