The mountains have always been a source of solace for skiers. For SCOTT athlete Molly Armanino, they were more than just peaks and powder—they were home. But after the tragic loss of her brother Sam, the mountains felt foreign, even cruel. In her latest film, Slopes of Change, Molly takes audiences on a raw and emotional journey through grief, resilience, and the pursuit of joy in skiing once more.
Slopes of Change is a deeply personal ski film by SCOTT athlete Molly Armanino, chronicling her journey through love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. Divided into three poignant chapters—Friendship, Failure, and Return—the film follows Molly as she navigates the grief of losing her brother, Sam Armanino, who tragically passed away when a burnt tree fell on him. In the wake of this life-altering event, Molly believed that achieving greatness, whether through skiing the best lines, capturing the most stunning shots, or winning competitions, would be the key to reclaiming happiness. However, her journey led her to a much deeper understanding of healing and resilience.
Molly found solace in fellow skier McKenna Peterson, whose own experience with loss forges an unspoken bond between them. Through skiing together, McKenna teaches Molly that even in the darkest times, joy can still be found. Going into her second year at Freeride World Tour, Molly faced the harsh reality of competitive skiing. She realized that her return was rushed, driven by a need to prove something rather than genuine readiness. A pivotal moment in Georgia—where a crash cost her a chance at the finals—left her questioning her relationship with the mountains and herself. Finally, Molly’ managed to rediscover her love for skiing. By stepping away from competition and embracing the sport for pure enjoyment, she reconnected with the mountains that once felt like a sanctuary. The film closes with a tribute to Sam Armanino, a powerful reminder of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Together with her partner and filmmaker Roman Yalowitz, they have put together a moving film that is available on SCOTT Sport’s YouTube channel.
