Feb 19 • 06:00 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Skimo is coming, here's what you need to know

Skimo, a ski mountaineering sport, is set to debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, where athletes will climb mountains before racing down.

Skimo, or ski mountaineering, is gaining attention as it prepares for its debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. This exciting sport, which is particularly popular in the European Alps, involves skiers climbing up mountain slopes on skis equipped with special 'skins' that provide traction. Competitors then switch to downhill skiing for an adrenaline-fueled descent.

The upcoming Olympic events will showcase sprint races where athletes compete in short bursts, lasting approximately three minutes each, beginning with qualification rounds followed by semi-finals and finals. The anticipation among athletes is palpable, as skimo combines endurance, speed, and tactical skills, attracting both seasoned competitors and new enthusiasts to the slopes.

The inclusion of skimo in the Olympics is expected to broaden the appeal of winter sports and may inspire a new generation of skiers to take up the sport. This development highlights the evolving nature of the Olympic Games, as organizers continue to introduce fresh and dynamic events to capture the imagination of audiences and participants alike.

📡 Similar Coverage