VOLKL.COM // TEAM // Freeskiing // Matt Philippi

Matt Philippi

  • An east-coast native and Volkl team rider since 2003, Matt Philippi enjoyed his best competition season in 2009. He won the European Open, claimed 2nd at the US Freeskiing Open, and finished the season ranked 5th in the world on the AFP Halfpipe list. Philippi has since shifted his focus to bigger mountains and deeper snow. Now concentrating on backcountry skiing, Philippi's goal is to put together a film segment that displays both his passion for the mountains and his ability in the air. In addition to skiing halfpipes and fresh snow across the globe, Philippi started The FullCircle Project, a community service and skiing trip. Last summer, Matt and some other Völkl riders helped rebuild Chile after a massive earthquake and tsunami, which struck in February 2010, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless. In 2011, the crew headed to the highlands of Peru to plant trees as part of a sustainable agriculture project. Check it out at www.TheFullCircleProject.com!
  • Nickname: Skrilla
  • Birthdate: June 11, 1986
  • Hometown: Charlestown, MA
  • Hobbies: Surfing, Guitar, and Traveling.
  • Motto: Follow your passion.
  • Home Mountain: Jackson, WY
  • Height: 5'7
  • Sponsors: Marker/Völkl, DNA, Bollé.
  • What is your favorite ski in 2011/2012 Collection?
    Shiro
  • Why do you like this ski?
    The Shiro is an incredible all around ski. It is strong but also light. I have control at high speeds but can navigate tight, technical spots. It rips forward but can also land switch? I could keep on going? just try it yourself!
  • What conditions do you use this ski for?
    You can use the ski in any condition. For example, I didn't bring any park skis to Argentina this summer and ended riding a little park with my Shiros. They worked fine...of course they are more at home in waist deep powder. I mount the Shiros on the +3 mark
  • What other skis in the 2011/2012 collection do you ride?
    Chopstick, Bridge
  • Can you tell us a little about each pair of skis, and about what sort of conditions you use them for?
    Chopstick - I use this ski for backcountry jumps and if I am planning on skiing switch in fresh snow. The symmetrical construction allows for switch riding unlike any other ski. I center mount the chopstick. Bridge - I like using the Bridge for park riding. It is a little stronger than your normal park ski. This gives me all the confidence I need when skiing fast into bigger park features. I mount the Bridges on the +3 mark
  • What bindings do you use and where do you mount them?
    I use the Jester Pro and the Duke. The Duke is great for days when I am going on a tour. What separates the Duke from other touring bindings is the confidence with which I can ski on the downhill. The Jester Pro is awesome. Marker took the Jester and made it even better. When I step into the Pro, the last thing I am worried about is my bindings.
  • What DIN do you have your bindings on?
    12 Din
  • RANDOM FACTS

  • Favorite skier:
    Dan Marion
  • Ski hero growing up:
    Candide Thovex
  • Ideal day in the mountains:
    An inbounds storm day with free refills each lap.
  • How would you describe your style?
    Changing
  • Your biggest breakthrough in your skiing career?
    1st 2009 Euro Open pipe.
  • Favorite place to ride:
    Jackson Hole
  • Best snow trip:
    The 2 months I had in Argentina this summer. I started off with The FullCircle Crew and ended up sticking around for another month exploring the Andes.
  • What age did you start to ski?
    Age 2
  • What can’t you live without?
    Coffee
  • Favorite phone App?
    Words with Friends or Topo Maps
  • Goals and plans:
    Film a strong segment with TGR and produce another FullCircle Project.