The 32-year-old has earned 12 World Cup victories, a Super-G World Championship gold medal in 2001, two medals at the 2005 World Championships, and over two dozen second and third-place podiums. The "Sugar Ambassador of Skiing" ended his World Cup career recently in Are, Sweden on the podium by placing second in the Super-G behind teammate Bode Miller.

But over the years it hasn't been just the results; the way Rahlves presented himself has earned Rahlves the respect and admiration of spectators, sponsors, and fellow racers. Hardworking, competitive as hell, and gracious in victory, Rahlves has secured a place as one of the world's best.

The Truckee native spoke briefly with TTNN about his decorated career.

Q: South Korea is a funky place to hold a World Cup, although Palisades Tahoe has a sister resort over there called Muju. What are the mountains like there?
DR: Lots of thick trees almost like over grown bushes all tangled up and it is bare. There is constant wind that blows all day. It feels like the east: cold and windy and not much natural snow. Actually there was none. It was all man made. I had fun rippin down the mountain run avoiding hundreds of skier and boarders. It was like living in a video game, drafting and dodging through a human obstacle course.

Q: Now that your career is coming to a close, how do you feel about traveling?
DR: All airports are time-killing zones. I don't like being around lots of people and airports are just that. It amazes me how many people travel. I don't think I have ever seen an empty airport. The last few years with my 100K (miles) status on United Air and the team setting me up in Business or First Class, traveling is much easier. I have enough miles to take a few trips with Michelle, First Class to Hawaii, Costa Rica, or Mex, so it ain't that bad.

Q: Does it ever blow you away about how popular and recognizable you are in Europe and how outside of certain ski circles in America you're just another nice looking fellow dressed to go outside?
DR: It's cool when I see kids eyes light up and are all pumped to get an autograph, stickers, a Red Bull or talk, but the scene at races in Europe is too much. It's funny how in your face the euros are. They will stand outside the bus forever after the race just to get a picture or an autograph. They wont leave. That's when Huey or JR step in and help me out. It's hard to turn down pictures or sign something for the fans because I want to give back, but sometimes it's too much.

Q: Is being so successful, being such a pinwheeling superstar, intoxicating after awhile?
DR: Stop! I'm not a celebrity.

Q. Steve Mahre always wore red socks on a slalom day. Phil always put his left boot on first. Lissy Kircher always stuck a little Snoopy doll between her boobs under her race suit. Did you have any superstitions? Any good luck charms?
DR: I don't know Lissy, but sounds like Snoopy had it made. I always choose 13 for DH training. I ride chair #3, 13, 33,or 133. I like to wear black on race day.

Q: Through your career was there a racer from another country that you really liked and befriended?
DR: Didier Cuche is a good friend of mine. We've been on the podium a lot. He was on the podium with me for my first win in Norway, my win in Kitz; I was second to him in Garmisch and I'm sure a few more times. He's a cool guy, little too serious with his racing, but he knows how to have a good time. We've been a regular wrecking team at the Londoner and free skiing at Kitz when we can. I admire him and his intensity. I stay away from Hermann cause he's just too wrapped up in himself and doesn't have anything else going except for racing. It's not easy for me to relate to him.

Q: You could obviously ski and live at any resort in the world, from Aspen to Gstaad. Yet you choose Sugar Bowl as a home and a place to recreate. What makes Donner Summit such an attraction for you?
DR: Just look at it. There is good terrain, lots of snow, no lift lines, a cool and friendly staff, good lodge food, and some insane backcountry access off of Judah. I also like how supportive Sugar Bowl is of racing and their free ski program.

Q: You enjoy participating in other ultra-extreme type things. In today's ski industry the wooing of "extremism" is so big that no one can deny its influence.
DR: I'd say it shows young kids what is possible and that the more you risk the more you feel alive. It's not for everybody. Every kid should do what feels good and right for them. I think it's ok to feel scared and pushed by others. That way you're digging deep and reaching new levels. Like anything else in life, competition makes everyone stronger and progress. Don't be stupid and do something completely out of your skill level, but taking a chance will let you know what you're made of. Tahoe is one of the proving grounds for athletes and it's cool to be around this kind of vibe and way of life.

Q. Picabo told me that US women downhillers used to race completely without a stitch on underneath their suits. Something about feeling the snow better. Sounds kind of gross if the men did it, but is there any truth to its merits?
DR: Picabo was just trying to shock you. I bet she never went buck. Some Canadiens did free ball it under their race suits. "Skin to Win". More mental than actually helpful. It sucks to go buck under a Spyder DH suit. Cold, the suit sticks to your skin, and the feeling is just wrong.

Q: Do you have a favorite anecdote from a moment through the years that puts your lifelong efforts (to age 32) into perspective; funny, humbling? Is there a moral to all this?
DR: Enjoying life. Ski racing has pushed me physically and mentally, made me commit to a lifestyle that was about sacrifice, hard work, and lots of traveling. I had the time of my life! In a sport like ski racing that has so many variables and challenges you learn to deal. Emotional highs and lows go with this sport. I've put my life into this career and have found out what I'm made of. I love being the fastest man in the world, but the process and time that goes into that made me appreciate how great that feeling is. Nothing is handed to you in life. Taking what support you have and using it to your advantage, never backing down, and taking the chance makes me feel alive. I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Q: Besides starting a family, hanging with Katja and Junior, and relaxing in the recliner, what are really going to be up to now?
DR: Game plan is being worked on right now. First thing I need is time with Michelle to experience everyday life. I look forward to a winter in Tahoe. I want to free ski and film a little. It would be cool to ski with my buddies that live in Tahoe for once this summer. Surf and moto are on the top of the list. You know, the normal stuff.

Photos are by permission of Tom Kelly.