Jim Ryan Sets Fastest Known Time On Jackson Hole's Iconic 'Central Couloir'

Ryan is being celebrated by his peers, but the time in which he completed the line might not be the most impressive part.

Slough management is essential when skiing or riding Central Couloir. Many riders are forced to either let their slough pass before finishing the bottom section of the line, or are unfortunately caught and swept away.

Ryan, thanks to his breathtaking speed, out-skied his slough, something rarely, if ever, done before on Central Couloir.

Check out my quick Q&A with Jim Ryan below in which we discuss the conditions, the accomplishment itself, and more!

How would you describe The Central Couloir to a skier unfamiliar with Jackson Hole? 

"To me, Central Couloir is the paramount Jackson Hole Line. Its super steep (50+ degrees at the crux), its super narrow, and it ends in a mandatory air. It's also super visible and proud, which is perhaps the most Jackson thing about it."

How many times have you skied it in the past? 

"I've actually skied central a bunch, maybe a couple of times a year since I moved to Jackson. It was the first thing I skied off Cody Peak. It has always just called my name. I even skied it naked once....the air was a lot smaller that year."

What were the conditions like, and how did they affect your skiing? 

"The conditions were supreme. I was really worried it wasn't going to be in because we got so much wind with this last storm. I wasn't even sure it was a go until I put my skis on and got over the wind feature that guards the entrance. This might sound crazy, but I was way more worried about the wind slab than the skiing. Once I was in there, I was pretty game on."

See below for drone video captured by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's Nate Berenson of Central Couloir, Cody Peak (3/7/24).

Cody Peak 03072024 (0:14)

You're being celebrated by your peers for out-skiing your slough. What is it about Central that makes this so difficult to accomplish? 

"It's super steep and cruxy. So the slough runs really fast and you have these really critical points where you have to beat it. The first is a rock choke, and the second is the finishing air. Neither are so hard taken at a moderate pace...its just hard to commit to doing both at top speed."

You now have the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Central. What does this mean to you as a Jackson local? 

"I'll try to enjoy it while it lasts. Hopefully some kid comes and beats it. I love Jackson for that reason, the bar is always rising."

In your caption you state that you needed to "...stop thinking about it so much and just ski faster", easier said than done. How did you overcome the mental blocks to put this line down? 

"Maybe just practice, like, I've done a bunch of stuff that scares the crap out of me in my ski career. And every time I'm like wow, it's not super complicated. It's all about boiling it down to the motivators.

I ask myself: "Do you think you should ski this because it's in? The snow is good? Are you skiing well and feel ready? Then stop thinking about it so much and go." If on the other hand I examine myself and find the motivation comes from ego or sponsor pressure I get really nervous because that's usually when things go wrong. Today just felt right.

How does this accomplishment compare with the others throughout your career as a professional skier? 

"Its right in there. It definitely appeals to a much larger audience than a lot of my other accomplishments because it's so visible and so many people have a relationship with Cody Peak and Central in particular. I mean, it's the first thing any extreme skier notices when they get off the tram. I've had some lines in Grand Teton National Park that required a similar level of commitment and a lot more fitness but so few people have seen or skied those lines. I mean GoPro clips can only do so much. But I don't expect those other lines to get that same attention. I'm usually with a partner, and they get it, so I'm good."

Did you leave any speed on the table? In other words, do you think it's possible for you to ski Central any faster? 

"You can always go faster. And I hope someone does. The last left footer before the final air? I could have probably pinched the line a little there."

The comment section is littered with praise from your peers and legends across the industry. How does it feel to be recognized by them for your accomplishment? 

"Can't deny it feels good." 

What can POWDER readers look forward to seeing from you in the future? 

"Ever heard of Skijoring?"