Discover Skimo: The Exciting New Winter Olympics Sport
The competitive sport of ski mountaineering, often referred to as “skimo,” is gaining traction as it prepares for its debut in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This challenging activity combines the thrills of climbing and descending mountains on skis, testing both endurance and skill.
Skimo: A Rising Star in Winter Sports
Di Gilbert, a Scottish mountain guide, has been pivotal in promoting skimo in the UK. In 2012, she founded SkiMo Scotland, the only organization in the UK dedicated to organizing skimo races. Gilbert’s efforts were aimed at making skimo an officially recognized sport within the country.
Advocacy and Recognition
Despite skimo’s popularity in Europe and North America, it remained relatively unknown in the UK until recent developments. In 2023, a significant breakthrough occurred when Gilbert had a chance meeting with the then CEO of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) at Ben Nevis. This encounter led to the BMC adopting skimo, establishing it under their umbrella and forming the SkiMo Racing Steering Group to manage the Great Britain Skimo Racing teams.
Getting Started with Skimo
For those interested in trying skimo, proficiency in skiing and ski touring is essential. Various clubs in Scotland, such as the Edinburgh Ski Club and the Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club, offer regularly organized meets. For beginners, the Lecht race provides a manageable introduction, covering just over half a mile with an ascent of 100 meters (328 feet).
- Lecht Race: Distance – 0.5 miles
- Elevation Gain – 100 meters (328 feet)
Future Aspirations for the Sport
With the upcoming Olympics, Gilbert hopes to elevate public awareness about skimo. She envisions an exciting future for the sport, with aspirations for larger events like the Patrouille des Glaciers in Switzerland and the Mezzalama Trophy in Italy, which challenge competitors over extensive distances and complex terrains.
The growth of skimo in the UK marks an exciting chapter in winter sports, and as it heads into the Olympics, its popularity is expected to soar, introducing many to the exhilaration of ski mountaineering.
