United States skier Lindsey Vonn, regarded as one of the country's top medal contenders at next year's winter Olympics in Vanouver, has signed a personal sponsorship deal with Vail Resorts, in Colorado. The resort will sponsor Vonn, who will attempt to win five golds in Vancouver, for the next four years.

“Vail Mountain has always been my favorite ski resort,” Vonn said. “It's where I grew up and learned to race. My husband, Thomas, and I are truly thrilled to be coming back to Vail and making it our home.”

Vonn will make personal appearances as ski events and shows to promote the resorts, as well as to highlight her own Olympic prospects. She has yet to win an Olympic medal despite winning the 2008 and 2009 World Cup overall titles.

Vail Resorts' chief executive Rob Katz said: “Lindsey truly represents all of the ideals we hold dear at Vail Resorts — incredible work ethic, drive for success, absolute professionalism and a deep and sincere passion for skiing and for the mountains."