Sitting in the Boulder Theater this past weekend watching No Turning Back, the quote “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it” floated into my consciousness. Luckily we are blessed with annual reminders of ski seasons past as they flicker on the screen each fall with a new film of big lines, crazy hucks, and interesting fashion choices from Warren Miller entertainment.
Credit: Warren Miller Entertainment
When Warren Miller first created the genre of ski porn 65 years ago, little did he know how big the industry would become, and how advanced technology would open up bigger and better lines, he just wanted to find a way to finance his skiing addiction. For those athletes lucky enough to be featured in his films, the pathway to chasing their dreams of skiing some of the most exotic lines in the world as a full time job was so alluring they kept coming back. The results are pure pleasure to watch each ski season. Even though he has not been involved with filmmaking for the last ten years, Warren’s mellow laid back vibe coupled with his down home humor still pervades his films. I would not have it any other way.
The film featured locations familiar to WM aficionados; steeps of the Chugach Range in Alaska; speed-riding the Alps in Switzerland; the beauty of Chamonix, France; plus some lesser-known gems such as an artic archipelago in Norway; Mt Olympus in Greece; freestyle at Mammoth Mountain, California; race skiing with Olympians in Colorado and sick powder in Hokkaido, Japan.
Watching Chris Anthony, Ingrid Backstrom, and Jess McMillan Heli-ski outside Cordova, Alaska was breathtaking, but the highlight of the night was watching JT Holmes and Ueli Kestenholz “speed-ride” throughout the Alps beneath canopies that allow them to conquer lines that would be impossible without their modified parachutes, completely insane and thrilling to watch.
Credit: Warren Miller Entertainment
Interspersed with segments of today’s skiers and boarders pushing the envelope are vintage clips culled from the vast library WM has archived over the past decades. From eight-foot tall skis to Day-Glo outfits from hell one thing was evident watching this progression of nostalgia, they loved a fresh powder day as much as we do, and they constantly pushed the envelope also. After a night of film I look forward to hitting the slopes this season and chasing some powder, hopefully you do too.
You can find upcoming dates by going to their website here
