Buck Hill Dedicates Rope Tow to Local Legend Lindsey Vonn

The world may know her as Lindsey Vonn, but the Minnesota community that watched her grow into one of the greatest ski racers in history still remembers little Lindsey Caroline Kildow climbing up Buck Hill’s simple rope tow.

On Monday, September 23 2019, Buck Hill was proud to commemorate young Lindsey Kildow’s ascent to the top of our sport on site with the official naming of the “Kildow’s Climb” rope tow.

September 23 was also declared “Lindsey Vonn Day” in Burnsville, Minnesota.

Vonn, the daughter of local ski racer Alan Kildow, got her racing start at the Burnsville ski area at a young age. Patrons remember seeing her soaring down the hill when she was only 2 years old, and just five years later she began riding up the rope that will now bear her name.

“My dad started me here at Buck Hill,” Vonn told local news outlets. “Before I could even ski I was in a backpack while he was coaching and going to law school at the same time. My family just has a long history with skiing … and I didn’t really feel right to have, you know, not their name incorporated into it, and I know my family’s really excited about it, so it’s pretty cool.”

Under the guidance of Erich Sailer, legendary ski racing coach and founder of the Buck Hill Ski Racing Team, who has produced some of the world’s most successful skiers, Vonn started on a path towards international fame, medals, and awards.

Highlights of Lindsey’s:
• Four Overall World Cup titles (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012)
• 82 World Cup victories – more than any other female ski racer in the sport’s history
• 2010 Olympic gold medal in the Vancouver women’s downhill

With her trademark grit, courage, and determination, Vonn has inspired a whole new generation of young athletes who now hope to climb to the top in her footsteps.

“All of us at Buck Hill are very happy and excited to honor Lindsey by renaming our lift on the race training hill in her name.” says Dave Solner, owner of Buck Hill.

Release courtesy of Buck Hill.