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Swiss freestyle skier Mathilde Gremaud again denied Eileen Gu Olympic slopestyle gold on Monday after responding to her rival's strong opening run with a near perfect display.

Grimaud, 26, had stopped China's Gu winning three golds at Beijing 2022 when she pipped her to the slopestyle title and she made it back-to-back Games golds in style in Livigno.

Gu fell on her final run as she tried to wrestle the gold away from her big threat.

Born in California but competing for China, Gu had taken big air and halfpipe gold at Beijing 2022 but is again without slopestyle glory ahead of the big air final in Italy next Monday and halfpipe on February 21.

Gremaud could do a show run carrying the Swiss flag after Gu's fall on the last run, leaving Gu and Canadian Megan Oldham to pick up silver and bronze.

"Eileen tried to come for me all the time, and I had to really focus on myself so that she couldn't get to me," twice world champion Gremaud said.

"It was a crazy ride. It was a really tough battle with Eileen. She pushed me to push myself as well for sure."

Each skier had three runs with the best run decided by the judges counting for medals.

Gu - still only 22 - had also fallen in qualifying on Saturday but recovered to reach the final as one of the top 12. But it was not to be as she was again narrowly edged out 86.96 to 86.58.

"I think it's kind of funny that both Olympics we were within half a point of one another. If anything, I think it's just testament to the growth of women's freeskiing. It's so special to be a part of that," Gu said.

"The hardest part has been staying consistent all these years. I've had a really tough last four years, dealing with injury and time off snow and then some mental stuff."

Gremaud had led qualifying but Gu was in front with the 86.58 after the first run in the final, much to the Swiss skier's apparent surprise.

Oldham placed third after the first run but fell heavily on her second. She got up unaided and held on to bronze thanks to the final leg despite pressure from Briton Kirsty Muir.

A low score from Gu following a slip on the rail second time around allowed Gremaud to pounce with the best run of the final.

Gu's fall on her last attempt then gifted Gremaud glory.

The men's slopestyle final is on Tuesday.

Swiss freestyle skier Mathilde Gremaud again denied Eileen Gu Olympic slopestyle gold on Monday after responding to her rival's strong opening run with a near perfect display.

Grimaud, 26, had stopped China's Gu winning three golds at Beijing 2022 when she pipped her to the slopestyle title and she made it back-to-back Games golds in style in Livigno. Gu fell on her final run as she tried to wrestle the gold away from her big threat.

Born in California but competing for China, Gu had taken big air and halfpipe gold at Beijing 2022 but is again without slopestyle glory ahead of the other events in Italy later in the Games.

Gremaud could do a show run carrying the Swiss flag after Gu's fall on the last run, leaving Gu and Canadian Megan Oldham to pick up silver and bronze.

Gu - still only 22 - had also fallen in qualifying on Saturday but recovered to reach the final as one of the top 12.

Each skier had three runs with the best run decided by the judges counting for medals.

Gremaud had led qualifying but Gu was in front with 86.58 after the first run in the final, much to the Swiss skier's apparent surprise.

Oldham placed third after the first run but fell heavily on her second. She got up unaided and held on to bronze thanks to the final leg despite pressure from Briton Kirsty Muir.

A low score from Gu following a slip on the rail second time around allowed Gremaud to pounce with the best run of 86.96.

Gu's fall on her last attempt then gifted Gremaud glory.

US ski star Lindsey Vonn is a regular poster on social media but has so far stayed silent after her crash in the Olympic downhill shocked the sporting world and left her having surgery on a broken leg.

The US team has refused to detail her injuries after the 41-year-old was airlifted to hospital on Sunday from one of her favourite pistes in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

But the Olympics website quoted the Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso as saying in a statement: "Lindsey Vonn underwent orthopaedic surgery to stabilise a fracture in her left leg."

She was making an Olympic comeback having come out of retirement last year, with Sunday's race firmly in her focus.

