Winter is coming! And so is the FIS Ski World Cup! But what’s even more exciting is the lineup of skiers making their comebacks, including the one and only Mikaela Shiffrin. After a pretty brutal crash back in January, one that could’ve ended her season, she pulled off the ultimate comeback. Just two months later, she was right back where she belongs—on the slopes and dominating once again, like the unstoppable champion we know her to be.

Now she’s returning once more for the upcoming season, but this time with something extra special on her plate! Mikaela has joined the Share Winter team as an ambassador, adding another venture and a new layer of advocacy to her legacy. Before you start wondering what that’s all about, Miki Shiffrin shared the news herself, reflecting on her incredible skiing career.

On October 22, Mikaela Shiffrin shared an adorable montage on Instagram showcasing her skiing journey. One pic features her as a kid in ski gear, playing in the snow, followed by a shot of her gliding down the slopes in a competition. There’s also a sweet moment where she kisses her crystal globe trophy, a perfect reminder of her achievements! She also gave a shoutout to the Share Winter Foundation, highlighting their mission and her commitment to making a difference.

As the excitement builds for the FIS Alpine World Cup kickoff week in Sölden, Mikaela couldn’t hold back her joy, saying, “I am honored to share today that I am officially joining the Share Winter team as an Ambassador.” It’s a heartwarming move that shows just how much she cares about helping others experience the joy of skiing.

Reflecting on her journey, she mentioned how important this cause is as she heads into the “last few seasons” of her career. She said, “Looking back on my career to this point—from my very first turns to my 97th World Cup victory—I feel like a million different stars aligned to help me get to where I am.” It’s clear that she’s been supported by so many people along the way, guiding her through every twist and turn in her career. She paints a picture of those crucial moments when she faced choices, and despite the hard work it took, she feels incredibly lucky to be where she is today.

Mikaela knows not everyone has had the same opportunities. She shared her thoughts on the need for more diversity in winter sports, saying, “I love this community, but can’t help but wonder how much more potential there is for it to be stronger if we could help #sharewinter with everyone.” Through the Share Winter Foundation, she aims to break down barriers and give more kids a chance to enjoy the sport she loves. With a goal to reach 50,000 young people by 2028, she invites everyone to support the initiative by following on social media or donating to help more youth experience the magic of winter sports!

So, what’s the scoop on the Share Winter Foundation? Well, it’s all about making winter sports fun and accessible for everyone! They team up with cool partners to create sustainable programs and aim to reach 100,000 kids by 2028. This year, they’re funding over 45,000 young athletes across the country, spreading the love for winter sports! And guess what? This isn’t the first noble cause that Mikaela Shiffrin has joined hands with!

Mikaela Shiffrin gliding into hearts with meaningful causes

Last year, Mikaela Shiffrin joined forces with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser, showing her dedication to giving back. Grateful for the success of the event, Mikaela took to Instagram and wrote, “What an amazing event this year in St. Louis…I truly didn’t think it was possible for it to be bigger and better than last year, but kudos to… team for raising a record $1m+!” She further added, “THANK YOU to the St. Louis community for showing up, once again…Honestly, the event was just so much fun and I’m excited we were able to raise so much money for all sports and disciplines at U.S. Ski & Snowboard!” But there’s more to her philanthropic journey!

The year 2020 was a struggle for many, including Mikaela. After losing her dad early in the year and the World Cup getting shut down soon after, she needed an outlet for her emotions. So, she channeled her energy into charitable causes. She kicked things off with “Goggles for Docs,” which provided ski goggles to health workers, and then jumped into the All-in Charity auction, offering prizes like ski gear and a meet-and-greet with her at the Women’s World Cup in Killington, Vermont. The proceeds from this auction went towards feeding kids, the elderly, and frontline heroes in need.

Mikaela didn’t stop there! She also stepped up to support a foundation that fights bullying and poor treatment, teaming up with tennis star Madison Keys for Kindness Wins. “I really identify with the kids out there who have an introverted personality in an extroverted world,” she shared with Reuters, emphasizing how inspiring these stories were, even when they were tough to hear. For Mikaela, engaging in these causes keeps her grounded and grateful, proving time and again that she’s a true role model both on and off the slopes!