2019 - Timeless

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier/rider?
The one and only Keely Kelleher

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?
I am not sure I remember the exact moment on screen, but I remember hearing the song and how I felt watching the segment. The song was by Counting Crows - A Long December. I remember being in the theater and feeling excited about a sport that would surround my lifestyle and livelihood.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Honestly, minus trying to save wildlife because we keep killing it, I would probably continue doing exactly what I am doing. I love teaching people how to ski and going skiing. Inspiring more people to get outside and ski is rewarding. If I can get more people to love the outdoors and the lifestyle, maybe the world would be a slightly better place. I would definitely take a few more ski trips and travel as much as possible.

Best meal you can cook?
Curry and elk pasta.

Favorite chairlift and why?
Too many to say, Thunderwolf in Big Sky for a super long bump run, Headwaters in Big Sky for great hiking terrain, the 20 minute single chair in Pomporovo, Bulgaria for taking a ride back in time, the Rotair in Engelberg, Switzerland for the access to amazing terrain and views, the Roca Jac in Portillo, Chile because it's fun!

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)
Full disclosure I am a huge nerd I read a really great article on greenland sharks and their lifespan - mind blowing! 

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?
I would say Storm from X-Men because she can create her own weather and then fly to the top of mountains. From a book, Lera from The Golden Compass series.

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?
I would say getting to know the people I was filming with, and being around people who are also inspired by skiing. Learning how to ski pillow lines (which I am still not good at) and BC powder and trees was also a huge plus!

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?
People in the powder community are going to probably stone me, but I am really enjoying skiing my Firebirds. It's pretty great to feel a ski from tip to tail. Obviously I was not skiing them in BC, but a super fun ski.

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?
I spent time in Africa with a school. We went to a lot of different areas over the time I was with them. I love animals and think it is super important to be aware of the impact we have when we move into their environment. In Namibia there is a organization called the Cheetah Conservation Center. It does not solely focus on the Cheetah, but also focuses on big cats. Also, education in my opinion is extremely important and less valued these days.

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier/rider?
I am lucky enough to coach for the Teton Village Ski Team in Jackson, WY. The kids that I have had the opportunity to coach the past few years inspire me the most to keep skiing for the right reasons: the fun of getting after it and pushing the limits. 

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?
Thats easy... In Flow State when Jess McMillan is eating breakfast at a Diner with Justin Dersham talking her ear off about some powder day. Then she receives a text from Chris Davenport and Ted Ligety inviting her to go heli skiing. She pays her bill and hops in a race car to make it to the heli pad in time for take off... that is actually my dream in a ski segment. 

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would buy a snowmobile, maybe a little cabin somewhere and keep chasing the dream of skiing all over the world with the people I love. I would probably pick up the bar tab a little more too. 

Best meal you can cook?
I can whip up a pretty fantastic burrito of most variations. 

Favorite chairlift and why?
The Jackson Hole Tram - If you are hoping on Big Red you are about to have one of the best days of your life. 

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese. 

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?
I remember standing on top of Corbet's Couloir in Jackson one day filming this past winter. The conditions were pretty sketchy. Looking into Corbet's was a lot like looking into a bottle of milk. It wasn't really an ideal day for sending. I looked around however and saw a handful of my heros, Jess McMillan, Rob and Kit Deslauriers, Tom Day...I stared at the line I wanted to ski and just thought, 'they would send it'. I launched off the nose, hit a hard spot and tumbled into an aggressive tomahawk. Once I realized I was ok I just started laughing, I looked up at a bunch of legends cheering about the fact that I was ok...I will never forget that day. 

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?
I am madly in love with my Blizzard Rustler 11's for those deep days and my Zero G 108's for when I want to get after a spicy high alpine adventure.

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?
I had the opportunity to take part in a fundraiser for Doug Coombs Foundation in Jackson Wyoming this past spring and it was an amazing experience. The Doug Coombs foundation "provides the opportunity for low-income children to join their peers in activities on and off the ski slopes of Jackson Hole". It is an organization I hope to get involved with more over the next few years because everyone deserves to experience the joys of the outdoors and all of the activities they provide. 

Do you have any sponsors, if yes, who?
Blizzard, Tecnica, The North Face, Shred Optics, Tenayo Salsa

Featured Athlete: Jim Ryan 

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier?

My buddy Chris Moody. Whenever we're scheming and dreaming, he never laughs at my ridiculous ideas...."Dude, why not?" is his standard response. That attitude makes the impossible, possible.

