Jess McMillan: Back in the Saddle

After finishing in third place on the 2009 Freeride World Tour and second place in 2010, skier Jess McMillan (USA) seemed to have the momentum for a shot at the top spot in 2011. However, in early December she was sidelined by a back injury and has missed the entire season … until now. We spoke to Jess about her wild card for the Xtreme Verbier and what it’s like to drop into the Bec des Rosses. 

FWT: Hi Jess, great to see you in Verbier!

McMillan: “I’m really excited to be in Verbier. I suffered an injury on December 8^th and it’s been really tough watching everybody on the Internet and cheering my friends on from my couch. So as soon as I got the email from Nicolas [Hale-Woods, FWT Chief Organizer] I didn’t event think about it, I booked my flight. It’s really special just to be able to come back here and ski on the Bec and support all my friends who have been working so hard all season. This will be my fifth time at the Xtreme, fourth time on the Bec.

FWT: What is it about the Bec that makes it so special?

McMillan: I learned about the Bec when I was competing on the IFSA on Mont Gelé [Switzerland]. People were arriving to start scouting the Bec and all the buzz was about the Bec even though we were competing on Mont Gelé and it was all the biggest names in skiing and it was the biggest competition to be a part of. It’s probably the most intimidating face I’ve ever been on and at that moment when I heard about it, and once I saw it, I was like, at some point in my career I want to compete on it. I think it’s just a special mountain. For me, it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about being able to ski something that’s very difficult and that has very high consequences and to be able to ski it well. That’s when you feel like, OK, I am an accomplished athlete. I am a good skier.

FWT: You mentioned that it’s intimidating. Tell us what it’s like when you’re standing at the top preparing to drop in.

McMillan: When you’re standing on top of the Bec, you look down and all you see is cliff band after cliff band. And you’re looking at it and then you look back in your camera and you’re like, I know there’s snow there, y’know, but all you see is rock after rock after rock. For me, I always get up there a little early because once you look at it your heart starts beating like crazy, your stomach is churning and it takes awhile to be like, OK, hold on, I do know where I’m going. I do know there’s snow here. I do know it’s safe. But when you’re standing up there it looks un-skiable. But then, once you drop in and you’re like ‘OK, I know where I’m at,’ it’s so invigorating and you’re pumped.

FWT: So would you say you’re back at 100%?

McMillan: Yeah, I am. I went to see my doctor last week to get cleared and the biggest thing for me was if things go terribly wrong am I going to be OK and he gave me the thumbs up. According to the doctor I’m definitely back at 100%. I started skiing piste a month ago then started skiing powder, which is great for rehab, ha ha ha! Nothing better, ha ha ha! So I was really happy to see some new snow on the Bec, that will help me out. This is my first comp of the season so I’m nervous but I’m here and I’m also excited about it.