NEW ERA: The Time Has Come – Netflix Set to Release Documentary on Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn: A Deep Dive into the Lives of Two Alpine Ski Legends
Netflix is once again stepping into the world of sports documentaries, this time focusing on two of the most iconic figures in alpine skiing – Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn. The documentary, titled NEW ERA: The Time Has Come, is set to offer an unprecedented look into the lives, careers, and personal journeys of these two giants of the sport, who have not only dominated on the slopes but have also played pivotal roles in shaping the future of alpine skiing.
A New Chapter in Skiing History
Lindsey Vonn, who retired from professional skiing in 2019, is considered one of the greatest ski racers of all time. With 82 World Cup wins to her name, Vonn broke records and redefined what it means to be a champion in the sport. She was not just an athlete; she was a trailblazer who overcame injuries and setbacks, showing the world that perseverance and resilience are just as important as talent. Her dominance in the sport was a symbol of strength and tenacity, inspiring a generation of young skiers to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they might face.
Mikaela Shiffrin, on the other hand, has been the face of the new generation of skiers. Since her breakthrough into the World Cup scene at the tender age of 16, Shiffrin has consistently proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. As of 2025, she has surpassed Vonn’s record of World Cup wins, becoming the most successful American skier in history. With a focus on precision, technique, and consistency, Shiffrin has dominated slalom and giant slalom events and is poised to cement her legacy as one of the greatest skiers of all time.
NEW ERA: The Time Has Come is a reflection of both athletes’ impact on the sport, as well as a deep dive into their personal lives. The documentary will provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at their training, triumphs, challenges, and the sacrifices they’ve made to get to the top of their game. The film will also highlight the unique relationship between these two athletes, who have often been compared to each other, yet have distinct careers and paths.
The Legacy of Lindsey Vonn
Vonn’s career was not without its challenges. She faced numerous injuries throughout her career, including a knee injury that nearly ended her career prematurely. Yet, Vonn pushed through the pain and came back stronger each time, embodying the spirit of resilience that defined her. Her battles with the physical toll that the sport took on her body are central to the story of her career, and NEW ERA is expected to explore these struggles in depth.
Moreover, Vonn’s retirement marked the end of an era in alpine skiing. While she remains a global ambassador for the sport, she passed the baton to the younger generation, including Shiffrin. However, even after her retirement, Vonn has continued to be an influential figure in the skiing world, offering mentorship to Shiffrin and other rising stars. Her transition from the slopes to life as a media personality and advocate for various causes is also expected to be a major theme in the documentary.
The Meteoric Rise of Mikaela Shiffrin
Mikaela Shiffrin’s journey, on the other hand, has been characterized by a seemingly unshakable consistency. While other athletes might have seen ups and downs in their careers, Shiffrin’s dominance in slalom and giant slalom has been nothing short of remarkable. By the time she reached 25, she had already amassed a record-breaking number of World Cup victories and Olympic gold medals. NEW ERA will explore how Shiffrin, with her precision and focus, has been able to maintain such a high level of performance in an ever-evolving sport.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Shiffrin’s career is her mental strength. Unlike many athletes who might crumble under the pressure of competition, Shiffrin has managed to stay grounded, focusing on her passion for skiing while handling the immense expectations placed on her shoulders. The documentary will shed light on Shiffrin’s personal struggles, her journey of self-discovery, and the toll that public scrutiny can take on an athlete.
Additionally, Shiffrin’s determination to honor the memory of her late father, Jeff Shiffrin, who passed away unexpectedly in 2020, is expected to be a key narrative in the documentary. The emotional weight of her triumphs, especially after his death, resonates deeply with fans and serves as a testament to her resilience.
The Intersection of Two Legacies
What makes this documentary particularly compelling is the intersection of Vonn and Shiffrin’s legacies. While their careers were marked by different circumstances, the common thread between them is the love and passion they both share for the sport of skiing. The two women have been through similar trials—Vonn with her injuries and Shiffrin with her emotional loss—but both have shown that greatness in skiing is not just about the number of wins, but about the strength to face adversity.
The documentary is set to explore their bond as well, highlighting the mentor-mentee relationship that has developed between them. Vonn has spoken about how she views Shiffrin as the future of skiing, and Shiffrin has often cited Vonn as one of her biggest inspirations. Their connection goes beyond competition; it’s about lifting each other up and sharing the experience of being elite athletes in a sport that demands so much.
A Look at the Future of Skiing
Ultimately, NEW ERA: The Time Has Come isn’t just a retrospective on two skiing legends; it’s also a look forward at the future of the sport. Shiffrin is on track to continue breaking records, and the documentary will likely explore how the sport is evolving to accommodate the next generation of athletes. With Shiffrin at the helm, the future of alpine skiing looks bright.
In conclusion, this documentary is more than just a celebration of two incredible athletes; it’s a story about resilience, passion, and the pursuit of greatness. NEW ERA: The Time Has Come promises to be a must-watch for sports fans, ski enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good story of overcoming adversity to achieve the extraordinary.