Lindsey Vonn with coach Aksel Lund Svindal at the St. Moritz press conference / GEPA
As the World Cup tour shifts into women’s speed, Lindsey Vonn is stepping into St. Moritz with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. The first speed series of the 2025–2026 season begins on December 12 in the heart of the Engadine Valley, where athletes will take on the iconic St. Moritz downhill track. For Vonn, the venue carries a deep history and a familiar spark. She arrives not as a legend making a brief return, but as a true contender. After a transformative summer and a fully dialed-in preparation period, Vonn begins the season with a clear message: she is ready.
A Summer of Strength and Stability
Vonn’s offseason was defined by consistency, discipline, and a focus on rebuilding power. She trained in Park City and spent time on snow in New Zealand, Chile, Colorado, and Europe. What stands out most is how physically strong she feels entering the season.
“I feel physically in possibly the best shape I have ever been in,” Vonn said. “My body does not hurt, and honestly that is the best part.” After returning to the sport last year with less time to prepare, she made strength a priority. She gained 12 pounds of muscle and rebuilt the stability that has always defined her skiing. “It took a lot of discipline,” she explained. “I stayed in one place, committed to the work, and put everything into being physically prepared.”
Solving the Equipment Puzzle
The biggest obstacle in Vonn’s comeback last season was equipment, especially her boots. A new model released during her retirement did not match her angulation or movement pattern, and hundreds of test runs led nowhere. Late in the season she switched back to an older model and immediately felt the connection she had been missing.
“That podium in Sun Valley gave me the validation I needed,” she said. “I knew the speed was still there. This season she begins with her setup already dialed in, giving her confidence and consistency before the first start gate even opens.
Aksel Lund Svindal Joins the Mission
Aksel Lund Svindal, longtime rival and close friend, joined her coaching team this summer. For Svindal, the transition into coaching came naturally.
“When Lindsey called and asked for help with something I know so well, it was hard to say no,” he said. With less than a year until the Olympics, Svindal knew the project required urgency. “We had no time to lose. We started right away, and we have been fully committed ever since.”
He believes Vonn’s strengths are often misunderstood. “People think Lindsey is primarily a great glider. The truth is that she is an incredible turner. If we can improve her glide to match the very best, the turns will allow her to separate from the field.”
Training on the Race Hill
Vonn trained on the upcoming race hill this week and left with a sense of steady confidence. “There were no surprises today,” she said. “I have skied this track so many times that I do not need many runs to get where I want to be. I made a few mistakes, but I can clean them up easily.”
Her calm approach reflects her experience. There is no panic or urgency, just focus.
A Strong Support System
Vonn emphasized the strength of the team around her, a hybrid of U.S. Ski Team resources and her own high-performance staff. With Svindal, Chris Knight, and John Hale all integrated into her program, she feels supported in a way that elevates her performance. “I could not be in a better position physically, mentally, equipment-wise, and coaching-wise. Every box is checked.”
She also highlighted the atmosphere within the women’s speed team. “The girls have worked incredibly hard. There is great depth, and everyone has been really supportive.”
The Season Ahead and the Pull of Cortina
The immediate focus is on the season opener, but the broader picture cannot be ignored. The Olympics in Cortina loom large, and for Vonn, they are the reason she returned. “I would not be doing this if the Olympics were not in Cortina,” she said. “I have so many memories there. It feels meaningful. It feels like home.” Her history on that hill gives her a rare advantage in an Olympic season.
Ready for the Start Gate
As the first speed races approach, Vonn stands prepared in every aspect. Her body is strong, her equipment is tuned, her coaching team is aligned, and her confidence is steady. She enters the season not searching for form, but ready to compete.
“I can ski as fast as my mind wants to ski,” she said. With the start of the season now here, her mind is fully set on performing at the level she knows she is capable of.
About the Author: Katie Twible
