It’s time for the ladies’ speed season start at Lake Louise – the first of three trainings is set for tomorrow. Each year, the venue hosts the world’s finest female Alpine skiers as they race for a spot on the podium. The women will race Downhill December 3th-4th and Super G on December 5th.

The Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart is Canada’s premiere alpine ski race, inviting the world’s best skiers to the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains each year to start the World Cup speed season.

Lake Louise, which first hosted a World Cup race in 1980, is the first resort outside of Europe ever to be named to the prestigious Club 5, an organization that brings together 13 of the most famous and historic World Cup alpine racing courses in the world. Member resorts include Kitzbühel, AUT, Wengen, SUI, Schladming, AUT, Cortina, ITA and others.

Who do you think will lead the way: 2009 dominator Lindsey Vonn? (With seven career victories coming on the slopes of Lake Louise, many call the venue “Lake Lindsey). Current World Cup leader Maria Riesch? How about Julia Mancuso, confident and coming off a solid performance in Aspen, or Tina Maze? American Stacey Cook, still looking for her first-career World Cup podium, may also be a contender. Or someone else?

Germany’s Maria Riesch probably has the best shot at the podium. She looks poised to unseat Lindsey Vonn as overall World Cup champion after finishing second to her rival and friend the last two seasons. Riesch is the current World Cup leader with 149 points achieved by top-ten results in all four races to begin the season, including two runner-up finishes. Vonn, however, is expected to cut into the Riesch’s lead this weekend.

The Festival area, located at the base of the mountain, will be packed with entertainment for the whole family. Inside the festival area there will be tons of giveaways, free hot chocolate, and contests. Guests will also be able to view the finish area and cheer on the World Cup athletes as they cross the finish line!

UPDATE 12/3/10 via Lindsey Vonn's FB page: So the 1st Lake Louise DH is in the books and I want to congratulate Maria Riesch she skied great today and took the win, I ended up 2nd. Obviously I was hoping to get the win but I am happy anytime I'm on the podium. I also want to congratulate my teammates on a great day getting 7 into the top 30! Looking ahead to tomorrow's DH #2 I am going to take a close look at the video tonight and see where I can clean it up a bit. Hopefully I'll be able to find a few tenths here and there to keep it interesting tomorrow ;) xo LV

Schedule of Events

The Bombardier presents Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup Festival Area is filled with fun and family activities both event weekends. It’s in your own backyard and it’s free! Don’t miss out on all the action!

Friday, December 3

11:30 am Bombardier Winterstart Festival Area Open

12:30 pm Bombardier Winterstart Downhill

CP Awards (following end of race)

Saturday, December 4

11:30 am Bombardier Winterstart Festival Area Open

12:30 pm Bombardier Winterstart Downhill

CP Awards (following end of race)

Sunday, December 5

10:00 am Bombardier Winterstart Festival Area Open

11:00 am Bombardier Winterstart Super G

CP Awards (following end of race)

View Original Post at prettytough.com

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