Ryan is an accomplished American alpine ski racer known for his exceptional skills in downhill and super-G events. Born in Burlington, Vermont, Ryan comes from the Cochran skiing family and has been racing competitively since a young age. He has represented the United States in multiple Winter Olympic Games, earning the silver medal in super-G in Beijing 2022, and has achieved other podium finishes on the World Cup. Ryan's dedication, talent and passion for the sport have earned him a reputation as one of the leading American ski racers of his generation. When not on the slopes, Ryan enjoys spending his leisure at home in Vermont by living an active lifestyle, enjoying the outdoors, and sharing time with his girlfriend, Jessie, and their Golden Retriever/Irish Setter dog, Wrigley.
Which of Stio's values personally align to you?
I spent most of my childhood exploring the forest and hills around my house in the middle of the woods in rural Vermont. These memories fostered a sense of adventure and connectedness with nature that I still carry with me. Although the Green Mountains may not have the same awe and stature as the Grand Tetons, I feel Stio and I share similar roots in our values and how we interact with our surroundings. The idea that Outside is for Everyone, and making sure that anyone wishing to discover open spaces can do so, are vitally important to me. I also believe in symbiotically fitting into different spaces, especially when it comes to the apparel we choose to wear each day. This means we can interact with the outdoors in the natural elements while being deliberate about our apparel’s lifecycle to preserve our cherished land for future generations.
How do you create balance in your daily life?
I find balance in my life by contrasting activity with rest, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn from, and doing my best to be deliberate in focusing my time and energy on matters that I care about. I seek out anything that will enrich my mind, body and spirit and then let everything else melt away. In a lifestyle that is so much about speed, I feel most well-rounded when I can slow the other parts down, sometimes through photography, reading or taking a quiet walk in nature.
What is a bucket list activity you have yet to do or a place that you have yet to go?
As a Vermonter, I've thought about how hiking the entire length of the Long Trail could be an intriguing experience and good challenge to take on at some point in my life. Seeing the state I hold so dearly to my heart one step at a time, across 272 miles, could be profoundly impactful and provide a new perspective on the entire land from one border to the other.
What is your go-to workout music?
Homesick by Noah Kahan
What is a piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to pursue a life of mountain sports and adventures?
Learn to enjoy the process, appreciate where you stand, and maintain belief in yourself to overcome any obstacle.
