04/11/2026
25 years ago we made our first ski and snowboard specific shell. Designing gear for snow, we knew we had a responsibility: finding the right athletes to work with. Our athletes — what they stand for, what inspires them, and how they move through the mountains — are the heartbeat of our brand.
To celebrate, we’re looking back on the early connections we made with three snow athletes, each one bringing their unique perspective to help us build better gear and tell deeper stories.
First up: Michelle Parker (Michelle Parker)
📸: Christian Pondella
“When I first heard of Arc’teryx, the team was a bunch of undercover crushers that didn’t necessarily have a social media following, and it felt so refreshing. It was this classically Canadian, humble brand, and I knew about the quality of the packs and other gear through film trips with Hoji.” - Michelle Parker
Those days with Hoji laid the foundation. In the Spring of 2017, Michelle was invited on an expedition to the Alaska Range — a trip that would become a foundational experience for her human-powered exploits in the mountains.
“I went on that trip not really knowing what I was getting into. When it ended, I immediately signed up to go to Denali. I recognized that I was totally addicted to that feeling in the mountains.” - Michelle Parker
“That was my first trip with Arc’teryx and it was also the first time I had a kit —backpack, outerwear, gloves and everything — that actually suited the style of skiing that I had moved into, which was human powered approaches.” - Michelle Parker
Armed with the right gear, the trip to Alaska inspired a decade of world-class human-powered exploits, driving a profound influence on product design, film projects, and so much more. We can’t wait to keep watching you inspire, and are here for you on your latest adventure as a new mother with your little one in tow. Keep on ticking off lines and inspiring us, Michelle — we’re better for it.