Jess McMillan

Athlete talk

How and when did you start skiing, how has it evolved ever since and what got you into freeskiing?

I started skiing as a small child. Both of my parents worked long days so my daycare after school was skiing at Snow King until dark. Luckily Snow King has night skiing because sometimes my parents were late. I loved it and thought it was way cooler than having a babysitter.

I started freesking as a kid. I guess I have always loved powder (laugh). My race coaches would always get mad at me when they had trouble finding me and I was out skiing on my own. The first time in the Jackson Hole backcountry I had no clue where we were going. We ducked the ropes and had no beacons or training. Looking back that was pretty dumb but we were kids.

What does skiing mean to you personally?

I love skiing. Most of my happiest moments in life are when I have two planks strapped to my feet and I am gliding and falling down a hill. I feel totally free. 

Do you have any specific goals for your skiing in your future?

I always strive to be the best skier that I can be. I am going to be working on a women’s ski film this year called Hecuba. I have been learning a lot about ski mountaineering and I always have a dream of Mica Creek heli-skiing.  

What aspect of skiing thrills you the most?

Speed and beauty thrill me the most in skiing. I love speed but I want to make it look beautiful. I want to dance down the hill and inspire others to do the same.

In what conditions and what terrain do you enjoy riding the most?

Of course powder. Who doesn’t love skiing powder? Long steep couloirs might be my favorite terrain.

Any activities that aren’t ski related?

I love whitewater kayaking and mountain biking. Anywhere that I can flow down a mountain and I am pretty happy. 


Please answer, if possible, with one word only.
Trick/Move: Railing turns down a big face
Band: Black Keys
Movie: Get em to the Greek
Book: The Things They Carried
Drink: Pako’s IPA
Food: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Country: United States
Resort/Place to ski: Jackson Hole
Car: Subaru

What do you like about SCOTT?

SCOTT goggles never fog!  I’m sure there are people out there that will disagree with me, but I have never had a pair of SCOTT Goggles fog.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

Doing what I love, skiing!

People you feel you need to thank.

My husband for writing this for me.