Winning races on the World Cup circuit aged 41 and after being away from competitive skiing for years wowed fans, and she had legitimate hopes of winning a second Olympic gold 16 years after her first.

But a cruciate knee ligament tear which she said she sustained in Crans-Montana just over a week ago looked to have dashed her hopes. But as is her combative style, Vonn vowed to race anyway on Sunday with a brace on the knee - saying she was largely pain-free.

In the end her Olympic downhill lasted 13 seconds before the crash, a scream of pain and a lengthy stoppage while she was being attended to.

The world's press reacted on Monday with shock. Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said it was a "nightmare day" for Vonn, with Swiss newspaper Blick stating: "No one wished this end for Lindsey Vonn."

US team-mate Breezy Johnson's gold was overshadowed by the crash and now the Olympic movement is hoping for a positive update following the surgery.

International Olympic Committee sports director Pierre Ducrey told a daily news briefing that he was "very happy" with the quick response of rescue services to Vonn's crash and that the IOC's thoughts were with her.

He added that it had been Vonn's decision to compete despite her original knee injury and she had proved her race worthiness in training.

"She was able to train and made the choice with the excellent team that she has to take part. So I don't think we should say she should or shouldn't have participated," he said.

Alpine skiing women's downhill Olympic champion Breezy Johnson told reporters that she broke her gold medal during celebrations after Sunday's run.

"Don't jump in them. I was jumping in excitement, and it broke. I'm sure somebody will fix it," she said.

The medal fell off the lanyard and Johnson said it was "a little broken."

"It's not crazy broken, but a little broken," she said.

Something similar happened to Sweden's Ebba Andersson after she claimed 20-kilometre skiathlon silver on Saturday.

Downhill silver medallist Emma Aicher of Germany still doesn't know what she's going to do with her prize, but said with a laugh: "I will take care of it."

Lindsey Vonn's quest for Olympic glory with a ruptured cruciate ligament ended little over 10 seconds into her downhill run when she crashed after hooking a gate.

Competing with bib 13 on the Olimpia delle Tofane piste where she has won 12 World Cup races, Vonn lost control after hooking the gate with her left arm, fell heavily and immediately held her damaged left knee and was heard screaming in pain after she came to a standstill.

She was taken away by helicopter after lengthy treatment on site. There was a stunned silence in the finish area where spectators included rapper and honorary US coach Snoop Dogg and Italian ski great Alberto Tomba who had lit the Olympic cauldron on Friday.

Vonn, 41, won downhill gold in 2010 and bronze in 2018, plus super-g bronze in 2010. She came out of retirement last season aiming for more Olympic glory and led this term's downhill standings with two victories before damaging her knee last week in a crash in Crans-Montana. She still decided to compete at the Olympics.

Team-mate Breezy Johnson, the reigning world champion, was leading the race at the time, four-hundredths ahead of German Emma Aicher.

Lindsey Vonn's quest for Olympic glory with a ruptured cruciate knee ligament ended just over 10 seconds into her downhill run on Sunday when she crashed after hooking a gate.

Competing with bib 13, Vonn lost control on a jump after hooking the gate with her left arm and fell heavily. She immediately held her damaged left knee and screamed in pain when she came to a standstill.

She was taken away by helicopter after lengthy treatment on site.

There was a stunned silence in the finish area where spectators included rapper and honorary US coach Snoop Dogg and Italian ski great Alberto Tomba who had lit the Olympic cauldron on Friday.

Team-mate Breezy Johnson, the reigning world champion, was leading the race at the time, four-hundredths ahead of German Emma Aicher.

Twice world champion Vonn, 41, won downhill gold in 2010 and bronze in 2018, plus super-g bronze in 2010. She came out of retirement last season with a partially artificial right knee, aiming for more Olympic glory on the Olimpia delle Tofane piste where she has won 12 of her 84 World Cup races.

She led this term's downhill standings with two victories and podiums in the other three races as well before damaging her knee nine days ago in a crash in the Crans-Montana downhill.

