From the first time I seen this girl rip on a Matchsticks Production Ski Film I was hooked! She has such a free spirited presence to her.. & her style is so smooth! She charges some massive lines.. & drops some pretty rad cliffs too! The passion that she has for the sport & life in general just drives me to want to ski better.. to try new things… or even just to go for a hike in the backyard & appreciate & soak up all that is around you. You can see it in her eyes that she is determined to live her life to the fullest! I suggest you follow her on Instagram… Her pictures show you the world through her eyes… & she has some pretty unreal shots.
When you don’t see her on the slopes… you can guess she is either mountain biking down some trails… or hanging off the side of a rock… or calming her spirit through yoga.
Last year her & a few other leading ladies in the ski world decided to put together S.A.F.E A.S. (Skiers Advocating and Fostering Education for Avalanche and Snow Safety) Clinics for women! Not only do they teach you the reality & risks of the Mountains & how to stay safe… but they also give you a YOGA class with Sherry McConkey, & an afternoon full of skiing followed by some great prizes!! I suggest looking into this. I was dying to go to this clinic this year… I got in contact with Michelle Parker about it (reason 153 why I think she is so down to earth as she has taken the time to respond to my messages & fill me full of tips & facts regarding this clinic among other things). For all you skiers out there… I cannot stress enough the importance of Mountain Safety.. so please educate yourself before heading out into the back country. Click on the link below to see if they are coming to a resort near you… It may be booked up this year.. but at least you will be aware of it & can get a head start on the 2014 year.
S.A.F.E. A.S.
http://safeasclinics.wordpress.com
Seeing this gal can’t get enough of the snow & winter…. she is teamed up with SASS Global Travel where she works as a ski coach for a month of the summer in Argentina! (talk about living the life eh..!?) If you are interested or have the chance.. I suggest you check this out & join Michelle & her team there next year!
Michelle also works hard for others & raises awareness from climate change to helmet protection.
She has been faced with many challenges… from multiple knee surgeries.. to helping heal close friends… to losing great friends who continue to inspire her. All of this has made Michelle who she is today… a strong, beautiful soul ready for whatever adventure strikes her next! This is where she inspires me… she works hard.. she pushes through & all in having a great Smile spread across her face & embracing all life has to offer her!
Make sure to check her out in:
Warren Millers–> Ticket to Ride … You can watch Michelle’s segment below… or click on this link to see when the Premiere is coming to you! http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/events/canadian-film-tour
MatchStick Productions –> Days Of My Youth (coming 2014)
& Super Heroes of Stoke (Michelle’s segment Below)
She starting skiing at the age of 1… went pro at 15… & now at 26 is one of the most influential big mountain female skiers around… plus she is giving those boys a run for their money too!
She displays a fun loving spirit that makes you want to get out there & enjoy every minute of what it is YOU love..!! So get to it Ladies!
Also be sure to check out the following foundations that are keeping alive a couple important Pioneers of Skiing!
Shane McConkey Foundation
Sarah Burke Foundation
Also Check out these organizations she is a huge Fan of:
Helmets Are Cool – https://www.facebook.com/HighFivesFoundation?directed_target_id=0
Climate Reality – https://www.facebook.com/climatereality?fref=ts
Get Out & Play!!
Luv Ya… WRG
(All photo credits are to those who took them… & linked to each photo)
Also there may be a slight switch up in the “Women Who Rock” schedule.. there is sooo much to learn about these amazing ladies.. I may need to take more time on each. I will keep you posted!
WildRose Gypsy 