Mikaela Shiffrin U.S. Alpine Ski Team roster announcement

Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn Headline U.S. Alpine Ski Team Roster Announcement

In a stirring moment for American alpine skiing, U.S. Ski & Snowboard on Monday officially unveiled the 2025-26 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, a deep roster of 49 athletes primed for an Olympic season. At the forefront of this announcement are two names that have come to define different eras of the sport: Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn.

Legacy Meets Determination

That Shiffrin would lead the charge was almost expected. With 101 World Cup victories—more than any man or woman in alpine history—she remains the standard-bearer for excellence in the sport. Following a serious crash in Killington, Vermont late last year that left her with an abdominal puncture wound, her return this season has been closely watched. Her perseverance has already paid dividends: she claimed her 100th World Cup win in a slalom in Sestriere, Italy.

But just as significant is the return of Lindsey Vonn. After stepping away from competition in 2019, Vonn’s comeback has been one of the most compelling narratives in the sport. Vonn now reembarks on a quest to extend her legacy—at age 41—potentially targeting her fifth Olympic appearance.

Together, Shiffrin and Vonn bring a rare blend of youth, dominance, and wisdom to a team that must balance immediate ambition with long-term development.

Building Around the Stars

While the spotlight naturally falls on those two, the announced roster is far from a one- or two-person show. The U.S. Alpine program has sought to integrate rising talents and solid performers across speed and technical disciplines.

Among the women, standout names include:

• Breezy Johnson, defending world champion in the team combined, who returns as a leading speed athlete.
• Lauren Macuga, a promising young skier gaining attention for her potential on the speed circuit.
• Paula Moltzan, a veteran in the technical ranks, bringing experience and consistency. On the men’s side, Ryan Cochran-Siegle anchors the roster—he is the only American alpine skier to medal at the 2022 Olympics, having grabbed silver in the super-G. Other names like River Radamus, Tommy Ford, Jared Goldberg, and Ben Ritchie round out a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with fresh talent.

Coaching and support structures also received attention. The program is overseen by Chief of Sport Anouk Patty, with Paul Kristofic and Mark Tilston acting as head coaches for the women’s and men’s programs, respectively. The athlete support roster is deep, ranging from strength and conditioning to physical therapy and sport-specific coaching.

Olympic Stakes & Seasonal Schedule

This season carries extra weight: it is the run-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled for Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy for the women and Bormio for the men. The World Cup calendar reflects that urgency, with 20 women’s and 19 men’s events slated.  The season kicks off in Sölden, Austria (Oct. 25–26), before the tour moves through Levi, and later returns to North America. In the U.S., Copper Mountain (Nov. 27–30) and Beaver Creek (Dec. 4–7) will host marquee events in super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and downhill.

Importantly, on Jan. 19, 2026, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) will allocate Olympic quotas to each country. The following day, the U.S. will finalize its Olympic alpine roster.

Challenges, Drama, and Expectations

Even for stars like Shiffrin and Vonn, the road ahead is anything but guaranteed. Shiffrin’s recovery from injury was not just physical—she has publicly acknowledged the mental toll of her crash, describing lingering anxiety about returning to full competition.  Meanwhile, Vonn must navigate the challenges common to late-career comebacks: maintaining form, managing the risk of injury, and staying mentally sharp against younger, rising competitors.

In recent months, the two have even shared public reflections on their relationship—at times collaborative, at times contentious—but always respectful. Vonn has acknowledged missteps in prior social media engagements aimed at Shiffrin, taking responsibility for undermining her own image in the process.

Yet this season invites a narrative of reconciliation: two generation-defining athletes, each at different points in their careers, sharing the spotlight on the same national team.

What to Watch

As the season unfolds, several storylines will draw attention:

1. Shiffrin’s consistency — Can she return to her peak across disciplines and contend for overall World Cup honors?
2. Vonn’s resilience — Will the legend recapture podium form, or even sprint to another World Cup victory?
3. Breakout stars — Breezy Johnson, Lauren Macuga, or others might step up and claim roles as future U.S. stalwarts.
4. Team depth — How the U.S. ranks in speed and technical events will matter for medal chances in team competitions.
5. Olympic roster decisions — With so many talented skiers, choices ahead of the 2026 Games will be intensely scrutinized.

Final Thoughts

This roster announcement is more than just naming names. It’s a statement of intent for U.S. Alpine skiing—to defend past glories, rebuild where needed, and chase new milestones on the Olympic stage. With Shiffrin and Vonn leading the charge, the 2025–26 season promises drama, hope, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

If you like, I can also write a shorter news-style brief or prepare a side-by-side comparison of Shiffrin vs. Vonn going into this season. Do you want me to prepare that?