She still decided to compete at the Olympics and was third in the final training run on Saturday, racing with a brace.

Vonn had hoped for one more moment of Olympic glory as she was a veteran of fighting through the pain barrier at the Games, starting at her debut in Turin 2006.

Twenty years ago, Vonn competed with a heavily bruised hip from a training crash after which she was airlifted to hospital, claiming top 10 finishes in downhill and super-g and receiving the US team's Olympic Spirit Award for her courage.

At the 2010 Games in Vancouver her start was heavily endangered when she suffered shin bruises but she defied those to claim downhill gold which up to now remains her lone Olympic title, plus super-g bronze.

Four years later she appeared determined to compete in Sochi despite a partially ruptured cruciate knee ligament but had to cancel when the ligament was revealed to be fully torn a few weeks before the Games.

Vermont: The New Winter Playground You Didn’t Know You Were Missing

Vermont’s snowy slopes and frozen lakes are drawing attention this winter after the state was named the best winter sports destination in the United States—a title that highlights its ski resorts, ice rinks, outdoor skating, and winter recreation opportunities. For travellers seeking a winter getaway beyond the well‑known destinations of Utah and Colorado, Vermont offers a mix of classic New England charm, outdoor adventure, and a range of winter sports that appeal to families, couples, and snow lovers of all kinds.

Vermont’s Winter Sports Landscape: Skiing, Skating, and Slopes for All

Winter in Vermont means snow‑covered terrain, crisp air, and landscapes that invite exploration. With 25 ski resorts spread throughout the state and 27 ice rinks serving residents and visitors alike, Vermont’s winter recreation scene is built for accessibility and variety.

Ski resorts range from internationally recognized mountains to family‑friendly hills, creating options for every type of skier and snowboarder. Jay Peak, located near the Canadian border, is known for its deep powder and extensive glade skiing. In central Vermont, the alpine town of Stowe offers a combination of steep runs, scenic views, and a classic ski‑village atmosphere. Smaller, locally loved destinations like Magic Mountain provide unique terrain and a more intimate skiing experience.

These resorts contribute to an overall density that stands out: Vermont boasts approximately 3.86 ski resorts and 4.16 ice rinks for every 100,000 residents, giving travelers a high concentration of winter sport opportunities relative to population.

Skiing Vermont: From Big Mountains to Hidden Gem Slopes

Travelers heading to Vermont in winter quickly find that the range of ski options is vast. At the northern tip of the state, Jay Peak Resort draws winter travelers who want terrain parks, glade trails, and snowshoeing in addition to downhill runs. Its location near the Canadian border means abundant snowfall and a winter experience reminiscent of alpine terrain.

In central Vermont, Stowe Mountain Resort offers a scenic backdrop that has made it a favorite destination for visitors from across the Northeast and beyond. The town of Stowe itself features restaurants, breweries, spas, and lodging nestled at the base of the slopes, making it a complete winter tourism destination.

Nearby, family‑oriented resorts like Smugglers’ Notch cater to skiers of all ages with gentle beginner slopes, large lesson programs, and a community feel that makes planning extended ski vacations simple and fun.

For travelers looking for small‑town charm, Magic Mountain provides a mix of steep runs and friendly locals, giving visitors a chance to explore Vermont’s winter terrain without the crowds of larger resorts.

Each destination offers rental equipment, professional instruction, and lodging that ranges from rustic cabins to upscale lodges, allowing winter vacationers to tailor their trip to their budget and interests.

Ice Rinks and Outdoor Skating: A Classic New England Experience

While skiing is a major draw, Vermont’s winter offerings extend beyond the slopes. With 27 ice rinks across the state, visitors can lace up their skates and glide in both indoor and outdoor settings. These rinks serve communities year‑round, but in winter they become hubs of activity for families and travelers alike.

One standout winter attraction is Lake Morey in Fairlee, home to one of the longest groomed ice skating loops in North America. This 4.5‑mile trail winds across the frozen lake and offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and forests. For visitors, skating here feels like part of a Vermont winter ritual—an experience that mixes outdoor recreation with scenic beauty.

