Skimo, the Newest Olympic Sport, Debuts at Milan Cortina Games

A lung-burning blend of uphill efficiency and downhill skiing, ski mountaineering is headed to the global stage.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ski mountaineering, better known as skimo, is officially joining the Winter Olympics at the Milan Cortina Games in 2026, bringing a deeply European mountain sport to the global stage. Skimo features athletes racing uphill on skis with climbing skins, then transitioning to downhill mode to race back down as fast as possible. The sport has roots in European ski-touring culture and ties to the 10th Mountain Division in Colorado. With its Olympic debut, American skimo athletes like Cam Smith and Anna Gibson are poised to shine on the world's biggest winter sports stage.

Why it matters

Skimo’s inclusion in the Olympics marks a major milestone for the sport, which has grown from a niche European pastime to an international competitive discipline over the past few decades. For Colorado athletes, the Olympic spotlight provides a chance to showcase their skills on a global platform and inspire more interest in the sport at home.

The details

Skimo gear is engineered for speed and efficiency, with lightweight touring skis, pin bindings that allow the heel to lift freely for climbing, and specialized race suits with built-in pockets. The Olympic events will feature a sprint race and a mixed relay, both designed to be fast-paced and spectator-friendly. In the sprint, athletes will race head-to-head through multiple rounds on a short, looped course. The mixed relay will have teams of one male and one female athlete, each completing two laps with a bootpack section.

  • Skimo will make its Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games in 2026.
  • The ski mountaineering mixed relay event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21 at 5:30 a.m.

The players

Cam Smith

A Crested Butte–based athlete with a dominant résumé in North American ski mountaineering, including multiple national titles and course records. Smith recently improved his training to become more explosive, making him a threat in the Olympics’ fast-paced formats.

Anna Gibson

A former collegiate track athlete turned elite trail runner, Gibson grew up skiing in Jackson Hole and brings a blend of endurance and technical downhill ability to the sport. Her well-rounded skillset could be an asset in the transitions and descents that often decide skimo races.

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What they’re saying

““It’s taken us about 20 to 25 years to get to where we are today. To have a sport that’s actually now in the Olympics—it’s huge.””

— Eric Henderson, longtime ski mountaineer and former agency of record for the United States Ski Mountaineering Association (5280.com)

““If your transition is fast and you can ski downhill, that’s where you see separation.””

— Eric Henderson, longtime ski mountaineer and former agency of record for the United States Ski Mountaineering Association (5280.com)

What’s next

The ski mountaineering mixed relay event at the Milan Cortina Games is scheduled for Saturday, February 21 at 5:30 a.m. local time.

The takeaway

Skimo’s inclusion in the Olympics marks a major milestone for the sport, providing a global platform for American athletes like Cam Smith and Anna Gibson to showcase their skills and inspire more interest in this lung-burning, high-intensity winter discipline back home in Colorado.