Daron On The Pocket
Mainline Pocket, Squaw Valley Ski Resort, California
Athlete: Daron Rahlves
Camera: Nikon D700
What makes it special: On a mountain where I have spent so many days, there is something about discovering a fresh camera angle that delivers a unique perspective.
The story: "I knew I was in for a special day. I was working on a Warren Miller shoot with Tom Day, but this time it was in our backyard and the conditions were perfect. As we rode the tram the first sunrays hit Tram Face. I looked down into Silverado and viewed virgin snow. It was our day: Early ups and fresh tracks in Tram bowl with some of the finest skiers on the planet. Among them Daron Rahlves, the American who won the Hahnenkamm and set the World Cup on fire. I had known Daron for years but had never been able to work with him. Today was the day.
With special permission our first shot was set up using the Tram. Both Tom and I roped in, on top of the edge of the cable car as it slowly descended out across the bowl, providing an incredible areal view of the steep slope below. The very first shot I got of Daron said it all. The angulation and force of his turn were unlike any I had shot before. Borne of the racing world he returned home to his roots and the big mountain skiing Tahoe thrives on."
