Miller back in action

After free-skiing for a day at Saas-Fee, where the U.S. Men's Alpine team is prepping for the season, Bode Miller jumped into gates during a slalom training session with Ted Ligety, Jimmy Cochran, Tim Kelley and Tim Jitloff.

While Miller is easing back into the program and testing lots of equipment, Men's Technical Head Coach Rudi Soulard said he's happy with what Miller is able to do in the first few days at Saas-Fee.

"It's pretty early to say and Bode was probably a little sore after skiing today, but he's really happy to be skiing and it's good to have him back on snow with the guys," said Soulard. "I set a slalom course on the steeps and Bode jumped right in. He made some good turns."

For those who haven't followed the story, Miller decided to return to skiing after taking a break mid-season. He's also re-joined the U.S. Ski Team for the upcoming Olympic year.

"The surface is really hard, the terrain is great and I'm having fun," Miller said. "I have a lot of work to do so I need to be doing these long days. There's no shortcutting training -- it just takes time. My main focus is staying healthy. If I can stay injury-free through the fall, I'll be in good shape."

Though Miller plans to skip the opening race in Soelden, he is shooting to race slalom in Levi, Finland.

"I've never pushed my preparation so late so we don't know exactly how long it will take before I am in racing shape," Miller said.

Below: Ted Ligety, Jimmy Cochran and Tim Kelley train in Saas-Fee. Photos courtesy U.S. Ski Team/Adam Perreault