I Present To You... The Wonderful World of Warren Miller Ski Films

We are expecting something like an inch of snow tonight so it's only right and proper that I should make the last post of my NaBloPoMo commitment on the talented and funny Warren Miller, who has entertained skiers and non-skiers since the early 1950's with his films. He's 80 years old now, is a published author and father as well as one of the most funny, tender men I've ever known of. His films are legendary and have only improved over the years. He really is the Jacques Cousteau of the snow skiing world and even surfing in the early days. The man was a genius and got to spend his life doing what he loves. You certainly can't beat that.

When I lived in Aspen as a teenager, he was a god to all of us. His narratives are better than any reporter on any sport. He always features the cutting edge skiers (and snowboarders) of the day in his films and his photography will make you drool. His humor will entertain you and his tender heart will warm yours. We all wanted to grow up and be in Warren's films much like many kids want to be basketball, movie or soccer stars.

The man is a genius at what he does. I think my most favorite of all his films (which is not an easy decision) is his 2004 movie Impact. He shows more than just skiing. He shows water skiers in Mexico, surfers, horseback riding and Warren's Angels. It's wonderful and entertaining, whether you do any of these sports or not. Extreme Winter is a really good one too... as well as hair-raising.

I realize it's hard to believe I was ever as crazy as any of Warren's skiers, but I was. A gazillion years ago.

Some of my favorite Warren Miller quotes:

"When I first started skiing, my skis were long and my pants were baggy. Now, my skis are short and my face is baggy."

"Work is the price you pay for money."

"If you can afford to go to college then you probably don't need to."

"Don't take life too seriously because you can't come out of it alive."

"It's always darkest before the dawn. So, if you're planning on stealing your neighbor's newspaper, do it then."

"Anyone that tells you they ski as well at 80 as they did when they were 20, was a lousy skier at 20."

"On the other hand, you have different fingers."

"It's not your aptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude."

"How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?"

"I dropped out of normal life at 20. After a lifetime following my heart on a pair skis, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up."

"Memory can be your choice of drug if you let it."


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And, I made it to the end of the NaBloPoMo thing... Yay!