skiing

The Swiss skier Vreni Schneider is to retire after a career studded with three overall World Cup crowns, three World Championship titles and three Olympic gold medals. The 30-year-old announced her decision in Zurich yesterday, ending weeks of speculation about her plans.

Aspen, which has played host to more races than any other American resort since the World Cup was organised in 1967, will not stage its traditional downhill races next March, as it wants to concentrate on recreational.