Photo courtesy Nate Abbott and Will Wiseman
Jamey Parks soars from the cliff-side in Canyons, Utah.

Move to ‘Higher Ground’ with Warren Miller’s latest ski-movie-of-the-year

Susan Coss COS03002@BYUI.EDU scroll staff

It is not just a set of skis going down a slope at Targhee or Kelly Canyon: it is Kaj Zackrisson, a skier from Sweden, gliding down the never-before-skied Chugach Powder Guides in Girdwood, Alaska.

On Nov. 11, Warren Miller’s 56th ski movie, Higher Ground, will be showing in the Westwood Theater on Main Street with 6, 8 and 10 p.m. showings.

Professionals such as Chris Anthony, a skier from Edwards, Colo., and newcomer Josh Madsen, a Telemark skier from Salt Lake City, hit the slopes of Alaska and Utah for the film. Anthony knows why students should share in the enjoyment of this premiere.

“It is part of tradition. It helps get winter started. It is a good experience, and a good place to take a date,” Anthony said.

Anthony has completed his 16th film with Warren Miller. This year he will be stowing away on the U.S.S. Nimitz Navy aircraft carrier headed to higher ground in Summit Lake, Alaska, where he will compete for the title of Arctic Man.

“I hope I get to be in the next one. [The Warren Miller films] always are a good product for the audience,” Anthony said.

Higher Ground is Madsen’s first Warren Miller movie. Madsen will prove his skills to the returning athletes on the slopes of The Canyons in Utah.

“It was cool to have a 16 millimeter and a semiphotographer in front of you. You have to focus in a different way, which was new for me,” Madsen said.

The film features new and returning athletes in a variety of locations. Heavenly, Calif., welcomed back the Warren Miller crew with more athletes like Glen Plake, Jessica Sobolowski and others. France welcomes Dave Barlia in a wingsuit. Barlia turns into a giant bat when he leaps off of Mt. Blanc.

France, Switzerland, British Columbia and the United States have the privilege this year to be selected for Warren Miller’s snow season picks.

“How can you outdo the film before? I want to see someone ski the North Pole,” said Brian Osborne, a junior from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Osborne is a returning movie viewer and has enjoyed the films he has seen.

Although Osborne is not seeking a career as a skier, Madsen dropped a piece of advice for those interested in the ski business.

“It is hard work; the business is hard. Be patient, let things develop and have fun with it,” Madsen said.

Those interested in watching the movie can join the large crowd that awaits the opening of the film. There will be door prizes and fun games inside.

Enter for a chance to win a pair of skies or a snowboard. Tickets can be purchased at the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office and at the Rexburg City Hall.