Interview - Vicci Miller

As part of SCUK's partnership with Chunky Knit Productions, we're proud to bring you an interview with one of the stars of their forthcoming DVD Transfer. None other than the UK's Miss Vicci Miller.

Interview by Lesley Mckenna, ChunkyKnit.

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Vicci Miller has been a driving force in the UK womens scene for quite a while now. I remember seeing her ride in Tignes about 6 years ago and was really impressed to see a crazy girl pulling 5s off the big kicker. She is still one of the ballsiest female riders out there and is never one to shy away from the big jumps. As well as being a driving force over here in the UK she is a well known face and big part of the scene in her adopted resort of Mammoth in the states. Vicci wanted to concentrate on riding park so she decided to head over to the states a few years ago now to ride the parks of California. This turned out to be a great decision for her and as her riding went from strength to strength she started bringing home quite a few trophies and impressive slopestyle results including a few notable Triple Crown placings.

She has had her fair share of injuries over the years but is a tough girl and always bounces back as strong as before. She has spent the last season filming for the next Chunkyknit Productions film, "Transfer" after taking a few months to get her feet back after an ACL surgery last summer. We were really pleased to have her filming with us and especially pleased to see her riding so well after being injured. She plans to keep filming and riding slopestyle comps and to keep pushing the limits of womens riding. She really is an inspirational rider and a very strong and individual person. We caught up with her at the board test in Tignes to ask her a few Questions.

You have had to come back from serious injury was this daunting?

I tore my acl, mcl and had 7 fractures in my femur and tibia so i was out for a while after surgery. It is scary thinking that you may never be able to do the things that you take for granted again, however i took each day as it came, turned into a gym monkey and brought it back really strong. The daunting part is the pressure i put on myself to film and learn new tricks when my season started in march and only lasted 2 months!!

What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

Looking back i really enjoyed the rehab as i learnt to really respect my body and take care of myself. When you cant walk for 3 months after surgery due to complications you never realise the stuff that you take for granted like walking and running again for the first time 8 months later was amazing. Half the battle is in your mind and you can easily become depressed, but i tried to make it a positive experience trying all the stuff you always said you want to and i am now mentally stronger and realise how fragile life is so you must enjoy it, even the bad times. .

Is it hard work to get a good section in a film?

What!! Its ridiculously hard work!! You have to put in so much time energy and be very aware that time passes so quickly the camera has to be with you on the hill 24/7. You can never leave anything to the last minute even if it your basics, film as much as possible at all times!! Then there is injury, weather, and competitions that will sap all your well thought out time plans so i dont think you really appreciate a movie section until you have tried to film one yourself.

(tea break)
Do you think serious injury is part and parcel of what you are doing and what do you think the woman on the street would make of the injury risks?

Serious injury is a major part of any sport and you know and accept the risks when you ride. For me pleasure outweighs the pain so that is why its my passion and you have to accept good times and bad. I dont believe the woman on the street would understand unless she has a passion that she can relate the experience to.

What is it like working with a crew of girls in a traditionally male dominated sport?

Its awesome to work with the girls, i usually ride with guys but the girls that are filming are gutsy and tough. We end up pushing each other and providing each other with support and most of all lasting friendship which is why we have become such a tight crew. Nowadays a really strong crew of girls is way more dominating and intimidating than a crew of guys!!

Have you ridden much with girls before?

I normally ride with a group of guys as in the past they have pushed me way more. Obviously the more i ride with the girls the more i enjoy it as we push each other way more and still have the gossip on the chairlift going down!! I enjoy riding with people that are having fun sex is not really an issue!

Is it hard work to get a good section in a film?

What!! Its ridiculously hard work!! You have to put in so much time energy and be very aware that time passes so quickly the camera has to be with you on the hill 24/7. You can never leave anything to the last minute even if it your basics, film as much as possible at all times!! Then there is injury, weather, and competitions that will sap all your well thought out time plans so i dont think you really appreciate a movie section until you have tried to film one yourself. (tea break)

Have you met many new girls?

Yep i have been hanging around way more in bus stops trying to pick up chicks!!

Have you filmed much before?

Only X rated.

Do you normally do competitions?

Well not meaning to brag much tho but yeah i am reigning tiddlywinks champion of bognor regis 3 times in a row and i always beat my gran at bingo. So yeah.

Where do you see Women’s riding heading?

Ahead.

Have you noticed much of a change in the standard over the past few years?

The boys are really letting themselves go; they should wash occasionally. Yeah one pieces are back in, i have a bright pink jacket and neon blue suit and i am waiting for the neon pink face sunsticks to brighten my life again. Bring it on.!

What do you feel are the biggest influences in women’s riding?

Chocolate, pulling your pants down in sub zero temperatures, cute boyz on chairlifts (skiiers only sorry!!) and periods!

Do you still feel as though it’s a male dominated sport?

I live in a typical ski town, mammoth, where the ratio is 9 guys to 1 girl so work it out. Pimps dont pay taxes, although a few madams are emerging on the scene

Do you feel there will ever be a time when women overtake men in any aspect of snowboarding?

Yes absolutely. Looking good and pulling at the bar we are already there.

Who do you look up to?

Tall people like Tom Cruise.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Getting younger.

Thanks Vicci!

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By Lesley Mckenna. Published 14th July 2005.