By Tanner Corbridge
The changing leaves and the bite in the air mean only one thing to many ski junkies in the state of Utah – the Warren Miller ski film is not far from town.
Every year, rowdy collections of ski and snowboard enthusiasts gather in select places across the Beehive state in ritualistic preparations for the on-coming season. Many of these enthusiasts sense it is nearly over as Miller”s latest film, titled “Storm,” rolls into Utah this weekend for a two-week stay.
“The Muslims have Mecca, and ski bums have Miller,” said David Wagner, recent graduate from BYU”s Accounting program, and longtime fan of Miller”s films. “How else are you going to warm up for the ski season in October?”
Miller, commonly known as one of the greatest innovators of mountain films, has been producing his films since 1949-a time when North America only had 15 chairlifts. His films consistently feature steep chutes, towering cornices, crisp powder, and solid performances from some of the world”s most accomplished skiers and snowboarders.
The latest production of Warren Miller Enterprises “Storm” is another attempt to live up to the company”s promise: “Wherever slow falls, a Warren Miller camera is there to catch it.” And early ski magazine reviews promise that Miller”s 53-year recipe for big screen success comes together perfectly in this year”s film.
For years, Miller has promoted working less and skiing more-reminding his audiences that no man on his deathbed ever wished he had spent more time at the office.
“Pursuing the storm can be a lengthy and exhausting chase,” Miller said in this year”s film. “It”s a never-ending quest …”til finally the distance has been traveled and all that lays ahead is white.”
“Storm” will be featured in both public and private theatres from Cedar City to Ogden, giving Miller”s fans across the state the annual opportunity to vicariously warm up for the ski season.
“You know when you take a face shot on skis and you come up feeling a complete adrenaline rush? Miller”s films are just like that, without ever clipping into skis,” Wagner said.
For many, Warren Miller”s film crew coming to town signals the inauguration of the ski season and the commencement of prayers to the snow gods for the nectar to fall.
“For me, Miller”s film is always the match that lights the fire,” said Ryan Sorensen, 24, from Sandy, majoring in aviation science at UVSC.
Fans of Miller”s films can expect to find all the essential powder, cliffs and exotic locales in this year”s film as well. The film”s mountain-top itinerary includes snow rides in locations such as Austria, Alaska and Antarctica by athletes who push the sanity envelope the whole way down.
The film also features a ski expedition across turbulent seas to Antarctica-recreating Sir Ernest Shackleton”s voyage to the Isle of South Georgia. While there, Miller”s film crew captures skiers pursuing first-ever descents on some of the world”s most remote peaks.
Recent marketing research by Miller Enterprises shows the films have produced a loyal following throughout the country-returning seven out of ten audience members to the next year”s film. This year”s film will be shown in more than 200 cities across the nation during October, November and December.
Chris Anthony, an extreme skier featured in “Storm,” will emcee the Ogden and Salt Lake City shows according to Nancy Richter, a spokesperson for Miller Enterprises.
All film attendees will receive a $20 lift ticket to ski the Canyons Resort in Park City. Show information can been found at www.warrenmiller.com.
