Industry News
In a recent interview with GearJunkie, Mikaela Shiffrin shared some surprising and insightful tidbits about her life on the slopes. The interview was conducted during the Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup ski race at her home, just two weeks after her crash in Killington, Vermont, and just two days after undergoing a second surgery to remove fluid that hadn’t been properly drained from the wound she suffered initially.
A summary of the interview is below and include notable items such as how many skis she burns through in a season, how high her DIN settings can go, and her favorite freeride skis.
Highlights
- Recovery After Injury: She discussed her recovery from a recent crash in Killington, Vermont, which required two surgeries. She expressed gratitude for feeling minimal pain due to local anesthesia but mentioned challenges like coughing and laughing, which exacerbate her discomfort.
- Ski Gear Preferences: She shared insights into her meticulous process of selecting race skis, emphasizing how conditions, ski construction, and personal instincts influence her choices. She noted that she cycles through around 80 pairs of skis per season and explained the custom nature of her World Cup equipment.
- Bindings and DIN Settings: She highlighted the unique demands of race bindings, which have higher DIN settings (up to 24) compared to recreational bindings, to withstand the extreme forces of competitive skiing.
- Love for Free Skiing: While racing dominates her schedule, Shiffrin enjoys free skiing on Atomic Redster G9 skis during the off-season. She prefers wearing the adidas Terrex/Stella McCartney collaboration for these casual outings.
- Pre-Race Routine: She detailed her structured pre-race routine, which includes training, rest, and neuromuscular activation exercises designed to prime her body for peak performance.
- Warm-Up Advice: She encouraged skiers of all levels to prioritize warm-ups before hitting the slopes, emphasizing their importance for both performance and injury prevention.
- Legacy and Passion for the Sport: Shiffrin reflected on her impact on skiing, emphasizing values like honesty, kindness, and openness. She expressed a deep passion for making winter sports more accessible and highlighted the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of outdoor adventures.
- Commitment to Sharing the Sport: Beyond her racing achievements, she is committed to connecting with fans, media, and communities to promote the joy and beauty of skiing and winter sports.
In reflecting on her journey, Mikaela Shiffrin’s words resonate with a blend of humility and passion that mirrors her approach both on and off the slopes. From her meticulous focus on gear and training to her heartfelt desire to make skiing more accessible, Shiffrin embodies the spirit of an athlete deeply connected to her sport. As she continues to leave an indelible mark on alpine skiing, her dedication to honesty, kindness, and the joy of the outdoors serves as an inspiration to fans and aspiring skiers worldwide.
