Ski Mountaineering

This sport has grown in popularity worldwide in recent years, judging by the number of international events held in many countries, including Switzerland, France, Italy, North America, South America, Russia, Scandinavia, China, South Korea and Japan. The first Ski Mountaineering World Championships were held in 2002 in France, and this international event is now held every two years, alternating with continental championships. A World Cup circuit with a minimum of five stages is also arranged every year. Ski mountaineering is governed by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), which has 38 affiliated national federations. Ski mountaineering was part of the programme of the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympics and will be part of the programme at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Italy is one of the leading nations in this sport, with several international wins in major competitions over the last 10 years.

The sprint race consists of an ascent and descent. There are three stages in the ascent. The athlete makes the first on foot up steps with the skis attached to the backpack. The skins are then attached to reach the top, where the skins are removed for the descent to the finish line. It is held in various elimination rounds up to the final, in which the medals are awarded. The normal duration of the race is around 3.5 minutes per heat.

The mixed relay consists of two ascents plus a section on foot with skis attached to the backpack for each ascent and two descents.

Specific equipment is required for ski mountaineering to ensure safety and performance. Athletes need special skis  that are lighter than downhill skis and equipped with movable bindings to allow for proper joint movement, as in cross-country skiing. To allow for forward gliding, avoid backward sliding and grip the snow during push-off, synthetic skins (sealskin was once used) are placed on the bottom of the skis. The skins are removed during the descent.