Krista Crabtree

The four-time Olympian and pro skier credits his physical and mental preparation as the keys to his success. Rahlves getting some air in Austria (Photo: Courtesy of Warren Miller) Daron Rahlves is a rare breed of athlete: Not only did he race Downhill, Super-G, and GS on the World Cup circuit, but after retiring from the U.S. Ski Team as an alpine ski racer, he was named to the Olympic Freestyle team and competed in the inaugural skicross event at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Ski patrolling is part mountaineering, part triage and part guest services. It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love—but this isn’t the Peace Corps. Professional patrollers must have strong alpine, telemark, or snowboarding skills and the stamina to ski every day, all winter long—whether there’s a blizzard or subzero temperatures, in icy hard pack or wind-blown crud. Patrollers must be able to successfully negotiate any terrain or snow conditions at any time of day.