Vail Names Trail After Lindsey Vonn (09-Mar-10)

Vail, USA, March 9, 2010 - Vail Resort has honored

SkiInfo.com Reports;

Vail Resorts have honored Olympic Champion Lindsey Vonn, who moved to the resort in the late 1990s and has now won what the resort describes as, ‘Vail’s first ever gold medal’ by renaming a trail on Vail Mountain after Vonn.

The expert “International” trail on Vail Mountain was renamed “Lindsey’s” and the new trail sign is already up to greet skiers and snowboarders.

“This trail is a fitting choice as it 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 like a champion throughout the winter season.” said a Vail statement.

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.” 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, Minn. in 1984 but spent her formative years on Vail Mountain, honing her racing skills in all alpine disciplines with the Ski and 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 travelling on the road, the Vonns make their home at the Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort in Vail, Colo.