World champion skier, Daron Rahlves is the latest Ambassador for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM), the national initiative that encourages children and adults to get involved with skiing and snowboarding by taking lessons from professional instructors.
Rahlves serves as ambassador for Sugar Bowl Resort in Norden, California, near Lake Tahoe. He works with the ski academy and ski team sharing his knowledge from his ski racing success. He retired from racing in 2006 and recently was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame along with the first LSSM Ambassador, Glen Plake. Olympic Gold Medalist Bode Miller is also a LSSM Ambassador.
“I'm excited to be an Ambassador for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Skiing is an amazing feeling and a great way to connect to the mountains. I've done it my entire life with family and friends and it's a huge part of me,” said Rahlves. “My passion for snow sports is strong and I encourage others to try, especially kids because it's a fun adventure and a great activity for the whole family. Once you ski or snowboard down a mountain, your life will change. I see it in the eyes of my young twins and everyone else out on the snow.”
As a racer, Rahlves won 12 World Cup races, stood on the World Cup podium 28 times and took seven U.S. National titles. He is the only American to win the legendary Hahnenkamm in Downhill and Giant Slalom. In 2001, Rahlves was the World Champion in Super G. He was named to five World Championships teams and four Winter Olympics teams.
Born in Walnut Creek, California, Rahlves was exposed to all kinds of sports including soccer, tennis, golf, waterskiing, jet skiing, motocross, and skiing. Growing up, he spent every winter in Tahoe and summers at Clear Lake, skiing and participating in water sports.
“We are so pleased to have Daron and Sugar Bowl involved with this initiative,” said Raelene Davis, chair of the LSSM task force. “He is the epitome of the all around elite athlete and recreation enthusiast who can set a good example for involvement in winter sports and activity year-round.”
Rahlves lives with his wife and two children at their home in Truckee, California and balancing that out with a place at the beach in Encinitas. For more details, go to DaronRahlves.com.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is an industry initiative organized by numerous state and regional ski associations, the leading snow sports media outlets, snow sports rep associations, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, the American Association of Snowboard Instructors, SnowSports Industries America, the National Ski Patrol, and the National Ski Areas Association.
