Vonn to take 'break' from skiing World Cup circuit December 18, 2012 -- Updated 1333 GMT (2133 HKT) American skier Lindsey Vonn is to take a break from World Cup circuit Vonn says break will help regain "physical strength" American Iooking forward to "getting back on the mountain in the New Year" Alpine Director of the U.S. Ski Team Patrick Riml supports Vonn decision (CNN) -- Skier Lindsey Vonn is to take a sabbatical from World Cup competition, but the American insists the break has nothing to do with her recent admission she suffers from depression. Last month the finest female skier of her generation had to spend a couple of days in hospital due to an intestinal infection that she said had affected her "energy and strength." "After talking with my family and consulting with my coaches and trainers, I've decided to take a break from the World Cup circuit," said Vonn on her Facebook page. I believe that some time off the mountain will help me regain the physical strength that I require to compete at the level that I demand from myself. I look forward to getting back on the mountain in the New Year. Alpine Director of the U.S. Ski Team Patrick Riml added: "We support Lindsey in the decision so that she can return to the World Cup and compete in the World Championships at full strength." This season Vonn has won two downhills and two super-Gs, with her St. Moritz super-G victory in Switzerland delivering a 57th career World Cup triumph to put her within five victories of record-holder Annemarie Moser-Proell on the all-time list. But the American was below her best in the weekend races at Val d'Isere when her bid for a fifth-straight win ended in a crash. "I want to be emphatic that this has nothing to do with my recent interview with People Magazine," added the 28-year-old Vonn on Facebook, referring to her admission that she has suffered from depression and currently takes an anti-depressant to manage the condition. I had completed that interview weeks before I was in the hospital with the intestinal infection. In the magazine interview, Vonn revealed that she had hit a low point four years ago. I couldn't get out of bed anymore. I felt hopeless, empty, like a zombie," said Vonn, who added: "All the parts of my life are finally in sync. I accept who I am, and I'm moving forward. Last week Vonn told CNN in an exclusive interview that was pondering taking legal action in her bid to race against the men after the International Ski Federation (FIS) blocked her bid to challenge the sport's top male stars at a recent meeting in Canada. December 17, 2012 -- Updated 1849 GMT (0249 HKT) Buried deep in the French Alps, a tiny 11th-century village has produced some of the most successful -- and wild-spirited -- skiers in racing history. December 13, 2012 -- Updated 1620 GMT (0020 HKT) With the European leg of the Skiing World Cup in full swing, CNN's Alpine Edge takes you inside five of the continent's most high-profile locations. U.S. star Ted Ligety won the men's World Cup giant slalom at Alta Badia, Italy, after finishing over two seconds quicker than his rivals. December 18, 2012 -- Updated 1147 GMT (1947 HKT) She's laid down the law in female skiing for five years, now Lindsey Vonn may take legal action in her quest to test herself against the men. For the skier who has it all, which luxurious chalet in which prestigious resort will give you and your loved ones a winter treat fit for royalty? December 15, 2012 -- Updated 2204 GMT (0604 HKT) It's been a long time between wins for Steve Nyman, but the American skier is determined to prove he is over his injury problems. November 30, 2011 -- Updated 1944 GMT (0344 HKT) Two-time Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White of the United States talks to CNN about his career. March 27, 2012 -- Updated 1900 GMT (0300 HKT) U.S. skiing star Lindsey Vonn talks to CNN at the end of a successful season in which she regained the World Cup crown.