Ski Mountaineering: Overview of the Sport at Winter Olympics 2026

Ski mountaineering, or skimo, is making its Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina Olympics with three events: Women’s Sprint, Men’s Sprint, and Mixed Relay. Athletes climb 70 meters on skis before navigating a slalom descent, with U.S. athlete Cam Smith aiming to make history as the first male representative in skimo. The sport’s origins trace back to prehistoric Europe, and Smith emphasizes the importance of a strong U.S. presence for future Olympics. Excitement surrounds this debut as athletes look to showcase their skills on an international stage.