Segment Notes

Locations of Warren Miller's Flow State Movie Revealed

This season, immerse yourself in the Flow State with Warren Miller Entertainment and experience the ultimate winter from a lens of absolute clarity. The 63rd annual Warren Miller film Flow State takes you all over the world from the peaks of Alaska to powder heaven in Japan. Read about the locations and the amazing athletes featured in this epic.

Chugach Powder Guides, Alaska

Olympic Gold Medalist Ted Ligety and racer-turned-freeskier Marcus Caston will tell you that Big- Mountain skiing isn’t as easy as it looks. Not even close. They’ll also tell you that Alaska’s Chugach Range shows no mercy. Accustomed to the confines of racing gates and on-piste runs, Ted and Marcus take the lead from Swiss freeskier Phil Meier and learn how to approach the backcountry as they’re set loose in 1,663,267 square miles of pure Alaskan wilderness. The Chugach Range averages 600 inches of snowfall per year that covers countless powder walls, averaging 3,000–4,000 feet in vertical expanse. After a handful of ragdoll wipeouts and stomach-churning crashes, Ligety and Caston learn two valuable lessons: One, Alaskan heli-skiing is not for the meek; and two, conquering your fear is the greatest reward of all. “It’s a much bigger mystery going down all these lines than it is in a race,” explains Ligety. “That’s been a tough kind of fear for me to conquer.”

Featured Athlete(s):

Marcus Caston, Phil Meier, Ted Ligety

Equipment:

Skis, Helicopter

Niseko, Japan

Miles away from Tokyo’s bright lights and high-tech populace lays Japan’s finest mountain destination, Niseko. While most of the globe was in a serious drought last winter, Niseko was constantly shoveling. At least that’s how Tyler Ceccanti, Roman Rohrmoser and Tatsuya Tayagaki make it seem. Although they come from different cultures and different sides of the globe, a deep love for powder snow unites these skiing superstars. Niseko has become a destination for Western skiers— as snow-covered trees, avalanche barriers and fluffy pillow lines transform the landscape into a skier’s playground. This area consistently receives so much snow that locals actually “guarantee” powder to winter visitors. So far, they’ve delivered. Only one year after a devastating tsunami struck Japan’s east coast, the nation is holding its head high. “I think the love for Japanese culture and deep powder snow is stronger than any disaster,” shares Tatsuya Tayagaki. Tour Tayagaki home turf as he shows Tyler and Roman why Japan is the best spot for sushi, sake and stoke.

Featured Athlete(s):

Roman Rohrmoser, Tatsuya Tayagaki, Tyler Ceccanti

Equipment:

Skis

San Juans, Colorado

If you got a last-minute invite to go on a free heli-trip, what lengths would you take to ensure that you made it before takeoff? Jess McMillan would speed on snow-covered roads to the heli-hanger in Regan Smith’s racecar. Don’t worry...it’s equipped with studded snow tires. Jess makes it to Telluride just in time for takeoff, welcomed by big-mountain legend Chris Davenport, ski-racing icon Daron Rahlves and Canadian big-mountain skier Josh Bibby. Watch as this team of backcountry experts takes on Telluride and lay tracks all across the San Juans. This area is home to 14 peaks that reach over 14,000 feet, and last season’s wild weather made it a target for avalanche danger. While these pros make navigating this terrain look like a breeze, they carefully calculate each turn and assess the risks before every descent. “I think one of the things that’s most attractive for me about the sport of skiing is the mental focus that you need when you’re out in the mountains,” says Davenport. “It’s such a dangerous environment.”

Featured Athlete(s):

Chris Davenport, Daron Rahlves, Jess McMillan, Josh Bibby, Regan Smith

Equipment:

Skis, Helicopter, NASCAR Vehicle

Northstar, California

When there’s this much snow, homework can wait. Eleven-year-olds Aspen Spora and Toby Miller don’t build snowmen or play video games during the winter; they huck cliffs and throw big air in the park. If they can figure out how to skip school on a powder day, you’ll spot them playing in the trees at Northstar in Tahoe, California—just look for two kids in XXL jackets, riding the tallest snowdrifts in sight. While Aspen proves he can hold his own in the powder, the park is where he really shines. Even with an obvious height disadvantage, he gives David Wise a run for his money when they hit the Superpipe. After only a few minutes of watching Aspen land tricks in the park, it’s easy to see how much he loves the sport. “I would have no life without skiing,” he admits. “My life would be school, Ping-Pong and eating.” It’s a good thing he put on a pair of skis at such a young age because we agree: “Skiing is much better than school.”

