About Cindy Nelson

Cindy Nelson burst onto the ranks of international ski racing in 1971. Fearlessly schussing her way to the top seed in her first two World Cup competitions! Ski racing fans and the world’s sport media took immediate notice of this unknown from Minnesota. In the Finish line, the young and inexperienced Cindy told her US Ski Team coach, "I can be better, I know I can! I can WIN!"

Skiing came naturally for Cindy. She learned to ski soon after she had learned to walk. Along with her four siblings, Cindy first donned her skis at the tender age of two! The Nelsons loved to ski, it was FUN and a way of life at their family-owned and operated ski resort in Lutsen, MN.

With this natural confidence, technical prowess and her quiet "can do" attitude, she rose to become one of the top skiers in the world from 1971-1985. A career impeded by injuries, Nelson was not deterred and learned to overcome fear and face the challenges of international competition. Her spectacular career is highlighted by four Olympic and four World Championship team berths, where she won three World Championship medals and one Olympic medal. Cindy held top seed ranking in all three of the Alpine disciplines during her 14-year career and was considered Americas's finest combined skier of the modern era. Nelson also, became the first American to win a World Cup DH, the first skier to win a World Cup Super GS and the first woman to hold the position of Chief of Course for a major Alpine competition.

Upon retiring from international ski racing, Nelson remained deep in the heart of skiing. She spent seven years as the Director of Skiing for Vail Associates, where she worked in PR. Marketing, RE, Ski School and Mountain Operations. In 1992, Cindy started her own business focusing her energies on her work in television broadcasting, personal appearances and consulting.

Today, her business is known as, Cindy Nelson Ltd. and although her primary source of work is still ski related, she has now broadened her services to include golf activities. Skiing and golf are her passions. However, unlike skiing where she is revered…in golf, she’s the one seeking perfection! Now Cindy spends more time playing golf than skiing and sports a single digit handicap, making her a ringer for any foursome. The two sports offer an ideal environment for Cindy’s work, where she shares her knowledge and passion seeking to enhance the overall experience for others through her Corporate Outings, Personal Appearances and Motivational Speaking.

Nelson’s interest in the golf world goes beyond her duties at Cindy Nelson Ltd., she is deeply involved in her family’s real estate project, "The Heritage" on the Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen, MN.

Still trying to make a ‘difference’, when Cindy is not busy with work, she takes an active interest in non-profit organizations. She is a Trustee Board member of the US Ski and Snowboard Foundation and the Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation.

In her free time, she enjoys the many recreational activities of her home in Vail. "I’ll be in the mountains sharing the day with my family and yellow lab, Blaze. Or, you can find me on the links…or the slopes still searching for that perfect turn!"