Ryder Sarchett \ Saint Jean d’Aulps, France. (Photo by Nils Louna/Agence Zoom)

Ryder Sarchett, a rising star in ski racing, turned 21 on July 28th. His natural talent, family influence, and passion as a member of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) and the University of Colorado Buffalos has built his path to success. His story goes beyond victories; it’s about a deep love for skiing, a passion for competition, and the lessons learned along the way.

Early Beginnings: Embracing Multiple Sports and Finding Ski Racing

Sarchett’s athletic journey started at a very young age. While many ski racers focus solely on skiing, Sarchett played several sports growing up, including baseball, soccer and hockey. “I loved all sports when I was young,” Sarchett says. These experiences made him a well-rounded athlete and helped him develop a competitive spirit that would later fuel his ski racing career.

However, skiing always held a special place in Sarchett’s heart. “I started skiing with my parents when I was two years old,” he recalls. Unlike other sports, Sarchett skied purely for fun. “It was the only time I felt I didn’t need to win something. There was no goal,” he explains. This sense of freedom and joy on the slopes eventually led him to discover ski racing at age 10. “When I found ski racing, it was sweet because it was this cool sport I loved, also with an aim to win,” Sarchett adds.

The Influence of Free Skiing and Inspirational Figures

Sarchett’s early years on the slopes were largely unstructured. He didn’t join the ski club until he was 10, much later than most of his peers. “My early years were very unstructured on the hill,” Sarchett says. He spent most of his time skiing with his father, Jeff Sarchett, a great skier with an effortless style who inspired him. “To this day, I have yet to see anyone ski so effortlessly. His style is so smooth; it has always been inspiring to watch,” Sarchett reflects.

This undirected time, often referred to as “free skiing,” played a crucial role in shaping Sarchett’s approach to the sport. “I think this helped me learn to enjoy it and ski freely without thinking of right or wrong technique,” he explains. Even now, despite the demands of competitive racing, Sarchett makes time for free skiing whenever possible. “Yes, I love it. While I wish I had more time for it, I still do it whenever I can,” he says.

Throughout his journey, Sarchett has also drawn inspiration from some of the sport’s greatest athletes. “From a young age, Marcel Hirscher was the guy that inspired me most,” Sarchett shares. As he grew older, he began to look up to Bode Miller for his unique style and way of living. “The current skier that inspires me most to watch is River Radamus,” he adds.

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Transitioning to Collegiate Skiing: Expectations and Reality

When Sarchett decided to ski for the University of Colorado, he had high expectations for NCAA skiing. “I expected it to be competitive. I knew the surface would be variable. I thought it would be a great experience to be on a team with people aiming toward the same goal,” he says. He was also excited about the opportunity to live a balanced life while in college.

The reality of NCAA skiing lived up to and even surpassed Sarchett’s expectations. “It was indeed competitive, and the conditions were interesting,” he recalls. However, what stood out the most for Sarchett was the competitors’ camaraderie and down-to-earth nature. “Everyone in the race had such a good vibe and was down to earth. When I won my first NCAA race, everyone, even from other teams, was stoked and gave me words of inspiration for World Juniors right after,” he shares. The absence of posturing and genuine support among athletes made the experience memorable.

The Impact of NCAA Skiing on His Growth as an Athlete

NCAA skiing gave Sarchett a competitive platform and helped him grow as an athlete. “Yes, for sure. It helped me connect many of my skills that weren’t connecting,” Sarchett says. During his time on the U.S. Ski Team, he struggled with consistency despite having speed. “I had speed throughout these years but couldn’t be consistent. It was brutal,” he admits.

However, his time at CU, under the guidance of coaches Ian Lochhead and Chad Wolk, helped him find his stride again. “It was a blessing I had the two best coaches in the country who came in and supported me at a time when many people had left my corner,” Ryder explains. The college experience also allowed him to enjoy life outside of skiing, positively impacting his ski racing performance. “I was surrounded by amazing people,” he adds.

Sarchett also credits Dane Spencer for his help during the prep period leading into the 2023-24 season. While attending one of Spencer’s Copper Mountain camps, Spencer, the former US World Cup skier, quickly identified issues with Sarchett’s ski and boot setup. Spencer adjusted the equipment, allowing Sarchett to move freely and maintain better balance, significantly contributing to a successful competition season.

Looking Ahead: Bringing NCAA Lessons to International Skiing

As Sarchett returns to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, he plans to bring the valuable lessons he learned from NCAA skiing to the international stage. “I will take the lessons that I’ve learned and ski with freedom. Instead of trying to get to this place or something, all I want to care about is skiing on the edge with freedom,” Sarchett says. His experience in the NCAA circuit has given him the confidence to compete at higher levels. “It should work if I continue to work hard and focus on the details. I’m stoked to be with my new coaches, Clement and Brian, and my new technician, Marco Skube. I am incredibly grateful for what’s to come,” he says.

A Season to Remember and Final Reflections

The 2023/24 season brought highs and lows for Sarchett, but he undeniably experienced significant growth. “It was a great experience. There were highs and lows, but a fun one for sure,” he reflects. His favorite moments included competing at the World Juniors and the World Cup finals in Saalbach, where he earned the third-fastest second run time.

Sarchett advises aspiring ski racers as he looks to the future: “Be self-motivated. Instead of just trying to get better at skiing, focus on just being your best in every part of your life—it’s all connected. Surround yourself with good people. Work hard. Don’t take it too seriously

Ryder Sarchett’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of enjoying the process, and the value of staying true to oneself. As he continues to carve his path in ski racing, one thing is sure: Ryder Sarchett is a name to watch in the coming seasons.