British Columbia

Featured Athlete: AJ Oliver 

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

Franz Klammer, let ‘er buck.

 

In lieu of our 70th film, what’s your most memorable or favorite Warren Miller film or segment – past or present?

I always remember the segment from Vertical Reality shot in India. Neon one-piece suits, riding elephants, locals skiing on handmade skis…. It's got it all.

 

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Buy a “mom and pap” ski resort and let everyone ski for free.

 

Best meal you can cook? 

Simple. Chicken, sautéd veggies, with maybe pasta or couscous.

 

Favorite chairlift and why?

Challenger, at Big Sky. You are able to choose from multiple aspects and exposure. Something is always skiing well. Also, it’s great for turning laps. The 9min ride is perfect to catch your breath before you do it again.

 

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

I’ll go with the most recent. The Fall Line by Nathaniel Vinton.

 

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

Anyone of the little rascals… I’m always looking for a way out of trouble.

 

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

Skiing in the Monashees, exploring new terrain, and of course skiing with industry legend Glen Plake.

 

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

Camera, I’m getting back into photography. New Year's resolution!

 

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

Protect Our Winters!

 

Do you have any sponsors, if yes, who?

Head, POC, Patagonia

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.

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! 

FEATURED ATHLETE: SIMON HILLIS

 
Where did you grow up & where did you grow up skiing? 
I was born in Bali, then moved to Canada when I was 3 and I’ve lived in Rossland BC ever since.

 

What’s your “Back in my day, we…”?
We used to look at the lines we ski today, 

 

Who has inspired your skiing the most?
Dane Tudor and Richard Permin.

 

How did Warren Miller the man influence your skiing/riding career?
He’s the OG for ski movies. 
 
 

Where did you grow up & where did you grow up skiing?
Grew up in Vågå Norway, and learned to ski at Lemonlake, the local ski center by the Jotunheimen National Park.

Current favorite piece/pieces of gear? Why?
ULLR Powder suit from Helly Hansen (keeps you dry and is really comfy) and Kästle BMX105 HP (an all-round ski that works in every condition).

What’s your “Back in my day, we…”?
Skied around Europe in a crappy car.

Who has inspired your skiing the most?
My Crazy cousin Øystein Bakke and of course Seth Morrison.

Best recovery exercises?
PlayStation and then a lot of hours in the gym.

Ideal down day?
At a trampoline park or playing tennis.

How did Warren Miller the man influence your skiing/riding career?
He gathered a lot of good people and showed the world what was possible. The WM movies have always been inspirational!

Current favorite piece of gear? Why?
My powsurf, it's the greatest way to get down the mountain. 

What is your number one goal in skiing/riding right now?
I just want to have as much fun and ride as good of snow as I can. 

Best advice you were ever given?
Do what makes you the most happy. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From within, if I am doing something I love to do I am naturally inspired, but if I am forcing myself to do things I don't want to do I will work less hard at it. 

What is your greatest fear?
Balding. But that is already happening.

Best moment filming with WME this year?
Getting to hang with the boys up at Mustang Powder with great snow and even better soup.

Headshot via Facebook

What is your number one goal in skiing/riding right now?
Getting better at skiing technical lines with confidence.

Best advice you were ever given?
Take a step back and look at the big picture. Then drink some water and try again!

Current favorite piece of gear?
My new skis! They are the Black Crows Camox Freebird, and I love them.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Sick lines in the spectacular mountains all around me every day. I also get inspired by my friends that live for skiing just those lines.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing close friends in skiing or climbing accidents. No one should have to go through that.

Best moment filming with WME this year?
There is one specific line that stands out to me; the powder was great, the steepness was perfect, the sun was low, and I skied as fast as humanly possible. My favorite way to go! In my home mountains of Lyngen in late March.

Headshot by Neil Provo (via Instagram)

Current favorite piece of gear?
Currently, my favorite piece of gear is my fat tire bicycle because of its incredible versatility. Glaciers, beaches, trails, mountains, deserts - I can ride it everywhere!

What is your number one goal in skiing/riding right now?
I just want to keep searching for clean lines and perfect snow. I want to keep it fun and continue to explore my potential and my surroundings.

Best advice you were ever given?
Keep your fly wet.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I get inspired by life, and all of its natural processes. What an amazing time to be a human - we get to powsurf in the mountains just for fun! How cool is that?

What is your greatest fear?
The greatest fear I ever felt was during a glacier camping trip in SE Alaska in the spring of 2015. There was a brief moment during an absolutely savage, 9-day snow storm, where I thought things might go south. That feeling was soon followed by the greatest sense of accomplishment I've ever felt.

Best moment filming with WME this year?
There was one day in particular where we were riding pow above the clouds. It was a dream-like setting, from sunrise to sunset. I also packed a really good lunch that day. At Mustang Powder in BC, you go for the skiing, but you'll likely want to return for the food alone. It is amazing.

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!

What is your number one goal in skiing/riding right now?
Have as much fun as possible while exploring new possibilities and terrain.

Current favorite piece of gear? Why?
Grassroots Powsurfer - It's one simple tool that provides a feeling unlike anything else. There are no moving parts, nothing ever to adjust or break.

Best advice you were ever given?
Follow your dreams.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Nature, surfing and skateboarding.

What is your greatest fear?
Letting life pass me by without making the most of it.

Best moment filming with WME this year?
Watching the sunrise atop a peak in British Columbia, realizing what an amazing day of riding we were about to enjoy.

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