Other outdoor skating venues—including community rinks and frozen ponds—invite travelers to explore local winters at their own pace, adding a seasonal activity that complements snowboarding, skiing, and après‑ski experiences.

Winter Travel Logistics: Getting to and Around Vermont

Vermont’s location in New England makes it accessible to travelers from major Northeast cities. Burlington International Airport (BTV) serves as the gateway to the northern part of the state, with regional flights connecting from hubs like Boston, New York, and Chicago. From there, rental cars or shuttle services make it easy to reach resorts like Jay Peak and Smugglers’ Notch.

Southern and central Vermont destinations—such as Stowe and Magic Mountain—are reachable by road from major metropolitan areas along the East Coast. Many travelers combine road trips with train or bus service, which stop in nearby towns and connect to local transportation options.

Once in Vermont, winter travel involves scenic drives along snow‑lined highways and winding country roads. Resorts and towns typically offer lodging options close to ski lifts, restaurants, and shopping districts, letting visitors stay in the heart of winter activity.

Après‑Ski and Local Culture: More Than Just Snow

Winter travel to Vermont isn’t just about hitting the slopes and ice. The state’s towns offer an array of après‑ski experiences and cultural attractions. Stowe Village boasts art galleries, craft breweries, and farm‑to‑table dining that make warming up after a day on the slopes a highlight of the trip. Nearby, local shops sell handmade goods, winter gear, and Vermont cheeses—perfect for souvenir hunters and food lovers alike.

In Burlington, visitors can explore waterfront parks along Lake Champlain, enjoy local live music, or relax at cozy cafés with steaming hot chocolate or Vermont maple treats. Small towns like Middlebury and Brattleboro provide winter art walks and seasonal markets that reflect Vermont’s year‑round creative spirit.

Planning Your Winter Trip to Vermont

For travelers interested in visiting Vermont this winter, a few key planning tips can help make the most of your trip:

• Book Lodging Early: Winter is a peak travel season—especially around holidays and school vacations—so secure ski‑in/ski‑out accommodations early.
• Check Snow Conditions: Resorts frequently update trail reports, allowing you to plan your days on slopes with up‑to‑date information.
• Pack for Cold Weather: Vermont winters can be brisk, so prepared outerwear, thermal layers, and quality winter boots will make outdoor activities more comfortable.
• Explore Beyond Skiing: Include time for ice skating, local culture, and seasonal attractions to experience Vermont’s winter identity beyond the slopes.

A Complete Winter Destination

With its dense network of ski resorts, extensive ice skating options, and classic New England winter traditions, Vermont presents a compelling winter tourism destination for travelers. Whether you’re planning a ski vacation with family, a romantic getaway amid snowy forests, or an active outdoor trip filled with skating and snowshoeing, Vermont’s winter landscape offers variety and charm at every turn.

The post Vermont: The New Winter Playground You Didn’t Know You Were Missing appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

US skiing speed queen Lindsey Vonn completed her Olympic alpine skiing training run in Cortina d'Ampezzo just one week after rupturing the cruciate ligament in her left knee.

Vonn had a solid run and was 11th in Friday's downhill training, which had a long interruption due to thick fog. Team-mate Jacqueline Wiles topped the standings with the best time of 1 minute 38.94 seconds. Vonn clocked 1:40.33 minutes.

"She was smart, she didn't go all in. She made a mistake on the bottom, but the rest looked like good skiing. No big risk," said Aksel Lund Svindal, Vonn's coach.

The 41-year-old crashed last Friday at the World Cup downhill and Crans Montana. She also damaged her meniscus and sustained bruises.

"To me, it looked symmetrical. I didn't see any differences (between her) right and left (side) and that's what we were looking for today, so it was good," Svindal said.

Vonn already had a partially artificial right knee when she came out of retirement last season with the aim of winning another Olympic gold on the treacherous Olimpia delle Tofana piste in Cortina.

