In latest Warren Miller film, Washington native flies high

Growing up, Michael “Bird” Shaffer and his friends always caught the latest Warren Miller film.

It got them stoked for ski season.

“It was one of the things that inspired all of us to be skiers,” Shaffer said.

This year, the Twisp native won’t just watch the annual celebration of snow sports — he’s in it.

Called Line of Descent, the film — which screens Nov. 8 in Richland — has a thrilling segment that features Shaffer speed riding at Beartooth Pass near the Montana-Wyoming border.

Speed riding combines elements of paragliding and skiing.

“I’m really honored to be part of this Warren Miller heritage,” Shaffer told the Herald, adding that the new film will “knock your socks off right from the beginning.”

Line of Descent “is really inspiring,” he said.

The local screening is at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Richland High School, 940 Long Ave. Tickets are $15. They’re available at warrenmiller.com.

Attendees will receive swag including lift ticket coupons.

Shaffer grew up skiing at Loup Loup Ski Bowl and Stevens Pass.

His father was a pilot, and for Shaffer, “skiing was the closest I felt to flying,” he said.

Eventually, after finding a second home at the legendary Chamonix ski area in the Alps, he got even closer to flying.

He discovered speed riding, which involves using a small fabric wing to take off from, soar above and land on the slopes.

In Shaffer’s Line of Descent segment, he rides a Ducati motorcycle — another passion — at Beartooth, and speed rides above the rocky cliffs and snow, spinning and even barrel rolling.

“The wing is full of energy. You look and lean, and it’ll tilt the wing,” Shaffer said. “The first time you do it, it’s scary. But it’s a beautiful feeling. You have a lot of control. You can put it right where you want to.”

Shaffer makes it look seamless — and dazzling and fun.

For him, it’s both those things. And being able to share it through Line of Descent is meaningful, he said.

“The name ‘Bird’ symbolizes the freedom the mountain provides. This is a huge extension of that. If it inspires others to go after their own passion or get in the mountains, I feel like I’m doing a good job,” he said. “When we’re out skiing, out snowboarding — it makes us better people. That Warren Miller could do this for 68 years and I get to be part of that that legacy — to be part of such a beautiful piece — I’m thankful.”

This story was originally published November 5, 2017 at 2:35 PM with the headline "In latest Warren Miller film, Washington native flies high."