(NEXSTAR) - Team USA Olympian Winter Vinecki is competing in Italy with her family in the stands, a major change from four years ago when she represented the United States in Beijing without them. Her mother, brothers and friends traveled to Italy to provide the support she missed during her first Olympic experience. Having family present marks a return to a normal Olympic experience for Vinecki and her fellow athletes. The 2022 Beijing Games were held under strict restrictions that prevented families from attending, an experience Vinecki's family described as "gut-wrenching" and a challenge to her "complete experience" as an athlete. Vinecki's support group in Italy includes her mother, three brothers and several friends. Her brothers—Magnum, Ruger and Yukon—are among her most vocal supporters. Family members said they expect to be heard throughout the competition, with her brother saying "the microphones are probably going to be maxed out" when she competes. "You're not going to be able to understand what we're saying, but it'll be very, very loud," her brother said. Between competitions, the group has spent time together at local Italian restaurants. On Friday afternoon, the family shared a meal for eight, soaking in the time they were denied four years ago. While Vinecki is not allowed to have visitors in the Olympic Village, these moments outside the venue allow the family to create new memories together. Skiing runs deep in the family history, according to Winter's mother. She explained that Winter's grandfather and aunt were both high-level skiers. "My dad was a tremendous skier, should have been an Olympian," her mother said. "My sister should have been an Olympian. And when she was born in December, I knew she was going to be the one." She added that her "mother's instinct" about her daughter's future was strong from the moment she was born. Vinecki expressed relief and excitement about the change in atmosphere compared to her previous Olympic appearance. "It's so special," Vinecki said. "I'm most excited, probably, for this games, for that fact that I get to have my family and friends here watching me, standing at the bottom of the hill, cheering me on." She noted that the presence of her family provides a sense of relief once she lands her jumps. The family now waits to see Vinecki's upcoming performances firsthand. While her mother admitted that her heart stops when she sees Vinecki in the air, the family expects to be at the bottom of the hill for her next big moment. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published