As the 2025-26 FIS Alpine World Cup season approaches, American skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin is leaving no stone unturned in her preparation for what she calls an “extra important Olympic winter” leading up to the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. The most decorated alpine skier in World Cup history, with 101 victories and counting, recently wrapped up a highly productive three-week training camp at El Colorado, Chile, where she fine-tuned her equipment and sharpened her skills on the high-altitude slopes above Santiago.
A Focused Preseason
Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time World Cup overall champion, shared glimpses of her training camp on Instagram, showcasing snowmobiles loaded with dozens of Atomic skis and her signature enthusiasm for the sport. “Snowy Silly already on day 1,” she wrote, capturing the blend of hard work and camaraderie that defined the camp. The 30-year-old skier, who has been with Atomic her entire career, worked closely with her long-time service team, Robert Bürgler (technical disciplines) and Lukas Rottinger (speed disciplines), to optimize her ski setup for the demanding season ahead.
The El Colorado camp, which offered 21 days of uninterrupted on-snow training due to favorable weather, was a critical step in Shiffrin’s preparation. With only 55 days until the World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria, on October 25-26, 2025, Shiffrin is laser-focused on refining her technique, particularly in slalom and giant slalom, where she has historically dominated. She also spent time testing her Atomic Redster G9, her preferred ski for giant slalom, as she aims to maintain her edge in technical events while continuing to improve in speed disciplines like super-G and downhill.
Overcoming Challenges
The upcoming season carries extra weight as Shiffrin prepares for her fourth Olympic appearance. After a challenging 2024-25 season marked by a serious crash in Killington, Vermont, which led to a six-week recovery period and struggles with post-traumatic stress, Shiffrin has been open about her mental and physical recovery. Her time in Chile, where she trained alongside teammates and even shared a viral synchronized dance video with partner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde to ABBA’s “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” highlighted her renewed energy and positive mindset.
“Skiing is my sanctuary, and being back on snow with my team feels like a reset,” Shiffrin told reporters during a virtual press conference from Chile. “This camp was about getting comfortable with my equipment and finding joy in the process again.” Her collaboration with Atomic, the Austrian ski manufacturer that produces over 400,000 pairs annually, remains a cornerstone of her success. Shiffrin, who goes through approximately 80 pairs of skis per season, emphasized the importance of dialing in every detail, from bindings to ski construction, to suit varying snow conditions.
A Team Effort
Shiffrin’s training camp wasn’t just about her individual preparation; it was a team effort that included her coaches, technicians, and fellow U.S. Ski Team members. She expressed gratitude for the support of her staff and the U.S. Ski Team, noting the productive environment at El Colorado. The camp also provided an opportunity to train alongside younger skiers, a nod to Shiffrin’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of American racers. “Seeing the little rippers out there, so excited to ski, reminds me why I love this sport,” she said.
Shiffrin also trained briefly at Ski Portillo, another elite training ground in Chile, where she worked on her speed disciplines with “long boards” (longer skis used for super-G and downhill). Despite heavy snowfall interrupting some sessions, she described the experience as “so much fun” and praised the resort’s challenging terrain and vibrant atmosphere.
Looking Ahead to Sölden and Beyond
With the World Cup season fast approaching, Shiffrin is expected to be a top contender in Sölden’s giant slalom, an event she has won multiple times. Her performance in Chile suggests she’s in top form, both physically and mentally, as she aims to add to her record-breaking tally of 101 World Cup wins and 15 World Championship medals. The 2026 Olympics, where she’ll compete in her signature slalom and giant slalom events, and potentially expand her speed-event resume, are a major motivator.
Shiffrin’s resilience and dedication continue to set her apart. After overcoming injuries, personal loss, and the pressures of being the sport’s biggest star, she remains focused on the process rather than the results. “Every day on the snow is a chance to get better,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
As fans eagerly await the season opener, Shiffrin’s training camp in Chile has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and pivotal season. Whether she’s chasing more World Cup records or aiming for Olympic gold, one thing is clear: Mikaela Shiffrin is ready to ski fast and inspire.