It is one of her favourite courses where she claimed a first career World Cup podium in third place in 2004 and then went on to win six downhills and six super-g races apiece.

"We're all positive, but she's awesome. She was the first one to say 'this is happening, we're racing,'" Svindal said.

"This felt like race day to me, because it was very important. How she feels today is the confidence that will let her decide how hard she can go."

In the men's downhill training in Bormio, James Crawford of Canada was the fastest with a time of 1:54.95 minutes.

Austria's Daniel Hemetsberger showed up with his face badly bruised after he crashed and lost his helmet during his training run on Thursday.

He had bandages on his nose and cheek, but he still managed the second best time on Friday.

"My face is a bit of a problem because it's swollen under my eye, so my vision is not that good in the left eye. It was more difficult than on other days, but I made it to the finish line, so I'm happy at the moment," he said.

World Cup leader Marco Odermatt was 11th, while Swiss team-mate Franjo von Allmen was seventh.

The men's downhill medal event is on Saturday, while the women's final is on Sunday.

Asked whether Vonn could win the second downhill medal of her career, Svindal said: "You've seen earlier this season, when she skis well, she can win.

"From what I saw today, I think she can. It's gonna be hard, but she could possibly bring that on Sunday."

The opening ceremony for the Milan/Cortina Winter Games is later on Friday, but competition has been underway since Wednesday.

US skiing speed queen Lindsey Vonn completed her Olympic alpine skiing training run in Cortina d'Ampezzo just one week after rupturing the cruciate ligament in her left knee.

Vonn had a solid run and was 11th in Friday's downhill training, which had a long interruption due to thick fog. Team-mate Jacqueline Wiles topped the standings with the best time of 1 minute 38.94 seconds.

The 41-year-old crashed last Friday at the World Cup downhill and Crans Montana. She also damaged her meniscus and sustained bruises.

Vonn already had a partially artificial right knee when she came out of retirement last season with the aim of winning another Olympic gold on the treacherous Olimpia delle Tofana piste in Cortina.

It is one of her favourite courses where she claimed a first career World Cup podium in third place in 2004 and then went on to win six downhills and six super-g races apiece.

The opening ceremony for the Milan/Cortina Winter Games is later on Friday, but competition has been underway since Wednesday.

US skiing speed queen Lindsey Vonn completed her Olympic alpine skiing training run in Cortina d'Ampezzo just one week after rupturing the cruciate ligament in her left knee.

Vonn had a solid run and was 11th in Friday's downhill training, which had a long interruption due to thick fog. Team-mate Jacqueline Wiles topped the standings with the best time of 1 minute 38.94 seconds. Vonn clocked 1:40.33 minutes.

The 41-year-old crashed last Friday at the World Cup downhill and Crans Montana. She also damaged her meniscus and sustained bruises.

Vonn already had a partially artificial right knee when she came out of retirement last season with the aim of winning another Olympic gold on the treacherous Olimpia delle Tofana piste in Cortina.

It is one of her favourite courses where she claimed a first career World Cup podium in third place in 2004 and then went on to win six downhills and six super-g races apiece.

In the men's downhill training in Bormio, James Crawford of Canada was the fastest with a time of 1:54.95 minutes.

Austria's Daniel Hemetsberger showed up with his face badly bruised after he crashed and lost his helmet during his training run on Thursday.

He had bandages on his nose and cheek, but he still managed the second best time on Friday.

"My face is a bit of a problem because it's swollen under my eye, so my vision is not that good in the left eye. It was more difficult than on other days, but I made it to the finish line, so I'm happy at the moment," he said.

World Cup leader Marco Odermatt was 11th, while Swiss team-mate Franjo von Allmen was seventh.

The men's downhill medal event is on Saturday, while the women's final is on Sunday.

The opening ceremony for the Milan/Cortina Winter Games is later on Friday, but competition has been underway since Wednesday.