Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) Set for Olympic Debut

Ski mountaineering, also known as skimo, is scheduled to make its Olympic debut. This challenging new sport pushes athletes to their limits.

The sport combines elements of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and trail running, challenging athletes' cardiovascular limits.

Competitive Structure

Skimo events involve a multi-stage process designed to test diverse athletic abilities:

• Uphill Skiing: Competitors ascend hills using adhesive climbing skins attached to the base of their skis.
• Downhill Skiing: After reaching the summit and removing the skins, athletes descend back down the hill.
• Uphill Running: For a subsequent climb, skis are stowed in backpacks, and athletes run up the hill in their ski boots.
• Second Downhill: A final descent completes the race.

The uphill segments are a decisive component of the event. The skis used in skimo are lighter than standard alpine skis, which can make downhill control more challenging and demand advanced technical skill.

Athlete Profile

As a newer sport, skimo often draws athletes from other endurance disciplines. This cross-pollination brings a wealth of experience and talent to the sport.

Notable participants and figures associated with skimo include:

• Kilian Jornet (Spain): A prominent endurance athlete widely associated with ski mountaineering.
• U.S. Skimo Athletes: Many American skimo competitors are accomplished trail runners. Anna Gibson, for example, previously vied for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in the 1,500-meter race.
• Remi Bonnet (Switzerland): A leading skyrunner and a strong favorite in the men's race, he holds a world record in the demanding vertical kilometer discipline.
• Cyclists: Several professional cyclists have either entered or expressed interest in the sport, including Michael Woods and Joe Dombrowski. Quinn Simmons, a former junior skimo world championship medalist, is a strong domestique in cycling and has expressed interest in competing in the 2030 Games.
• Anton Palzer: A successful skimo champion, Palzer was signed by Red Bull in 2021, highlighting the increasing movement and recognition between skimo and other high-performance athletic pursuits.