The Rush of Winter

Zac Parks appears to be a perfect fit for the role of professional snowmobiler – he grew up in Maple Valley, Washington riding motorcross professionally from the age of 14 until he was 20. It was a natural transition to snow when a buddy asked him to come to Chelan to try a backcountry ride. An enthusiastic bow hunter, Parks was easily hooked on the incredible views he encountered.

The beauty of the backcountry is what Parks says is the best thing about snowmobiling. “There’s the adrenaline rush of negotiating unknown territory, for sure, but the thing I love most is the beautiful views of pristine country.”

Now 25, Parks is one of four on the Northwest-heavy Yamaha Snowmobile sponsored team – another rider is from Sandpoint, one from the Seattle area, and the fourth is from Minnesota. The team travels to locations they are not at liberty to share, to try some of the latest and greatest gear. Parks says many of the locations are in the Northwest in both U.S. and Canada – but that’s all he’s allowed to say.

In addition to his once-per-year Yamaha snowmobiles, Parks also receives gear and supplies from his additional sponsors like: Sled Head 24/7; FXR Racing; Muscle Pharm; GoPro; Hickshow Productions; Snowpulse; Fox Shocks; Jeffy’s mobile electronics, C&A Skis; AllSport Yamaha; NW Sledder, Matrix Concepts; Atlas Neck Brace; One Point Seven Cleaning Solutions; Proven Design Products; Patrick Carbon Fiber and Skinz Protective Gear.

Part of Park’s sponsorship responsibilities also include sharing his adventures and opinions with the public. “You have to promote yourself and keep yourself out there,” he explains.

Zac is regularly sharing his beautiful scenery and snow-stirring adventures on social media channels like Instagram @Zac_Parks351 and Twitter @ZacParks351 as well as shows on YouTube.com, and others. He regularly participates in photo shoots and makes himself available to media interviews.

It’s not all paparazzi and travel either. Parks estimates he spends 4-5 days each week working out in the gym because maneuvering a snowmobile isn’t quite as easy as it looks. And it can be dangerous. Most sponsored riders are required to have avalanche and backcountry survival training says Parks.

Riders are also expected to be up to the challenge physically. Says Parks, “I’ve broken nearly every bone in my body as a motorcross racer, but last year I tore my ACL while snowmobiling.”

Free trips and gear make up the perks of a pro snowmobiling lifestyle, but Zac still needs to make a living in the off-season.

When there isn’t snow for him to conquer, Parks also owns a parking lot business called Northwest Parking Lot Services based out of Coeur d’Alene. He also enjoys spending time with his family including wife Krista and their newborn baby girl.

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