Featured Athlete(s):

Aspen Spora, Billy Mann, David Wise, Eero Ettala, Elena Hight, Toby Miller, Austin Simonpietri

Equipment:

Skis, Snowboards

Kings & Corn, Alaska

After retiring from World Cup downhill racing, Tommy Moe wasn’t ready to turn in his boots, so he headed to Alaska to spend his days carving and casting. Carving and casting? Yep—that’s right. Chugach Powder Guides offers a summer action-adventure experience that combines King Salmon fishing, corn-snow heli-skiing and whitewater rafting in the heart of the Tordrillo Mountains. From the looks of it, Moe is pretty content in his summer home: “We’ve been pioneering the range for 15 years, and there’s still another lifetime of ski runs to enjoy.” With a floatplane, helicopter and slew of fishing boats, Tommy takes World Cup Champions Daron Rahlves and Marco Sullivan to the top of Tordillo’s volcanic peaks and ancient glaciers, terrain that is accessible only by helicopter. After years of grueling training and continuous practice, they’re champing at the bit to ski Alaska’s untracked peaks and troll its pristine rivers. “There’s some runs I wish would never end,” says Rahlves. “You go down the mountain, and life escapes you as you’re in the moment looking ahead.” Join these racers- turned-freeskiers as they escape the lower-48 to carve endless acres of fresh Alaskan corn and catch some big fish.

Featured Athlete(s):

Daron Rahlves, Marco Sullivan, Tommy Moe

Equipment:

Skis, Helicopter, Fishing Boat, Floatplane, Fishing Poles

Flow Riders

Leave it to these snowboarders to catch the biggest air. This medley of boarding antics showcases over-the-top jumps, unthinkable jibs and endless pow shots. Adrenaline-pumping footage of the world’s top snowboarding talent will take over the screen. Watch as these famed riders charge down powder spines and crush it in the urban scene.

Featured Athlete(s):

Frederik Kalbermatten, Tim Humphreys, Chas Guldemond, Gulli Gudmundsson, Victor De Le Rue

Equipment:

Snowboards

10th Mountain Division, Colorado

“Sometimes to learn about the present you have to step back to the past.” Go back in time with Warren Miller legend Chris Anthony as he explores the roots of American ski culture and celebrates our country’s renowned 10th Mountain Division. You will find yourself entranced as veterans from the famed 10th Mountain Division explain what it was like be a part of the United States’ first mountain infantry. These “original ski bums,” as Scott Kennett describes them, pioneered the way for today’s ski culture. Relocated to Camp Hale near Vail, Colorado, only five months before Pearl Harbor, the 10th Mountain Division learned how to fight, travel by ski and survive in negative 30-degree temperatures. The 10th was later deployed to fight in Italy, where they fought heroically and overtook the famed Riva Ridge. Watch vintage footage of the veterans attempting to navigate The Rockies’ unforgiving terrain with 7-foot hickory skis and 90-pound packs. And have a laugh as Anthony, Seibert and Kennett take an unsuccessful stab at skiing on this now antique equipment. Most of these men will admit that serving in the 10th, high in the mountains, was miserable at times. But, they’ll also admit that the skiing was the best part of their unique experience. After serving in the 10th and developing a deep passion for skiing, many of these veterans moved on to shape innovation in ski technology and resort development across the United States. It’s been 71 years since the creation of the 10th, but their common love of the mountains “has held [them] together for a lifetime,” shares 10th veteran Earl Clark.

Featured Athlete(s):

Chris Anthony, Scott Kennett, Tony Seibert, Various 10th Mountain Division Veterans

Equipment:

Skis, Authentic 10th Mountain Division Military Equipment

Cordova, Alaska

At 60.5 degrees North and 145.7 degrees West, Cordova, Alaska, isn’t a stop along a journey—it’s a destination. The perfect destination, in fact, for heli-skiing. As the Pacific coastline collides with the mighty Chugach Mountains, a landscape of seemingly endless peaks and valleys beckon big-mountain junkies from across the globe. Seizing the opportunity to turn a life’s passion into a career, ultimate ski bums Kevin and Jessica Quinn moved to Alaska and opened Points North Heli-Adventures, Inc. Without a doubt, Kevin and Jessica have the best job in Cordova—navigating helicopters through the Chugach, spotting lines and delivering skiers to their destination. Shredding with Points North is so enticing that the Quinns have World Cup racer Travis Ganong washing dishes just to earn a few powder turns. But with all the skiing Travis wants to do, he’s going to need a bigger sink.

Featured Athlete(s):

Kevin Quinn, Mitch Tölderer, Travis Ganong

Equipment:

Skis, Helicopter

Mürren, Switzerland

At first glance, Mürren, Switzerland, looks surreal. Perched on the side of a cliff and only accessible by cable car or train, Mürren is a “classic European ski town,” as big-mountain skier Hugo Harrisson describes it. With snow-covered chalets and panoramic views of Breithorn Mountain, it’s no surprise that the first FIS Alpine World Championships were held here in 1931. The absence of cars guarantees that the only traffic jam you’ll face is too many skiers racing to the gondola. “It’s like a skier’s island,” says local sensation Sascha Schmid. After exploring the village on skis, climb another 7,000 feet to the summit of the Eiger and watch Hugo and Sascha lay fresh tracks between jagged chutes. Things may seem harsh on the Eiger—all snow and exposed rock—but to these powder-thirsty skiers, it’s paradise. “It gives a lot of options for base jumpers, speed flyers, climbers, mountaineers, freeskiers—it’s the top of Europe,” says Hugo. After conquering the summit, they dip into the clouds for a game of follow-the-leader through the forest, weaving between powder fields and trees in scenery that’s nothing short of a skier’s dreamland.

