2021 - Winter Starts Now
Doug Rotz
Chambersburg, PA & Alpine Meadows, CA
Village Ski Loft - Incline Village, NV
2021 Winter Starts Now
All my male and female ski buddies that create a group energy that cannot help but keep me psyched and on my game.
Winter sports and really all sports should be accessible for the disabled. When I see the smiles on the faces of those people making their first turns I am truly inspired. I also cannot stay enough about the professionalism of the Palisades Tahoe Ski Patrol. They should have the finest equipment available to keep us all safe.
A cup of Joe with friends and the great staff of the Members Locker Room at Palisades Tahoe and then any bowl of my mountain filled with snow flakes, of course, and topped with big dollops of powdered sugar and a “latte” of that all day long!
KT-22 aka “The Mothership” at Palisades Tahoe. The diversity of challenging pistes, varied exposures and conditions, offers skiers and riders the most awesome 1800 ft. of vertical they could want.
I’m interested in anything to do with science and the Universe and the new discoveries being made every day. A first descent of Olympus Mons on Mars is a dream I have. At 20 miles high and ruby red snow, a nonstopper would make an entire WME movie!
James Bond. He gets a lot of action in all regards.
I enjoyed getting up on the mountain before the general public and reveling in the beauty and quiet serenity of a ski area getting prepared for a day of joyous activity and, of course, getting some freshies with the cameras rolling.
Volkl skis, Salomon skis and bindings, Helly Hansen clothing, and the great Arc’teryx pants and jackets that really keep me dry on the wet days.
I care about the environment. Litter is offensive. The beauty of nature cannot be enjoyed if we have little respect for it.
How do you think the year 2020 will shape the future of skiing?
Besides the mask mandate I was extremely impressed with the actions taken by the employee and staff of my mountain. Courtesy ruled and I am proud of each and every employee that enabled Palisades Tahoe to stay open for the entire season.
The popularity of skiing/riding is definitely on the rise, good for the industry but not without an impact on those of us who enjoyed less crowded slopes and facilities. Less expensive pass prices have had a big impact as well. Uphill capacity, always an issue, shorter lift lines, ease of access to and from the mountain, upgrades to lifts and infrastructure, and mountain safety, are issues that must be addressed by the industry to reduce the frustrations of the ever increasing customer base.
I really enjoy “Hot Dog..The Movie”. Filmed at Squaw Valley and the local Tahoe area, many of its cast of talented characters are people I still ski with. It stands out as a cult classic on par with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.
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Don't miss Doug in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Amy Taisey
Home Mountain?
Freeport, ME
Featured Athlete: Amy Taisey
Pay off my student debt & mortgage, pay off my friends & family's debt, invest what I need to maintain my simple lifestyle, and volunteer my time as a healthcare provider. And probably buy a big boat to live on and sail it cool places to ski.
Fresh farm eggs, zucchini and tomato from the garden with feta cheese.
West Mountain Chair at Sugarloaf. One of the oldest lifts on the mountain, it's kind of a last chair standing when it comes to the slow replacement of lifts. It has that old mountain feel, reminiscent of the days of my childhood growing up skiing at The Loaf. It also goes really high (which always throws some butterflies in your stomach), is super long, runs slow, but always has little to no one on it and never a line. The ability to hop on at mid station can shorten the trip some, but I enjoy the peace and quiet of the ride, the views of the top of Sugarloaf from a different perspective, and the untracked terrain beneath it.
In its entirety, the amazing group of people. The folks at Warren Miller are some of the nicest, hard working, honest, and talented groups of humans beings. Our first day of on snow filming, definitely stands out as we had a unique experience with just myself & Phil filming with director Chris. It was an awesome time going around the mountain, finding small little stashes, getting after it and getting to know each other.
The Keyway, Amalgam Skis new backcountry ski. I’ve been loving this new profile we added to the line up this past season. It truly is a ski that doesn’t sacrifice the down for the up. A full carbon lay-up with Maine spruce core, this ski feels light on the way up, but has the downhill performance that holds up to the toughest windblown, heaviest mashed potato, or sloughiest corn snow. My intent was to only use this ski only for backcountry adventures and was surprised when I found myself bringing it to the resort as well. They feel like an extension of my body, a profile that carves with ease and solid underfoot, instilling trust with each turn.
What do you do to calm your butterflies before a big line/race/moment?
Take a deep breath, listen to the sounds around me and just feel alive.
