10 Things Olympic Skier Mikaela Shiffrin Can’t Live Without
From the frosty peaks of the Alps to the brightest Olympic stage, Mikaela Shiffrin has carved her name into ski racing history. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated alpine skiers of all time, Shiffrin is as much a force off the slopes as she is on them. But behind the lightning-fast runs, the media appearances, and the intense training sessions, there’s a down-to-earth woman with everyday essentials that keep her grounded, focused, and thriving.
In this blog post, we’re diving into the 10 things Mikaela Shiffrin can’t live without. Some are practical, others are personal—but all of them reveal what fuels one of the most fascinating athletes of our time.
1. Her Skis – More Than Just Gear
Let’s start with the obvious. For Mikaela Shiffrin, her skis aren’t just tools—they’re extensions of her body. She has long had a partnership with Atomic, the brand that tailors her skis to her exact needs. Whether she’s training for a slalom race or powering through a Super-G, her skis are like trusted teammates.
“They’re part of me,” she once said. “I know how they respond. They make me feel confident even at 80 miles an hour.”
Her skis are so customized, even a one-millimeter adjustment can mean the difference between gold and silver.
2. The Perfect Pair of Headphones 🎧
Before a race, Shiffrin zones in with music. Not just any music—her race-day playlist is curated to help her hit the mental sweet spot between calm and hyper-focused. Her favorite headphones? High-performance noise-canceling ones that shut out the chaos around her.
Her go-to genres range from classic rock to cinematic scores, and sometimes she throws in a bit of Taylor Swift. It’s all about rhythm, energy, and getting her heart in sync with her mission.
3. A Journal for Reflection 📓
Mental toughness is a non-negotiable in elite sports, and Mikaela knows it. That’s why journaling has become one of her daily rituals. Whether she’s writing about a successful run or processing a tough day, her journal is a private space for mindfulness and growth.
“Sometimes I need to clear my head. Writing helps me see the bigger picture.”
Journaling gives her perspective—and perspective gives her power.
4. Her Mom – The Ultimate Coach and Support System ❤️
Mikaela’s mother, Eileen Shiffrin, has been more than just a parent—she’s been her coach, travel partner, and emotional anchor. Whether it’s mapping training schedules or offering a hug after a tough loss, Eileen is part of the team.
They’ve weathered triumph and tragedy together, and Eileen’s influence on Mikaela’s career is profound. When Mikaela says she can’t live without her mom, she means it literally and figuratively.
5. Compression Boots – Recovery is Everything 🦵
Training at an elite level puts massive strain on the body, and recovery tools are essential. Mikaela swears by her compression boots, which help improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and keep her legs race-ready.
After a day of carving through snow and battling altitude, slipping into her boots with a warm drink in hand is her version of self-care.
6. Coffee – Her Morning Ritual ☕
For Mikaela, coffee is more than a caffeine fix—it’s a moment of calm in a high-octane life. Whether she’s in Austria or Colorado, she brings along her portable espresso machine, because no one messes with her coffee game.
She’s confessed that her favorite mornings are those quiet, snowy ones where she can sip coffee and mentally prepare for whatever lies ahead.
“Coffee is sacred,” she’s joked. “No one talks to me before that first cup.”
7. Spotify Playlists – Fuel for Focus 🎶
Whether it’s for training, recovery, or long travel days, music is a non-negotiable part of Mikaela’s routine. Her Spotify playlists are legendary—curated by mood, vibe, or location.
Pre-race adrenaline? Think Imagine Dragons and Eminem. Post-race wind-down? Classical and acoustic indie. The music helps her manage nerves, spark joy, or simply feel human after weeks on the road.
8. A Cozy Blanket – Comfort on the Go 🧣
Life as a world-class skier means constant travel—airports, hotels, buses, and mountain lodges. To make all those temporary spaces feel more like home, Mikaela always packs her favorite blanket.
It’s soft, warm, and full of memories. Whether she’s stretching, reading, or just relaxing after a long day, that blanket is her comfort zone.
“It sounds silly, but having something familiar with me makes a big difference.”
9. Dog Time – Love Without Pressure 🐶
After the loss of her father, Mikaela found incredible comfort in her furry companion. Her dog, a mix of German Shepherd and something else equally adorable, gives her unconditional love without expectations.
Training and competing can be intense. But coming home to a wagging tail and a goofy smile? That’s pure therapy. Her dog reminds her to live in the moment, one tail wag at a time.
10. Her Dad’s Necklace – A Daily Reminder 💔
Mikaela’s father, Jeff Shiffrin, passed away unexpectedly in 2020. His loss reshaped her world—but it also deepened her resolve. She now wears a necklace with his fingerprint engraved on it, close to her heart.
“I don’t feel like he’s gone when I wear it,” she’s shared. “It gives me strength when I need it most.”
For Mikaela, it’s not just jewelry—it’s a source of courage, a silent pep talk, a sacred connection.
Why These 10 Things Matter
What makes this list so compelling isn’t just that it offers a glimpse into Mikaela Shiffrin’s life—it reveals how she stays grounded in a whirlwind world. These 10 things speak to balance: speed and stillness, pressure and peace, victory and vulnerability.
Mikaela’s gear is top-tier. Her body is a finely tuned machine. But what truly powers her greatness? A coffee ritual. A journal. A mom. A memory.
Final Thoughts: Mikaela Shiffrin’s Essentials, and Ours
If you’re chasing your goals—whether in sports, career, or personal growth—there’s something to learn from what Mikaela Shiffrin can’t live without. High performance isn’t just about relentless training; it’s about nurturing every part of yourself, from body to spirit.
So take a page from her playbook: Find your rhythm. Stay close to your people. Keep something cozy nearby. And never underestimate the power of a great playlist.
Because greatness, as Mikaela shows us, isn’t just about the gold medals. It’s about the quiet moments in between.
What’s One Thing You Can’t Live Without When Chasing Your Dreams?
Join the conversation. Share your answer on socials with the hashtag #ShiffrinEssentials and let’s build a community inspired by resilience, focus, and grace under pressure.
