Banff Mountain Film Festival March 3-4, 2009, www.banffmountainfestivals.ca

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is an international film competition and has stunned audiences with the world’s best footage on mountain subjects since 1976. The festival itself takes place on the first weekend in November in Banff (Alberta, Canada). Following this festival, the best films embark on a world tour, which makes a stop in Aspen. For two nights, the films will be shown at Aspen’s historic Wheeler Opera House, and tickets cost $15/night.

Vail Film Festival April 2−5, 2009, www.vailfilmfestival.org

Founded by actors, filmmakers, and dedicated film enthusiasts, the Vail Film Festival is a platform for independent filmmakers to screen their productions in an incredibly beautiful and unique atmosphere. Passes range from the Vista Pass ($45), which provides access to films and discussion panels, to the Patron Pass ($1000), which includes added access to events such as the opening night party and festival awards ceremony.

Breckenridge Film Festival June 11-14, 2009, www.breckfilmfest.com

Since its inception in 1981, the Breckenridge Film Festival has featured a unique and varied array of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs and retrospectives. Nationally-known NBC-TV film critic and “Reel Talk” co-host Jeffrey Lyons serves as master of ceremonies and moderator of the discussions. Full-program passes are sold for $175 while a four-film punch-card is available for $34.

Telluride Film Festival August 28-31, 2009, www.telluridefilmfestival.org

The first Telluride Film Festival began in 1974 and continues to celebrate the world’s most gifted filmmakers. The program is a mix of forgotten gems and films making their North American, and in some cases, world premieres. It is also unique in that there are no prizes or awards given and the schedule is not released until the day before the Festival begins. Make reservations early because the town fills up for this event.