Discover Skimo: The New 2026 Winter Olympics Sport
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will introduce eight new medal events, including ski mountaineering, or “skimo.” This will be the first time participants compete in this unique Olympic sport, which combines both uphill and downhill skiing.
Understanding Skimo: The New Olympic Sport
Skimo differs significantly from traditional ski races, as it emphasizes endurance and the skillful transition between climbing and descending. Competitors begin at the base of the hill, using “skins” on their skis for grip while climbing uphill.
As they near the summit, racers must dismount and carry their skis in a section known as “boot packing.” Upon reaching the peak, participants quickly remove the skins and race downhill through a series of gates. The descent resembles a giant slalom, merging elements of Nordic endurance with alpine speed.
Events in Skimo
The Olympics will feature three skimo events:
- Men’s Sprint
- Women’s Sprint
- Mixed Relay
The sprint events involve climbing approximately 230 feet and completing the race in under three minutes. The mixed relay includes teams of one man and one woman, with each participant going through the course twice. The relay total time is expected to be around 30 minutes.
Schedule for Skimo Events
The men’s and women’s sprint competitions will occur on February 19, 2026, at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio. Each race will feature 18 competitors who will battle through three heats. The top racers will advance to the semifinals, culminating in a final race to determine the medalists.
On February 21, the mixed relay finals will take place, consisting of 12 to 18 teams, all vying for gold.
Top Countries in Skimo
Historically, France, Italy, and Switzerland have led in ski mountaineering content. Notably, the recent Ski Mountaineering World Championships highlighted France’s prowess with nine total medals, including four golds. Switzerland secured seven medals, while Italy followed with four.
The current men’s world champion, Oriol Cardona Coll from Spain, is a favorite in the men’s sprint event. For the women’s sprint, Emily Harrop from France is expected to excel.
Team USA’s Skimo Representatives
Team USA will be represented by Anna Gibson and Cam Smith in the mixed relay. They have made history by becoming the first American team to win a mixed relay World Cup event. Gibson, a 26-year-old from Jackson, Wyoming, has a background in Nordic skiing, while 30-year-old Cam Smith from Rockford, Illinois, is a seasoned skimo competitor, boasting multiple national and North American championships.
As the excitement builds for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, skimo is set to captivate audiences and athletes alike with its thrilling blend of endurance and speed.
