TGR’s All-Time Moments Year by Year: Decade One of 30 Years of Stoke (1996-2005)

Teton Gravity Research is celebrating its 30th year and to mark this milestone we’re looking back at the moments that cemented our legacy as a leader in action sports media and culture. We’re starting at the very beginning, with the raw, unfiltered action that defined our first decade, from 1996–2005. This was a time of groundbreaking innovation—from the shift to 16mm film to a dedication to capturing the reality of big-mountain riding, both the glory and the consequence.

Our first successful film session was on the backside of Grand Targhee Resort—a day that truly put us on the map. It was the moment we realized, "wow, this is for real; we're going to make a film." That single session laid the groundwork for everything that followed, from The Continuum to our most recent projects. It proved that our vision was more than a dream, it was a new reality for action sports filmmaking.

A defining moment for big-mountain skiing came in TGR's 1997 film Harvest, with Jeremy Nobis's first freeride session after his Olympic alpine career. Nobis, known for his "go-for-broke" style, brought a Super-G mentality to steep, exposed lines. His iconic run on Pyramid Peak in Alaska—a 2,000-foot, 52-degree slope—was completed in just eight turns. One of those turns even made the cover of Powder Magazine. Nobis's ability to combine a racer's speed and precision with big-mountain terrain showed a new generation of skiers what was possible.

In the 1998 film Uprising, TGR captured a legendary segment with freeskiing pioneer Kent Kreitler. It was the first time we intentionally mic'd up an athlete to capture raw, in-the-moment commentary. Kreitler's segment was a groundbreaking example of this approach. It gave viewers an unfiltered look into the focus and strategy required to tackle a huge line. This technique became a staple for us and other production companies, adding intimacy and authenticity that traditional action-sport cinematography had previously lacked.

In the 1999 film The Realm, Shannon Schad's line on Tower 4 at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort stands out as a defining moment. Tower 4, above the Thunder chairlift, is almost permanently closed to the public due to extreme terrain and high avalanche risk. Schad's segment showed that when conditions are just right and you have the green light, true pros like him can ski terrain most people can only dream of.

In the 2000 film Further, we captured a segment that has become an iconic moment in our history. The clip showed big-mountain skier Gordy Pfeiffer navigating a steep, unforgiving ice wall with unprecedented control. We were among the first production teams to film an ice wall of this magnitude, while many others focused on more accessible terrain. This moment reflected our dedication to documenting the most challenging aspects of big-mountain riding. It also helped establish TGR’s reputation in action sports filmmaking.

In the 2001 film, Mind the Addiction, Jeremy Jones's "Shoulder of Death" line served as the definitive closer, a classic moment showcasing his control and daring. The line earned its name from a blind rollover halfway down the face. Jones had to commit to the drop-in, then find a narrow shoulder to turn on before continuing the descent. This high-stakes, no-fall zone demanded absolute precision and an instinctive understanding of the terrain. The segment perfectly captured Jones's style-calculated, powerful, and fully committed-and became a defining moment in both the film and his legacy.

In the 2002 film The Prophecy, Jeremy Jones showcased his determination and skill on a high-consequence line known as the North Shore. He attempted it twice and became only the second person ever to ride it. This segment emphasized that not every line comes easily and that big-mountain riding demands persistence and precision. It was a classic Jeremy Jones moment, showing his commitment to conquering a line on his own terms and giving viewers an authentic, high-stakes glimpse into elite snowboarding.

In the 2003 TGR film High Life, Victoria Jealouse's segment highlighted her skill and reputation as a big-mountain pioneer. Jealouse had previously been a Canadian National Ski Team member and a successful snowboard racer. By this time, she was already recognized as one of the most prolific female film pros in the sport. In her clip, she performs an acid drop from a helicopter basket before dropping into her line. This daring move showcased her talent and cemented her status as one of the most badass female big-mountain snowboarders of the era.

In our 2004 film Soul Purpose, Jeremy Jones's segment earned him the nickname "Spaceman on a Tether." The line was a high-consequence, no-fall zone that required a helicopter to long-line him into the couloir. A plan was in place to cut the rope to prevent the helicopter from going down if anything went wrong during the drop-in. The footage of him carefully making his way down the line highlighted his incredible control and the trust he placed in his team. This moment showcased the high-stakes reality of filming in the world's most extreme terrain. It reinforced Jones as a true innovator and further established TGR as a leader in documenting big-mountain riding.

In 2005's Tangerine Dream, we took a different approach, moving beyond a standard ski segment to focus on the broader adventure and cultural experience of our trip to India. The film highlighted the team's expedition to ski deep powder, but the narrative was driven by the unique journey itself. The segment explored the local culture, the challenges of traveling in a remote area, and the beauty of the landscape.

As we look back at our first decade, from 1996 to 2005, it's clear that TGR was built on a foundation of raw talent, boundary-pushing lines, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

The story doesn't end here. These foundational moments laid the groundwork for the next 30 years of filmmaking and culminate in our latest project, Pressure Drop (2025). This is a film made for the big screen, and we're bringing it to a town near you on our worldwide film tour.