Summertime with Michelle Parker

Published on 06/18/2012

By Mallory Ayres

The sun had been shining with unrelenting vigor, all signs of winter have melted from the earth and ski season is officially history. Some of us deal with this better than others, but if you find yourself watching ski porn over and over again and feeling depressed every time you pass your ski gear in the garage, here’s a little winter flashback.

Matchstick Productions, makers of Claim, In Deep and Attack of La Niña, consistently produce creative and visually striking ski films that both inspire us and reinforce our passion for the sport. This year they had a chance to team up with freeskiing badass Michelle Parker. She gave us a quick run down of the new movie, let us in on her summer plans (hint: they involve snow) and gave us some tips on how to stay in shape for ski season during the sweltering summer months.

Q: You spent this past season filming with MSP. What were you were working on?

A: Last season was the first time that I had the opportunity to focus my year on filming.  I was personally working on experience, gaining knowledge in the backcountry and learning from some of the best.

Q: Who were you filming with? What was it like working with them?

A: I spent a lot of time with James Heim this season and I couldn't have asked for a better companion in the mountains. I also skied with Eric Hjorleifson who was amazing to watch ski, Richard Permin who skis so fast and strong, and Jacob Wester who was on fire this year!

Q: What was your favorite day filming?

A: My favorite day filming was probably one of the many days in Whistler. Heimer (James Heim) and MSP have Whistler dialed so it was really productive and fun. The snow was all time and it was just overall a really productive trip. Hard to say which day was my favorite.

Q: What were your favorite skis this season?

A: The Atomic Millenium hands down. These skis are super fun and not your average female specific ski. They held their own and I felt super comfortable in all conditions with them. The Millenium seemed to be the perfect width for landing in pow and not wheeling out.

Q: What are your plans coming up for this summer? Are you taking any fun trips?

A: Yes, I'll be heading down to Argentina on July 20th to coach at SGT (Sass Global Travel). SGT has become a tradition for me since four years ago. The camp is absolutely amazing and is such a fun time. We basically guide the clientele around Cerro Catedral in Bariloche. Lots of backcountry, sidecountry, jumps into pow, even a touring trip out to a hut in the backcountry. It's an all-around awesome way to spend your summer vacation and I love being a part of it.

Q: What’s your favorite summertime activity?

A: I have too many! Biking, climbing, traveling, road tripping, running, camping, backpacking, skiing...pretty much anything outside, and I love cooking too!

Q: What do you do to stay in shape during the off-season?

A: Lot's of running and mountain biking. On top of that I've been doing a lot of Crossfit. Crossfit pushes me super hard and it gives me a little something extra on top of these other fun summer activities. 

Q: What are your goals for next season?

A: My goals are to continue to improve, keep learning and keep progressing. I'm excited for another year with MSP!

Q: What is your favorite piece of gear or apparel for this spring/summer?

A: All of my Mountain Hardwear camping gear has got to be at the top of my list as well as their technical gear for hiking, running, etc. I've been loving my Lululemon apparel for yoga and working out too!

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