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By Sam Collentine, Meteorologist Posted 3 years ago March 4, 2021

5 Pro Ski Tips from Michelle Parker

Michelle Parker is without a doubt one of the most dominant female skiers of the past decade.

From appearances in over a dozen ski films, to the Best Female Performance at the 2013 Powder Video Awards, Michelle Parker never misses an opportunity to showcase her skills and love for the mountains.

Here are five ski tips from Michelle to improve your time on the slopes.


#1 → Have Fun

First and most importantly, the best skier on the mountain is the person having the most fun.

#2 → Parallel Stance

Body position is key to maintaining stability. Weight should be distributed over both legs, but primarily putting pressure on your outside ski to engage your edge. Think of a centralized strong stance, like a squat. Keep your chest up and facing downhill. If you were wearing a bib I want to be able to read the number on your chest and your shoulders should be level. Your legs are bending at the knees (not at the waist) and pressure is on the front of your boot. Think of your legs moving in unison through the turn. They maintain that parallel stance rather than an A-frame.

#3 → Eyes Matter

Look at where you want to go.

#4 → Don't Get Caught in the Backseat

When the snow gets deep and you start to ski off-piste into the wonderful world of powder, try to maintain this strong centralized stance. Getting caught in the backseat and you'll lose control, but finding that balance is key. Too far forward and your ski tips might take a dive. This takes a little practice, but once you master it deep snow becomes the best type of snow!

#5 → Just Go Skiing

The more time you spend on your skis, the better you will become.


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About The Author

Sam Collentine

Meteorologist

Sam Collentine is the Chief Operating Officer of OpenSnow and lives in Basalt, Colorado. Before joining OpenSnow, he studied Atmospheric Science at the University of Colorado, spent time at Channel 7 News in Denver, and at the National Weather Service in Boulder.

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