onX and Griffin Post Shine Light on Public Lands in "Inaccessible"

Featured Image: Courtesy of onX Backcountry

The grandeur of public lands can be something we take for granted in the United States. Perhaps that's because we've become so used to this revolutionary idea that we think of it as a natural given; the sun rises, the Earth spins and we can head out to ski, hunt, fish, hike or bike on our favorite parcel of nature. But the threats to these lands have never been greater, and it's not until something is in distress do you realize its importance.

Last season, Griffin Post realized this was an issue that wasn't getting enough attention, so he did what a long-time pro skier would do: he made a film. Post is a storied veteran of Teton Gravity Research. Many FREESKIER readers likely have fond memories of watching him crush massive lines in Alaska or easily paint smooth turns in the Tetons, all with a quiet demeanor and a calming smile. His skiing and personality have been a staple of freeskiing for years, and we've all benefited from Post's contributions to the sport and culture.

With that in mind, this crusade for public land use and education might be his largest benefaction to date. Together with iconic snowboarders Eric Jackson and Emilé Zynobia, Post set out to demonstrate the challenge of 'checkerboarded' land in Montana. Divided into an alternating grid of private and public lands, the Crazy Mountains were the ideal location for such a project.

Finding public land in the private maze can sometimes be... strenuous

As is always the case in skiing, solid plans quickly became audibles and things were far from perfect. Still, fueled by a deep sense of determination, purpose and guttural passion, the mighty crew pressed on, forging ahead for the good of every outdoor recreationist.

"Inaccessible" is so much more than your average ski or snowboard highlight reel. The film delves deep into the forces that push us towards these hobbies we hold so dear. The sense of freedom, connection to nature, the ability to find contentment in the chaos of life; these themes, as overused as they can be, hold an irreplaceable spot in many of our lives. Post bravely puts himself out there, explaining how this access has helped save him in more ways than one. It's a story we can all relate to, and one that we should all respect.

Thank you to onX for putting dollars and effort towards a message that impacts everyone, and a massive shoutout to this mighty trio for pushing on despite challenging conditions and damn low odds. Settle in and grab a notepad, you'll want to remember this one.

From YouTube:

A ski film veteran looks behind the steepest lines to uncover one of the biggest issues shaping outdoor adventure today—access to public land.

In Montana’s Crazy Mountains, professional skier Griffin Post sets out to explore untouched backcountry—and grapples with a deeper story buried beneath the snow. “Inaccessible” exposes the invisible boundaries that lock millions of acres of public land away from the public, sparking a powerful question: Who gets to access, and ultimately own, America’s wild places? Featuring Eric Jackson and Emilé Zynobia, this film proves that adventure can be a catalyst for change.

Brought to you by onX, “Inaccessible” invites every skier, hiker, hunter, and adventurer to unite in protecting what was meant for all of us. Because this land is your land—if you can reach it.

In partnership with Smartwool, Tin Cup, Decked.