Mikaela Shiffrin, the celebrated American alpine skier, credits her parents, Eileen and Jeff Shiffrin, for her passion and achievements in the sport, including her recent triumph at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. From a young age, both Eileen and Jeff, who were accomplished ski racers themselves, introduced Mikaela and her brother Taylor to skiing, laying the foundation for their future in competitive sports.
Married in 1986, Eileen and Jeff began their family in Vail, Colorado, where they raised their children amidst the majestic Rockies. They enrolled Mikaela and Taylor in Ski Club Vail when they were just seven and nine years old. Eileen, who remained Mikaela’s primary coach and travel companion throughout her career, has always emphasized the joy of skiing over the pressures of competition. “Parents need to calm down and enjoy the process when their kids are little, whatever the sport,” she remarked in an interview, dismissing the unnecessary stress that often permeates youth sports.
While Jeff Shiffrin supported Mikaela from the sidelines, Eileen took on a more hands-on approach in coaching her daughter. Their bond was integral to Mikaela’s success, with Mikaela often stating that Eileen knows her better than anyone. “It’s just magical and special,” Eileen expressed regarding her ongoing involvement in Mikaela’s life, both personally and professionally.
Tragedy struck in February 2020 when Jeff passed away unexpectedly due to head trauma. This loss profoundly affected the Shiffrin family, prompting Mikaela to take a break from skiing. During a devastating time, Mikaela found comfort in her memories of her father and eventually returned to the sport, using her passion for skiing as a way to honor Jeff’s legacy.
Mikaela carries the weight of her father’s memory with her, often wearing a locket featuring his picture and the inscription, “Always with you, love Dad.” Her resilience and dedication to skiing exemplify not only her skill but also the profound influence her parents have had on her life and career. This bond, forged in the love of the sport, will forever be a testament to the Shiffrin family’s enduring legacy in alpine skiing.