2021 - Winter Starts Now
Karsten Hart
Mill Valley, CA
2021 Winter Starts Now
FEATURED ATHLETE: KARSTEN HART
My Mom and Dad.
Invest it…well, most of it. An Audi R8 would definitely be one of those investments.
Gumins Smoothie.
KT-22 in Squaw…there are so many lines and variety that you can hot lap over and over and over. It never gets boring.
OBX Season 2 of course.
Lightning McQueen….”Okay, here we go. Focus. Speed. I am speed. One winner, forty-two losers. I eat losers for breakfast. Breakfast? Maybe I should have had breakfast? Brekkie could be good for me. No, no, no, focus. Speed. Faster than fast, quicker than quick. I am Lightning.”
Listening, in disbelief, to a voicemail from Tom Day that we should go skiing together.
My bike and surfboard. Santa Cruz V10 and my Lost Mayhem. The perfect compliments to snow.
Children’s health care in Zimbabwe, specifically the Harare Children’s Hospital Relief Fund, a project created by my teammate, Parker Gumins.
So many things were…awkward. Travel, distancing, wearing masks on chairlifts, no Dave’s Deli. But, the snow still fell and some amazing days were had.
Skiing is too amazing for people not to experience. I’d love to see it become more accessible and affordable for everyone around the world…but we’d need to figure out the lift lines.
Channel Wim Hof. Get a few quick breaths in and send it.
Blizzard of AAHHHs. It was a game changer. Super raw, different, and it pulled together three legends that I can relate to independently but that I want to emulate as one.
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Don't miss Karsten in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Jayna Davis
Spokane / Wenatchee, WA
Steamboat Springs & Howelsen Hill
National Brotherhood of Skiers
2021 Winter Starts Now
FEATURED ATHLETE: JAYNA DAVIS
People that inspire me to be a better skier are my friends. They push me to step out of my comfort zone, encourage me to try new things and support me through areas that really challenge me. I have so much fun racing with them as well as free skiing in the powder for fun. Their sense of adventure makes being on the mountain with them and experiencing new terrain fun and allows me to test out my skills.
I believe a solid breakfast of champions contains more than just a bar. If I want to be ready for a long race day, especially if I don’t know when I will have the opportunity to eat lunch, I always ensure I eat a sufficient breakfast. On the days when we are traveling and unable to utilize a kitchen it may be a run through the Starbucks drive in for a bacon gouda sandwich. Other days it is a hardy breakfast of eggs, turkey bacon, avocado and some sort of fruit or orange juice on the side. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day so you might as well make it a good one.
My favorite chair lift on Mount Werner is probably Morningside on a powder day and the Basher Chairlift on a race day. The Morningside chair is on the back side of the mountain. The line is always super long on a powder day. Morningside is unique because when you load the chair and if the camp robber birds are out you can put some food on your glove and the birds will come right up to you and have a little snack. This chair also has one of the tallest spots on it from the ground which is always a little scary. Basher is a short chair but it is nice and relaxing if you are training slalom there. You can also watch people do tricks on the half pipe which is always entertaining. There are so many chairlifts in Steamboat, but these two are probably my favorite.
My favorite memory from filming with Warren Miller was not only the unique opportunity to be a part of such an iconic movie BUT the people I had the chance to meet and interact with. The crew was so kind and helpful and made the experience fun, not stressful and memorable. I also reunited with my friends the triplets, Henri, Henniyah and Helaina. They always make me laugh and their presence made the time fly by during filming. The entire experience was so cool and I feel truly lucky to have had the good fortune of being a part of such an incredible project.
My vision for the future of skiing and snowboarding is to diversify the sport. That was the main reason why I chose to be a part of the Warren Miller film. I want to be sure that people of color feel welcome on the mountain and that they have the opportunity to try winter sports. It’s important that people are represented and that those wanting to give skiing or snowboarding a try see it as available, accessible and inclusive. Flying down the mountain on a super G course or gliding through fresh powder is such an incredible experience and I believe everyone should have the chance to get out there and experience it for themselves. I’m hoping that by being a part of this film it will create conversation, spark ideas and encourage diversification of a sport that I truly love and is now part of my identity.
What do you do to calm your butterflies before a big line/race/moment?
To calm my nerves before a race and after completing the inspection and a warm up I have my coach turn on the speaker and crank up the music. I encourage all of my teammates to start dancing. It’s really fun just to be all together and silly and it also distracts us from stressing about the upcoming race. In addition, it gets the blood pumping so that when you find yourself in the start gate you're ready and to go full send.
