Daron Rahlves | Training for Life | E5

As the most decorated American male ski racer in history, Red Bull athlete and local legend Daron Rahlves know how to send two sticks downhill. But as Daron approaches 50 years old, he is finding more enjoyment in putting his mind in the track, going deep in the backcountry, skiing with his son Drey in Alaska and his dog Zoe in the backyard, appreciating the beauty and incredible terrain of the Lake Tahoe region. Daron also recalls two of his top ten days ever skiing in the backcountry were with PowBot, one big day in Desolation Wilderness, and the other unknowingly racing PowBot to the bottom of Bear Scratch. It was a tie.

3:40 – Daron’s 15 year old son Drey and skiing with him in Alaska
11:15 – Daron’s ski racing background and his achievements
16:08 – How PowBot and Daron became friends – “shared suffering” in Desolation Wilderness
22:15 – Training for life and embracing the pain cave
27:00 – Turning 50 years old, staying fit, finding clarity and putting your mind in the track
30:30 – The day PowBot and Daron raced each other to the bottom of Bear Scratch
40:10 – Appreciating the experience of simply being outside in a beautiful place
43:00 – The FIS Men’s World Cup at Palisades Tahoe – First time since 1969
52:00 – Keeping it fun no matter how competitive racing gets
54:20 – Returning to forerun Hahnenkamm after being away for seven years
58:00 – The COVID lockdown and Daron being shamed on social media for getting outside
1:04:00 – Being self-reliant and self-sufficient in the backcountry during emergencies
1:09:00 – The week in Tahoe snow – styrofoam, crème brulee and massive avalanches
1:19:00 – Shoveling snow and surviving the winter in massive snow piles
1:25:00 – Backcountry skiing with your dog
1:30:30 – What does Mind the Track mean to you?