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Skimo Debuts at 2026 Winter Olympics

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. /01/08/skimo-debuts-at-2026-winter-olympics.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 7:25 GMT by Colorado Public Radio

Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - January 8th, 2026 - As the world gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a relatively new and exceptionally demanding sport is making its debut: ski mountaineering, or "skimo." Among the athletes vying for a coveted spot on the podium is Cam Smith, a Colorado native whose journey to the Olympics is as challenging as the sport itself.

For many, the Winter Olympics evoke images of downhill skiers, graceful figure skaters, or thrilling snowboarders. But the addition of skimo represents a shift towards acknowledging the raw endurance and multifaceted skillsets of mountain athletes. Unlike traditional alpine skiing, skimo isn't simply about descending a prepared slope. It's a hybrid discipline that blends skiing, running, and mountaineering, demanding athletes to ascend steep mountains on skis, then transition to running with their skis strapped to their backs, before descending with precision and speed.

Smith describes the sport succinctly: "It's like a triathlon, but in the mountains." This analogy hardly does justice to the physical and mental fortitude required. Races often involve thousands of meters of vertical ascent and descent, traversing rugged terrain and battling unpredictable mountain weather. Athletes must be proficient in not only skiing and running but also in techniques like ice axe arrest and potentially even basic rope work, depending on the course.

Smith's path to skimo wasn't a lifelong dedication. He grew up skiing in Colorado, naturally inheriting a love for the mountains. However, he didn't discover ski mountaineering until his college years. The transition was transformative. While he was a capable skier, skimo presented a different kind of challenge - one that ignited a passion he hadn't known he possessed.

"I quickly fell in love with the sport," Smith explains. "The combination of physical exertion, technical skill, and being out in the mountains is just incredible." This initial spark has fueled years of dedicated training, culminating in his current status as one of the top skimo athletes in the United States. Now, he trains full-time, meticulously honing his skills and building the endurance necessary to compete at the highest level.

The inclusion of skimo in the 2026 Olympics represents a significant moment for the sport. It has been gaining popularity globally for years, fueled by a dedicated community of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. However, Olympic recognition is expected to accelerate its growth and bring it to a wider audience.

The Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo venues, chosen for the 2026 games, are particularly well-suited for skimo, boasting the challenging terrain and altitude necessary to test the world's best athletes. Organizers have designed courses that showcase the sport's dynamic nature, incorporating both individual and team events. The races will involve several disciplines, including individual races, vertical races (focused solely on uphill speed), and team sprints.

For Smith, the prospect of representing the United States at the Olympics is the realization of a long-held dream. "I'm really excited about the possibility," he says. "It would be a dream come true." However, the path to qualification is fiercely competitive. He's facing stiff competition from athletes around the world, all vying for a limited number of spots on their respective national teams. Selection criteria typically involve performance in international competitions, demonstrating both speed and consistency.

Beyond the competition itself, Smith hopes the Olympics will inspire others to embrace the outdoors and discover the joys of ski mountaineering. He emphasizes the importance of responsible mountain travel and respecting the environment. As skimo gains prominence, sustainable practices and responsible backcountry ethics will be crucial to preserving the beauty and integrity of the mountains for future generations.