First Tracks event to feature Olympic medalists Vonn, Miller, Ligety, Mancuso at Vail on Nov. 5

Ski racing fans will be able to meet the U.S. Alpine Ski Team, including Olympic gold medalists Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO), Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA) and Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) on Saturday, Nov. 5 in Vail when Nature Valley presents "First Tracks," the 2012 Alpine Team Announcement at Vail.

The complimentary event, hosted by World Championship medalist Doug Lewis, will kick off at 4:30 p.m. and officially introduce each member of the 2012 U.S. Alpine Ski Team followed by an autograph session where fans can meet some of the best skiers in the world.

"Vail is the perfect place to introduce the 2012 U.S. Ski Team," said Olympic and World Champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO). "It's so special to kick off our winter with hometown fans who love skiing. Last year fans flew in from all over the country to support us, and this year we're excited to make the event even bigger."

Win a VIP trip to Vail

Not in the Colorado area, no problem. The U.S. Ski Team and Vail Resorts have partnered with Nature Valley, Delta Air Lines and Marriott International to fly and host a family of four to Vail for a VIP experience with the U.S. Ski Team Nov. 4-6.

The winning family will get an all-access experience with the U.S. Ski Team personally hosted by two-time Olympian and U.S. Ski Team alum Kaylin Richardson. Each member will also receive official U.S. Ski Team jackets courtesy of Spyder.

Other prizes include a pair of Volkl skis signed by Mancuso and a helmet and goggle combo from POC signed by Miller.

To enter, go to http://www.vail.com/firsttracks. Entry will close on Monday, Oct. 25 at midnight MT.

"Nature Valley is excited to host First Tracks and the alpine team announcement with our partners from the U.S. Ski Team and Vail Resorts. We are anxious to carve our own lines in some fresh powder as well as watch the U.S. Ski Team do the same on the World Cup circuit. We invite everyone out to Vail to kick-off the ski season with us, meet the team, and share in the fun as we get on the mountain for First Tracks."

The First Tracks event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village. Following the presentation, fans are invited to meet and get autographs from the U.S. Ski Team.

Opening Day

Vail Mountain opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 18. The annual American swing of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup opens with Vonn and Mancuso in action on Thanksgiving weekend during the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational in Aspen, while Miller and Ligety tackle the treacherous Audi Birds of Prey races Dec. 2-4 in Beaver Creek.

For lodging information and rates, log on to www.marriott.com/ussa. For more information about Vail Mountain, visit www.vail.com.