January 13, 2010 E-MAIL PRINT

Dynasty delivers history lesson

by Heather Burke/

Warren Miller is no longer the man behind his ski movies, but his empire continues. In fact, this season’s ski film, appropriately dubbed “Dynasty,” celebrates Warren Miller Entertainment’s 60th anniversary. You should watch this ski flick with your kids.

A little different than the traditional Miller montage, Dynasty is narrated by mogul champ Jonny Moseley. Your kids might relate well to the younger voice. And parents will like that Warren’s iconic voice is occasional peppered into the background of this super scenic ski film. And I will add that Moseley does a fine job as MC, with a slice of humor and a shaker of humility (filling Warren’s ski boots is no small feat).

Dynasty tries to define why we ski, why we are willing to drive hours on snowy roads, why we lug tons of gear, and even why we sleep in parking lots. My kids thought the parking lot camping was particularly hard-core, but they can relate to getting up before the sun and loading into a cold car just to arrive at a ski resort before first chair at 8 a.m.

What I liked about "Dynasty" is the historical flashbacks of past Warren Miller movies, showing old ski jumps and tricks performed before “terrain park” was a name to drop. The look back is both educational for new schoolers, who think they invented some of these previously recorded moves, but also nostalgic for folks who skied a half-century ago. Today’s generation is pushing the sport to new heights, literally. But it’s important for kids to see from whence the sport has evolved, and the retrospective clips of "Dynasty" accomplish that.

There is a dedication that we skiers and riders all share. Whether you are on twin tips, powder fats or sharp shaped slalom skis, we all love the sport of sliding downhill on snow. I sometimes worry that skiing has become divisive. Whether you snowboard or ski draws an imaginary line in an otherwise passionate conversation with a fellow snow lover.

Similarly, kids and parents (my family included) argue over whether urban-style terrain parks are really the essence of “skiing.” We have bantered back and forth on this in the car ride to and from the slopes, but we ultimately come full circle — agreeing that we are all having fun playing on snow, be it natural glades, groomed boulevards, big-mountain adventuring or big manmade kickers and c-rails.

Hopefully, films such as "Dynasty" help bridge the gap between old and new school by demonstrating that the thrill of downhill skiing (or riding) is the tie that binds us all.

And as much as skiing and Warren Miller Entertainment have changed in six decades, the classic thread of gorgeous mountain scenery and smiling skier faces remains. Watch "Dynasty" with your kids — if nothing else, it will get everyone pumped for your next ski day.

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