Rahlves turns it up a notch in skiercross
Daron Rahlves left the world of downhill competition to start a second career in skiercross. The 36-year-old trains at Sugar Bowl.
Why did you choose this resort?: For the skiing and to work with the Sugar Bowl Ski Team and Academy. Sugar Bowl has an outstanding race arena for training and the team has full support from the resort. The terrain at the Bowl is awesome and there is a ton of back country terrain waiting just out of the resort.
How often are you in Lake Tahoe?: I live in Truckee 9 months of the year and get in the lake during the summer to water ski, wake board, SUP and swim.
When you aren’t training and competing where can we find you and what would you be doing?: Spending time with Michelle and our twins Miley and Dreyson at home riding bikes, walking in the woods, skiing, at the lake, going out to lunch at Moody’s and playing with our two huskies. I also like to ride my sled in the winter and in summer dirtbike and mountain bike.
After you win gold in Vancouver, what is your next goal?: To compete in the Silver Belt Banzai March 14-15 at the Bowl and film big mountain skiing around Tahoe and in Alaska.
How long have you been participating in your sport?: I’ve skied since I was 3. Raced DH, SG and GS for 13 years on the USST and now ski cross on a limited schedule for the last 3 years. I don’t compete in many ski cross events due to the time it takes away from my family. I’ve been on the road most of the winter during my racing career so now it’s all about days skiing in Tahoe.
Who inspires you most and why?: I get inspired by those who have confidence and a positive attitude.
Your life is devoted to an event that is over in minutes, how do you prepare for that thrill of victory or agony of defeat?: I never prepare for the outcome, but for the chance I get.
Anything else you would like to add?: I’d like to thank all the people who follow me in competitions and free ski films. I’d like to thank my sponsors Red Bull, Atomic, Spyder, Sugar Bowl Resort, Oakley, Swix, Giro, Start Haus, Le Chamois, the USST, my sister Shannon, Mom, Dad and most of all Michelle, Miley and Dreyson.
Publisher’s note: On Jan. 11 read about what it was like for a Tahoe reporter to cover the 1960 Olympics.