In the inaugural ESPN Real Ski Backcountry contest, Wiley Miller took home the People’s Choice Award for his entry, filmed by Darren Rayner. This year, the Montana native returns to try his luck at taking home the $25,000 prize. We caught up with Miller to talk about this year’s contest. To vote for Wiley Miller, use the hashtags #RealSki and #Miller via Twitter and Instagram.
How has the video contest format made the contest so successful?
I think the People’s Choice vote is really what drives this contest’s popularity. The medals are obviously held in high regard, but getting all the people out there on the Internet interacting with this event is what I see driving the popularity.
What did winning People’s Choice mean to you last year?
I hold it in the highest regard. It’s my proudest accomplishment [to date] in skiing. To know that everyone out there supported us is huge. I didn’t know I had that kind of support, and it was really rewarding. In the end, Darren [Rayner] and I felt we had accomplished what we set out to do, and I think it just backed it up knowing everyone else out there was behind us.
Wiley Miller’s 2013 Real Ski Backcountry entry.
Who were you filming with this year?
Kyle Decker and I spent most days together shooting this part for Real Ski. The Level 1 crew teamed up with us for a bit too—Tanner Rainville, Duncan Adams and Freedle Coty. We also spent a week in Montana with The Big Picture crew—Parker White, Chris Logan and Sean Logan. It was super fun getting to kick it with everyone as we worked on this project, everyone of those dudes is top shelf material.
What kind of admiration do you have for your competitors?
Oh man, I can’t wait to see everyone’s edit. I admire everyone of these guys that has ponied up and done this thing. It’s not an easy contest and can put a lot of pressure and stress on a season. Every one of these guys has their own flavor and big things they’ll bring individually to the table. It’s really cool to see everyone’s unique style from the skiing to the editing table; it’s such a dynamic product to compete with.
Which of your competitors, besides you, do you think stands the best shot at winning?
Sammy [Carlson] is going to have a strong edit… I think Joe Schuster could be a dark horse. It’s anyone’s game though, I don’t want to speculate too much.
Where was the coolest place you filmed for Real Ski this year?
In the mountains. [laughs] I’m not going to blow the spot up.
