THE SNOW DAY
-ESCAPE FROM YELLOWSTONE

Experience Montana's Yellowstone country through the hand-drawn animated film and short story. Discover this stunning landscape's wonder through a child's eyes. The project, which started in December 2023, is part of the innovative interactive publishing series The Last Best Trails®, brought to life by award-winning Bozeman-based author, illustrator, and animator Bryan Schaeffer. Embark on this other-worldly journey with us and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone's secret winter season!

Logline

In his directorial debut, Bryan Schaeffer presents an animated short film set in Montana. When 9-year-old Torrey discovers a magical realm in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, she embarks on an adventure to unravel the mystery of an ancient Norse crest, facing both real and fantastical challenges that reveal her inner strength and bravery.

Summary

An ancient dark magic lurks beneath America's iconic wilderness, a forgotten beast whispered about in tales from the old world. Few remember the warnings, and even fewer know the secret to protect against its imminent destruction. Hidden within a mysterious book lies the key, combined with a magical locket worn over the heart of those who follow the call, unlocks a portal to an imaginative realm where the balance of all worlds hangs by a thread.

As the veil between these worlds grows dangerously thin, an unsuspecting hero—a young girl named Torrey—is drawn into a perilous wilderness where forces much greater than her understanding battle for control. With each step through the stunning landscapes of Montana’s Yellowstone Country—and the wild trappings of her imagination—she must uncover mysteries, confront her deepest fears, and harness the power within.

Will Torrey discover the ancient secrets in time to thwart the encroaching darkness, or will it consume everything she holds dear?

Embark on a journey of courage, discovery, and magic in The Snow Day, where the stakes are high, and the adventure is just beginning.

Drawn From

Real People in Real Places

Creating Unreal Experiences.

A Snow Day can
change everything.

This project is made possible in part by the Montana Department of Commerce Big Sky Film Grant. You have the power to help bring this animated story to life by contributing to help us meet our fundraising goal. Memberships begin in April 2025.

Fine Art Animation

Limited-edition canvas prints and exclusive animated video content is only available to our members.
Memberships available in April 2025.

Story Locations

For the past eight years, Bryan Schaeffer and his family have had the incredible opportunity to explore the stunning Greater Yellowstone region through all four seasons. During this time, they've captured a rich collection of photographs and visual references that serve as the foundation for "The Last Best Trails" illustrated guidebook. This journey has taken them through Montana's Yellowstone Country - Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone allowing them to share the breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences this remarkable area offers.

Map by Bryan Schaeffer previously published in Outside Bozeman Magazine

Meet the Team

  • Bryan Schaeffer

    Bryan Schaeffer

    CREATOR

    Bryan is a Bozeman native, raised by a Montana Forest Ranger and an English teacher. He has received regional EMMY® recognition for his work in promotional television campaigns and has collaborated on multimedia projects with various well-known brands, including Microsoft and Boeing.

    His illustrations and animations have been featured in publications like Outside Online and in films for The American Alpine Club and BBC Earth.

    Bryan lives in Bozeman with his wife, daughter, and golden doodle, Loki. He enjoys Nordic, backcountry, and alpine skiing and skied 564 miles, ten miles beyond skiing the full I-90 across Montana, during the 2021/22 season.

  • Cory Birkenbuel

    Cory Birkenbuel

    PRODUCER

    Cory Birkenbuel is a fifth generation Montanan growing up in Dillon and now lives in the rural town of Polaris.

    He has produced and directed two private films for the Yellowstone Club and three private films for the Warren Miller Freedom Foundation working with Warren Miller on all three films.

    In the winter of 2023/24 Cory skied 115 days.

Let’s Go!

Art has the power to create culture. We invite you to join us on this storytelling journey with real people in real places, creating unreal experiences through curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Follow the evolution of our project through our weekly Instagram updates, dubbed "Sunday Sketches." Don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content.

We sincerely appreciate our In-kind partner, Duckworth, for generously supplying Montana Grown merino wool clothing for our film’s wardrobe.

Memberships begin in April 2025.

Together, we can make 'The Snow Day' come to life! Thank you for your support!