Ski Mountaineering Makes Historic Olympic Debut
The 2026 Winter Olympics, set to feature ski mountaineering for the first time, are creating excitement among athletes and fans alike. This debut brings a long-held dream of many competitors to reality. Notably, Emily Harrop, the world’s number one in the sport for the past four years, expressed her enthusiasm about competing, calling it a “historic moment” for ski mountaineering.
Ski Mountaineering Events Overview
The ski mountaineering competitions will take place in Bormio, Italy, starting Thursday. The event schedule includes:
- Men’s sprint
- Women’s sprint
- Mixed relay on Saturday
Competitors will race in an explosive format, combining steep ascents and swift descents. Each event requires athletes to ascend approximately 70 meters while carrying their skis before quickly transitioning to skiing downhill.
Competitors to Watch
Emily Harrop leads the French team, with teammates such as Thibaut Anselmet and Margot Ravinel also in medal contention. Anselmet is particularly optimistic about winning, stating, “Two or three medals are definitely achievable.” Harrop, reflecting on her Olympic journey, emphasized the significance of representing her sport on such a grand stage.
Kilian Jornet’s Role
Ultra-endurance champion Kilian Jornet, originally skeptical about the Olympic format, will join the event as a coach. Once critical of the decision to include only the sprint and relay formats, he now supports the Olympic venture, training his compatriot Oriol Cardona Coll. Jornet believes that his experience will be invaluable for the athletes.
This historic debut of ski mountaineering at the Olympics not only showcases the skill and determination of the athletes but also marks a significant milestone for the sport itself. Fans eagerly await the races, reflecting the growing popularity and recognition of ski mountaineering globally.