 

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I'd buy a Cat (snowcat) and a lodge in BC and just shred with the crew - happily drifting into obscurity.

 

Breakfast of champions?

Smoothie: Banana, Blueberry, Ginger, Garlic, Peanut Butter, anything green in the fridge. I crave it. Plus, early AM garlic breath is a good way to get some personal space on the Tram.

 

Favorite chairlift and why? 

Sublette Lift at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The terrain is so steep (and often hacked) and runs right under the chair. I love the show, I love the performance.

 

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)

Papillon (book), by Henri Charrière - it's an incredible adventure story. The main character is a total folk hero: He's a hardened criminal and yet it's impossible not to root for him from the very beginning.

 

Ideal down day?

I've gotten really into saunas recently. I'm morphing into an old Finnish man. For real, the scandos have it figured out. It's so nice to sweat after a long day of freezing your buns off.

 

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?

Neal Cassady. That answer kinda freaks me out, but when I read about him, I can't help but see myself. Dude had a hunger for life and was unwilling to accept anything less than peak experience.

 
Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?

Oh this one is easy. Kaylin and I got to open up this run called Skyeburst in perfect cowboy cord just as the sun was coming up over a frozen Vermont dreamscape. Unreal. We got to the bottom and turned to each other... I can't even remember what we said, but we both knew it was special.

 
How do you think the year 2020 will shape the future of skiing?

More gratitude, less people are going to take just being outside with friends for granted.

 
Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why? 

I got a pair of Volkl Rise High 88's paired with the Marker Alpinist 12's...so sick, when so much of touring is the up, weight makes a huge difference. I'll happily sacrifice a couple cm's underfoot in order to enjoy the whole process. Buy light, ski more! And the Helly Hansen Odin Lifaloft Down Hybrid, if you buy just one good puffy layer, you rarely need much else.  

 

What is your vision for the future of skiing?

Continued diversification. It used to be all about the resorts, now people are finding new ways to get their vert (touring, snowmobiles, etc)... I'm currently researching the possibility of accessing lines via human flight.

 

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?

Food rescue programs. The program here in Jackson is called Hole Food Rescue, and it helps feed those in need by "rescuing" perfectly good food that grocery stores would normally throw out. Rescue programs often need volunteers, the task of picking up the food and making it accessible requires a lot of work. Most cities have a program, check yours out!  

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Don't miss Jim in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021! 

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier?

Kent Krietler.

 

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Move off the grid, setup an ice cream truck business.

 

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Give a lot of it away. Mo' money mo' problems.

 

Breakfast of champions?

Meal? Breakfast. Dish? Salmon poke bowls.

 

Favorite chairlift and why?

Sublette! It serves the best upper mountain powder buffet ever!

 

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)

Joe Rogan featuring Tom O’Neil, Helter Skelter and the Charles Manson MK ultra connection.

 
Ideal down day?

Hot springs, breakfast a few times and a half day of skiing. Half days are rest days.

 

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?

Wayne Szalinski from 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids,' because I often feel like the world is just SO DAMN BIG!

 

Favorite classic ski film and why?

Salad Days from TGR for the soundtrack and Cast. Skiing was doing a pivot during that time and things were progressing so fast, it was so fun to see.

 

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?

Skiing Buddy Love Spines.

 

How do you think the year 2020 will shape the future of skiing?

I think people will branch out and learn to love skiing the way I love skiing and skiing will change their lives the way skiing changed my life. Skiing for the win.

 

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why? 

Kate’s Realfood dark chocolate and cherry bars, because everything is more fun with snacks.

 

What is your vision for the future of skiing?

My vision now is 20/20 and hopefully it’ll be 20/20 in the future too, but when I’m submarining through mid February Wyoming pow my vision is much much worse in fact, I can’t see anything but white and no amount of spectacles can help me.

 

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?

A cause? A global increase in awareness, critical thinking, open mindedness, adaptability and compassion. Be like water.

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Don't miss Forrest in our 71st film, Future Retro, dropping Fall 2020

FEATURED ATHLETE: RYLAND BELL

 

Growing up in the portage town of Fairbanks, Alaska, Ryland Bell hasn’t wandered far from the small town and towering peaks that opened the door to a life of commercial fishing and big mountain riding. As a commercial fisherman in the summer months, Bell spends 20-plus hour days on his boat casting for salmon and halibut while making time to explore the backcountry terrain that is his backyard. During the winter months, he resides in Lake Tahoe and rides Squaw Valley with some of snowboarding biggest icons like Jeremy Jones. 

