The crisp September air at La Parva Ski Resort in Chile was electric with anticipation as Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American alpine skier, rejoined the Stifel U.S. Ski Team for preseason training, marking a thrilling chapter in her storied career. At 40, the Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Cup overall champion is back on the slopes, chasing speed and rekindling her passion for ski racing after a nearly six-year retirement. Her return has sparked excitement among fans and teammates alike, with Vonn’s signature mantra—“always fun”—resonating as she dives back into the adrenaline-fueled world of speed skiing.
Vonn, who retired in 2019 after a career plagued by injuries but defined by unparalleled success, was spotted training at La Parva alongside the U.S. Ski Team’s speed squad. “Great to be back with the US Ski Team speed ladies and going fast! Thank you La Parva!! Off to the next mountain!” Vonn posted on social media, her enthusiasm palpable. Her presence signals not only a personal comeback but a boost for the U.S. team as they prepare for the 2024-25 World Cup season and set their sights on the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics.
The decision to return follows a partial knee replacement surgery in April 2024, which alleviated the chronic pain that once forced Vonn to step away from the sport. “Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” Vonn said in a recent statement. “I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.” Her pain-free skiing has reignited her competitive fire, and she’s already logged significant training time in New Zealand and Austria, including sessions on the Rettenbachferner glacier in Sölden—a hub for serious race preparation.
Vonn’s return is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a rallying cry for the U.S. Ski Team’s women’s speed program. With 82 World Cup victories, 138 podiums, and 20 crystal globes, including four overall titles, Vonn brings unmatched experience to a talented roster. “Lindsey is someone who has really been there for me throughout my time on the World Cup circuit,” said teammate Bella Wright. “The opportunity to ski alongside her is extremely exciting!” Her mentorship is expected to elevate the team, which is coming off a strong 2023-24 season and looking to dominate in speed events like downhill and super-G.
September’s training sessions are a critical step for Vonn as she tests her titanium-enhanced knee and fine-tunes her equipment with HEAD’s race department. Unlike her peers, who spent the summer dialing in their gear, Vonn has been playing catch-up, but her progress is undeniable. “She’s very, very fast again,” said U.S. women’s speed coach Alex Hoedlmoser, impressed by her rapid adaptation despite limited prep time. Vonn’s focus remains on speed disciplines—downhill and super-G—where her aggressive style and knack for finding the fastest line have historically set her apart.
Fans are buzzing with speculation about Vonn’s competitive return, with potential World Cup starts as early as December in Beaver Creek, Colorado, or St. Moritz, Switzerland. Her ultimate goal? The 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, where she hopes to compete on the familiar slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a venue where she’s claimed 12 World Cup victories. “I’ve always enjoyed racing in Cortina, and I’ve had a lot of success there,” Vonn told The New York Times. While she’s keeping expectations grounded, her ambition to race at the highest level is clear.
Vonn’s comeback has also captured the imagination of a broader audience, particularly those inspired by her defiance of age and injury. “They were my age, and they’d say, ‘I’m so proud you’re trying again,’” Vonn noted, reflecting on encounters with fans who see her as a symbol of resilience. Her journey resonates beyond ski racing, embodying the spirit of pushing boundaries—whether it’s hitting 70 mph on a downhill course or overcoming physical setbacks.
Off the snow, Vonn continues to make waves. Her Lindsey Vonn Foundation empowers underserved girls, and her ventures into women’s sports, including co-ownership of the Utah Royals and involvement in the LOVB volleyball league, showcase her commitment to uplifting the next generation. Yet, for now, her focus is singular: rediscovering the thrill of speed skiing. “I love going fast,” Vonn said, a smile in her voice. “How fast can I go? I don’t know. But I’m not going to put myself in a position to fail.”
As September training wraps up, Vonn’s return is a reminder of why she’s a legend—fearless, fast, and always chasing the next challenge. For the U.S. Ski Team, her presence is a game-changer, and for fans, it’s a reason to tune in. As Vonn herself would say, it’s “always fun” when she’s back on the mountain.
