With the crisp mountain air carrying whispers of impending snow, Mikaela Shiffrin issued a rallying cry that has sent ripples through the alpine skiing world: “It’s time to race.” The American phenom, poised to defend her dominance on the slopes, made her sentiments crystal clear ahead of the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opener this weekend in Sölden, igniting anticipation among fans, rivals, and pundits alike.
In a succinct yet electrifying Instagram post shared late Sunday, the 30-year-old two-time Olympic champion uploaded a montage of training clips from her Vail, Colorado base—clips showing her carving flawless giant slalom turns on groomed glaciers, interspersed with meditative off-snow workouts and a serene shot of the Rocky Mountains at dawn. The caption, simply “It’s time to race,” accompanied by a fire emoji and the hashtag #WC25, has already amassed over 400,000 likes and a torrent of supportive comments. “Queen M back on the throne,” one fan gushed, while another quipped, “The mountains just got a whole lot faster.”
Shiffrin’s declaration arrives at a pivotal juncture. After clinching her record-extending 98th World Cup victory in March—capping a season where she secured her sixth overall crystal globe—the Edwards, Colorado native took a deliberate off-season to recalibrate. The past year has been a tapestry of triumphs and trials: an eighth gold at the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, a poignant tribute to her late father Jeff on the anniversary of his passing, and a deepened commitment to mental health advocacy through her Balance program. “Racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about showing up fully, every single day,” Shiffrin reflected in a recent podcast appearance on “The Shiffrin Show.” Her words underscore a maturity that has transformed her from prodigy to elder stateswoman of the sport.
The 2025-26 campaign kicks off with the traditional season curtain-raiser: the women’s giant slalom in Sölden on October 26, followed by the men’s race the next day. Shiffrin, who has triumphed here seven times, enters as the overwhelming favorite, but the field is fiercer than ever. Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, fresh off a super-G world title, looms as a primary threat, while Italy’s Federica Brignone—last season’s slalom runner-up—harpens her all-around prowess. Emerging talents like Norway’s Mina Fuerst Holmboe add layers of unpredictability, promising a season of high drama en route to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
What sets this iteration apart for Shiffrin is her evolving approach. No longer the wide-eyed teen who burst onto the scene with Olympic gold at 18, she’s embracing a holistic regimen that blends physical conditioning with psychological fortitude. Teaming up with sports psychologist Andrea Petróczy, Shiffrin has incorporated mindfulness sessions and visualization techniques, crediting them for her resilience amid the sport’s grueling 40-plus race calendar. “I’ve learned that the real race starts in the mind,” she told reporters at a pre-season presser in Aspen last month. Her recent reunion with brother Taylor—captured in a viral hiking montage—serves as a reminder of the personal anchors keeping her grounded.
Behind the glamour of podiums and pursuits lies a sport grappling with its own challenges: climate change’s erratic snow patterns, the push for gender equity in prize money, and the relentless injury toll. Shiffrin, ever the voice of progress, has championed sustainable event hosting and fair pay, aligning with FIS initiatives to green the World Cup circuit. As she eyes a seventh overall title and potential Olympic three-peat in downhill, super-G, and combined, her “time to race” mantra resonates beyond the gates— a beacon for aspiring athletes worldwide.
The global skiing fraternity is abuzz. “Mikaela’s not just racing the clock; she’s redefining it,” said FIS president Johan Élind, who attended her pre-season training camp. Rivals like Gut-Behrami echoed the excitement: “She’s the benchmark. Bring it on.” With live coverage slated for broadcasters from Eurosport to NBCUniversal, the world will tune in as Shiffrin straps on her Atomic skis, ready to etch another chapter in her unparalleled legacy.
In Sölden, where the Rettenbachferner glacier gleams under the Tyrolean sun, the stage is set. For Shiffrin, it’s more than a starting gate—it’s a homecoming. As she hurtles toward history, one thing is certain: when Mikaela Shiffrin says “it’s time,” the world listens—and the snow flies.