As a kid, Bell and his family spent their winters in Fairbanks riding, skiing, sledding, and trekking through the mountains. At age 12 Bell discovered snowboarding and knew it held his future. When not hiking with family, Bell and his friends would use hay bales to build kickers at the aptly named Moose Mountain only to find the next day that herds of moose had eaten most of their jumps. So what would they do? Get back to it building jumps and other freestyle features.

After competing in several freeriding competitions, Bell’s passion for riding big lines extended to placing on the podium at competitions like The North Face American Big Mountain, Freewide World Tour stops in California, and the Swatch Freeride World Tour in Haines, AK in 2016 with a first place finish. Most days, Bell can be found skinning uphill on his splitboard in Haines or Juneau, Alaska or the Tahoe backcountry.

 

 
 
 
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Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier/rider?
People like Johan Olofsson, Noah Salasnek, and Dave Hatchett that paved the way for big mountain riding. They had true values of what snowboarding means to me and pushed the progression in the right direction. Forever respect those guys and appreciate how much they put on the line. Huge impact

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?
Not to be biased, but I would have to say the Points North Heli segment in Alaska from the 67th "Here, There, and Everywhere" was my favorite. Two Alaskans getting to ride the vast Chugach Mountain around Cordova in their home state made for a great time and a really amazing segment. Just so fun to be back in those mountains with my best friend.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
First I would donate a bunch of it to nonprofits that are trying to curb global warming and try to help keep these snowflakes falling for years to come so that we can all enjoy the magic of winter. Of course, then I would have to enjoy a few years of following endless winters and storm chasing globally. The ultimate dream right?!

Best meal you can cook?
A good fresh Salmon dinner on the grill is hard to beat, but I love cooking a good lasagna or Japanese curry

Favorite chairlift and why?
Chair 6 at Crystal Mtn. If you know, you know 😜

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)
Crude Magazine's podcast on Patreon is doing some great interviews from Alaska. Really enjoying Cody Liska's insights on current happenings and the history of the snow world up there.

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?
I don't know if identifying is the right word, but Iorek Byrnison from the Golden Compass is a magic bear from Svalbard that is the true king of the panserbjorne. Bears are cool, ice bears that can talk and have there own society are even more awesome! Pick up that series, it's a fun read

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?
Ryland and I hiking up some amazing Swiss terrain and looking around to glaciers everywhere. You can ski/board right into town or apres from a '5000 vertical run accessed by tram or train. Pretty cool. Such an amazing place and so beautiful!

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?
All of the gear I use I stand behind 100% but YES. Snowboards are really stepping up the way boards should perform, and redefining the standard of shapes & quality. Also, Ombraz Sunglasses are revolutionary, peep em!

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?
Would have to go with POW. There are a lot of passionate individuals right now in the snow sports industry trying to fight for the right side of climate change issues. Thank you all for your hard work and caring enough about the state of winter to be actively trying to make a difference for the good.

Do you have any sponsors, if yes, who?
YES. Snowboards, Now Bindings, Intuition Liners, Homeschool Outerwear, Smith Optics, Ombraz Sunglasses, Van's Snow, Aurora Projekt, Boarderline Alaska

Featured Athlete: Amie Engerbretson 

 

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier?

My dad! He is a great skier, my favorite ski partner and as he always likes to point out, he did it on skinny skies, so it should be easy for me!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Invent (okay find someone to invent) an electric helicopter and then take all my friends heli-skiing all the time! 

Breakfast of champions?

Sourdough toast with extra butter. Whatever else you want to pair with it is great, but good sourdough with good butter is a must!

Favorite chairlift and why?

KT-22, duh! (at Squaw) It's my favorite because it is the best chairlift on the planet! The terrain access is amazing, fall line, steep skiing. No hiking, sidestepping or mega traversing necessary. The lift access multiple aspects which is great for spring skiing as well because you just follow the sun to ski great snow all day long.

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)

I have been on a documentary kick lately... my top three are The Fantastic Fungi, Biggest Little Farm and Miss Americana (the T-Swift doc, oh ya!).

Ideal down day?

I love to sleep in and enjoy a long morning with great coffee (and heavily buttered sourdough toast of course) on a down day. Beyond that I love spending down days with my dog Bill, snuggling and playing. If I can find a killer massage or a great bubble bath, then I am the happiest girl in the world! 

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?

