Ryan’s life-long passion for skiing began at the age of 3, on the slopes of Mont Blanc, north of Montreal. The first hint of something truly special occurred three years later at age 6, when he entered a local ski race and walked away with the best overall time and a cheque for $100.
In need of a bigger challenge, Ryan was encouraged to take on a larger mountain, and at age 11 found a new home base at Mont Tremblant, under the seasoned guidance of Conrad Guay. Ryan joined the company of Conrad’s son, Erik, and Julien Cousineau – 2 close friends who forced him to raise his game, and who would later go on to international success themselves.
Accomplishments came quickly for Ryan, with triumphs at Whistler Cup events and the famous Taschereau Cup, and by 2000, he had earned a spot on the National Ski Team.
The highs in Ryan’s career have been matched by some serious challenges, however: two major hip operations in the last two years have been a set-back, but the injuries have only strengthened Ryan’s resolve. When many others would have given up, Ryan is more determined than ever to stand on the podium. He trains around the world and lives out of his suitcase 9 months of the year in pursuit of his goal.
Last year, with the support of family and friends, Ryan competed across North America in the Noram ski series, earning World Cup eligibility in the Slalom and Super Combined divisions. His hard work and dedication paid off again when he rejoined the Canadian National Ski Team for the 2009 – 2010 season.
” My goal is to be consistently one of the top ten skiers on the world cup circuit for the next decade ” said Ryan in a recent interview.
Going fast is in Ryan’s blood, as reflected in his other passion: the National Ski Team frequently uses the racing car circuit to hone skiers’ skill sets, and Ryan now spends summer downtime instructing at local race tracks in Quebec and Ontario. A natural-born athlete, Ryan has easily taken to golf, surfing, basketball and fishing.
Ryan has proven himself to be focused, committed and determined to win. He is an engaging young man with a warm heart, contagious laugh and an easy smile.