Wiley Miller spent more than a month in Cooke City, Montana this year shooting for his mid-season segment, “YLESKI.” The video, shot and edited by Darren Rayner, finds Miller in his natural environment, where he conquers massive cliffs and lines, hits backcountry booters and gorges upon pillows and pow stashes. That action is complimented nicely by a subtle yet effective nature-based narrative, making this video one of the most enjoyable I’ve seen yet this year.

Miller sent over a few thoughts about the project. In his words:

When Darren Rayner and I finished up X games Real Ski last winter, a light bulb went off in my head. We had hammered out a segment’s worth of footage in two months. Why couldn’t we do something similar and add our own unique flavor?

The idea behind the first YLESKI edit was to have full creative control and produce a web release that goes beyond the action. Growing up in Montana, I’ve had a real appreciation for the outdoors, and I’ve always admired the power and grace of untamed wildlife; hence, the inspiration behind this edit and the YLESKI big horn sheep logo.

Moving forward, I want to explore my abilities in the mountains, outside of parameters set by films, or contests, (although I do plan to participate in RealSki again this year). I want to get better at accessing areas and exploring in the mountains. Almost everything we did in this edit was produced via previous experience there; it was a stepping-stone for personal exploration outside of showing up and going with the flow. We had a taste of it last year and this was the next step.

I want to thank Saga Outerwear, 4FRNT Skis and Spy Optic for being so supportive every season. I’m so proud to ride for each one of these companies.

Stay greased,
YLE

Also Watch: Parker White and Chris Logan are at it again in ep. 2 of “The Big Picture”