America's Downhill

Slideshow: Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals Launch in Aspen

Top moments from all of the action on day one.

Photography by Cindy Hirschfeld March 15, 2017

The American flags were out in force in the stands.

World long board ski champ Eric McGrath, of California's Plumas Ski Club, and the skis he races on (these ones are 420 centimeters). McGrath explained that the racers, who compete on a quarter-mile long track, use one long pole to help steer. "It's a big whiskey drinking affair, too," he adds.

Lindsey Vonn's run broadcast on the Jumbotron in the finish arena.

Mother and daughter journalist team Madeleine Osberger and Madison Osberger-Lowe pause for a moment in the media tent.

A gaggle of kids from Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club cheered on their favorite racers.

U.S. Ski Teamer Laurenne Ross has some impressive tats.

Fans were psyched to cheer on Lindsey Vonn, who just returned to the World Cup circuit in January after an injury.

Lindsey Vonn waves to the crowd after her run.

Lindsey Vonn and her beau, Kenan Smith, an assistant wide receivers coach for the L.A. Rams.

Lindsey Vonn back on her feet after a dramatic sliding finish capped off her run

Alice Merryweather of the U.S. earned a spot in the downhill as the Junior World Downhill Champion; she finished 19th in Aspen.

The coveted crystal globe awarded to the overall winner in each race discipline; this one now belongs to Ilka Stuhec for the women's downhill title.

World Cup co-founder and Aspen resident Bob Beattie by the winner's podium.

World Cup season downhill champ Peter Fill of Italy and his well-earned crystal globe.

Aspen SkiCo President and CEO Mike Kaplan awards the medal to Ilka Stuhec for her first-place finish in the downhill.

The women's downhill podium: Lindsey Vonn (second place); Ilka Stuhec (first); Sofia Goggia (third)

The much-anticipated 2017 FIS World Cup Finals started today under bluebird skies with the stands filled with cheering race fans and temperatures warm enough to bring up thoughts of pina coladas and Mai Tais. Italy's Dominik Paris won the downhill in 1:33.07, which was .08 seconds faster than his teammate Peter Fill. Fill, however clinched the overall World Cup downhill title for the season with his second-place finish in the race. Switzerland's Carlo Jana was third.

The women's downhill race followed. Front-runner Ilka Stuhec of Slovenia, who also took the season title, placed first, with a time of 1:36.95. Crowd favorite Lindsey Vonn skied to second place with a time of 1:37.61, .66 seconds behind Stuhec. Italy's Sofia Goggia placed third.

Here, we share some of our favorite moments from day one.

Skiing, World Cup