Olympic Guide: Ski Mountaineering Is a New Winter Olympic Sport For the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games
The Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, which begin with the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6, will have a new sport called ski mountaineering. In ski mountaineering, or skimo, athletes climb a mountain, wearing skis, cross-country ski, and then ski down the mountain, ala downhill.
Every Olympic event seems to bring a new sport. Ski mountaineering, or skimo, is the nickname. Do you think ski mountaineering will stay as an Olympic sport?
Ski Mountaineering, New Olympic Sport
In ski mountaineering, the newest Olympic sport for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, athletes complete a set course, which has an ascent, descent, and foot section with skis attached to their backpacks.
Sprint races, however, consist of an ascent and a descent. In the mixed relay, skiers have to complete two ascents and two descents, and a section on foot with skis attached to the backpack for each ascent.
In the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, there will be a men’s competition and a women’s competition. There will also be a mixed relay. An overview of the ski mountaineering competition at the Olympics can be found here.
Equipment
Ski Mountaineering athletes have skins on their skis for the ascent to help them grip the snow. Athletes then remove the skins for the descent. The skins are not spikes; they are a sticky covering that is pulled over ski boots. Athletes are required to take their skis off and complete the on-foot portion in their boots. Various other rules govern the portions of the race.
Favorites
This is a new Olympic sport, but there is a bit of a World Cup standings. Who are the best athletes and countries in ski mountaineering? Unfortunately, the United States is not that strong in this event. France, Switzerland, and Italy are among the strongest nations when it comes to ski mountaineering. France earned 10 total medals and four golds at the 2025 Ski Mountaineering World Championships, while Switzerland won seven total medals and three golds.
Currently, Maximilien Drion is ranked first in the World Cup overall standings. Remi Bonnet from Switzerland is second. Thibault Anselmet from France is third for the men. Oriol Cardona from Spain is fourth. Paul Verbnjak from Austria ranks fifth.
For the women, Margot Ravinel of France ranks first, and Giulia Murada from Italy is second. The rest of the top five women are all from France. Emily Harrop is third. Célia Perillat-Pessey is fourth. In fifth place is Axelle Mollaret.
There is some slight hope for the Americans. Cam Smith and Anna Gibson won a mixed event on Dec. 6, 2025. They could medal in the mixed event at the Olympic Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ski mountaineering is a new sport in the 2026 games in Milan-Cortina. There is no word whether this sport will stay on the Olympic schedule. It seems as if every Olympics, there is a new sport. This is the case this year. It is fair to wonder if other new sports could be added to the Olympic menu. There is a slim chance that America may win a medal in the mixed event. However, the event is dominated by France, Austria, and Italy.
Parting Shots
Ski mountaineering takes place in Milan-Cortina on Thursday, Feb. 19, with the Men’s and Women’s races. The mixed relay will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21. There are more glamorous events at the Olympics; however, this sport is uniquely challenging.
