‘Mountain of Storms’ captures storied Patagonia trip

“Mountain of Storms” documents the storied 1968 road trip adventure of five friends: Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Dick Dorworth, Chris Jones and Lito Tejada-Flores. Piled into an old sketchy van, the group embarked on a 5,000-mile journey from California to Patagonia to attempt a new route on Cerro Torre’s infamous Fitz Roy.

Along the way the friends found surf, skiing and climbing as they headed southward toward the then still-mythical land of Patagonia.

Though the friends did not know it at the time, “Mountain of Storms” would inspire and pave the way for the modern-day adventure film category. At the time of the adventure they were merely seeking a better way to tell the story to their friends upon returning home. Accordingly, the group shot film on hazy 16mm film to a soundtrack of contemporary folk-rock; the result was a cult classic that has endured the test of time and inspired generations of adventure seeking “fun hogs.”

In addition, each individual from the trip would go on to play a prominent role in the outdoor industry, as founders of Patagonia, The North Face and Black Diamond Equipment. The road trip would forever change the lives of each person in the group and help ignite a golden era for new and cutting-edge outdoor companies. Each one of these men would continue as pioneers of the outdoor industry, stewards of the environment and land conservationists.

“Mountain of Storms” van adventurer Dick Dorworth will be the featured guest at the film premier on Oct. 19 at 7pm at Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema in Tahoe City. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.