The Blizzard of AAHHH’s. A Greg Stump film of the late 80’s was the first ski film I ever saw and one that changed the way I thought about skiing. The extreme lines, skiers and terrain in that film, introduced me to a world of skiing I never new existed. I knew that I had to make skiing a big part of the rest of my life.
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Don't miss Amy in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Hannah Baybutt
Ski Patroller for Baldy, Sun Valley, ID
Hailey, ID / Ketchum, ID
2021 Winter Starts Now
FEATURED ATHLETE: HANNAH BAYBUTT
My mom. She started a new tradition for herself, each year she wants to ski her age (1 year=1 day skiing). So this year she skied 71 days. Next winter will be (at least) 72. She inspires me. Never stop skiing.
Breakfast for dinner is really the way to go! Sourdough waffles with whipped cream and berries and walnuts and allllllllll of the syrup.
Just listened to Malcom Gladwell’s Revisionist History, it was an episode about dogs, their sense of smell and Covid-19, called The Dog Will See You Now. So good! Highly recommend giving it a listen. It was great insight and inspiring after working with an avalanche dog this past winter.
Heli skiing!! I had NEVER been in a helicopter, let alone skiing from one! Also, eating with the WME crew at Irving’s, the longtime, local hotdog stand at the base of the mountain.
Calming butterflies can be oh so similar and yet different when responding to an emergency. But a mentor of mine, from the fire department, taught me to stomp my feet before responding to better ground myself and those butterflies.
Out Cold for sure! Our house traditionally throws an “Out Cold Fest” to celebrate my roommate, Annie DeAngelo's birthday which consists of an Out Cold screening, king/queen-of-the-mountain-mountain-mountain sledding competition and so much more.
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Don't miss Hannah in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Henri Rivers IV.
Brooklyn, NY
National Brotherhood of Skiers
2021 Winter Starts Now
The person who inspires me to be a better skier is my dad because he’s very good at skiing and encourages me to be better and always supports me.
If I ever won the lottery, I would buy an expensive gaming setup and get into investing and save the rest.
My breakfast of champions is Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I eat this a lot because it gives me the sugar that I crave on and off the slopes.
My favorite chairlift is a gondola. I like the gondola because it provides protection from the outdoors and a lot of people can get in it.
The most interesting book I’ve read this year is Lewis and Clark: through Indian eyes. This book portrayed the events as they happened as seen by America’s indigenous people.
The fictional character I identify myself with is The Flash. I always wanted super speed, if I ever got superpowers, I’d save the world. He’s also my favorite superhero.
The highlight from this year’s film was having fun with the photographers and skiing with my friends.
The gear that I like most are Leki poles, Hestra mittens, Twin tips, Shred buffs and Head boots. I like these because they’re comfortable and they fit my style a lot.
A cause that I care about is St. Jude Children’s Hospital. They research kids with cancer and help them adapt and do new things that they couldn’t do before. The thing I love most about this charity is the smile on the parents faces knowing that their children are in good hands.
The 2020/2021 season was different because of Covid-19. We had to always wear masks. The lodge wasn't open to sit down and eat inside. They reduced the number of people allowed on a chairlift.
My vision for the future of skiing is to see more people of color winning competitions and being successful in the ski industry.
What I do to calm myself down in racing is, I take a deep breath and remember my inspection of the course, then I think I am prepared and ready to do the best that I can do.
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Don't miss Henri Rivers IV in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Henniyah Rivers
Brooklyn, NY
National Brotherhood of Skiers
2021 Winter Starts Now
FEATURED ATHLETE: HENNIYAH RIVERS
A person who inspires me to be a better skier is my dad! My dad has been teaching me how to ski since I was a baby. He has been my coach for a while and has seen me improve every year. He is very supportive and is not hard on me. He wants us all to strive to become amazing skiers.
A book I thought was very interesting was just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It taught me about the injustices in our society today. I learned that people can be falsely accused and almost put to death. We need to change our society to become more thoughtful and kinder to one another.
The gear I love on snow right now are augment GS and slalom skis. They are amazing. I love how they feel and they're responsive.
My vision for the future and skiing is to become the best I can be.
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Don't miss Henniyah in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Helaina Rivers
Brooklyn, NY
National Brotherhood of Skiers
FEATURED ATHLETE: HELAINA RIVERS
People that inspire me to become a better ski racer are my dad, Mikaela Shiffrin, Sofia Goggia, Anna Swenn-Larsson, Lindsey Vonn and Wendy Holdener.
