Featured Image: Jonathan Finch | Skier: Wiley Miller
Page through the remarkable film catalog of Level 1 Productions and you’re likely to come across some of the greatest ski movies of all time. As you tear through piece after piece of freeski history, you’ll notice a common thread, and his name is Wiley Miller. In tandem with several of our favorite brands in the industry, FREESKIER is proud to help present Miller’s latest cinematic offering, “ZORRO (the fox).”
Miller’s role as a pivotal figure in freeskiing can’t be understated. His progressive style helped to influence a new generation focused on expanding what freeride skiing could be. Heavily influenced with a freestyle eye, Miller has long been someone that picks apart the mountain differently than most. He has been at the top of the proverbial class for a decade, with timeless pieces like his “Partly Cloudy” segment and X Games Real Ski Backcountry part living in infamy. (X Games bring back Real Ski!)
Miller got us hooked on his personal work with the initial YLESKI short film 10 years ago. And while “ZORRO” could be considered a personal project in a sense, you’ll find more than just Miller in front of the lens. We also get to see skiing from Giray Dadali, Jake Hopfinger, Celeste Pomerantz and Shika Ichiueki throughout the project. Talk about a stacked lineup. The team linked up across the Central Rockies, with the majority of filming taking place in Wyoming and Montana.
“We wanted to get back to the basics when it came to making a film this season,” Miller told us. “We put together our best skiing from the 2024 season and paired its with some great visuals and music. In season’s past Ed [Clem] and I have set out to tell a story, but this year, we just wanted to make ski porn again.”
But it was far easier said than done, with snow lacking across most of Miller’s home state of Montana. “Last season was tough in our neck of the woods,” he said. “We lucked out in some new locations in Wyoming. It was really fun to challenge ourselves with having to go outside the box when finding locations. Over the years, we have pinned some great spots, which we normally return to year after year. Last season was different. Despite the challenges, I think we created a great project and I can’t wait for people to see it.”
Part of what makes this flick stand apart can be credited to Director Edward Clem, who took a few liberties and blended traditional camera shots with drone footage and GoPro clips to give the film an immersive feel that gets you up close and personal with a few of these massive lines and kickers. We certainly recommend killing the lights and turning up a good set of speakers for this one. From step downs to booters to the steep and deep, “ZORRO” is a bundle of freeride perfection.
Photo Gallery
Images: Jonathan Finch | Skier: Wiley Miller
