Olympic champion and alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin traded her usual race-day intensity for pure joy and mentorship as she spent time on the slopes of Copper Mountain inspiring the next generation of young skiers.
In a special on-snow event tied to her expanded MIK100 initiative, Shiffrin joined forces with the Share Winter Foundation and Oakley to launch the “GOAT Gives Back” program. The private, invite-only session brought together 40 young participants, many from the Share Winter grantee elevateHer, for an unforgettable day of skiing and riding alongside one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.f775ae
Shiffrin, a Colorado native who has long trained at Copper Mountain, described the experience as deeply meaningful. “I’m really looking forward to getting on the mountain and playing a small part in investing in the futures of these young women,” she said. The event is part of a broader $1 million fundraising goal aimed at expanding access to skiing and snowboarding for youth across the United States, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise experience the sport.ff1ca2
Dustin Lyman, president and general manager of Copper Mountain, praised Shiffrin’s involvement: “There is no one more inspiring for young athletes than Mikaela.” For many of the participants, the day represented more than just skiing tips and shared runs—it was a chance to connect with a role model who has redefined excellence in alpine racing, with over 100 World Cup wins and multiple Olympic medals to her name.
Shiffrin’s presence at Copper Mountain this season already made headlines when she claimed a dominant victory in the Stifel Copper Cup slalom, racing on home snow just minutes from her residence in Edwards. That competitive success has now been matched by her commitment off the course, turning personal milestones into lasting impact for the sport’s future.
As the young skiers carved turns and soaked up advice from the legend herself, the slopes of Copper Mountain echoed with laughter, encouragement, and the quiet power of inspiration passing from one generation to the next. Shiffrin continues to prove that true greatness lies not only in winning races, but in lifting others up along the way.
