What is Skimo?

Ski mountaineering (“Skimo”), the newest Olympic sport in 2026, combines the best of Nordic and Alpine racing. Skiers race uphill and down, requiring endurance, strength, and skill.

Specialized equipment enables racers to “run” uphill with lightweight skis and skins on their feet, transition in seconds to bootpacking, and then transition again to downhill skiing.

Skimo races include multiple disciplines that involve different skillsets. Individual races are historically the most popular in Europe and the United States, and involve longer-distance (usually 1.5+ hour) endurance events that traverse up and down mountain terrain. Relay races and Team events involve teams of 2 or more racers competing either in sequence or in parallel. Sprint races are short, 3-minute events that combine uphill, transition, and downhill skill in an intense anaerobic effort. Vertical races are simply a race from the bottom to top of the mountain with no transitions or descents.

Sanctioned skimo races in the United States abide by a series of rules, by discipline, as directed by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF). The United States Ski Mountaineering Association (USA Skimo) is recognized by the ISMF as the national sport organization for the United States. The sport of skimo will debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with the Sprint and Mixed Relay disciplines.

Skimo racing is a welcoming sport to all participants with recreational and competitive events held throughout the United States.

USA Skimo has enclosed the following guide to help you better understand the sport. At any time, please reach out to us for any questions about skimo.

Athlete Categories

Race/Pro/Elite/Open/Long Course
Featuring some of the fastest racers in the world, this race division will challenge even the most fit Skimo athletes. To qualify for the points series and national team consideration, athletes must compete in this race category.
Recreation/First Timers/Short Course
A great way to get into the sport. This race typically features less vertical gain/loss and distance and may not access all of the technical aspects of the long course.
Heavy Metal Division
Included as a special division at select races, participants with traditional (heavier) backcountry skis, boots and bindings rather than specialized, lighter weight skimo racing equipment.
Kids Division
USA Skimo encourages children to recreationally participate in Skimo. Please check with race directors and clinic organizers about specific age requirements and divisions.
Age Categories
While age categories can vary by race and the quality of registrants, USA Skimo-sanctioned races adhere to the following age divisions by male and female:

  • U14 – (Ages 14 and under) Shortened race course.
  • U16 – (Ages 15-16) Shortened race course.
  • U18 – (Ages 17-18) Shortened race course.
  • U20 – (Ages 19-20) Full distance race course.
  • Senior – (Ages 21-44) Full distance race course.
  • Masters – (Ages 45-54) Full distance race course.
  • Super Masters – (Ages 55+) Full distance race course.
  • Recreation – Reduced distance/vert category.

Types of Race Disciplines

Vertical
If you have the legs and the lungs, it’s a simple race from the bottom of the mountain to the top. No transitions and no downhill skiing. It is usually carried out on a groomed trail with the whole race taking place with skins under the skis in a single, 1,300-2,300ft ascent. Learn More
Individual
Individual races are the most popular in the US. A course typically involves a mass start and includes numerous ascents and descents. Races usually last from an hour-and-a-half to two hours, with at least one ascent where athletes need to remove their skis and boot pack.
Teams
Teams races are the most traditional form of the sport, with all early races being based on team events. Teams are comprised of two or three athletes; teams must include participants in the same sex and same age category to qualify for USA Skimo/ISMF rankings. These are often spectacular events that take the athletes to beautiful mountaintops and include more technical descents.
Sprint
Sprint races are heat-based mini races, combining the essential ski mountaineering features and techniques. These races include an ascent on skins, including a short boot pack with skis strapped to the racer’s backpack, and then a single descent from the top. Every second matters to advance to the next round and transition efficiency is key. Completion of the course will take approximately 3 minutes for the fastest racers.

Mixed Relay
Mixed relay races involve teams of two athletes – one male and one female – with each member of the team completing a short circuit one after the other. The relay is another fast event; each circuit lasts about 15 minutes and includes two ascents and descents.

Skimo Equipment & Gear

Standard Gear For Races
This equipment list is a general guideline and may vary by event, please refer to the specific race you are competing in for equipment requirements.

