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Clearly, Dane Tudor has it figured out.

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Dane Tudor

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Just 20 years old, the Palmer freeskier and motocross marvel is doing what he loves, collecting fat sponsorships, seeing the world and earning acclaim for his talent.

What's not to like?

Fresh off being recognized as the male pro skier of the year at the International Freeskiing Film Festival in Montreal, Tudor is featured in the ski movie "Everyday is a Saturday" showing Saturday afternoon at Spenard's Bear Tooth Theatrepub.

Unfortunately, Tudor may not be able to make the show. Late-breaking sponsorship duties in France for the athletic gear company Solomon beckon. That doesn't dampen his enthusiasm, though.

"I'm really stoked," he said of the film from Palmer on Tuesday. "It's a huge step. It's pretty intense, to say the least. There's a lot of good backcountry powder footage with some new tricks and creative styles that push the skiing more and more."

"Everyday is a Saturday" is the latest release from Poor Boyz, a Redondo Beach, Calif., company "built on documenting the most quintessential ski moments in history" as well as other adrenaline sports. "We don't break for lunch," Poor Boyz notes on its home page, "we break for a surf session."

Tudor is among 30 athletes associated with Poor Boyz, including Tanner Hall and Pep Fujas.

In addition to Tudor's award, the 55-minute movie also earned best professional film, best soundtrack and the peoples' choice awards in Montreal.

"I think it's one of the best ski movies out there," Tudor said.

Filming started the day after Thanksgiving a year ago and took Tudor to Whistler, British Columbia; Mount Baker, Wash.; Mount Bachelor, Ore.; Utah, Norway and other spots. Breaks in Palmer, where Tudor has been the last few weeks, are becoming rare.

"I love being in front of the camera," he said. "Nobody sees what's going on with you for the season until the movie comes out.

"You have to get stuff done when you're young and make a name for yourself. There are some (freeskiers) out there 35-40 years old -- but it does take a toll on your body."

He's used to that.

Growing up, Tudor was a talented motocross racer, who raced here in the summer and spent winters skiing at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, British Columbia, where his mother, Kristine, had a small home. He won often enough at Kincaid's Jodphur motocross track that he dabbled with racing in the Lower 48.

"If Dane keeps going at the rate he's learning," veteran racer Jim McClain told the Daily News four years ago, "he can compete with the pros in the Lower 48. Dane's fast, he's consistent, but he's not always in control."

Tudor raced in California and even gave up skiing for a couple of years to focus on motocross. Since returning, he's applied more control to his skiing, spending hours selecting his routes and jumps to ensure everything fits together.

"I try to be as calculated as possible," he said. "But it's always a little scary when you're out there."

And not just for him.

"I feel the undercurrent of fear, but only verbalize the positive," said Kristine Tudor, his mom.

She's not the only one. Tyler Gigg, international freeski team manager for Solomon, which also sponsors freeski star Elyse Saugstad of Girdwood and roughly another dozen freeskiers including Tudor, has admired the Palmer skier's talent for years.

"This guy's legit, he's next level," Gigg said. "He's absolutely one of the hardest working kids I've ever worked with. He's had growing pains for sure, and he's not finished with them. But I've never seen someone so appreciative, and who really thinks hard about what he does."

Apparently, it's paying off.

"He's leading the pack," Gigg said. "Number one right now."

Reach reporter Mike Campbell at mcampbell@adn.com or 257-4329.

Screening

“Everyday is a Saturday” will be screened 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub.

$3 admission.

Warren Miller film

The latest in the long line of Warren Miller ski films, “Dynasty,” will be screened at 6 and 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and includes some footage from the Chugach Mountains. $19.25 admission.

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