USA Pears is a proud sponsor of cross-country skier and Olympian Torin Koos, and we’re thrilled to congratulate him on his recent successes at the 2013 U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships at Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah. (Can you see his biggest fan perched atop the wall?)

Koos took first place in the classic sprint on January 2 and first in the 30 kilometer classic race on January 4 — his first national title in a distance race, and his eighth U.S. National gold. He also took home sixth in the 15 kilometer skate race. Check out this interview to hear Torin’s thoughts on the sport of Nordic ski racing and his history on the slopes.

Torin recently shared this fun video with us, filmed on the slopes in Leavenworth, Washington—right near the heart of pear country. Try out this fun skill next time you hit the mountain!

You can follow Torin on Facebook here, and check out his latest successes and thoughts on the Athletes and Experts section of our website!