Michelle Parker

We are delighted to have the opportunity to interview Michelle Parker, a professional freeskier and all-around outdoors enthusiast. In addition to being an elite skier, Michelle is a passionate mountain biker and hiker. She has earned recognition as one of the top female freeskiers in the world and uses her platform to inspire others.

Here at Flatline Van Co, we are proud to have such a talented athlete represent us and enrich our audience with her incredible stories.

Can you give us a quick rundown of where you are from? Where’s your home base now?

I was born and raised in Lake Tahoe, CA, and still live here today.

What age did you start skiing? 

I started skiing at 1.

Has there been a defining moment in your career or a most exciting moment you always remember? 

There are honestly so many good times, and it’s hard to pick just one. I think overall, I feel so incredibly lucky to have gotten to pursue my passion as my career through skiing. When I was younger, it might have been winning a certain contest or winning segment of the year. As my career progressed, it was more about certain lines that I’ve skied that stand out to me the most. Now it’s all about having as much fun as possible, and I love that. Those days stand out to me the most. On the skin track, hiking up mountains, riding pow with friends and family. 

How many days a year are you skiing? How many on a Mountain Bike? 

I think I likely ski 100-plus days a year, maybe more. Similar on my mountain bike too.

Are you equally as passionate about both or does one excite you more than the other? 

Skiing has been and will always be my favorite thing to do. It just brings me so much endless joy, and that feeling is shared with so many friends and family. Biking is a close second, and I can’t imagine doing anything else in the summertime, but skiing is special. When the conditions line up for a deep storm day or a sunny pow day, it’s just magic. 

Do you clip in when you Mountain Bike? 

Flats tbh. 

You were recently at Red Bull Formation - please tell us a little bit about your experience there, and your favorite moment from the event. 

I’ve been to every Red Bull Formation event and go in full support mode. I dig, carry bikes, shoot photos and lend what I can to all the incredible athletes in Formation. It’s an event that spurred the quickest progression that I have ever seen in a sport. I’m amazed while watching everyone ride, and it’s such a joy to be a part of. 

What’s the best road trip you’ve taken in your Ford Transit van? 

I think some of my favorite trips in the van have been weekend trips away from home but also close by. I’ve gotten to experience places in a new way and have felt far more immersed in those locations than I once was only coming for a day and not staying the night. The van truly enriches the experience. So many good meals cooked up and eaten under the stars. With adventure at your doorstep, it makes it so easy and enjoyable to dive in. 

How has traveling in a van enhanced your life and outdoor experiences? I answered this above, but yes, it totally has! You get to submerge into wherever you are visiting on a much deeper level. The van has made adventures more whole and more present. 

What’s the sketchiest run/ride/approach you’ve had outside? 

Hmm…there are plenty of sandbagged moments in the outdoors, but not so much sketchy in the sense of putting myself in danger. One of the hardest approaches I have ever done was riding my bike from Tahoe to the Canadian border to ski three lines along the way. Our bikes were 111 lbs. with all of our gear, and it was just an incredibly tiring adventure. 

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled professionally and where would you say for personally? 

Greece to ski. The place is amazing! We had incredible conditions, and such good food, and the locals were so kind. 

You’ve been through it, so what would you say to any young athlete wanting to become a professional in the action sports industry? 

Always keep it fun. It’s sometimes harder to do than one might think, but it’s the key. 

What is your favorite musician and also if you could only listen to one band / artist for the rest of your life who would you choose? 

Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite musicians, for sure. If I could only listen to one band or artist for the rest of my life…that is a hard question…maybe Khruangbin? Music would have to make me smile, and you have to be able to dance to it. 

Any sponsors that you’d like to shout out? 

Arc’teryx, Red Bull, Peak Skis, Anon Optics, Darn Tough, and you all at Flatline Van Co!

Where can people follow you online?

Instagram: @myshellparker

My Podcast: Care Less, Do More