Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated alpine ski racers in history, is officially set to return to the slopes with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. At age 40, Vonn’s comeback defies the odds and adds a new chapter to her remarkable career. Known for her fierce competitiveness, Vonn is among the few athletes who have secured World Cup wins in every alpine discipline—downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined. She has won 82 World Cups, the third most of any skier and the second most of any American racer, alongside four overall season titles, 16 discipline globes, and an Olympic downhill gold at Vancouver.
Ski Racing Media broke the news of her intentions to return on October 8, 2024, highlighting a determined Vonn who, following successful knee surgery, has tested her strength and skill in training over recent months. Her rejoining the team brings renewed energy and invaluable experience to an already competitive roster, just in time for the 2024-25 season. Today, U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announced her return in a Park City, Utah statement.
Press release U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Park City, UT (Nov. 14, 2024) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce that alpine great Lindsey Vonn will rejoin the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.
Vonn’s decision to try and return to ski racing comes after careful consideration following successful knee surgery earlier this year. She has been able to get back to training and test her knee over the past couple of months and will continue her progression with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in Colorado and beyond, representing a new exciting chapter in her already storied career.
“Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” said Vonn. “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.”
Vonn’s return comes off the back of a strong season for the women’s Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Her presence will bring an extra layer of experience to the already successful alpine program.
“Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career. We’re delighted to welcome her back,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing are inspiring and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”
Vonn recorded her first World Cup victory in 2004 and continued to win three Olympic medals, 20 World Cup titles (including four overall Crystal Globes), eight World Championship medals, 137 World Cup podiums and 82 World Cup victories. However, she suffered multiple injuries during her career and despite her ability to persevere and come back from those injuries, it eventually was the reason for her retirement after 18 seasons on the World Cup tour. Following a partial knee replacement surgery in April, she feels stronger than ever.
Vonn also continues to work with her personal foundation, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which supports underserved girls through scholarships and empowerment programs, and is still a mentor to current Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes. She hopes she can continue to inspire the next generation of women in sports.
“Lindsey is someone who has really been there for me throughout my time on the World Cup circuit,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Bella Wright. “I never had the opportunity to be Lindsey’s teammate in the past, so the chance to ski alongside her is extremely exciting! I can’t wait to see what the U.S. women can do this season.”
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