Ski mountaineering — or skimo — is one of the most demanding and dynamic winter sports on earth. Athletes race up and down across snow-covered mountain terrain. They use climbing “skins” to travel uphill on their skis; they put their skis on their backs and run up steep “bootpack” sections; and they remove the skins to ski downhill.
Besides the incredible fitness required for fast uphill travel, and ski racing skills, racers must also get their transitions dialled to save vital seconds. Skimo uses specialized lightweight gear: skis, climbing skins, bindings, and boots designed for both ascent and descent.
Olympic Debut at Milano Cortina 2026
At the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, ski mountaineering will make its official Olympic debut in Bormio, Italy. The Games will feature three high-intensity events:
- Men’s Sprint
- Women’s Sprint
- Mixed Relay
Sprint races take around three and a half minutes, combining a steep climb, a short bootpack section, and a rapid descent. The Mixed Relay features one man and one woman per team, alternating through two ascents and descents each — a fast, tactical format that tests both fitness and transition skill.
Canada’s Olympic Opportunity
For Canada’s athletes, this debut represents a historic opportunity — and an extraordinary challenge. The Canadian and US teams are competing for a spot at the Winter Olympics — the Americas’ continental quota place. Last season ended with the two nations just one point apart in the Mixed Relay standings, with a decisive qualifying race set for the beginning of December 2025 in Solitude, Utah.
Our national team has fought to reach this position against the odds. With no salaried coaches or full-time support staff, Canada’s athletes have been their own ski techs, travel planners, and race-day crews — competing against teams who are bigger, better resourced, and more experienced. Despite injuries, illness, and very limited funding, they’re giving our US neighbours a very real challenge, through sheer determination and teamwork.
Why Support Matters
Your donations will help Team Canada compete on a more equal footing, and
Contributions go directly toward essentials that make the difference on race day, like:
- Travel to international and qualifying races
- High-performance training camps and coaching
- Fit-for-purpose accommodation near to race venues
- Race-winning equipment and ski-tech support
- Programs to keep athletes healthy and help them recover.
Every dollar will help get Canada’s athletes to the start line in Utah in the best possible shape — giving them the best chance to represent the nation at Milano Cortina 2026.
Join us as we write Canada’s next Olympic chapter in the mountains.
