Discover Skimo: The Newly Added Sport to the 2026 Olympics

As the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics approach, ski mountaineering, also known as skimo, has emerged as an exciting addition to the Games. This exhilarating new sport combines the challenges of ascending and descending snowy mountains on skis and will surely capture the attention of sports fans worldwide.

What is Ski Mountaineering?

Ski mountaineering is a thrilling race-based sport that involves climbing snowy mountain terrain on skis and racing down at high speeds. Athletes must display exceptional technical skills and endurance as they navigate both uphill and downhill sections. While recreational backcountry skiing has existed for centuries, skimo has been officially governed since 2007 by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation.

Competition Format

The Olympic skimo events are designed for high-paced competition without subjective judging. There will be three main events during the Olympics:

• Sprint Competitions: Scheduled for February 19 at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, these sprints include separate events for men and women. Each race includes 18 athletes competing in three heats, followed by semifinals and a final.
• Mixed Relay: Taking place on February 21, this event features 12 teams consisting of one male and one female competitor. The relay includes two ascents and descents, emphasizing teamwork and speed.

Each sprint competition lasts approximately two and a half to three minutes, while the mixed relay takes about half an hour to complete.

Dynamic Racing Experience

Skimo competition is highly engaging, as athletes must perform a series of rapid transitions during both ascents and descents. They begin by ascending with skis equipped with special “skins” to prevent slipping. Once they reach a certain point, they remove their skis, transition to climbing on foot, and eventually reattach their skis to complete the uphill section.

Competitors must quickly navigate through gates during their descent to avoid penalties, making skimo a sport of strategic positioning and speed. Sarah Cookler, head of sport for USA Skimo, notes the aggressive nature of the sport, mentioning the need for athletes to jockey for spots throughout the race.

Top Contenders

As anticipation builds for the Games, athletes from France, Switzerland, and Spain are the likely favorites. Key competitors include:

• Women’s Sprint: Emily Harrop from France and Switzerland’s reigning world champion Marianne Fatton.
• Men’s Sprint: Oriol Cardona Coll from Spain, Thibault Anselmet from France, and Jon Kistler from Switzerland.

In terms of U.S. representation, the American team of Anna Gibson and Cameron Smith recently made headlines by qualifying for the Olympics after winning a mixed-relay skimo World Cup race. Smith, an experienced racer and multiple-time national champion, and Gibson, a professional mountain runner, will bring excitement to the American skimo presence at the Games.

Conclusion

Ski mountaineering is set to make its debut during the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, promising a captivating spectacle for viewers. With its unique blend of speed, strategy, and athleticism, skimo is poised to become a fan favorite on the Olympic stage.