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Don't miss Jayna in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Shannan Yates
Murray, Utah/ Kearns, Utah/ Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Lib Tech, Tobe, POW Gloves, Union Binding Company, Solitude, Snowbird
2021 - Winter Starts Now
Photo credit: Elliott Mazzola
FEATURED ATHLETE: Shannan Yates
Travis Rice, amazing athlete, supports his community, and environmental advocate. Of course Barrett Christy, a pioneer in raising the bar for women's snowboarding!
Keep it a secret.
Mullberry Smoothie with banana, yogurt, avocado, spinach and whatever else I decide to throw in.
Summit Chair at Solitude and the Snowbird Tram because of access to epic terrain for both.
The entire week ripping around the mountain with Grete, Harrison, Pat was so much fun and we were constantly laughing and making the best of sub par weather, it was all time! (it can't always be overhead pow days...) Filming with the legend Brad Holmes, who was completely supportive and patient with the tough snow conditions we were working with. Hiking Fantasy Ridge with the athletes and crew to show them my favorite secret stashes and having amazing snow when we got to the spot!
Lib Technologies T-Rice Pro (hard charging, pow ripping ride!), TOBE outerwear Fingo Bib and Jacket (most durable women's outwear you can get!),
Water Conservation (I live in a desert, we don't have an endless supply), Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
I work in the ICUs at the University of Utah so work was a bit tough and being required to be on-call for COVID shifts cut into the season a bit, but mostly working hard to juggle being safe to not catch/spread the virus while still enjoying the resorts.
Teleportation.
Better off Dead. Because it was filmed in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah and has the best one-liners. Also Ski School because Chocolate Hot Tubs
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Don't miss Shannan in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Rob Lu
New Paltz, NY
Who are your sponsors?
2021 Winter Starts Now
Featured Athlete: Rob Lu
Bear Mountain Quad at Killington because you can hit steep bumps and trees, fast groomers and park all off of one lift!
Egg Sandwich and a PBR mixed with a splash of Orangina.
I have been dreaming of being in a ski film ever since I started to see Warren Miller premieres back in Binghamton, NY in 2004. When I started working with Seth Wescott and Rob Kingwill at Winterstick, I started to think it could be a reality as an extra or carrying Seth's bag on a trip. But when I was riding up the Burnt Mountain Cat with Kinger there as my cameraman, I realized that it was actually happening and I was going to get to see myself ride on the big screen!
My Winterstick Snowboards Custom RawBlu 157. There is something magical about getting to design a board just the way you want it, and then getting to shred around the mountain on your own design.
Mountain Biking
I always have music on when I ride, so when I get nervous, I find my song and turn it up to 11.
Grenade - Full Metal Edges in 2002. It was my introduction snowboard films and shaped a lot of my musical tastes.
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Don't miss Rob in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Cheryl Varner
Tacoma, WA
Featured Athlete: Cheryl Varner
If I won the lottery I would take a group of my close ski buddies for 2 weeks to Las Lenas, Argentina, my 2nd most favorite ski area. Gotta love the Marta chairlift
The best place in Olympic Valley to get that breakfast of champions is the Wildfour Baking Co. because everything is made from scratch with the best ingredients.
My favorite chairlift is KT22, at Squaw Valley because it has everything. The diversity of this chair is beyond compare. For over 20 years now I have made it my mission to be1st on the KT chair on a powder day. That 1st run can be the best thing on the planet.
Some of my fondest memories of filming for this WME film was the peace and tranquility of being on the mountain before any of the public and making new ski friends. One morning we were up on Granite Chief Peak. The wind was howling and the powder was deep and it was all ours, for at least one run. It was awesome to get to ski for Tom Day and his crew.
I super love my Volkl Secrets. They are super versatile and quick to respond. I have been on Volkl skis for years and years. Same goes for my Atomic boots. My feet are always warm and happy.
There is a cause that I’ve held dear to my existence for over 50 years and that is “STOP LITTERING”. I cannot believe that in this day and age that littering is still a major issue. I thought that after a couple of decades of our youth being taught the importance of caring for our planet that it would be second nature to everyone that we need to take care of our planet first and foremost.
The longer lift lines created by “covid spacing” and the number of folks on each chair actually turned out a benefit. Fewer people were on any run at any given time. That was sweet.
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!
To calm myself before any big venture, be it competing in the bumps 35 years ago or stomping in front of a camera, I sing a song to myself . This seems to center my energy and calm my nerves.
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Don't miss Cheryl in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Phil Taisey
Brunswick, ME
2021 Winter Starts Now
Featured Athlete: Phil Taisey
Candide Thovex, flawless style, super smooth...
Bacon, Egg and Swiss cheese on a bagel.
The one with the shortest line. I like to keep moving.
Ubik, Philip K. Dick
Lobster adventure on Casco Bay.
Amalgam Skis Artifact 174cm, perfect everyday do it all super energetic ski. Lot of fun... LLBean, Dry/bag backpack, perfect for all seasons keeping your essential kit organized and dry.
