An Open Letter from Vreni Schneider to Lindsey Vonn, the Fans, and the Alpine Skiing Community
Dear Lindsey,
As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting not only on your incredible career but also on what you have meant to our sport, to the fans, and to those of us who have had the honor of racing before you. It is with immense admiration and deep respect that I write this open letter—not only to you, but to the entire Alpine skiing community that has watched you rise, fall, and rise again, always with unwavering determination.
Lindsey, you are one of the fiercest competitors the sport has ever seen. Watching you race was to witness a force of nature. Whether carving through the gates with your signature aggression or flying down icy courses with impossible precision, you inspired awe. But more than your victories—and there were many—it was your heart, your courage, and your resilience that truly defined you.
As someone who stood on the podium many times in the past, I understand the immense pressure, the sacrifice, and the physical toll this sport demands. But you, Lindsey, carried the weight of expectation with a grace that never faltered, even when your body did. The injuries you endured would have ended most careers, and yet, time after time, you came back. You returned not just to race, but to win. That spirit, that fire, is what makes you one of the greatest athletes Alpine skiing has ever known.
But you were never just an athlete. You were a trailblazer. You broke records and barriers. You made history. You showed young girls across the globe that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive. You carried the banner for U.S. skiing to new heights and helped elevate the profile of our sport in places it had never truly reached before.
And to the fans—you were always more than just a skier. You were a source of strength for those going through tough times, a role model for resilience, and a reminder that champions are not just made in the moments of glory, but in the long, silent battles no one sees.
To the Alpine skiing community, Lindsey brought visibility, energy, and a renewed sense of excitement. She connected generations—those who watched Annemarie Moser-Pröll, Petra Kronberger, and yes, myself—and those who now cheer for Mikaela Shiffrin, Lara Gut-Behrami, and the new wave of incredible talents. In many ways, you were the bridge. You carried the sport through transitions, through eras, and you never once lost your identity or your integrity.
Your career, with all its peaks and valleys, has been a masterclass in perseverance. I know what it means to chase a dream down a mountain at speeds that defy logic. I also know what it means to let go—to step back and allow the next generation to take the lead. That transition is never easy, but you did it with such humility and grace. Even in retirement, you continue to champion the sport, give back to young athletes, and advocate for equality and opportunity.
Lindsey, your legacy is not only etched in the record books but in the hearts of millions. And while your days on the World Cup circuit may be behind you, your influence continues to shape the future of skiing. Every young racer standing at the start gate with a dream in their eyes owes something to you—even if they don’t know it yet.
From one racer to another, thank you. Thank you for the magic, the power, and the raw honesty you brought to Alpine skiing. Thank you for reminding us all what it means to fight, to rise, and to believe in the impossible.
With deep respect and admiration,
Vreni Schneider
3-time Olympic Gold Medalist
5-time World Champion
Former World Cup Overall Champion