Featured Athlete(s):

Hugo Harrisson, Sascha Schmid

Equipment:

Skis, Funitel, Cable Car

Canyons Resort, Utah

With 12,000-foot peaks, plenty of lift-access backcountry and ample amounts of “the greatest snow on earth,” Canyons Resort has perfected the recipe for a legendary Utah skiing experience. After jamming to live music at the resort base, pro skiers Blake Nyman, Keely Kelleher, Julian Carr and Kaylin Richardson hop on the lift to explore the rest of the Canyons’ 4,000 skiable acres. Watch as they dart through trees and over cliffs in an attempt to bury themselves neck-deep in some of the country’s softest snow. Follow the crew as they ski beyond the boundary rope and show off their favorite spots in the Wasatch Mountains. Countless laps through powder fields and steep chutes leave these big-mountain skiers wanting more. As Keely describes, “[Snow] accelerates everyone’s mood. You can feel that energy rip down the coolest mountains in the world.” Try to keep up with these athletes as they carve endless lines across the Wasatch, reaffirming their love for skiing.

Featured Athlete(s):

Blake Nyman, Julian Carr, Kaylin Richardson, Keely Kelleher, Cooper Hoffmeister, Branden Doyon

Equipment:

Skis, Helicopter

Retro Freestyle Skiing, Squaw Valley

Is it really true that today’s freeskiing stems from ski ballet? That’s at least what Bob Howard claims. Flashback with Moseley as he digs up his neon one-piece and takes us back in time for a little ski ballet. Back when ski ballet was a legitimate sport, it gave skiers the chance to gain mad street-cred. “We got points for good hair, cool clothes, pyrotechnical things,” says freestyle legend Bob Howard. You’re probably laughing, but these skiers take their pliés and pirouettes very seriously as they hotdog through the Lake Tahoe area.

Featured Athlete(s):

Bob Howard, Jonny Moseley, Thom Brisson

Equipment:

Short Skis

How You Like Me Now?

No terrain is off-limits and no slope is out-of-bounds for the outrageous freeskiers showcased in this progressive freestyle montage. Watch as the world’s top skiers attack urban transitions, towering cliffs and gnarly rails—reinventing the sport of freeskiing. Whether they’re in the park or the parking lot, these guys never stop charging.

Featured Athlete(s):

Jossi Wells, Clayton Vila, Dane Tudor, Josh Stack, Alex Schlopy, Cam Riley, Leigh Powis, Sean Pettit, Riley Leboe, Sean Jordan, Mike Henitiuk, Andreas Håtveit, Paddy Graham, Banks Gilberti, Pep Fujas, Karl Fostvedt, Joss Christensen, Bobby Brown, Willie B

Equipment:

Skis, Winches

Colby West’s Austria

Join X Games Champion Colby James West as he travels to the foot of Europe’s Kitzsteinhorn Glacier to introduce the art of freeskiing to the Austrian village of Kaprun...or so he thinks. Colby gears up in a tall-tee and his park skis, hoping to share the gospel of mute grabs and rail slides with this isolated population. Little does he know, he’s preaching to the choir.

Featured Athlete(s):

Colby West

Equipment:

Skis

Svalbard, Norway

North of the Arctic Circle lies a vast landscape of glaciers, icy water and untouched snow. Enter Svalbard, Europe’s northernmost archipelago, where bears roam the coastline searching for their next meal and walrus lounge sluggishly on pristine ice shelves. To the average person, this frozen tundra doesn’t offer much—no shelter, no hot meals and no first-world conveniences. But, to adventure skiers Jackie Paaso and Aurélien Ducroz, it holds some of the most unique terrain on earth. Instead of a snowmobile or helicopter, Jackie and Aurélien board a 62-foot sailboat to explore the Norwegian Arctic, in search of Svalbard’s steepest lines. Unobstructed by buildings or ski-patrol ropes, these metallic mountains offer an unmatched freedom. Once on shore, they summit crystal glaciers and cover their hiking tracks with perfect lines. “Both the journey up the mountain and down the mountain really make a great experience,” says Jackie. “Everything feels a lot better on the way down when you’ve really earned those turns.”

Featured Athlete(s):

Aurélien Ducroz, Jaclyn Paaso, Doug Stoup

Equipment:

Skis, Sailboat, Touring Gear