Backcountry access, more people earning their turns.
Deep breaths
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Don't miss Phil in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Patrick Spence
Allentown, PA
Who are your sponsors?
Solitude Mountain Resort, BlackStrap, Zeal Optics, Liberty Skis, Helly Hansen
Featured Athlete: Patrick Spence
Always have looked up to Candide, he's a legend.
Probably try to buy a ski resort, and donate a bunch of it to climate change research and funding, I want to keep skiing for a long time and others to enjoy it after me.
6-7 pieces of bacon and a few eggs, some caffeine for sure.
Year Book by MSP came out in 2004, the first ski movie I owned. Definitely fueled the fire to move out west and become a backcountry skier.
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Don't miss Patrick in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!
Buy This Film
Featured Athletes
Kaylin Richardson
Amie Engerbretson
Amy Taisey 
Cheryl Varner 
Chris Delumyea
Connery Lundin
Doug Rotz
Grete Eliassen 
Hannah Baybutt 
Harrison Holley 
Helaina Rivers
Henniyah Rivers
Henri Rivers IV.
Jayna Davis 
Jim Ryan
Jonny Moseley
JT Holmes
Karsten Hart 
Madison Rose Ostergren
Marcus Caston
Noah Elliott
Patrick Spence
Pete McAfee
Peter McDowell 
Phil Taisey 
Rob Lu 
Shannan Yates
Vasu Sojitra
Winter Starts Now - 2021
Warren Miller is back with our 72nd annual film “Winter Starts Now,” featuring the best snowriding from the mom and pop ski hill down the street to the highest peak on the horizon.
Join us for a road trip through the Rocky Mountains, experience classic New England skiing, and hitch a ride up the coast of Alaska. Along the way, we’ll be joined by old friends like Marcus Caston, Amie Engerbretson, and Jim Ryan. We’re speed riding with JT Holmes and hitting the moguls with Jonny Moseley. We’ll meet rising stars Madison Rose and Paralympic snowboarder Noah Elliott, and follow along as Vasu Sojitra and Pete McAfee complete the first-ever disabled ski descent of Denali. Buckle up for an adventure, because Winter Starts Now.
Stream the film and the entire Warren Miller archive dating back to 1968 with O+
Film Destinations
Montana | Maine | Idaho | Colorado | Utah | Alaska | California | Wyoming
Harrison Holley
Park City, UT
Sego Ski Co, Solitude Mountain Resort, Soul Poles
2021 Winter Starts Now
Featured Athlete: Harrison Holley
Buy boot heaters.
I usually eat eggs, bacon and toast. I am not a champion. I would ask Connery.
The one with the shortest line. Extra points if it’s a fixed grip and doesn’t have foot rests.
Filming with WME! Childhood dreams come true.
Hand Warmers, I think my body’s circulation system needs repair. I have been super impressed with Sego Ski Co.’s Condor 108s. They are so versatile that I use them for touring, pow days and I trust them when things get rowdy.
It was my first season rehabbing from a major injury which proved difficult. Having to dial things back a bit when wanting to go full-send is never easy.
My vision has been getting blurry lately, probably should go get my eyes checked.
Happy Dayz, I think it opened my eyes to skiing outside of mogul comps and of course the soundtrack.
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Don't miss Harrison in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021
Noah Elliott
Bridgerton & St.Louis, MO
2021 Winter Starts Now
Featured Athlete: Noah Elliott
My favorite chairlift has to be Schlasman's at Bridger Bowl in Montana. The terrain access via chairlift is exactly the kind of terrain I think of when I want to snowboard.
The highlights of filming with the WME crew has to be being able to share it with my daughter Skylar. Showing her my love for the sport & film has been so rewarding!
The gear I am currently loving has to start with my prosthetic, my Motoknee & Versa Foot 2 are key factors in helping me access the sports I love. I also love my Winterstick snowboards. My Panasonic camera is a must for capturing the moment & getting content to share with the world! I have no relationship with North Face but I love my North Face outerwear!
I have had the opportunity to work with so many empowering and rad organizations It's hard to choose one cause. I would have to say the "cause" I want to share is. A life past an injury or cancer diagnosis. Or Adaptive sports. It's hard to redefine who you are & what your life will be. A lot of deep conversations and self reflecting helped me get an idea. The community of support I received from others helps me understand and pursue it. Adaptive sports has changed my life.
I really want to showcase my true abilities in the back country and on big mountain riding in the future. I want to show people that I am more than a snowboard racer. The thing I love most about big mountain riding and park riding is the feeling that I'm skateboarding the mountain. But the best part is I can go bigger!
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Don't miss Noah in our 72nd film, Winter Starts Now, dropping Fall 2021!