Life is about seeking adventure and embracing challenges, and few capture that spirit like JAMBAR Ambassador Jack Linehan.
Jack is a passionate ski mountaineer (and cyclist!) from Carbondale, Colorado. He has built a reputation as a calm but fiercely competitive athlete and is committed to becoming one of America’s fastest men on skis. We caught up with Jack to learn more about his journey, how he integrates JAMBAR into his ski mountaineering (skimo) training, and what fuels him during his epic mountain adventures.
Q: Jack, tell us a bit about your journey into the world of skimo. How did you get started?
A: I’ve always been in awe of athletes who could move swiftly and gracefully in the mountains. Growing up in the West Elk Mountains of Colorado, my passions were always skiing and running. After competing as a Division 1 runner at Boston College, I returned to CO and discovered the weird world of skimo racing. I started out on old, heavy equipment, but soon donned a skinsuit and agonized over every additional gram of equipment I carried. It's all about moving light and fast. My hometown of Crested Butte was ground zero for the sport of skimo racing, and I soon found myself training and racing with some of the county’s fastest athletes. I was utterly hypnotized by the combination of lung-busting climbs, and daring descents. To add to the extreme physical exertion, many racing took place in sub-zero temperatures, sometimes during big winter storms. It was intense, and I loved every bit of it!
Q: For those new to the sport, what insights or key things should they know about this exciting discipline, especially as it debuts in the 2026 Olympics?
A: Skimo racing has been around for almost 130 years, initially involving a race amongst soldiers in the 1924 Olympics. The race discipline debuting at the ‘26 games however, is a much shorter, more intense race format than the original discipline. The sprint race typically takes around four minutes and involves three climbing sections on skis, one section on foot, and a downhill finish. Between each section is a transition zone, where competitors are required to transition to a different mode as quickly as possible. As a former middle distance runner, I can say the skimo sprint event lies at the intersection of raw sprint speed and endurance. Its fast, technical and a total thrill to watch!
Q: Super cool. How were you first introduced to JAMBAR?
A: I was introduced to JAMBAR at the Aspen Valley Marathon this past July, and it’s been a staple in my training ever since. I’m always looking for snacks that are not only nutritious but also taste great, and JAMBAR checks all the boxes. I love the natural ingredients that JAMBAR uses.
Q: What are your goals as you train for qualifying for the 2026 Olympics in France?
A: My goals this season are to train and compete at a high level, and stay healthy all season long. Last year I struggled with debilitating back pain, which sidelined me for a few big races. My wife and I moved to Tignes, France in October, and recently moved to Chamonix. I just competed in two French Cup races and will be completing a final training block in Cham before heading back to CO for the US National Championships in January. After that I plan to return to Europe for more racing. We’ll see how the season shapes up but right now I’m feeling healthy, fit and motivated!
Q: Awesome! How is your preparation going so far, and what excites you most about competing on this level?
A: For me, training is 24/7 exercise. What I mean is, in order to get the most out of each session, I need to be meticulous in planning my sleep, nutrition, recovery, stretching, and strength training each day. I spend a good amount of time each day visualizing what I want out of upcoming competition, and journaling about vulnerabilities and where I can improve. What excites me most is the chance to compete with the world's best and showcase the sport I’m so passionate about.
Q: Where does your drive to compete come from?
A: When I was six years old my parents took me to see “Everest” at the Denver IMAX theatre. That film changed my life forever because it showed me how people can rise when faced with adversity. When it comes to competitive skimo racing, I think you can learn a lot about the kind of person you are. Will you fold under pressure, or rise to the moment? There’s a simple beauty to that, which I’ve always felt strongly about. I also think skiing is rip roaring fun - think about it - one moment you’re climbing a snowy slope, the next you’re gliding down it (hopefully gracefully!) at top speeds, feeling the piercing cold on your face. It’s thrilling!
Q: As an elite athlete, your training must be rigorous. How do you incorporate JAMBAR into your routine?
A: JAMBAR is a game-changer for my training. Most often, I’ll crush a bar right before training, and immediately after training. On longer days, I’ll pop a bar mid-session. JAMBARs are my go to. They’re packed with nutrients that give me sustained energy without the crash I sometimes
get from other snacks. They’re lightweight, don’t freeze on cold days, and hold up well in all kinds of weather—perfect for life in the mountains.
Q: That’s great to hear! So, what’s your current favorite flavor of JAMBAR?
A: Tropical Trio all the way! It’s got just the right amount of fruitiness without being too sweet, and the texture is soft and chewy. It’s a satisfying treat during and after my training sessions.
Q: You’re not just an athlete; you’re an ambassador for JAMBAR. What does that partnership mean to you?
A: Being a JAMBAR Ambassador is about more than just having a great snack on hand. It’s about aligning with a brand that shares my values of sustainability, performance, and quality. It feels great to represent a product I trust and love. And, who doesn’t like real food that tastes great!
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wants to start skimo racing?
A: Figure out if you’ve got that fast twitch sprinter speed, or maybe that slow burn endurance speed. That will help you determine which race discipline is right for you. On longer training days, bring more fuel than you think you’ll need, as it's very easy to get blinded by the beauty of a snowy mountainscape and forget to eat (I recommend JAMBARs)! Finally, always respect the mountains. They are far wiser than us and demand our reverence and care.
To learn more about Jack and his journey to France follow him on Instagram.