Causes

Arne Backstrom's Vision Comes to Fruition

The late Arne Backstrom collaborated with Tecnica/Blizzard engineers to develop revolutionary technology that only a visionary like Arne could create.

Arne had an idea for a better ski which Blizzard has implemented in some amazing new gear. It has been named Flip Core Technology and involves a new method of pressing a reverse camber ski. Arne's ideas also helped develop a brand new race-flex boot with Dynafit touring inserts for high performance skiing in the backcountry.

In addition to Arne's ideas on skiing technology, he had strong beleifs about sustainability and the environment. In an article published on Patagonia.com, Arne stated, "we need to change our ways so that our sport may continue in as many places as possible. Skiers have special incentive to do their part with responsible energy consumption and helping the environmental movement gain momentum.”  Therefore, the Arne Backstrom Memorial Fund was established in his honor to support and promote outdoor opportunities and promote outdoor education for disadvantaged youth. Click here to contribute to the fund.

See the video below for details on how Arne's skiing technology vision is turning the freeride world upside down.

Clem Smith Speaks About Flip Core and Arne Backstrom from Frank Shine on Vimeo.

Billy Poole Memorial Weekend

This past weekend, friends and family came together alongside Big Sky Youth Empowerment to celebrate the life of Billy Poole and the positive effect he had on the ski industry.

Billy Poole, a Warren Miller Entertainment athlete who passed away in 2008 while filming in Utah's Big Cottonwood Canyon, was honored last weekend in Montana. Friends and family came together alongside Big Sky Youth Empowerment to celebrate the positive effect he had on the ski industry and to raise money for the Billy Poole Memorial Fund.

Kids in the BYEP program were able to ski alongside some of the biggest names in skiing, like Rachel Burks, Jamie Pierre and Julian Carr.

Afterwards, the Memorial Fund Fundraiser kicked off; all proceeds were donated to The Billy Poole Memorial Fund which introduces youth to skiing and outdoor programs. More pro skiers were on hand to autograph posters.

"This is just a really special event," said Rachael Burks. "It's all in honor of Billy Poole. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him being such a light in the ski community, and the world. He was just amazing. Still is."

BYEP + the Billy Poole Memorial Fund 2011 from Big Sky Youth Empowerment on Vimeo.

Billy Poole Memorial Fund

The Billy Poole Memorial Fund charity introduces youth to skiing and outdoor programs.

The Billy Poole Memorial Fund exists to honor the life and memory of big-mountain skier Billy Poole. The charity introduces youth to skiing and outdoor programs. Billy Poole was inspired by skiing and the mountains, but more importantly, Billy served as an inspiration to others by following his passion, staying true to his dreams, and ripping the mountain the way only someone who lives to ski can. The Billy Poole Memorial Fund strives to carry on Billy’s inspiration to others by introducing kids to the natural beauty of the mountains.Please help us remember Billy. Donations to the Billy Poole Memorial Fund may be sent to:

 

The Park City Foundation

c/o Billy Poole Memorial Fund

P.O. Box 4631

Missoula, Mt. 59806

If you would like more information or if you have a memory, story, or anything else you’d like to share about Billy, please visit http://billypooleskifoundation.org/

Arne Backstrom Memorial Fund

Supporting and promoting outdoor opportunities and education for disadvantaged youth.

“It should be encouraging to all that the smoothest, best skiers on the mountain are almost always the older guys and gals who have perfected the art of matching speed and turn shape with snow and terrain. With the right amount of power and control, skiing is low impact, a great workout, and can be practiced for a lifetime. I plan to do so, but my biggest concern is rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. Most skiers have already noticed that things are getting weird, with feast-or-famine snow years and wild weather. Though it may make for a great season here and there, it’s disturbing and indicates that we need to change our ways so that our sport may continue in as many places as possible. Skiers have special incentive to do their part with responsible energy consumption and helping the environmental movement gain momentum.” --Arne Backstrom Because of Arne's commitment to both the environment and disadvantaged youth, the Arne Backstrom Memorial Fund promises to support and promote outdoor opportunities and education for disadvantaged youth. By donating to the memorial fund, you can too. Visit ArneBackstrom.com.

Disabled Sports USA Partnership

Warren Miller Entertainment teams up with Disabled Sports USA to promote sports and recreation rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities.

 

Disabled Sports USA is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization established in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans to serve the war injured. The organization's nation-wide network of community-based chapters now offer sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent disability. Activities include winter skiing, water sports, summer and winter competitions, fitness and special sports events. Participants include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, dwarfism, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, and other neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. This year, Warren Miller Entertainment has teamed up with DS/USA to help recognize the importance of sports and recreation in the successful rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. 

Please visit dsusa.org and make a donation today!  


 

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