Bode Miller is preparing to return next week after a seven-month hiatus from skiing, and nobody is quite sure what to expect.

"His potential is always great. He's an amazing talent, and an even stronger force if he gets his head in the right place," said Miller's former personal coach John McBride, one of the few figures in the sport ever to gain his full respect.

Miller cut last season short when he failed to win a medal at the world championships in Val d'Isere, France. He pondered retirement or taking a year off as he spent time with his 2-year-old daughter, then decided in September to make a full-fledged return and rejoined the U.S. Ski Team after competing independently for two seasons.

Miller skipped the season opener in Soelden, Austria, two weeks ago, but is planning to ski the slalom race in Levi, Finland, on Nov. 15.

"Conditioning-wise, he's going to have to bust his (butt) to catch up. But I wouldn't be at all surprised to see at maybe the end of December or in January he starts showing his form," said McBride, who has taken a job with the Canadian team this season.

"If he can do it earlier, that's a real tribute to him, having not trained through the summer months. It would surprise me if he was right there competitive on the podium early on, but it's by all means possible."

Val d'Isere marked the third consecutive major championship in which Miller failed to make the podium. Having injured his ankle early last season, Miller also failed to win a race for the first time in nearly 10 years.

"Based on how he finished up last season, he really needed a break," said Phil McNichol, the former U.S. head coach who often clashed with the rebellious skier. "Hopefully this time away is going to translate into some positive results and performances and state of mind and all of those things that are required to perform at your best."

McBride and McNichol suggested that at 32, Miller would be wise to focus on his best events instead of skiing every race. However, Miller recently said he's planning a full schedule, and current U.S. coach Sasha Rearick indicated he's had a hard time holding the racer back.

Miller surprised Rearick with a phone call in September, requesting a meeting to discuss the possibility of rejoining the team.

In the past, Miller's wish to sleep in his personal motor home at races was a divisive issue with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association. Now with new staff in charge — Rearick replaced McNichol and Luke Bodensteiner has taken over temporarily for departed Alpine director Jesse Hunt — the organization has a new stance.