Key Takeaways
- Shiffrin, Oakley, and Share Winter Foundation launch “GOAT Gives Back” with a $1 million fundraising goal for youth skiing access
- At approximately $500 per child per season, the goal could fund thousands of first-time skiing experiences
- Shiffrin previously helped raise nearly $500,000 for Share Winter following her 100th World Cup victory
- Copper Mountain, Ikon Pass, and TOGETHXR round out the partner group supporting the initiative
- The on-snow event will host 40 young women from Share Winter grantee elevateHer
A $1 Million Goal Built on Prior Results
Mikaela Shiffrin is expanding her investment in youth skiing access. The winningest alpine skier in history announced a partnership with Share Winter Foundation and Oakley to launch the “GOAT Gives Back” event at Copper Mountain, Colorado, with a $1 million fundraising target aimed at getting more kids on snow.
The number builds on previous results. Following her 100th World Cup victory, Shiffrin helped raise nearly $500,000 for Share Winter. This new goal doubles that figure.
At the core of the initiative is a private on-snow experience where Shiffrin will ski alongside 40 young participants from elevateHer, a Share Winter grantee focused on building confidence and community for young women through outdoor sport.
“I’m really looking forward to getting on the mountain and playing a small part in investing in the futures of these young women,” Shiffrin said. “This sport has given me so much. This event is about sharing that and creating more access for others.”
What $500 Per Child Means at Scale
Share Winter Foundation estimates it costs approximately $500 to support one child for a full season on snow. If the $1 million goal is reached, that translates to funding for up to 2,000 young athletes, many of whom would be experiencing skiing or snowboarding for the first time.
Access remains one of the most significant barriers in snow sports. Equipment, lift tickets, travel, and instruction costs put the sport out of reach for a large portion of families. Initiatives structured around direct financial support for participation, rather than awareness alone, address the cost barrier head on.
An Industry Partner Group Aligned on Access
The initiative draws support from multiple corners of the winter sports ecosystem. Oakley will provide goggles for each participant and help deliver the on-mountain experience. Ikon Pass and Copper Mountain are contributing lift tickets, rentals, and equipment support. TOGETHXR, a women’s sports media platform, will document the event and amplify the story.
“There is no one more inspiring for young athletes than Mikaela,” said Dustin Lyman, president and general manager of Copper Mountain. “We are committed to expanding access and creating opportunities for more young people to experience the sport.”
Why Elite Athlete-Led Access Programs Matter for Youth Sports
Shiffrin’s competitive resume speaks for itself: 110 World Cup victories, 168 podiums, eight world titles, six Overall Crystal Globes, and three Olympic gold medals. But from a youth sports business perspective, the more relevant story is how that platform is being used.
Athlete-driven initiatives that pair elite visibility with measurable participation goals offer brands and organizations a model that goes beyond traditional endorsement. The $500-per-child metric gives donors and partners a clear cost-per-outcome, and the prior $500,000 raise demonstrates fundraising viability.
For the winter sports industry, which continues to face flat or declining participation among younger demographics, programs like this represent one of the more direct paths to growing the base.
Source: Ski Racing, SR Staff Report, April 1, 2026
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