Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

The International Ski Federation announced Monday evening at an impromptu captain's meeting that training will begin today, a day early, for this year's Birds of Prey event at Vail.

Some of the best racers in the world will begin flying down the mountain at 11 a.m. to the Birds of Prey program.

Beautiful weather is forecast for Vail, while Wednesday may be windy and Thursday, snowy.

Downhill races are scheduled Friday.

Here's the entire race schedule.

Here are maps of the race courses.

Read Vail Daily sports editor Chris Freud's highlights from past Birds of Prey events and predictions for this week, including

• Hermann Maier's six-straight starts.

• Didier Cuche's surprising start to the season.

• Carlo Janka's 2009 sweep and chances this weekend.

• Bode Miller. Never underestimate Bode Miller.

• Why all eyes will be on Ted Ligety on Sunday.

PHOTO:  Andrew Weibrecht at the 2007 Birds of Prey.  Vail Daily file