Monday, November 30, 2009

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!

9 comments:

Mental P Mama said...

I love Warren! And you're getting snow???? Wow!

Pam said...

Thanks for hanging in there and making it the whole month. You made so many of my days in November more fun just reading your witty blog. Warren sounds like a hoot, I'm going to have to check out a video.

Tammy said...

I was amazed by his ski movies when I was young! Crazy stuff. Congrats on making it the whole month of November posting everyday, that's quite an accomplishment!

Snooty Primadona said...

Ooops! Now they are predicting (in this order) rain, sleet, then 4 to 6 inches of snow... Oy! I think I'll be staying at home with the fire going, trying to decorate for Christmas.

I really shouldn't have said I had a favorite film of Warren's because his early ones were the funniest of all and I have loved them all. What a visionary he has been...

Heather Kerrigan said...

I wish I was more of a skier. I would enjoy winter more.

Thanks for sharing so many great posts. A whole month is a serious accomplishment. CONGRATS and job well done!

Daryl said...

I see lots of samplers and/or t-shirts with these bon mots selling out ... just a thought .. keep the snow there, please .. rain is enough for us now

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Congrats on making it to the end! Great post...love the quotes ;0)

imbeingheldhostage said...

Number One Son just got 6 inches of snow and he's the next state over from you. The mountains got three feet-- that'll make for some great skiing :-)

Congrats Snooty-- you did a superb job in posting!!!

abb said...

I used to ski quite well.
I got fat and out of shape.
I no longer ski quite well.
Dammit.

And you grew up skiing in Aspen??? Jealous, very very jealous!!

 

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