WHAT’S ‘NEXUS’?
Published in the November 8, 2025 Edition.
Aaron Durlester grew up in Mammoth Lakes and has been skiing professionally for more than five years, largely making his name in the halfpipe. But before he entered the professional circuit, he watched that world from afar with starry eyes.
He remembers watching the Level 1 Productions’ Ski Film, “Sunny” premiere in 2012, complete with goofy b-roll, urban stunts, powder slashing and a hell of a soundtrack.
Ever since then, he’s dreamt of creating something similar in Mammoth.
“Watching that was always so fun,” he said. “And I didn’t really know a premiere in Mammoth like that. I just feel like there really hasn’t been anything, especially for the kids.”
Last year, he decided to change that. Inspired to create an event by locals, for locals, Durlester hosted his first hometown premiere at Distant Brewing, screening his film “maybe i should.” It was a small but special addition to a tour that had already taken him through Salt Lake City and Vancouver, and the community showed up for it.
“It was a random Tuesday night, and we packed out the bar,” he said. “It was pretty cool to see the community come together.”
That experience sparked the idea to create something bigger. Something that local kids, like himself years ago, could prop up and imagine themselves continuing the legacy of.
Enter “Nexus,” Durlester’s newest ski film: a solo project that pays homage to the halfpipe community and the creative side of skiing. Alongside his own film, he’ll also screen ON3P 8, a production by Espen Bølum featuring Mammoth skiers Oscar Weary, Andrew Branch, and Meeks Foster.
To round out the evening, Durlester’s invited local artists including photographer Cody Mathison and ceramicist Sean Walker to display their work.
“I thought it’d be cool to put all my focus into having a fun Mammoth premiere, to give back to the community that taught me to ski because I wouldn’t be here without it,” he said.
The project, more than just a chance to shine light on his hometown, also represents a turning point in Durlester’s career. He’s decided to wind down his competitive side and focus on filming. Over the course of last season, he realized it was his creative outlet and that it was more in line with what he wanted to represent.
“I wanted to make a film that’s an homage to halfpipe skiing and what it’s given me,” he said. “Something that shows how creative and fun it can be.”
The film reflects this transition. Mixing psychedelic visuals and superimposed shots with a dreamy, sometimes melancholy soundtrack, it feels nostalgic and introspective as it moves from slow-motion halfpipe clips to playful urban segments.
It’s his first solo project, and it showcases both his personal style and his evolving relationship with the sport he’s dedicated his life to. Competition had long been central to his skiing, but over time, he found it less fulfilling.
“I just wanted a year without pressure,” he explained. “No contests, no expectations. Just skiing for myself and seeing what came out of it.”
Even as he transitioned away from his competitive side, he worries that halfpipe is dying out, and that fewer people are getting started out in it than they used to. It’s increasingly important to him that young kids see that, as far as he’s concerned, halfpipe is less about big contest tricks and more about flow, style, and expression.
“Halfpipe skiing doesn’t have to be all double corks,” he explained. “It can be handplants, butters, or whatever you want to make it.”
The film was edited by Kai Martin, a fellow skier from Whistler who spent the season recovering from an ACL injury. Martin helped to bring Durlester’s vision together and add creative elements to bring it to life.
“He’s one of the most talented people I know, especially with editing,” he said. “We’ve been working together to make it feel personal and different from anything I’ve done before.”
In many ways, “Nexus” brings Durlester’s story home. It’s a blend of past and present, skill and creativity. What began as inspiration from a ski premiere more than a decade ago has come full circle, now reflected on screen for the next generation in Mammoth to watch and potentially even imagine themselves doing the same.
The show is scheduled to premiere Friday, November 14th at Bar Sierra. Doors open at 8 p.m., movies start at 8:45 p.m.
