The UNH Outing Club, the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC), and NextGen Climate Action have collaborated to bring a high-octane ski film to UNH that addresses the ever-present concern of climate change.  The film “All I Can” was presented this past Tuesday in the MUB Theatre.

“NextGen’s goal is to make climate change the largest issue in the upcoming 2016 election,” said Seacoast field organizer for NextGen, Gordon Merrick. “Its about people doing more, if we all collaborate, then change will come.”

Chris Grinley, one of the Outing Club leaders, organized this film to be presented at UNH. Through SEAC, Chris was able to receive help for funding the rights to the film.  A free raffle was offered at the viewing, with prizes including lift tickets to Pat’s Peak and Deluxe Ski and Board Tune ups, which were donated by both parties. Grinley contacted marketing and sales assistant Jessica Zippin from Pat’s Peak, who said the ski lodge was more than happy to contribute.

“Everything we do is in nature, so naturally we work together with NextGen,” said one of the Outing Club leaders Geode Sibbick. “Its not about doing nothing, it is about doing what you love in the best possible way for the environment.”

The film captures the spirit of the Outing Club by introducing the thrill of big mountain skiing, by way of showing knee-deep powder skiing through trees and eye-opening freestyle maneuvers.

“All I Can,” mirrors the goal of NextGen and SEAC with amazing cinematography of the wondrous landscapes and how the population has affected it. The connection outdoor enthusiasts feel with Mother Nature is a symbiotic bond. The environment provides the playground, so it would make sense to maintain it, not only for us, but also for the generations to come.

“Our interest overlap with outdoor hobbies and environmental awareness,” said Outing Club leader David Agan when asked about the overall goal of the Outing Club and NextGen. “We play outside, so in order to continue doing so, we must do what we can to preserve the outdoors.”

The joy and passion emanating from the skiers in the film was clear. But with global warming becoming an increasing issue, some outdoor enthusiasts have begun to worry about the future of winter sports. The film ended in an ominous demeanor, with the statement “winter is changing” echoing in the viewer’s mind when the credits rolled.

“My real connection with nature came from skiing,” said Merrick. “ I am a very avid skier, and this is why I care.”