Ski mountaineering, or SkiMo, is a winter endurance sport that combines uphill climbs, downhill descents and technical mountaineering elements. Athletes use specialized lightweight SkiMo skis with climbing skins for ascents and remove them for descents. The sport demands a mix of endurance, strength and technical ability to navigate alpine terrain efficiently.
Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Previously, the sport was included in multi-sport events such as the Winter Youth Olympic Games, where it appeared in Lausanne 2020. The growing popularity of ski mountaineering and its deep cultural ties to alpine regions contributed to its inclusion in the Olympic program.
The inclusion of ski mountaineering in the Olympics marks a milestone for U.S. ski mountaineering. American athletes have competed internationally in ISMF events, and Milano Cortina 2026 will be the first opportunity for Team USA to showcase its talent on the Olympic stage.
Olympic ski mountaineering events will feature a mix of individual and relay formats, challenging athletes with climbs, descents and technical sections. Events test endurance, speed and skiing ability in mountainous terrain.
Follow along the ski mountaineers' road to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Check out all the events Team USA athletes will be competing in on the road to Milano Cortina 2026.
SkiMo skis are lightweight and designed for both uphill and downhill performance. Athletes use climbing skins for ascents and transition quickly to downhill skiing by removing them. Additional gear includes avalanche safety equipment such as beacons, probes and shovels.
Olympic ski mountaineering courses are set in alpine terrain, featuring designated climbs, descents and technical sections. Routes include checkpoints that athletes must pass through while navigating the mountain landscape.
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The previous 12 editions of the ISMF World Championships served as the pinnacle of ski mountaineering.The 13th edition, which runs March 2-9 in Morgins, Switzerland, carries additional significance now that the sport known as skimo will be included in ...
Ski mountaineering has a vast history in the Alps of northern Italy, so it’s fitting that the sport will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games being held in Milano and Cortina.The sport, a race in which athletes hike and ski up a mountain and...
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