Killington featured in latest Warren Miller film ‘Future Retro’
Originally published in the Mountain Times- November 4, 2020
Warren Miller’s 71st feature film will stream Nov. 7
By Brooke Geery
For the past 71 years, the start of the season has been marked by a new Warren Miller movie, and although Covid-19 has changed the premiere format, skiers will still delight in a new film which takes them around the globe from top to bottom, including a trip to the Beast of the East.
The Killington segment explores everything that goes into putting on the World Cup event, and also includes some freeskiing from Killington-bred skier Jim Ryan and Minnesota native Kaylin Richardson. In interviews on the Warren Miller website, Ryan and Richardson remember one morning fondly.
“Kaylin and I got to open up this run called Skyeburst in perfect cowboy cord just as the sun was coming up over a frozen Vermont dreamscape. Unreal. We got to the bottom and turned to each other… I can’t even remember what we said, but we both knew it was special,” Ryan said.
“There had been a rain event earlier in the week so all the trees were flocked in glittering frost. As the golden winter sun rose, it reflected off every surface in sight. And then Jimmy and I took off, making huge carving arcs all the way down,” Richardson said. “Every aspect of that run was dazzling.”
Killington locals will recognize the terrain, as well as some familiar characters such as Roger Boutard a.k.a. the Killington Bird Man, known for his extravagant dress.
“When I first wore my outfit I liked the extra attention, then it got my picture in Powder magazine. When someone asked why I wear my outfit, I would simply say, to get my picture in Powder magazine,” he said. “Now I can say I wore the outfit to get in the Warren Miller movie!”
Appropriate retro attire is one of the things “Future Retro” narrator Jonny Moseley recommends for getting full enjoyment out of the virtual premiere on Nov. 7. (See his tips below)
Like any Warren Miller film premiere, these virtual events will be lively and will act as the official kickoff to winter. Consisting of a one-hour virtual red carpet, with athlete appearances, behind-the-scenes interviews, sponsor shout-outs and vintage throwbacks, these premieres will be hosted by Olympian and longtime Warren Miller narrator Jonny Moseley.
Viewers will be invited to transform their living room, garage, backyard, basement or beyond into the ultimate ski film premiere venue. Small, socially-safe watch parties are welcome for the livestreaming events, and attendees can stream or cast the film from their internet browser onto their smart TVs or streaming devices via their smartphones or desktop. Viewers will have access to the event for up to 48 hours, and each virtual ticket includes up to four people––complete with entries into the nightly door prizes, national sweepstakes and up to four coupon codes. Should someone want to attend with more guests, they will be encouraged to purchase additional tickets. General admission tickets for four people are $30.
“Hopefully the convenience and accessibility of the virtual experience will reach a new and wider audience, who may not have been able to attend a live show for geographical or other reasons,” said 20-year Warren Miller filmmaking veteran and producer Josh Haskins. “And of course we’re excited to provide the event atmosphere virtually to our dedicated longtime fans. They will just need to be their own bartenders during the show.”
Join this collective experience as the legacy continues. Go to warrenmller.com to learn more.
Jonny Moseley’s tips for watching
Long time host and beloved narrator Jonny Moseley will play emcee the night of the show. Don’t miss all the bonus content in the hour-long lead-up as he interviews the athletes from the film and goes behind the scenes of the making of “Future Retro.”
Assemble your ultimate ski crew with appropriate social distancing measures. Up to four people are included in your ticket purchase.
Become your own bartender and stock up on your favorite chairlift snacks (insert shot-ski here).
Get ready for the ultimate red-carpet experience. Retro outfits are encouraged!
Cheers to the event start and get ready to kick off winter.
Start planning those ski adventures, ‘cause you’re going to be stoked!