Nickname(s): Primarily Bird, will respond to Dolphin Boy
Hometown: Twisp WA
Current Location(s): North Cascades. Often in Chamonix France.
Primary activity(ies): Freeride Skiing, Speed Flying, Extreme Sauna-ing
Favorite Gordini products: Elias Gauntlet Glove & Spring Glove
What do you like most about working with Gordini?
I can be me and share that with our community.
Other sponsors: Black Crows Skis, Roxa Italian Ski Boots, Plum Bindings, Birdwhere, Loup Loup Ski Shop
What are three words to describe yourself: Full – Wing - Span
Career highlights: Filming with Warren Miller ‘Line of Descent’ & ‘Face of Winter’/ Bird Black Documentary / A Skier’s Journey / Attitude of Gratitude.
Bio: Michael Shaffer goes by ‘Bird’ and speaks in cheerful caws and birdisms. Among other talents, Bird is a skier, a speed flyer, and the light and life of the party. He embodies the unbridled joy and freedom of powder skiing and lives by the motto of “full wingspan”. To Bird and his community of freeride radicals that means a life in flow. Raised off-the-grid in the Pacific Northwest, Bird is at home with the unconventional life. He landed in Chamonix, the heart of extreme skiing, a young ski bum and soon found his flock amongst the legends of the sport. Living an inspired life of adventure – filled with originality and an infectious spirit, Bird celebrates weird and radiates gratitude. A truly magnetic presence, Bird reminds us to trust in -and more importantly laugh at – ourselves. Bird is a character and Michael Shaffer is the authentic soul spreading the love of flight and free skiing to all.