Enter the new kid on the ice block at Milano Cortina 2026: ski mountaineering. However, ski mountaineering – or skimo – in its traditional form is entirely about practicality. While people still do that – whether it’s ski touring or backcountry skiing – it doesn’t make for an easily digestible Olympics package. The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) has created a version of the sport ready for commercialisation, accessibility and consumption – and therefore, the Winter Olympics. Photograph: Maxime Schmid/EPAFrom 19 February, the northern Italian town of Bormio will host two skimo events.

Source: The Guardian February 04, 2026 14:25 UTC