As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina draw closer, American alpine skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin is radiating confidence and enthusiasm during her training sessions, signaling her intent to dominate the slopes. The two-time Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, has been putting in relentless work in preparation for the Games, set to take place from February 6-22, 2026. Her recent training updates have fans buzzing with excitement, as the 30-year-old from Vail, Colorado, looks poised to add to her illustrious career at her fourth Olympic appearance.
Shiffrin, who holds a record 101 World Cup victories, has been sharing glimpses of her training regimen on social media, showcasing her strength, precision, and passion for the sport. “Every turn, every run, every moment on the snow is getting me closer to where I want to be,” she posted alongside a video of her powering through slalom gates in the Italian Alps. “The journey to 2026 is on, and I’m loving every second of it!
After a challenging 2024-25 season marred by a dramatic crash in Killington, Vermont, in November 2024, which resulted in a seven-centimeter puncture wound to her abdomen and required surgery, Shiffrin’s comeback has been nothing short of inspiring. The injury sidelined her for two months, but she returned to competition in January 2025, clinching her 100th World Cup win in Sestriere, Italy, and her 101st at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. Her resilience was further highlighted at the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, Austria, where she won gold in the team combined event alongside teammate Breezy Johnson, tying the all-time record for most World Championship medals (15) in the modern era.
Now, with the Olympics less than six months away, Shiffrin is focusing on her signature events—slalom and giant slalom—while also training in super-G to maximize her medal chances. Unlike her approach at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she competed in all six events but left without a medal, Shiffrin has adopted a more strategic plan for 2026. “I’m focusing on the events where I know I can be at my best,” she told Olympics.com. “Cortina is a special place for me, and I’m determined to make this Olympics different.” Her success at the 2021 World Championships in Cortina, where she won four medals, fuels her optimism for the upcoming Games.
Shiffrin’s training has been intense, blending on-snow sessions in Colorado, Europe, and South America with rigorous gym work to strengthen her core, which was compromised by her 2024 injury. Her physical therapist, Regan Dewhirst, has been instrumental in her recovery, ensuring her body can withstand the high-speed demands of alpine skiing. “Mikaela’s grit and attention to detail are unmatched,” Dewhirst said. “She’s moving better than ever, and her mental focus is razor-sharp.”
The support of her team, including head coach Paul Kristofic and her mother, Eileen Shiffrin, who doubles as a coach, has been crucial. Off the slopes, Shiffrin’s fiancé, Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, has been a pillar of support as he recovers from his own injuries. “Having Aleks by my side keeps me grounded,” Shiffrin shared. “We’re both pushing toward 2026, and it’s special to share this journey.”
With a provisional FIS World Cup calendar featuring 16 technical races before the Olympics, including stops in Sölden, Austria, and Levi, Finland, Shiffrin is fine-tuning her form. Her recent training sessions in Cortina, where the 2026 Olympic alpine events will be held, have showcased her signature fluidity and precision, particularly in slalom, where she holds a record 64 World Cup wins. Fans on social media have been quick to celebrate her progress, with hashtags like
As Shiffrin gears up for Milano Cortina 2026, her focus is clear: to reclaim Olympic gold for the first time since her giant slalom triumph in PyeongChang 2018. With her unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and the backing of Team USA, the alpine skiing world is bracing for another historic chapter in Shiffrin’s legendary career. The countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics is on, and Mikaela Shiffrin is ready to shine.
