Slideshow: Warren Miller honored at Squaw Valley

Click to Enlarge In between viewing historic footage from Miller's films, a who's who of professional skiers, snowboarders and cinematographers showered Miller with praise for his vast contribution to the ski industry. Seth Lightcap / Sierra Sun Buy this Photo

Seth Lightcap/Sierra Sun
May 5, 2008

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The Association of Professional Patrollers, the California Ski Industry Association and Squaw Valley USA presented legendary ski movie producer Warren Miller with lifetime achievement awards at the Resort At Squaw Creek on May 1.

After he was presented with the first award, Miller entertained the crowd with his dry wit, telling stories about yesteryear at Squaw Valley and fans who followed his long standing instruction to drop everything and go ski.

Later in his speech, Miller spoke in detail about his current view on the ski industry. Lambasting "Tree Huggers" who oppose ski resort development, he suggested that locals take up the cause to install Alps-style lifts that would connect Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley. He added that selling off wilderness and forest service land to ski resort developers would be a great source of revenue to help bail out the federal deficit.

Referencing a cocaine dealer who hands out free "powder" samples to hook buyers, Miller also suggested that Ski Resorts sell bargin priced beginner ski packages that would allow aspiring skiers to get a taste of the sport before having to invest over $100 a day to ski.