This past December, SkiBig3 hosted Connor Ryan, also known as @sacredstoke, for a few days of early-season powder in Banff National Park, located within the present-day territories of the Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First Nations as well as the Metis Homeland. A proud Hunkpapa Lakota skier raised at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Connor brings intention, and respect for the land into every turn he makes as he explores the mountains. Named one of Ski Magazine’s 10 most influential skiers of 2025, Connor is helping redefine what skiing can represent, both on and off the snow.
Connor Ryan skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
We caught up with Connor to get to know him a little more.
Connor Ryan’s relationship with skiing is built on persistence and purpose. He first learned to ski at six years old, but between the ages of 10 and 21, skiing was not financially accessible for Connor. Still Connor never lost his connection to the mountains. When he returned in his early twenties, skiing slowly became the rhythm of his life. Working in the evenings gave Connor all day to spend his time chasing turns, easing back into the sport and proudly embracing life as a self-described “ski bum.” He eventually took a leap of faith to fully commit to the pursuit, and his dedication has carried him from a passionate skier to a professional athlete and filmmaker.
Connor Ryan skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
As an Indigenous skier, Connor is intentional about taking up space on the mountain. “I like being a presence out there, reminding people that the original people are still here,” he says. Through his visibility as an athlete, Connor has been able to help create space for more Indigenous skiers and riders to see themselves in the sport.
Skiing in Banff National Park holds particular meaning for Connor. Coming from the Lakota culture, which shares close ties with the Stoney Nakoda people, being in these mountains feels grounded and familiar.
Skiing here is a reminder that humans have long moved through this landscape, navigating its power, weather, and scale. Winter reveals the mountains in a raw, honest way, where snow conditions shift daily, and respect for the terrain is essential.
That sense of scale is what stands out most to Connor about SkiBig3. Across Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay, the skiing feels expansive and immersive. You are not skiing on the edge of the mountains; you are surrounded by them. Every run offers a new angle, a new backdrop, and a new reason to pause before dropping in.
Connor Ryan skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
When it comes to progressing as a skier, Connor believes the most important factor is who you share your turns with. The right group can help build confidence, push boundaries safely, and turn challenging days into memorable ones. Growth, he says, comes from trust and shared experience as much as technique.
Connor hopes to return to SkiBig3 soon, to chase winter days in Banff once again. And after a full day on snow, there is one tradition he plans to keep. Sitting down at Zyka, an elevated Indian restaurant, to enjoy some delicious food and reflect on an incredible day of shredding in the Canadian Rockies.
Connor Ryan & Ellen Bradley skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Ski like Connor Ryan and experience the Canadian Rockies with a SkiBig3 lift ticket. With access to Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay, SkiBig3 offers big mountain terrain, deep winter conditions, and unforgettable views, all from one base in Banff National Park.
Learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of Banff.