If I won the lottery I would buy more ski gear, an apple watch, and the rest of the money would pay for highschool, college, and a house for me when I am older.
My favorite chairlift at Windham Mountain is B-lift because you get to have long conversations with your friends and watch people ski down ” Wheelchair”.
I enjoy skiing on Atomic skis because they are responsive and complement my skiing style. I also enjoy wearing my Briko helmet.
My 2020/2021 ski season was very different because we had to keepour faces covered for our safety. We had less races than a normal season. Covid had a major impact on my ski season this year. I plan on skiing in college and hopefully competing in higher level competitions. I would like to become an accomplished skier and outdoor person.
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Don't miss Helaina in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Chris Delumyea
Plattsburgh, New York
FEATURED ATHLETE: CHRIS DELUMYEA
Guests will need to make reservations!
Day Dreams. The first movie to show the Palisades at Squaw Valley.
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Don't miss Chris in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Peter McDowell
Alexandria, PA
2021 Winter Starts Now
FEATURED ATHLETE: PETER MCDOWELL
Get a brother for my Bernese Mountain dog. Build out a camper rig and travel. Go heli snowboarding. Buy a lake house.
Easily, the tram at Jackson Hole. That lift provides access to an unbelievable amount of incredible in and out-of-bounds terrain.
WME set us up for a full day of unlimited cat-ski runs. It was a treat to have it all to ourselves. I feel fortunate to get that opportunity.
Winterstick Roundtail. It's a perfect traditional-shape powder snowboard that floats effortlessly and still carves really well. It's my go-to, everyday board.
The industry is directly linked to the climate and I can see snowboards/skiers demanding sustainability and adapting standard practices with climate change as the primary focus, providing an example for other sports and industries. Part of that push, I think the backcountry sector will continue to grow.
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Don't miss Peter in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Pete McAfee
Hometown?
Odessa, TX
Current Home Mountain?
Mt. Ashland
Current Location?
Medford, OR
Warren Miller Films:
2021 Winter Starts Now
2022 Daymaker
FEATURED ATHLETE: PETE MCAFEE
My kids! No matter what the conditions are, their stoke for skiing is next level and they are on a rocket ship of progression!
Donate to adaptive outdoor programs and ski a lot!
A gnarly storm day! You don’t always remember the blue bird days, but you always remember the days filled with adversity. Those are the most meaningful to me.
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Vasu Sojitra
The North Face, onX Backcountry, Faction Skis, Hydro Flask, Skullcandy, Anon Optics
FEATURED ATHLETE: VASU SOJITRA
When Vasu was only nine months old, he was diagnosed with septicemia, resulting in the amputation of one of his legs. Since then, Vasu has not looked back; with the help of his parents, brother, friends and so many other resources and opportunities, Vasu has gained access to the confidence needed to face new challenges with grace, courage, strength, humor, and unwavering determination.
Vasu witnessed extreme poverty growing up in India, and has been living most of his life with a “dis”ability. He looks at these experiences as a blessing; they have allowed him to truly hone in on his ability to empathize with others. He continues to strengthen his vigor through his work in advocacy for those who are historically marginalized. Vasu will continue to embolden others to be a positive influence in their own communities by pushing personal limits, putting others first, and encouraging people to believe in themselves and in their own unique abilities!
With the motto of “ ninjasticking through the wood to bring intersectionality to the outdoors” Vasu continues to challenge the biases that go with being a Disable person of color with a through his intersectional work which include being the first adaptive athlete for The North Face, a founding member for The Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E Initiative, the co-founder of Inclusive Outdoors Project, and a Disability Access Strategist for The Avarna Group, In Solidarity Project and independently.
I really enjoy skiing and riding with Ingrid Backstrom. Always looked up to her when I was younger. Besides that I mostly am inspired by abolitionists like James Baldwin, Mariame Kaba, Mia Mingus, and many others that are paving way in dismantling so many systems that exclude marginalized people.
I would use all my money to abolish the police and prison industrial complex.
Inclusive Outdoors Project where we work with Disabled, Queer, and Communities of Color to create clinics around mountain sports like backcountry skiing, rock/ice climbing, and mountaineering.
That it’s accessible to everyBODY no matter your race, ethniticity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, class you name it. The outdoors is a human right and let’s damn well make sure we all have access to it.
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Don't miss Vasu in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!