Warren Miller’s ‘Dynasty’, an inspiring ski film for a global audience

Warren Miller has been making documentary films about skiing for 60 years. Having no prior experience with his work, I entered a screening of his latest film, ‘Dynasty’, with both excitement and curiosity. The screening was was held at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side in New York City. Neither the venue or city are synonymous with skiing; however, Warren Miller’s film packed the house with a sold-out audience consisting of ski lovers of all ages.

From the opening montage, featuring extreme skiers conquering sheer vertical alpine faces, backed by an adrenaline-fueled soundtrack of catchy rock music, it was clear why Warren Miller films have long captivated the skiing-obsessed. Amazing camera work, beautiful cinematography and an all-out thrill ride for the senses, Dynasty had me begging for mother winter to hit the east coast early this year.

Narrated by star X Games and Olympic skier, Jonny Moseley, Dynasty takes you inside the lives of individuals who dedicate their lives (often risking it) to skiing. A ski adventure guide in Norway offering helicopter lifts to miraculous alpine terrain; a nine-year old snowboarding star; brothers from the mid-west who create terrain parks in wheat fields; a village in northwest China where people ski via handmade equipment and a cast of world-famous extreme skiers, round out the cast of characters.

This film captures the marriage of nature and the human spirit that only an activity like skiing can provide. A common narrative throughout the documentary is the skiers’ appreciation for nature and living a life of passion and beauty, where they are doing what they truly love most. To quote a featured disabled X-Games competitor, “my job is better than your vacation,”. That about sums it up.

Warren Miller’s Dynasty is highly recommended for ski lovers, thrill seekers or those seeking inspiration for living a life of fulfillment, with no regrets. If the documentary itself isn’t enough, all ticket holders receive free subscriptions to Warren Miller’s Snow World and Skiing Magazine, a free lift ticket to a local ski resort and the chance to win a variety of incredible door prizes. The grand prize: a ski trip for two to Chile in South America.

Thank you Warren!