The Powder Magazine Mikaela Shiffrin Teases Her “Secret” Project and Wants to Host Saturday Night Live

Mikaela Shiffrin’s off‐season has been anything but ordinary. While the world’s most decorated alpine skier continues to fine‐tune her form ahead of the 2026 Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics, she’s also been dropping tantalizing hints about a “secret project” and revealing ambitions far beyond the ski slopes—namely, a dream to host Saturday Night Live. Through a series of cryptic social media posts and candid interactions with fans, Shiffrin has given us just enough to spark speculation and excitement, all while reminding us that her talents and interests extend well beyond carving perfect turns on icy courses.

A Social‐Media Tease of Something “Secret”

In early May 2025, Shiffrin shared a series of Instagram posts from her spring training camp at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Alongside clips of her expertly navigating gates and pushing her physical limits, one caption stood out: “So excited to share something fun very soon… Best guesses what it is?” . The post included footage of Shiffrin strumming an acoustic guitar and singing a cover of “Breathe (2am)” by Anna Nalick, suggesting that the “secret project” might involve music . Fans immediately flooded the comments section with wild theories: everything from an upcoming album to a music video or a collaboration with other artists.

Shiffrin doesn’t often showcase her musical side on her feed, but when she does, it feels genuine and heartfelt. In another Instagram story, she expressed gratitude to her Copper Mountain team—“Thank you so much to Copper for another super productive spring camp… and cheers to the master follow cam guy, @mountain.max… can’t wait to share the secret project with everyone!!” . Such posts have left observers guessing: Is she gearing up to release original songs? Could she be working on a documentary that ties together her love of skiing and music? Or might the project be a more interactive livestream series that blends athletic training with acoustic performances?

The Intersection of Music and Skiing

Shiffrin has long credited music as a cornerstone of her mental preparation and emotional expression. At an Atomic promotional event in 2023, she explained that music is “a really key part of my life, my world, and for sure my performance skiing as well. I use music to help get excited for a race… to help calm down after a race… to laugh harder when I want to laugh” . This intimate relationship with music makes the rumor of a musical endeavor all the more plausible. Whether she’s considering an EP, a full album, or even composing original soundtrack pieces for a ski documentary, Shiffrin’s musical flair adds an intriguing new dimension to her public persona.

“Hosting SNL? You Should”—And She Responds

Among the barrage of guesses about her secret project, one stood out above the rest: “Hosting SNL? (You should),” wrote a hopeful follower in response to Shiffrin’s call for speculation . Instead of dismissing the comment, Shiffrin replied with enthusiasm: “Would love to someday if they’ll have me!” . That brief exchange set off a wave of excitement across social media, with fans and media outlets alike discussing the idea of an Olympic champion taking the “Weekend Update” desk by storm.

The notion isn’t entirely without precedent. In March 2002, Johnny Moseley—himself a celebrated Olympic moguls gold medalist—became the first (and, to date, only) professional skier to host Saturday Night Live, delivering a memorable performance complete with self‐deprecating humor and athletic anecdotes . If Shiffrin were to follow in Moseley’s footsteps, it would mark a historic second for the skiing community—and potentially introduce her to millions more viewers, far beyond the winter sports audience.

Why Shiffrin on SNL Makes Perfect Sense

Shiffrin’s appeal as a potential SNL host is multifaceted. First, her achievements on the slopes are extraordinary: at just 30 years old (born March 13, 1995), she has already amassed 101 World Cup victories—the most in alpine skiing history for any athlete, male or female—and secured multiple Olympic and World Championship titles . This track record has not only earned her legions of fans but also established her as a household name in the sporting world.

Second, Shiffrin’s off‐slopes charisma shines through her social media presence. Whether she’s sharing glimpses of her training regimen, celebrating local team sports—she recently announced co‐ownership of a new women’s professional soccer franchise in Denver—or highlighting her love of beachside relaxation, Shiffrin balances competitive drive with approachable warmth . These qualities align perfectly with the SNL format, which values authenticity, quick wit, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Finally, her burgeoning interest in music and performance suggests she wouldn’t just be a “ski star on a late‐night show,” but rather a genuinely entertaining presence willing to step outside her comfort zone. From strumming guitar riffs to delivering comedic sketches, Shiffrin has shown the confidence and creativity needed to succeed on live television.

A Timeline of Shiffrin’s Multi‐Dimensional Growth

1. Early Career and Racing Dominance (2011–2024):
   – Debuted on the World Cup circuit at age 15 and quickly established herself as a slalom specialist.
   – Claimed her first Overall World Cup title in 2017, repeating in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
   – Achieved two Olympic gold medals (2014, 2018) and added multiple World Championship victories. .
2. Off‐Season Ventures and Social Engagements (2023–2025):
   – Partnered with Atomic—championing innovative ski technology and sharing training insights.
   – Invested in women’s sports by taking ownership in a Denver NWSL team.
   – Engaged fans with candid content, including team courtside appearances and beach getaways .
3. The “Secret Project” Tease (May 2025):
   – Posted videos of guitar playing and singing, accompanied by hints of an upcoming announcement.
   – Sparked widespread speculation about a musical release or multimedia venture .
4. Saturday Night Live Ambitions (May 2025):
   – Responded affirmatively to fan suggestions about hosting SNL, expressing genuine interest.
   – Positioned herself as a strong candidate to join the legacy of athlete‐turned‐hosts like Johnny Moseley .

What Comes Next?

With the 2026 Winter Olympics still on the horizon, Shiffrin’s top priority remains her skiing career. Yet the way she’s diversified her pursuits signals a broader vision for her personal brand—one that merges athletic excellence with creative expression. Whether her secret project culminates in an album release, a documentary, or something entirely unexpected, it’s clear that Shiffrin is eager to explore new arenas and challenge herself in fresh ways.

Similarly, the prospect of hosting Saturday Night Live represents more than a celebrity cameo; it would be a career milestone that showcases her personality, humor, and adaptability. As discussions around potential future hosts for the iconic sketch show begin to swirl, Shiffrin’s name is likely to rise in prominence—and for good reason. Her proven work ethic, disciplined approach, and affable demeanor make her an ideal fit for the unpredictable, fast‐paced world of live comedy.

Conclusion

Mikaela Shiffrin has always excelled at defying expectations. From breaking records on alpine courses to investing in women’s sports and sharing her musical side, she continues to demonstrate that her talent knows no bounds. As fans await more concrete details about her “secret project” and keep fingers crossed for an SNL hosting stint, one thing is certain: Shiffrin’s journey off the snow promises to be as compelling and inspiring as her storied career on it. Whether she’s gearing up for a chart‐topping single or rehearsing sketches for Studio 8H, the world will be watching—and cheering her on—every step of the way.