Let’s be honest: Strava has turned a lot of otherwise sensible skiers into absolute liabilities. We’ve all seen the guy in the unbuckled rear-entry boots straight-lining a crowded blue run, terrifying families just to crack the top 100 on a segment nobody cares about. It’s usually a recipe for disaster.
But when you put two legitimate rippers like Jim Ryan and Madison Rose Ostergren on the mountain, the game changes. In a recent vlog for the 'Jim & Mads Show,' the duo took to the slopes of Jackson Hole to hunt down Strava records (KOMs and QOMs for the uninitiated).
The Setup: Controlled Chaos
Unlike the average Jerry rocketing through a slow zone, Ryan and Ostergren approached this with the precision of a freeride comp. They laid down strict ground rules that actually respect the mountain:
- Expert Terrain Only: They stuck to bump runs and technical lines, keeping the speed away from beginners.
- No Slow Zones: If there's a "Slow" sign, the race is off. Period.
- Spotters: They had a crew clearing the run to ensure they weren't about to torpedo a tourist.
This is how you do it. They targeted the "Dog Face" segment near the Sublette Quad. This isn't a groomer; it's a technical, bumpy face that requires actual edge control and suspension, not just gravity. Jim Ryan holds the overall record here at a blistering 24 seconds, while Ostergren locked down the women's crown.
The Gear Factor
If you're looking to push speed in variable terrain like this, you can't be riding noodles. You need metal in your skis and a suspension system that eats chatter for breakfast. You're looking for something like the K2 Mindbender 99 Ti Skis to hold an edge when the G-forces ramp up. And for the love of gravity, protect your brain bucket. At these speeds, a standard lid isn't enough; get something with MIPS like the Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet.
Why It Matters
Strava recently rolled out new features specifically for downhill skiers, legitimizing the race for stats. While Jackson Hole currently sits at a ShredIndex score of 67.2/100 (tough grading, but the terrain is undeniable), it remains the ultimate proving ground for this kind of riding. The vertical is relentless, and the fall line doesn't lie.
However, Powder Magazine rightly pointed out that recreational skiers shouldn't treat open resorts like private racecourses. Ryan and Ostergren are pros. They read terrain better in a split second than most people do in a lifetime. They know where the blind rollovers are, and they know how to shut it down instantly if things go sideways.
The Verdict
Watching Jim and Mads tear apart Jackson is pure stoke. It showcases the athleticism of freeride skiing when applied to speed. But if you're heading to Wyoming—and you can find accommodation near the village to get an early start—keep your ego in check.
Chase the lines, chase the progression, but leave the Mach 10 speed runs to the pros who have spotters. The mountain always wins if you disrespect it.
Source: Powder Magazine
