Mikaela Shiffrin skis with elevateHER members at Copper Mountain to launch the $1 million ShareWinter fundraising campaign.

Mikaela Shiffrin may be widely recognized today as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, but her childhood dreams were far more whimsical. Reflecting on her younger years, she joked that if she had created a professional profile as a child, it would not have listed “skier” as her ambition. Instead, she once imagined becoming a “rainbow horse,” a playful admission that set a lighthearted tone during her recent visit to Copper Mountain.

Mikaela Shiffrin signs autographs during “The GOAT Gives Back” event in conjunction with ShareWinter at Copper Mountain on April 11, 2026.
Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily

The occasion brought Shiffrin together with approximately 40 young girls for a special event titled “The GOAT Gives Back,” held on a Saturday as part of a broader initiative aimed at expanding youth access to winter sports. This private, invite-only ski day marked the launch of a new $1 million fundraising campaign in collaboration with the Share Winter Foundation. The Edwards-based skier has been actively involved with the foundation, having already helped generate nearly $500,000 in 2025 alone to support its mission.

Shortly after arriving at a packed conference room in Center Village, Shiffrin addressed the eager group of girls, most of whom were between the ages of 10 and 14. Many of the attendees were affiliated with elevateHER, a Chaffee County-based organization founded in 2017 that focuses on empowering young women. Through a mix of mentorship, outdoor activities, and wellness programs, elevateHER aims to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-worth among its members.

Mikaela Shiffrin, right, watches as a group of girls ski past her at Copper Mountain during the Mikaela/Share Winter Ski Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Copper Mountain.Jason Connolly/Special to The Denver Post

Shiffrin spoke about the meaningful impact that fundraising efforts can have, particularly when it comes to helping young people access opportunities in snowsports. She explained that seeing how these initiatives directly benefit children—allowing them to get outdoors and experience skiing or snowboarding—has been both inspiring and rewarding for her. Her words were met with attentive silence, as the girls listened closely, clearly captivated by the presence of the Olympic champion.

Members of elevateHER shared insights into their experiences within the program. Frankie, a 14-year-old participant from Salida, described the variety of activities they engage in throughout the year. Depending on the season, the group takes part in mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, and skiing, creating a well-rounded outdoor experience. She is part of the organization’s leadHERship program, which meets regularly during both the school year and summer months.

Lucia Downing, another participant, emphasized the welcoming nature of the group, highlighting how it provides a space for young people to connect with others who share similar interests. That sentiment was echoed by Anabelle Soltz, who noted the strong sense of support within the community. According to her, being part of elevateHER fosters an environment where individuals feel encouraged and never judged, reinforcing confidence and belonging.

The work of the Share Winter Foundation plays a critical role in making these experiences possible. The organization partners with youth programs across the United States to remove financial and logistical barriers that might otherwise prevent children from participating in winter sports. By funding essentials such as lessons, equipment, lift tickets, and transportation, the foundation ensures that more young people can take their first steps on the snow and develop both skills and confidence.

Mikaela Shiffrin signs a Vail Daily cover on Saturday at Copper Mountain during a private, invite-only ski and ride experience with approximately 40 young girls with elevateHER.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily

CEO Constance Beverley explained that it typically costs around $500 to support one child for a full season, underscoring the importance of continued fundraising efforts. Given that the event at Copper Mountain had a strong female presence, Beverley added that it felt especially fitting to invite Shiffrin—widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers ever—to join the group on the slopes. Her presence brought excitement and inspiration, elevating the experience for everyone involved.

Among the attendees was 13-year-old Amalia McNeirney, a skier with Team Monarch, who expressed enthusiasm not only about skiing with Shiffrin but also about getting to know her on a personal level. She pointed out that opportunities like this are rare, noting that many Olympic athletes do not engage with fans in such an intimate and interactive way. For her, Shiffrin’s willingness to participate made the event even more special.

Although many of the girls present were not competitive racers, some shared a deeper connection to the sport. McNeirney and her friend Rose Lenth both compete in ski racing and spoke about how inspiring it was to watch Shiffrin win Olympic gold in the slalom earlier in the year. For Lenth, that moment had a tangible impact, boosting her confidence and motivating her to perform better in her own races. She recalled how her self-belief grew after winning her final slalom event of the season.

Mikaela Shiffrin talks to Rose Lenth, 13, of Salida during “The GOAT Gives Back” event in conjunction with ShareWinter at Copper Mountain on April 11, 2026.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily

Lenth also spoke about her passion for skiing, describing it as her favorite sport and expressing how meaningful it was to meet someone who excels at such a high level in something she loves. The chance to interact with Shiffrin provided not only inspiration but also validation of her own aspirations within the sport.

Before heading out onto the mountain for a group ski session, the girls had the opportunity to ask Shiffrin a wide range of questions. Their curiosity covered everything from her mental approach at the start gate to how she first became involved in skiing. Shiffrin responded thoughtfully, sharing insights into her mindset and experiences while maintaining her trademark openness and authenticity.

She recounted her early introduction to skiing, which began when she was just two years old. Although she does not remember those first moments herself, she described how her parents would position themselves at the top and bottom of a slope, encouraging her to ski between them. Growing up in a family where skiing was a shared activity, she naturally followed in the footsteps of her older brother, wanting to emulate everything he did.

Mikaela Shiffrin, right, instructs J’Lauren Potter of Salida, Colorado, at Copper Mountain during the Mikaela/Share Winter Ski Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Copper Mountain.Jason Connolly/Special to The Denver Post

While acknowledging the advantage of starting young, Shiffrin was careful to stress that passion and determination matter more than timing. She encouraged the girls to pursue their interests regardless of when they begin, emphasizing that it is never too late to discover something meaningful. As an example, she pointed to fellow U.S. Ski Team member Luke Winters, illustrating how different paths can still lead to success.

The event also included lighter moments, with Shiffrin sharing a humorous childhood story about a Christmas morning surprise. She recalled running around the basement in excitement after not receiving a gift she had hoped for, only to nearly stumble upon it hidden nearby. The story drew laughter from the audience, including Brooke, a young attendee who sat in the front row and thoroughly enjoyed the anecdote.

Brooke later reflected on how surreal the experience was, noting that she had always dreamed of meeting someone famous but never expected it to actually happen. She described Shiffrin as approachable and genuine, appreciating that she did not come across as attention-seeking despite her fame.

At one point, Shiffrin turned the spotlight back onto the girls, asking them what they aspired to be in the future. Their responses ranged widely, from baker and nurse to paleontologist. Evelyn, who had recently moved from Ohio, shared her ambition of becoming an actress. She explained that hearing Shiffrin speak about pursuing dreams made her feel that anything is possible, reinforcing a sense of hope and determination.

As the session concluded, Shiffrin joined the group for skiing on the mountain, bringing the day full circle. Her involvement in both the educational and recreational aspects of the event highlighted her commitment to inspiring the next generation. Beyond her achievements on the world stage, her efforts at Copper Mountain demonstrated the broader impact she continues to have through mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement.

The event not only marked the beginning of an ambitious $1 million fundraising campaign but also served as a powerful reminder of the role sports can play in fostering confidence, connection, and opportunity. Through her partnership with the Share Winter Foundation, Shiffrin is helping to ensure that more young people, regardless of their background, can experience the joy and growth that come with being on the snow.

Mikaela Shiffrin poses with young girls from elevateHER during a private, invite-only ski and ride experience at Copper Mountain on April 11, 2026.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily