Get ready for an exciting addition to the Winter Olympics! Ski mountaineering, or 'skimo', is about to make its debut, and we're here to unravel the mysteries surrounding this thrilling new event.
Australia has proudly announced its representatives for this groundbreaking sport at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Meet Lara Hamilton, a 27-year-old all-rounder with a unique story, and Phillip Bellingham, a cross-country veteran gearing up for his fourth Olympics. But here's where it gets controversial...
Hamilton, a DJ by night and a competitive trail runner in the summer, has found her passion in skimo. She describes it as a way to push her limits and connect with the mountains, saying, "I live for adventuring; it makes me feel alive." Her journey into skimo began as a means to maintain her incredible fitness levels during the winter, and it quickly became a love affair.
Bellingham, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Olympic stage, having competed in cross-country events at the Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing Games. He's set to become the second Australian to compete in two Winter Olympic sports, following in the footsteps of Jenny Lyons (nee Owens). Bellingham's journey has been a humbling one, requiring him to rebuild his skills from the ground up, but it's also been inspiring, leading to quick improvements and a new challenge.
So, what exactly is skimo? Imagine skiers climbing up the side of a mountain, sometimes on foot with skis attached to their backs, and then descending with grace and speed. It's a unique blend of adventure and athleticism. The key to their uphill climb lies in 'skins', strips of fabric that allow the skis to grip and propel the skier forward. Hamilton describes it as "back-country skiing, but lightweight and efficient."
And this is the part most people miss... Skimo is not just about the climb; it's a full-fledged sport with different disciplines. The sprint, which will be contested at the Olympics, combines all the skills of ski mountaineering, from transitions to downhill techniques. There are also vertical, individual, and mixed relay events, adding even more excitement to the sport.
But how long do these races last? Sprint races are short and intense, lasting only about three minutes, with qualification, semi-finals, and finals all happening on the same day. Individual races, on the other hand, can stretch from an hour to two hours, testing the athletes' endurance.
At the 2026 Games, spectators can look forward to men's and women's sprint events, as well as a mixed team relay, where one man and one woman will each complete the course twice.
Why is Australia so well-suited for skimo? Hamilton believes Australia will embrace this sport, describing it as "hiking but with skis." Our ski fields offer a unique environment, with slopes that are not overly steep, reducing the avalanche risk and providing a perfect backdrop for exploring the back country.
The inaugural Olympic skimo competition will take place on the famous Stelvio slopes, around the village of Bormio. These slopes, already a challenge for cyclists in the Giro d'Italia, will now host this groundbreaking event. The course has received praise from athletes who tested it in February 2025, featuring various sections including ascents on skins, foot climbs, and a thrilling downhill course with banked turns.
So, are you ready to embrace the thrill of skimo? Join us as we cheer on Australia's athletes and witness the birth of a new Olympic sport! Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments; we'd love to hear your take on this exciting development!
