Ski mountaineering racing, or skimo, also referred to as randonnée racing, is an exciting, human-powered winter sport that combines skiing uphill and downhill with mountaineering skills.
Skimo is a competitive form of ski touring. Competitors travel through mountainous terrain using a combination of skis with climbing skins, bootpacking (walking) with skis strapped to backpacks, and skiing downhill. Four recognized disciplines vary in duration from three minutes to five hours. The two shortest disciplines, sprint and relay racing, will debut in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The sport is governed internationally by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF).
Most races offer recreational and elite level courses so that racers of different skill and fitness levels can compete. Most events welcome skiers, snowboarders and telemark-skiers. If you enjoy wintertime mountain travel, a little bit of competition and a friendly, supportive community, there’s a skimo event for you!
History
Skimo’s roots go back to its introduction at the 1924 Olympics in Chamonix when
it was connected with biathlon. Today, skimo is immensely popular in Europe and is an on-trend winter sport for amateur athletes in North America. It will be re-introduced in its modern form at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Skimo in Canada
Skimo’s history in Canada is much shorter! In 2002, the ISMF approached the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) to field a team for World Cup races in Europe. The ACC quickly established an ad hoc organizing committee and fielded two Canadian ski mountaineers.
A community of fitness-oriented skiers and mountaineers started racing at events organized across Canada. With the help of ACC and enthusiasts across Canada, organizers have planned a racing calendar each winter in support of the Canada Cup Series and fielded a national team for international competition.
When it was announced that skimo would be included in the Winter Olympics, long-time volunteers agreed that it was time to form Skimo Canada and pursue recognition as a National Sport Organization (NSO). With the support of ACC and Sport Canada, Skimo Canada was recognized by the ISMF and the Canadian Olympic Committee in 2022, and incorporated as a federal not-for-profit in April 2023.
Sanctioned skimo races in Canada abide by a series of rules, by discipline, as directed by the ISMF.
Learn more:
Skimo Canada 