Warren Miller, the adventure filmmaker who was one of the first make skiing movies, died at the age of 93 at his home on Orcas Island, Wash., according to a statement issued late Wednesday on his official Facebook page.
A self-taught filmmaker, Miller made over 500 films that focused on his passion for the outdoors, and snow sports in particular.
Miller’s films were a staple among the adventure set, with his annual ski feature film, which he narrated, was for many skiers was the unofficial beginning of ski season. A staple for 60 years, Miller’s films contained what he described as a “first taste of total freedom.”
Mixing humor and breathtaking cinematography that gave birth to the “big air” movement in the 1980s and 1990s, Miller’s films were family-friendly endeavors shown by ski resorts all over the world.
Miller sold his company, Warren Miller Entertainment, in 2007 to Bonnier Corporation, and hadn’t been involved in its content since 2004.
Miller, a World War II veteran, was also an avid surfer and sailor, according to a statement on his website.
“While this is a time of profound loss, we are comforted that Warren’s life touched so many. Warren made the extraordinary seem accessible, and his legacy of freedom, humor, and adventure endures through all of you,” a statement on Miller’s Facebook said, confirming his death.
Here’s the statement in full.