Ryan Cochran-Siegle

Ryan was born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont where he grew up immersed in the outdoors. Around the young age of 2 his mom, Olympic gold medalist Barbara Ann Cochran, introduced him to skiing at Cochran’s Ski Area - his grandparent’s community-based ski area - in Richmond, VT. Being the youngest of the second-generation Cochran’s, most every day in winter thereafter he did his best to keep up with a cohort of older cousins, chasing them all over the hill as he developed his own natural ability on skis. By the time Ryan turned 18 his strong results and evident potential earned him a nomination to the US Ski Team, becoming the 10th member in his greater family to do so. His journey has taken him to the pinnacle of alpine ski racing – competing in the Olympics, three World Ski Championships, over 100 World Cups and various National Championships – with his sights set on competing in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing this season.

When Ryan isn’t traveling around the globe chasing snow (or better yet ice), you will most likely find him taking in the fresh air of wide-open spaces, riding a mountain bike at Cochran’s, taking a photo of something intriguing or nose deep in an engaging novel.

Ask Ryan

If you could spend a day with any other SMITH athlete, who would it be and why?

Zoe McDougall. As a pro surfer, she rips in a sport that I have so much respect for due to its parallels to skiing. For both there's a shared experience of balancing tranquility, elegance and taking on the raw forces of nature.

What is your biggest fear or achilles heel?

I have a fear of heights aside from when I'm on a chairlift.

Would you rather be chased by a shark or a bear and why?

A bear. I envision having a better escape plan in a bear's habitat versus the wide open ocean and can always play dead. Plus if I ever confront a shark in real life I would have a much harder time getting back in the water again assuming I survive.

What is your favorite SMITH product and why?

Squad XL goggles. It's my go to frame when it comes to anything skiing. Wide open vision to handle any lighting situation, quality ChromaPop lenses to enhance contrast and color, comfortable soft foam that fits smoothly to my face and I like the style!

What's your favorite place you've ever traveled for your sport?

New Zealand. I miss those meat pies and ginger beers!

If you could have 1 super power, what would it be?

To never need to sleep.