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The Vail community offered their heartfelt congratulations to hometown hero Lindsey Vonn today by naming a run on Vail Mountain after the Olympic gold medalist.
The resort’s operator bestowed the honor in recognition of her many achievements in ski racing, and also because to them, she represents Vail’s first ever gold medal.
The expert “International” trail on Vail Mountain will be renamed “Lindsey’s” and the new trail sign greeted skiers and snowboarders today. The trail was the site of the women’s speed events during the World Alpine Ski Championships at Vail and Beaver Creek in 1989 and 1999. Additionally, the central location of the trail gives all guests at Vail easy access to ski or ride it throughout the winter season.
Vonn’s unprecedented success in the 2010 Olympic Games is one for the record books. Vonn was the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the Downhill and also took home a bronze in the Super G. Her feats in alpine skiing comprise an impressive list: Two consecutive Overall World Cup titles, four World Cup discipline titles, four World Championship medals (including two gold), 31 World Cup wins (11 so far this season), 60 World Cup podium finishes (17 so far this season), and she currently leads the Overall World Cup standings this year.
“We could not be prouder of Lindsey and her success at the Olympic Games. She truly embodies the Vail spirit with her perseverance in the face of adversity, dedication and hard work, and commitment to excellence – both on and off the snow,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “‘Lindsey’s’ on Vail Mountain is a perfect location for her namesake trail. As a former race course for the best women ski racers in the world and a groomed black diamond favorite for our guests, it is where future champions and everyday skiers alike can be inspired by Lindsey’s success. We are excited to welcome Lindsey home to her new run.”
While she was born in Burnsville, Minnesota, Vonn considers Vail her hometown as she and her family commuted to Vail for training for several years before finally moving there permanently in the late 9os to further her racing career. Lindsey spent her formative years on Vail Mountain, honing her racing skills in all alpine disciplines with the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, then went on to achieve success in major U.S. and international events such as the Junior Olympics, Junior Worlds, NorAms and Europa Cup before entering the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup circuit.
When she’s not rigorously training or garnering medals, Vonn makes a beeline for Vail’s legendary Back Bowls to free ski. She and former teammate/Olympian Thomas Vonn married in September 2007. When they’re not traveling on the road, the Vonns make their home at the Arrabelle at Vail Square.
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Great article. My only criticism is that all of these articles about Lindsay don’t go in enough detail about the hard work that she (and all ski racers) really put in. As a ski racer myself, I understand the pressure from coaches, family, and your friends who are all trying to beat you down the slopes.
What is a typical life in the day of Lindsay Vonn. I bet none of us could make it past 9am.
Cheers!