Vonn’s skis didn’t release in Olympic crash as safety concerns resurface

‘Smart binding’ system in development, but while safety is a concern, so are costs and whether skiers really want it.

The images of Lindsey Vonn down on the snow, screaming in pain and then being airlifted off the course by helicopter after a crash at the Olympics have been a stark reminder of the dangers of the downhill.

So is this: Her skis didn’t come off.

Vonn’s boots remained locked into her skis even after her pinwheeling fall at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, and they pointed awkwardly in different directions as the American four-time world champion and 2010 Olympic gold medallist slid to a stop in obvious agony.

It is impossible to know whether Vonn would have suffered a less serious injury – her complex tibia fracture has already required multiple surgeries – had her skis released. But the devastating injury has put a spotlight on the importance of bindings, which hold boots to the skis and remain some of the oldest technology in the sport.

Officials told The Associated Press news agency that a binding system designed to automatically release skis when a racer like Vonn loses control is still in the drawing-board phase after years of stalled discussions.