Ski mountaineering, often called Skimo, challenges athletes to navigate steep, high-alpine terrain, using specialized gear to climb thousands of vertical feet and transition quickly between uphill travel and downhill racing.
The sport has surged in popularity in recent years, and its inclusion in international competition has highlighted the exceptional endurance, precision, and technical skill it demands.
After its success at the Youth Olympic Games, ski mountaineering will make its official Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, featuring men’s and women’s sprint events and a mixed relay. Skimo is the only new sport being added to the 2026 Winter Games.
Athletes complete a set course that includes an ascent, a descent, and an on-foot section with skis attached to the athlete’s backpack.
A fast-paced event featuring an ascent and descent, with athletes transitioning between skiing, the foot section, and a final climb before racing downhill to the finish.
Teams consist of one female and one male athlete from the same country, with each athlete completing two laps for a total of four. All teams follow the same order: woman–man–woman–man. The mixed relay course is longer than the sprint, featuring two ascent-and-descent sections, with the foot section occurring during the second ascent.
