Teenage New Mexican Skier Shines as 'Skimo' Makes Olympic Debut

Helen Desmond, 18, represents the growing popularity of ski mountaineering, a new Olympic sport.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Helen Desmond, an 18-year-old skier from Santa Fe, New Mexico, is making a name for herself in the world of ski mountaineering, or 'skimo', as the sport makes its Olympic debut. Desmond, who started skiing at age 11, has been competing seriously since she was 14 and recently made her World Cup debut. Despite initially thinking skimo was an 'old person's sport', Desmond has embraced the sport and is helping to showcase its growing appeal, especially among younger generations.

Why it matters

Ski mountaineering, or 'skimo', is a new Olympic sport that combines uphill and downhill skiing, as well as hiking with skis on one's back. Desmond's success highlights the growing popularity of the sport, particularly in regions like New Mexico that offer ideal training conditions. As a young, up-and-coming skier, Desmond represents the next generation of skimo athletes and the sport's potential to attract more participants.

The details

Desmond, who began ski mountaineering at age 11, has been competing seriously since she was 14. She initially thought the sport was only for older people, but after finding friends and realizing her talent, she embraced it. Desmond recently made her World Cup debut and appreciates New Mexico's unique environment for training, despite friends in Utah suggesting she train out-of-state. Ski Santa Fe is one of the few areas allowing uphill skiing while chairlifts are operating, and the Fireball Rando Raid, a skimo race at Ski Santa Fe, attracts participants from far and wide. Though Desmond missed the Olympics this year, she is supportive of her teammates and excited to see them compete.

  • Desmond began ski mountaineering at age 11.
  • Desmond has been competing seriously since she was 14 years old.
  • Desmond recently made her World Cup debut.
  • The skimo mixed relay event takes place on Saturday.

The players

Helen Desmond

An 18-year-old skier from Santa Fe, New Mexico who is making waves in the world of ski mountaineering, or 'skimo'.

Ski Santa Fe

A ski area in New Mexico that is one of the few areas allowing uphill skiing while chairlifts are operating, making it an ideal training ground for skimo athletes like Desmond.

Ben Abruzzo

A representative from Ski Santa Fe who noted the growth of the sport of ski mountaineering, with more people participating now compared to 20 years ago.

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What they’re saying

“I had previously thought, nobody does skimo like, my dad's just making me, like, go do this and it's just kind of an old person's sport.”

— Helen Desmond (kob.com)

“We've been allowing uphill pretty much since anyone started doing it.”

— Ben Abruzzo (kob.com)

“They honestly have medal opportunity. So I'm just excited to see them.”

— Helen Desmond (kob.com)

What’s next

The skimo mixed relay event, in which Desmond's teammates will compete, is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

The takeaway

Desmond's success in ski mountaineering, a new Olympic sport, highlights the growing popularity of the sport, particularly among younger generations. Her story showcases the unique training opportunities available in regions like New Mexico and the potential for skimo to attract more participants as it gains more exposure on the world stage.