2019 - Timeless

Name one thing that makes for an ultimate day on the mountain: Good people & good snow in inspiring places seems to be a pretty all time combo :). Nothing makes me feel more fulfilled and alive than a long day out in the mountains. The day doesn't have to be flawless or perfect, sometimes the best days are the ones filled with bushwhacking and figuring it out. As long as I am in a beautiful place with good people and I get to slide on snow I am happy :)

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. 

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. 

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.

Name a person who inspires you to be a better skier/rider?
Michelle Parker, Angel Collinson, Chris Benchetler, my mates on the Freeride World Tour

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?
I'm going to say the segment I filmed back in 2010 for "Wintervention" with Karine Falck-Pedersen and Hugo Harrison in my home town of Lech - that was a huge honour!

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Buy property, invest a large amount in an ordinary index fund, and use the rest for skiing, climbing and surfing trips with family and friends

Best meal you can cook?
Green chicken and vegetable curry and my Dad, who was a Chef, taught me our family recipe for "Käsknöpfle" which is a traditional dish from the westernmost part of Austria where I'm from

Favorite chairlift and why?
The "Schindler" at the Arlberg which takes you straight to the very top of a peak offering 600 vertical meters of very steep, alpine terrain on three different aspects without any hiking. Amazing to do laps on!

The most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this year? (books, podcasts, TV shows)
A variety of books and podcasts about mindfulness.

Fictitious character you most identify with from a book, movie, etc. and why?
Gosh, I really can't think of one and I honestly rarely watch TV or movies. Pretty much everything I consume is non-fiction, education-based, and documentaries. I'm pretty much obsessed with learning new skills in all areas of life. I also love watching ski, surf and climbing films. The books I've been reading during the last four years are all for the completion of my master's degree in mental strength coaching.

Highlight memory from filming with WME for this year's film?
The fun antics I had with Connery Lundin and Jaelin Kauf, who are sick skiers, and hanging with the awesome production team in a special place like Silverton, Colorado, where I'd never been before.

Gear you are loving right now, on or off the ski slopes, and why?
Spyder's Solitaire jacket and bib pants made from GoreTex pro shell is super functional and looks and makes me feel rad! Off the slopes I have to go with my Audi Q2 if that counts as gear, I love driving that car on our windy roads, so fun.

What is a cause you care about that you'd love to share with the Warren Miller audience?
I care deeply about looking after the environment and I have a sense of responsibility as a professional skier to do my part in this regard. At the same time, the traveling I do to be a professional skier is contributing to the problem, so I am in a moral dilemma about this. This year I started offsetting my CO2 from flights by supporting compensation projects like Atmosfair. From what I've read it seems to be a trustworthy and well-respected organization. The basic rule is to compensate only what can't be avoided or reduced, but it still feels somewhat hollow in terms of finding a good solution.

Do you have any sponsors, if yes, who?
Spyder, Kästle, Lech Zürs, Audi, Röckl, Scott, Dalbello

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