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Intrepid alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn is one of the planet’s fastest women on skis, regularly exceeding 80 mph during downhill races. When she was just 11, her family moved to Vail from Minnesota so that she could pursue her ski-racing dreams. While most would say they’ve come true—in the winter of 2008-09, she became the winningest female skier in US history— Vonn still hopes to earn medals in every alpine event at this month’s Olympic Winter Games. Here, she shares some insider tips on her hometown.

How should first-time visitors make the most of their time in Vail? “They should ski or ride until their legs can’t handle it anymore! Vail’s terrain is so vast and varied that it can take a lifetime to get it all in, and you don’t want to miss any of it.”

Where is Vail’s best expert terrain? “Growing up, I loved the top-to-bottom, nonstop runs on Riva Ridge. My favorite new part of the mountain is Blue Sky Basin. It is remote and beautiful, and it feels like backcountry skiing with the luxury of chairlifts. You can cruise down wide-open terrain, ski powder in the trees, launch cliff s and cornices—everything.”

What’s the most fun terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers or boarders? “You should use Lionshead Village as a base, where you can jump on the Born Free Express Lift or the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Both of those lifts will take you to fun, mellow trails that pretty much anyone can handle.”

How can visitors enjoy a snowy evening in Vail? “If you’re traveling with your family, check out Adventure Ridge at Eagle’s Nest. You ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola and arrive at a giant outdoor snow park. Kids can go tubing, ski biking, snowshoeing or snowmobiling all day and well into the evening. Parents can join them or grab a bite to eat at the mountaintop restaurant, Bistro 14.”

And for a romantic night on the town? “You have to go to one of two places: Sonnenalp Resort of Vail or Sweet Basil. There are several restaurants at Sonnenalp and my favorite is Swiss Chalet. It has an Alps-style ambience and an authentic European menu with the best käsespätzle [Swiss dumplings] I’ve ever had. The fare at Sweet Basil is eclectic American gourmet, and the ingredients are mostly local and organic. It has a relaxing atmosphere with a mostly younger crowd.”

Can visitors take in some culture? “Absolutely. Th e Vail Valley Foundation hosts a ton of events throughout the year, and they get some of the biggest names in music at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and the Vilar Performing Arts Center. [This month’s schedule includes concerts by Chris Botti and Los Lonely Boys.] Skiing fans can also check out the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, a fun, convenient stop located right in Vail Village.”—Bryce Hubner

ADVENTURE RIDGE AT EAGLE’S NEST (BISTRO 14)
Top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola; 970-754-8245; www.vail.com

SONNENALP RESORT OF VAIL (SWISS CHALET)
20 Vail Rd; 970-476-5656; www.sonnenalp.com

SWEET BASIL
193 Gore Creek Dr; 970-476-0125; www.sweetbasil-vail.com

THE VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION
90 Benchmark Rd, Ste 300; 970-949-1999; www.vvf.org

COLORADO SKI & SNOWBOARD MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
231 South Frontage Rd; 970-476-1876; www.skimuseum.net

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