Legendary American speed skier Lindsey Vonn has kicked off her preparations for this weekend’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup events, completing her first official downhill training run on the challenging Di Prampero course in Tarvisio.
The 41-year-old posted an update following the session, sharing photos from the mountain and confirming the training was “done” with enthusiasm. Fan accounts quickly amplified the news, posting multiple images of Vonn in action during the run, showcasing her focus and form as she navigates the demanding layout.
This marks a crucial step for Vonn as she builds momentum heading into Saturday’s downhill (January 17, starting at 10:45 a.m. local time) and Sunday’s super-G (January 18). The Tarvisio weekend represents the circuit’s first visit to the Di Prampero slope in 15 years, adding extra significance as it serves as a key test event just weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where the women’s downhill is scheduled for February 8 on the Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Vonn enters the event in red-hot form, fresh off her second downhill victory of the season — and 84th World Cup win overall — in a shortened race at Zauchensee, Austria, on January 10. Despite challenging weather conditions there, including heavy snow that canceled a super-G the following day, Vonn has stood on the podium in all four downhills contested this season, leading the discipline standings comfortably.
Her remarkable comeback continues to defy expectations: after retiring in 2019 due to injuries and undergoing partial knee replacement with titanium implants, Vonn returned to competition in late 2024 and officially qualified for her fifth Olympics in the downhill discipline.
Here are some shots from Vonn’s training run today, capturing her intensity on the iconic Italian course:
The Di Prampero run, recently featured in the 2025 FIS Junior World Championships, offers a long, technical descent with steep sections, gliding zones, and significant vertical drop — a perfect proving ground for Vonn’s experience and power. Her participation adds major star power to the weekend, especially as she eyes extending her lead in the downhill crystal globe race and positioning herself as the favorite for Olympic gold.
Tarvisio’s return to the World Cup calendar highlights Italy’s ramp-up to hosting the Games, with the event drawing top athletes from across the globe. Vonn’s training completion comes amid minor off-slope drama — she humorously appealed on social media for the return of a missing ski pole taken from the parking lot — but her on-snow focus remains sharp.
Fans and analysts are buzzing about what could be another dominant performance from the “Queen of Speed.” Stay tuned as training continues Thursday and Friday, leading into race action this weekend. Vonn’s journey remains one of the most inspiring stories in sports heading into the Olympics.
