Olympic gold medalist and World Cup alpine skiing record-holder Mikaela Shiffrin shared a poignant reflection on the collective effort behind athletic achievement during the debut episode of her new podcast, “What’s the Point with Mikaela Shiffrin.” In a segment dedicated to her philanthropic endeavors, Shiffrin underscored the vital support systems that propel champions forward, while announcing her deepened commitment to the Share Winter Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to winter sports for underserved youth.
“I know firsthand that no athlete gets here alone,” Shiffrin said in the episode, released on October 29, 2025. “Champions don’t rise without support—coaches, teammates, and the entire community. Her words, delivered with the authenticity that has endeared her to fans worldwide, served as both a personal testament and a rallying cry for inclusive opportunities in winter sports.
The podcast, presented by Stifel and timed to launch exactly 100 days before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, marks a significant expansion of Shiffrin’s personal brand.df02b8 Titled “What’s the Point,” the series aims to delve into the motivations, challenges, and perspectives that shape success beyond the slopes. In its inaugural installment, Shiffrin not only opened up about her own journey—from her early days training in Colorado to becoming the most decorated skier in World Cup history—but also spotlighted causes close to her heart, including mental health advocacy through her existing Always Jumps foundation.
A focal point of the episode was Shiffrin’s endorsement of the Share Winter Foundation, which she described as a beacon for the “next generation” of winter sports enthusiasts. The organization, formerly known as the National Winter Sports Education Foundation, works to remove barriers to skiing and snowboarding for children from underrepresented communities by funding programs, forging partnerships, and building sustainable pathways to lifelong participation. Through grants and collaborations with local outfits, Share Winter empowers youth in urban and low-income areas to experience the thrill of snow sports, fostering health, fitness, and community ties in the process.
Shiffrin’s involvement extends beyond words; she has launched a seasonal campaign to rally donations and awareness, urging listeners to help “get more kids on snow this season.” “Access, opportunity, and community matter just as much as medals,” she emphasized, echoing the foundation’s mantra that “champions don’t rise alone—neither should the next generation. The initiative aligns with broader efforts in the skiing world to diversify a sport historically dominated by affluent, white participants, addressing issues like equipment costs, travel expenses, and geographic limitations.
Shiffrin’s platform as a two-time Olympic champion and 97-time World Cup winner—records set as recently as the 2024-25 season—lends unparalleled weight to the cause. At 30, the Colorado native is not slowing down; she’s channeling her influence into ventures that blend her competitive edge with social impact. The podcast, available on major streaming platforms including YouTube and Spotify, already features guests from diverse fields, promising conversations on resilience, purpose, and the “twists and turns” of life off the piste.
Foundation executives expressed profound gratitude for Shiffrin’s alliance. “We’re thrilled to have Mikaela amplifying our mission,” a Share Winter spokesperson said in a statement shared across social media. “Her voice reminds us that winter sports are for everyone, and her support will open doors for countless young athletes.
As the 2025-26 World Cup season kicks off later this month, Shiffrin’s dual role as competitor and changemaker positions her at the forefront of skiing’s evolving narrative. Whether chasing her 100th World Cup victory or championing equity on the snow, one thing is clear: for Shiffrin, true success is a team sport.
