"Ski mountaineering, known as 'skimo,' will make its Olympic debut this year at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted unanimously in July 2021 to include the sport, which has deep roots in the European Alps and has grown rapidly worldwide through World Cup circuits and World Championships. Ski mountaineering combines uphill ascents, boot-packing sections, and downhill skiing, demanding both endurance and technical skill."
"Essentially, a skier starts on foot with skis attached to a backpack, then the skins are attached to the skis and he skins up to reach the top, where the skins are removed for the descent to the finish line. Skimo skiers use skis that are lighter than downhill skis and feature movable bindings as well as synthetic skins which are removed for the descent."
"Ski mountaineering is governed by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), which has 38 affiliated national federations. Ski mountaineering was part of the program of the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympics and will premier at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. While there are multiple formats at the international level, the Olympic program will focus on two: the sprint and the mixed relay."
Ski mountaineering combines uphill ascents, boot-packing sections, and downhill skiing, requiring endurance and technical skill. Athletes start on foot with skis attached to a backpack, attach skins to climb, remove skins for descent, and use lighter skis with movable bindings and synthetic skins. The first World Championships occurred in 2002 and are held biennially. A World Cup circuit runs each season with at least five events. The sport is governed by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) with 38 national federations. Olympic competition in 2026 will focus on sprint and mixed relay formats, with races staged in Bormio, Italy.
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