This past January, JAMBAR Ambassador and professional athlete Ryan McElmon embarked on an unforgettable ski trip to Japan. From record-breaking snowfall to immersive cultural experiences, the adventure exceeded all expectations. Reflecting on the trip, Ryan described it as "truly the trip of a lifetime."
Living in Utah, Ryan is no stranger to world-class skiing, but the snow in Japan was on another level. "By far the deepest of my life," he recalled, describing the experience as "Candy Land came to life" while gliding through snow-laden trees. Check out this epic video of Ryan on the slopes to see how he navigates that powder!
Unforgettable Moments in Japan
Among the highlights of the trip was soaking in Goshiki Onsen, a natural hot spring tucked deep in the mountains. Following tradition, Ryan and his friends stripped down and soaked in the steaming waters—all while a blizzard raged around them. Moments later, they geared up and continued skiing, embracing every bit of the adventure.
Another unforgettable memory came at sunset when they spontaneously hiked up a roadside slope. With snow-covered volcanoes on one side and the ocean glowing on the other, the view was nothing short of surreal. After an hour-long ascent, Ryan fueled up with a Malt Nut JAMBAR before dropping into a perfect run through the legendary "Japow."
Beyond the slopes, Ryan immersed himself in Japanese culture, exploring Tokyo and Sapporo on foot—walking over 30 miles in just a couple of days! He sampled everything from ramen and sushi to street food, marveling at the fast-paced lunchtime ramen scene, where efficiency is key and slurping is encouraged. The food was incredible, but like any trip, he always packs a dozen JAMBARs for adventures on the road.
What’s Next for Ryan?
As the ski season continues, Ryan is shifting focus to backcountry adventures, filming long-form content, and attending events with Dope Snow, 805 Beer, and JAMBAR this spring. Safety remains a priority—he’s honing his avalanche awareness and backcountry skills to navigate high-risk terrain.
Looking ahead to summer, Ryan is eager to trade his skis for a bike. Southern Utah’s "ski-style" mountain bike lines—especially the legendary Red Bull Rampage courses—have been on his bucket list for years. While summer often fills up with racing and family time, he’s determined to make it happen this year.
Fueling an Active Lifestyle with JAMBAR
Ryan’s high-energy lifestyle demands smart nutrition. He starts his day with a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes and keeps JAMBARS and electrolytes handy for sustained energy. "If I stop for an extended meal in the middle of a high-output day, it’s really hard to get back into gear," he explained.
His go-to flavors? "Mango is hands down my favorite for on-the-go energy—the chunks of mango and natural sweetness give me the perfect boost. For pre- or post-session fuel, Malt Nut is my go-to. There’s nothing better than pairing it with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate after a long day on the mountain. So good!"
Embracing Every Adventure
For Ryan, success isn’t about specializing in just one sport—it’s about doing what he loves, no matter the season. Whether he’s skiing, biking, playing hockey, surfing, or snowmobiling, he’s always chasing the next thrill. "People always tell me I’m overdoing it, but honestly, I’m just having fun—and that’s what it’s all about."
From floating through Japan’s legendary powder to scouting new bike lines, Ryanis always looking for the next great adventure. And no matter where he’s headed, JAMBAR is always in his pack, keeping him fueled for whatever comes next.
