A new short film from Arc’teryx tells the powerful story of Tim Sackbauer, a skier raised in Vail, Colorado, who has never let Down syndrome define what’s possible. Titled Tim, the 16-minute documentary blends intimate storytelling with stunning cinematography to highlight how skiing can be a vehicle for confidence, freedom, and personal expression.
Directed by Jordan Findlay, the film centers around Tim’s deep connection to the mountains and the community that supports him. At nearly 30 years old, Tim still skis regularly and pushes himself on the hill, always cheered on by his family, including his sister, Arc’teryx athlete Lucy Sackbauer. The film doesn’t just follow Tim’s turns, either; it reflects on what it means to grow up differently in a mountain town. Through candid interviews and footage of Tim on the slopes, Tim challenges assumptions about disability and athleticism, offering a broader definition of strength, joy, and success.
Ultimately, the project is as much about inclusion as it is about skiing. The outdoors, it argues, should be a place where everyone—regardless of ability—can thrive.
