Glitter on cheeks, giggles in the air, and one very special Olympic medal making the rounds: skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin traded podium pressure for pure inspiration last weekend, hosting a memorable on-hill day with dozens of young female athletes at Copper Mountain.
The winningest alpine skier in history didn’t just show up — she skied laps, shared pro tips, coached drills, and let the girls hold her Olympic gold medal while building confidence and chasing big dreams. The event, dubbed “The GOAT Gives Back,” was organized through the Share Winter Foundation in partnership with elevateHER, IKON Pass, and others.c446fe
Shiffrin, fresh off another dominant season that included her third Olympic gold and a record-tying sixth overall World Cup title, used the day to spotlight the importance of early access to snow sports. About 30–40 girls from Colorado’s elevateHER program got hands-on time with the GOAT at The Athlete’s Mountain — an official training center for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team — turning a regular ski day into an unforgettable mix of skill-building, advice, and group fun.6597d0
“This is about creating space, access, and opportunity,” the post from Copper Mountain highlighted, noting the “rad group of young women” who left with new skills, fresh motivation, and the memory of standing side-by-side with one of the greatest athletes ever.
The event kicks off a bigger mission: Shiffrin is expanding her MIKGives initiative with Share Winter and Oakley, aiming to raise $1 million to help thousands more kids — especially those who’ve never had the chance — experience skiing and snowboarding. The foundation’s goal is simple but powerful: $500 can fund a full winter on snow for one child, removing financial barriers that keep many young athletes from even starting.9318e9
Share Winter works to expand youth participation by supporting programs that introduce kids to the slopes and help them keep progressing. Shiffrin has already helped raise nearly $500,000 for the cause and is now doubling down.
“Champions don’t rise alone, and neither should kids,” the initiative emphasizes. For Shiffrin, giving back isn’t separate from competing — it’s part of the same drive that made her the GOAT.
The next generation got a taste of what’s possible on a sparkling April day at Copper Mountain: group laps, laughter, life advice from a legend, and a hands-on reminder that greatness starts with showing up — and having the chance to do so.
Want to join the movement? Learn more and support at sharewinterfoundation.org/mikgives.
The slopes are calling — and thanks to Shiffrin, more young athletes will get to answer.
