Ski Porn Review: Altavision

Before leaving Alta last weekend, I got my hands on the first Wahsatch Powder Productions release entitled "Altavision". It is a simple, extremely low budget movie that focuses on great powder skiing. What I liked best about the movie is that they kept the focus on the skiing. The movie was basically one big face shot. It was only a matter of how you got to it: deep powder in open bowls, landing in powder after hucking a 40 ft cliff, or making beautiful turns through the trees. Unlike most other videos today, they did have a park scene, but it was kept to a minimum. Additionally, the Stevie Wonder bloopers scene was hysterical. Their crashes are far better than the standard Warren Miller falling off a lift or firemen running into each other. They are also more believable than those videos which show guys getting swept off a 50 ft cliff by an avalanche and walking away. If we got off of our butt, took a drink, and got a little courage, these were things that we might actually attempt. You can't help but laugh at each crash. The scene proves true the old saying we had on the boat, "Another person's misery is our greatest joy!"

While I really enjoyed the movie, there are a few areas that they could improve on for their next production. First, the movie needs more dialogue. It had the skiing and it even had decent music. But it would be more interesting to have a narrarator talking about where they're skiing, philosophizing about skiing powder, or even just introducing some of the skiers. Secondly, there are lots of interesting personalities at Alta and it would be cool to hear some of their stories. For example, Rob the guy I wrote about from the lift the other day was hysterical. A monologue with him just going off would be great. Finally and most importantly, the movie needs more chicks. I'm not saying that they need to blow their budget and bring in Sarah Burke or Ingrid Bakstrom, but it would be nice for them to showcase some women skiers and to let us know that they are women.

Despite my criticisms, overall I thought it was a fine piece of ski porn and highly recommend it. If you're interested in obtaining a copy, you can email Wahsatch Powder Productions at: wahpowprod@yahoo.com.