I mean Carrie Bradshaw duh! No idea why, other than I want to! "Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous!" - Carrie Bradshaw

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?

We scored the day of my dreams in Engelberg this year. My first trip as a professional skier was to Engelberg about 8 years ago. I have wanted to go back ever since and more specifically I have wanted to shoot with Oskar Enander at Engelberg. Well my dreams came true and we had a spectacular blue bird pow day! Oskar showed us all the goods and you know we got some banger shots!

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?

I am obsessed with my new Spyder Solitaire Kit. I have been working with Spyder for a few years on the new Big Mountain Freeski line and we released the second generation of the Solitaire jacket and bibs and I couldn’t love them more. The kit has a great practical, athletic fit but is still super flattering and comfortable. We changed a few of the details of the garments, upgraded a few things and I love where we are at. The kit is Goretex pro and I LOVE the new colors!

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?

POW! Also known as Protect Our Winters. Keeping our planet, our climate and our winters alive and well for generations to come is cause that all of use, lovers of the mountains, can come together on. Check it out and find out how you can help!

How do you think the year 2020 will shape the future of skiing?

This year was different in so many ways and I have to say I have never been more grateful for a ski season. Skiing was the first thing I got to do that felt normal in a long time and while I didn’t travel like normal, I still found great snow and had epic days in the mountains with friends. 

What is your vision for the future of skiing?

My vision for skiing and snowboarding is a culture, an industry and a community of inclusion. I hope that rather than our sport becoming more exclusive, that we can grow the sport to include more and more people, sharing the joy of the mountains and sliding on snow with as many people as possible. I believe there is plenty of powder to go around for everyone!

Favorite classic ski film and why?

Ski Movie 1. I am not sure it qualifies as a classic but it has been my favorite for most of my life. The skiing is killer of course and I love the way all the athletes play a character and you get see their silly and goofy side. To me skiing is fun and I love movies that show that!

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Don't miss Amie in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!

FEATURED ATHLETE: Marcus Caston

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier?

The people sitting on the chair overhead.

 
Favorite classic ski film and why?

Beyond the Edge. Classic Warren Miller. 

 

What makes for the ultimate day on the mountain?

A good lunch break! I can't remember a bad day on the mountain with a good lunch.

 

 

 

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier/rider?
My little bro Nic, he is stepping his game up so he keeps me on my toes.

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?
I can't remember the movie but the segment they did the wingsuits in France I think was insane. It was when they were first coming out and the guy set a world record for the longest flight. I was a kid and my mind was blown!

What would you do if you won the lottery?
A seaplane for sure. I want to be able to park it right at my dock, pack up and fly anywhere I want.

Best meal you can cook?
TACOS!!!

Favorite chairlift and why?
High Campbell aka Chair 6 at Crystal, goes right next to an iconic cliff called Hollywood. Only in rare cases does it have enough snow to send it. I have been lucky enough to send it right next to the chair. Always fun to ride that chair and think about it every year.

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)
Amie's Long Underwear podcast has been really funny and interesting to hear different skiers stories and perspectives. I don't have a favorite.

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?
Shoot... no idea.

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?
The lodge we stayed at was extremely off the grid but massive. The whole story behind it was amazing as well. The family build it all and actually helped build the highway that connected the interior to Bella Coola. That alone was an awesome experience.

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?
My Garmin Tracker. I've been using it to track output on bike rides and its awesome for training and just seeing how your body works.

Do you have any sponsors, if yes, who?
K2 Skis, Full Tilt Boots, Smith Optics, Crystal Mountain, Discrete

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier/rider?
Travis Rice 

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?
Our Nepal segment from Chasing Shadows. That was one epic adventure!

What would you do if you won the lottery?
The same thing I'm doing now; snowboarding and trying to inspire people!

Best meal you can cook?
Tom kha gai soup.

Favorite chairlift and why?
Thunder Chairlift at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. I could lap the Mushroom Chutes forever.

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)
Recently I've been watching a lot of stuff from an amazing teacher named SadhGuru. His mission to raise the vibration of the world is inspiring. 

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?
Howard Roark. He is someone who created his life around the idea of who he truly, authentically was.

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?
Following Ryland Bell up some seriously steep couloirs. That kid has no fear and is beyond stoked on snowboarding. 

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?
My Winterstick pro-model snowboard the ARK. It is my favorite board of all time. I also can't go on the mountain without rocking my AVALON7 balaclava and mesh facemask system.

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?
Protect Our Winters and the Futurepositiv Project.

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