Discover Skimo: The New Sport Debuting at 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games will feature more medals than previous Winter Olympics, introducing eight new events. Among these is ski mountaineering, commonly referred to as skimo, making its Olympic debut. This event combines both uphill and downhill skiing, presenting a unique challenge to athletes.
What is Skimo?
Skimo is a dynamic skiing competition that incorporates elements from various skiing disciplines. It requires athletes to ascend and descend slopes, merging the endurance required in Nordic skiing with the intensity of alpine racing. Competitors start at the base of the hill using specialized equipment, transitioning from climbing to skiing.
Racers begin by applying “skins” to their skis, ensuring traction while ascending. As they approach steep inclines, they remove their skis and hike the challenging segments known as “boot packing.” Upon reaching the summit, competitors swiftly remove the skins and race downhill through a series of gates, mimicking the style of a giant slalom.
Skimo Events at the Milano Cortina 2026
The skimo competition will include three main events:
- Men’s Sprint
- Women’s Sprint
- Mixed Relay
Both sprint events are fast-paced races that involve climbing approximately 230 feet before descending to the finish line in under three minutes. The mixed relay features teams of one man and one woman, where each participant completes the course twice. This event is expected to last around 30 minutes and includes a bootpack section during the second ascent.
Event Schedule
- Men’s and Women’s Sprint: February 19, 2026, at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio.
- Mixed Relay Finals: February 21, 2026.
Each sprint will consist of 18 competitors racing in heats, with the top performers advancing through semifinals to the finals. The mixed relay event will feature a direct final, including 12 to 18 teams competing for the title.
Historical Context and Favorites
Skimo has its roots in the Alps, with France, Italy, and Switzerland being traditional powerhouses. In the 2022 Ski Mountaineering World Championships, France claimed nine medals, Switzerland followed with seven, and Italy secured the third spot with four medals.
Individuals to watch include Spain’s Oriol Cardona Coll, the current men’s world champion and a favorite for the sprint event, as well as France’s Emily Harrop, who is a leading contender in the women’s sprint.
Team USA Competitors
Team USA will be represented by Anna Gibson and Cam Smith in the mixed relay event. This duo made history by becoming the first American team to win a mixed relay World Cup, qualifying them for the Olympics. Gibson, 26, hails from Jackson, Wyoming, while 30-year-old Smith comes from Rockford, Illinois, boasting an impressive record as an 11-time national champion.
As the excitement builds for skiing events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, skimo promises to deliver thrilling competition and showcase the athleticism of its participants.
