How is it possible that I lived my entire 32 years in Utah and never learned to ski? That is as bad as all those people who live within a mile of the ocean and never go to the beach. Insanity I tell you! So for my 32nd birthday, my very good friend took me to Monarch Ski Resort in Colorado and taught me to ski. I know, I didn’t even learn to ski in Utah, the irony never ends…
After learning a few basics, and with much protesting (I was happy on the bunny hill ok?), we took to the lift. Ever been on the sky ride at Lagoon? Yeah, that was nothing compared to this baby, we’re soaring 10 times higher, there is no protective bar in front, we’re swaying in the sub-zero wind, and I was a wee bit nervous to say the least. We glide to the top of the mountain, I somehow manage to get off the lift without dying, and then I look up.
Before me is the most beautiful, white sparkling landscape, and it takes my frosted breath away. It was in that moment that I got it, this beauty is what all these people are here for, and I was hooked. I knew this was something I’d be doing for the rest of my life. (Come to find out, the scenery really isn’t what it’s all about, it’s the rush of adrenaline speeding through your veins, but hey, it was a nice moment.)
Warren Miller Ski Movies
Sports. Cin’s Critique: 
I’ve watched Warren Miller Ski Movies before, but it wasn’t until I had experienced the thrill myself that I really understood them. I never appreciated watching someone ski off a cliff, or jump out of a helicopter while attached to a snowboard.
Even if you’re not a skier, you will enjoy the extremes Warren Miller takes you to in his ski movies. You will laugh, you will cringe, you will ooohh, you will aaaww. Miller has released a movie every year since 1949 to celebrate the beginning of the ski season. He got started by filming himself and his buddy ski, to improve their technique. He showed the films to family and friends, inserting his own funny comments and remarks to get some laughs. After a while he would be invited to show the films at parties and such, and he got the brilliant idea to try to make some money off of his hobby. (Wouldn’t it be great if that worked for all of us?) Anyway, to read a bit more about Warren Miller, click here. And for a short example of the content in his films, click here.
Wow!
I had forgotten how cool Warren Miller movies were – thanks for the YouTube link! Amazing stuff! And it is a lot cooler after you have actually been skiing!
I didn’t know he had made a movie every year – impressive. A testament to the power of doing something consistently and regularly.
Comment by Rusty — March 16, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
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Pingback by Warren Miller Ski Movies — March 16, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I’ve seen the movies advertised but never watched them. I have to admit I like watching the wipeouts as much as the landings. That’s so cool that you got to go skiing! My brother Cody and I (and I think Dane and Kale too) had self-taught lessons. I didn’t learn how to snowplow until I was going down the blues! It’s nice that your friend was patient enough to teach you! Fun fun, I haven’t been in years and don’t know if I could do it anymore. Keep it up. After you’re 70 you can go for free pretty much everywhere in the U.S!
Comment by Mari — March 18, 2008 @ 8:06 pm