Miller is not the type to talk about redemption. But the Vancouver Games give Miller the opportunity to change his Olympic image from hard-partying failure to hard-charging competitor with a healthy respect for the Games.

The most successful skier in US history left a lasting impression at the 2006 Turin Olympics for all the wrong reasons. Following a “60 Minutes’’ interview in which he admitted racing drunk, Miller seemed more focused on partying than competing in Italy. Racing all five disciplines, Miller was expected to return home with a big medal haul. But he never stepped on the podium, finishing no better than fifth in the downhill.

The pursuit of gold brought Miller back to the US Ski Team and the Olympic stage after years wandering the World Cup wilderness alone. When Miller returned to the US fold last September, he was dealing with injuries and embracing his new role as a father. The time seemed right for reconciliation. Still, Miller remains committed to racing his way, to skiing with a style that is often equal parts reckless and genius.

When asked what a gold medal would mean to a career that includes two silvers from Salt Lake City, two overall World Cup titles, four world championships, and a US-record 32 World Cup victories, Miller said, “It depends on the manner of accomplishing that goal of earning the gold medal. It’s something that I’ve talked about a lot and one of the reasons why I came back this season. One of the things that’s most important to me about skiing, about my legacy . . . is racing for the pure enjoyment of racing fast, not getting too tangled up in the results and the outcomes.

“Obviously, you want to win by skiing a race that you’re proud of and that you feel like you really challenged yourself and left it all out there. That’s particularly important in the big events and moments where you’re really tested, where everyone has their expectations on you and everyone has their idea of what you should and shouldn’t be doing. At that point, it’s really important to exercise you right as an individual and the right that you’ve earned by training your whole life and execute the plan you want to do.’’

Growing up in Franconia, N.H., Miller, 32, lived in a log cabin without electricity and plumbing. He was homeschooled until fourth grade. With his unconventional upbringing and aversion to rules and authority, Miller has often chafed against the dictates of coaches and US Ski Team officials. Mounting friction prompted Miller to split from the US team in 2007 and travel the World Cup circuit with his own coaches and ski technicians as “Team America.’’

In 2008, Miller won his second World Cup on his own. But last season, he endured the worst stretch of his professional career, suffering a torn left ankle ligament in December, failing to win a race, and placing on the podium only twice. Miller contemplated retirement.

After a seven-month break from the sport, Miller was behind in conditioning, but after winning a World Cup super combined event in mid-January he appears to be regaining top form just in time.

“I don’t think more time would help,’’ said Miller. “I’m really happy with the condition I’m in now physically. I’ve never been really where I am now in February before. But definitely, it was a unique challenge to get in shape while I was racing . . . It’s been tough, but I think I’m where I expected to be and where I hoped to be coming into the Games, so I’m pretty comfortable.’’

That comfort level showed during downhill practice runs.

“He’s going fast in training,’’ said US coach Sasha Rearick yesterday. “Bode, on this hill, has been skiing pretty well. He’s made some tactical adjustments, and right now, he’s up there finalizing his equipment setup. We’re looking forward to seeing him put down an inspiring run.’’

Miller hopes for an inspiring performance, and then some. He pronounced himself “psyched’’ and “ready to win, “prepared’’ and “fired up.’’ Miller doesn’t believe he’s entering the Games under the radar because of his struggles last season and break from training. He figures anyone who’s racing in the Olympics is on the radar and capable of winning. Besides, ski racing is an unpredictable sport, where weather conditions, start positions, and equipment preparation can mean the difference between a medal and disappointment.

Miller chose not to compare the value of an overall World Cup title vs. an Olympic gold medal.

“The World Cup overall titles represent a year of racing, but an Olympic medal, in some cases, represents a lifetime of work and commitment,’’ said Miller. “To put values on those things, they’re really one and the same.

“The Olympic medal is almost a direct result of all the stuff that led to the overall titles anyway. It is a unique opportunity when you’re faced with all the circus that surrounds this. It is a different challenge and, in a lot of cases, it allows you to elevate your intensity or your focus or your inspiration to a level that you couldn’t achieve on your own. That’s unique to the Olympics.’’

In his fourth Olympics, Miller hopes he can keep the focus on the slopes and reach a new level on the podium. If he does, it could be a fitting end to his career.