As the leaves turn and the first hints of chill kiss the air, Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin is already dreaming of powder days and perfect turns. The queen of the slopes took to social media today with a post that’s got ski enthusiasts worldwide itching for the snow: “I can’t wait for winter again.” Paired with a stunning shot from her recent training session at Valle Nevado in Chile, Shiffrin’s words are a siren call to shredders everywhere – and a timely nudge to snag an Ikon Pass before the early-bird savings vanish.
Shiffrin, the 29-year-old American phenom with a record 97 World Cup wins under her belt, has been putting in the off-season miles at Valle Nevado, one of South America’s premier ski resorts nestled in the Andes. Known for its reliable snowpack and jaw-dropping terrain, the resort has long been a go-to for elite athletes like Shiffrin gearing up for the Northern Hemisphere’s season. Her post, timestamped just hours ago, captures the raw excitement of a pro who’s tasted glory on every continent but still geeks out over fresh tracks.
“Training at Valle Nevado got me so excited,” Shiffrin wrote, attaching a photo of herself mid-carve on a sun-drenched slope, goggles perched atop her helmet and a grin that’s equal parts adrenaline and joy. “Get your Ikon pass and join me out there on the mountain, savings end after October 9.”
It’s not just hype – it’s a strategic shoutout. The Ikon Pass, Alterra Mountain Company’s flagship multi-resort ticket, grants access to over 50 destinations worldwide, including Valle Nevado and Shiffrin’s home turf at Vail Resorts like Vail, Beaver Creek, and Park City. This year’s early purchase perks – including discounted rates and bonus days – are indeed on a ticking clock, expiring at midnight tonight. For fans dreaming of rubbing elbows with the GOAT (that’s Greatest Of All Time, for the uninitiated), Shiffrin’s endorsement feels like a golden ticket.
Shiffrin’s enthusiasm comes at a pivotal moment. After a 2024 season marred by injuries – including a crash at Killington that sidelined her for weeks – the New Hampshire native is rebounding stronger than ever. Her Valle Nevado stint marks the kickoff to what she calls her “revenge tour” for the 2025-26 World Cup campaign, with eyes on eclipsing her own records in slalom and giant slalom. “Winter isn’t just a season; it’s a reset,” she added in a follow-up story, showing clips of her squad bombing through gladed runs under the Chilean sun. “Can’t wait to share these vibes with you all.”
The timing couldn’t be more serendipitous. With climate change throwing curveballs at snow reliability, resorts like Valle Nevado – which boasts year-round skiing thanks to its high altitude – are becoming even more vital for training. And for everyday adventurers, the Ikon Pass democratizes access, letting weekend warriors chase the same lines as pros without breaking the bank. Shiffrin’s post has already racked up thousands of likes and shares, with fans flooding the comments: “Pass purchased! See you in the bumps, Mikaela!” and “This is the motivation I needed to survive fall.”
As the clock winds down on those savings, Shiffrin’s message is clear: Winter’s calling, and it’s time to answer. Head to ikonpass.com to lock in your spot – who knows, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of No. 67 flying by. For now, the slopes are whispering, and Shiffrin’s leading the chorus. Let the countdown to snow begin.
