The two-time Olympic champion, one of the most successful skiers of all time, and the legendary ice queen, Mikaela Shiffrin, nears her 100th World Cup win. Everyone’s excited except her focus is over something else. Now, regardless of her global success, Shiffrin has voiced frustrations about the state of ski racing in the United States. She believes that limited promotion and accessibility have meddled with the further evolution of the sport, leaving its potential untapped.

Mikaela Shiffrin aims to shed light on these topics and push them for change. The major problem arises when U.S. fans find it difficult to engage with the sports itself. Known that ski racing thrives in Europe with robust viewership and support, but ultimately, it’s difficult when it comes to the U.S. And that needs a change.

The Challenges for Ski Racing in the U.S.

Shiffrin has candidly shared how difficult it is to follow ski racing in the United States. She explained, “It’s just challenging to be a ski racing fan in the U.S. It’s hard to access the TV. It’s hard to watch it when it’s not primetime in the U.S. It’s literally waking up in the middle of the night to watch the run.” She understands how it is for U.S fans.

What makes Skiing like that for them though? It’s the limited TV coverage and inconvenient time zones that make it hard for American fans to stay connected. Whereas there are local races like those in Killington broadcast live, many international events are available only on streaming platforms or cable networks. This contrasts sharply with Europe, where skiing enjoys prime-time attention. And Shiffrin has just this ask, to do justice to skiing and fans associated with it in the U.S.

Putting aside all these barriers, Shiffrin acknowledged the passion of U.S. fans. She recounted how some wake up at 2 a.m. to watch her races, calling it proof of the dedication that exists and the untapped potential in the U.S. market. With the hope of making it easier for all of her U.S. fans, she puts forth her concerns. What do you think? 

Mikaela Shiffrin’s ray of hope

Shiffrin believes there is a significant opportunity to expand skiing’s reach in the United States. She called the American market “largely untapped,” noting how greater promotion could inspire a new generation of fans and athletes altogether be there. Bearing this vision in mind and knowing it could be a game-changer for skiing in the U.S. for all.

Now talking about the upcoming events that chiefly include the World Cup races in Killington and Tremblant. They offer chances to connect with local audiences very well. Shiffrin emphasized the importance of these events, not only for her historic milestone but also for strengthening skiing’s visibility in her home country. That’s one of the plus points that she could leverage.

All things considered, as the Winter Olympics comes close, Shiffrin remains hopeful. She aims to advocate for more accessible platforms and local competitions that make ski racing relatable and engaging for U.S. audiences. Staying dedicated in her doings, she concludes her message, said, “We need to bring ski racing to the American fans—they deserve it,” knowing the amazing sport inside out and wanting a highly impactful change in America.