Michael Schmid is a well-known name in the world of freestyle skiing, particularly in the ski cross competition. He became the first ever Olympic champion in the event in 2010.

In January of 2004, Schmid competed in his first World Cup event, which took place in Laax. One year later, in January 2005, he finished among the top thirty for the first time, achieving a 22nd-place result in Pozza di Fassa. The remainder of the season saw the athlete finish in thirteenth, tenth, and thirteenth places respectively. In addition, he had a sixth-place finish at the World Championships in Ruka in 2005. During the 2005–2006 season, he had three finishes that were eighth place, and in January of that year, he achieved his maiden podium with a second place finish in Kreischberg. Schmid finished among the top ten in the World Cup every season from 2006–2007 to 2007–2008, including one more second place finish, and he finished tenth at the 2007 World Championships held in Madonna di Campiglio. In January of 2009, he achieved his first victory in a World Cup competition, which took place in St. Johann in Tirol.

After setting the fastest qualifying time and winning each of the four final runs, Schmid was awarded the gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. He is a representative of the SK Frutigen athletic club. He uses Stockli skis.