Race Category:
  • For complete specification see https://www.usaskimo.org/mandatory-gear/
  • Skis – Minimum length: women = 150cm, men = 160cm. Minimum combined weight ski + binding: women = 730g, men = 780g (no split boards or snowshoes unless specified by race)
  • Bindings – Toe and heel piece must be same brand. Must have both lateral and forward release functions
  • Boots – Rubber sole must cover 100% of boot bottom. Minimum weight: women = 450g, men = 500g
  • Poles – Of maximum diameter 25mm, and with non-metallic baskets
  • Climbing Skins – At least 1 pair, must cover at least 50% of the surface area of the ski and 50% of the length of the ski
  • Helmet – Dual certified for skiing (EN 1077) and climbing (UIAA 106 or climbing EN 12492).
  • Beacon – Must transmit on 457 kHz, with three search antennas
  • Shovel – Must have separate blade and shaft with handle, i.e,. no snow claws. Minimum total length 50 cm
  • Probe – Must be a dedicated sectional probe, i.e., no probe poles. Minimum 240cm
  • Gloves – Must cover the entire hand up to the wrist – to be worn the duration of the race
  • Pack – Must have sufficient carrying capacity to hold all of the equipment required by the regulations, with two rear and/or lateral fastening straps for carrying skis
  • Eye Protection – goggles, helmet shield or sunglasses
  • 3 Upper Body Layers
    • Base layer
    • Outer layer with long sleeves. Sleeves must cover the elbows at all times
    • Long-sleeved windproof top – may be carried in the backpack
  • 2 Lower Body Layers
    • Outer layer – ski pants or ski suit covering the entire length of the legs
    • Windproof pants – may be carried in the backpack
  • Whistle
  • Survival blanket
  • ID or copy of ID
Recreation Category:
  • Touring skis, telemark or split boards (no snowshoes unless specified by race)
  • Touring Bindings
  • Poles
  • Climbing Skins
  • Helmet
  • Gloves
  • Hydration – bottle or bladder
  • Eye Protection – goggles, helmet shield or sunglasses
  • Upper Body Layer – windproof
Get Started With Skimo Equipment
At just about any skimo race around the US, you’ll see a wide variety of alpine touring, telemark and skimo racing equipment at the starting line. At some races, you’ll see splitboards and snowshoes. While it is important to read the race director’s requirements regarding equipment prior to registering, you don’t need spandex skin suits and specialized skimo equipment to get started.

Our recommendation is to either rent demo gear or start with the backcountry ski gear you currently own, and, if available, enter the heavy metal or recreational division. When you are ready for competitive skimo, you can opt for lighter and faster equipment.

When the time comes to investing in some specialized gear, we recommend speaking with a qualified skimo gear provider like Cripple Creek Backcountry, Skimo.co or your local backcountry ski shop about your preferences, expectations and budget. Our partner at SkinTrack.com has put together a brief overview regarding a gear guide to your first skimo race . USA Skimo members can also receive discounts at select retailers.

Articles About Getting Started In Skimo Racing

A Beginner’s Guide to Skimo Racing

What To Expect In Your First Skimo Race

http://mountainlessons.com/skiing/start-skimo-racing-8-tips-wish-id-known

Gear Guide To Your First Skimo Racing Setup: Skis, Boots, Bindings, and more

https://www.skimag.com/adventure/the-sport-of-skimo-an-introduction/

How To Improve

Resource Library
USA Skimo is assembling a skimo resource library to assist you in a variety of categories, including, at home, transition exercises. We encourage you to take a tour around our Skimo Resource Library. Please contact us to let us know what training resources you would like to see included in the library.
Clinics
Skimo clinics are a great way to receive professional training in a group setting to sharpen your fundamentals and practice specialized techniques. USA Skimo, ski resorts, race directors, skimo clubs and coaches all tend to host skimo clinics and would love your attendance; when possible, USA Skimo adds Clinics to our list of events.
Coaching
Professional coaching services are a wonderful way to receive personalized attention to achieve your goals. As a member of USA Skimo, you’ll receive discounted access to skimo coaching and training manuals. Please visit the USA Skimo Member Benefits page to view the available options.
Skimo Clubs & Teams
Skimo Clubs are a great way to join others in your area to collectively improve and compete. USA Skimo has begun compiling a list of skimo clubs.
USA Skimo Devos & Masters Program
The goal of this program is to keep athletes interested in high performance skimo engaged, learning, building relationships and camaraderie, and continuing to progress as skimo racers.

The program structure has been developed by USA Skimo and will be run by athlete selected ‘Chairs’ who will coordinate and facilitate periodic meetings, presentations, and seminars to make the program what the members would like it to be. Example content: transition skills, race tactics, race rules & regulations, equipment reviews, nutrition, anti doping, etc. USA Skimo will assist and support the Chairs and be a resource as needed. Learn More.

Where To Train

Ski Resorts
Ski areas provide a fantastic opportunity to enhance your fitness levels while practicing your technique and form in a safe environment. Many ski resorts throughout the US offer uphill access on their terrain however access policies can vary by ski area. Please visit our Uphill Resort Guide for more information.
Backcountry
Backcountry touring is a wonderful way to escape the crowds and seek an untracked adventure. However, the backcountry is an uncontrolled environment and comes with risks. USA Skimo recommends completing a professional course prior to entering the backcountry. Please visit the Avalanche Education and Avalanche Center page for more information.
Anywhere, USA & Beyond
USA Skimo is assembling a skimo resource library to assist you in a variety of categories, including, at home, transition exercises. We encourage you to take a tour around our Skimo Resource Library. Please contact us to let us know what training resources you would like to see included in the library.

Ready To Race?

Find Local & National Races

A skimo race is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience.

Recreational and competitive events are held throughout the United States. We hope you’ll visit our race and event schedule to find a skimo event of interest near you.

Skimo Race Calendar

Race Internationally

Ready to race against the best competition in the world?

USA Skimo provides resources and national team positions to support representation on the world’s stage. Additionally USA Skimo will be hosting the North American Championships and future World Cup events. Learn more about qualifying for the National Team.

International Race Schedule

Need More Inspiration?

Howard Head Sports Medicine presents, “Sisters of Skimo,” the journey of Sierra Anderson and her fellow female competitors in ski mountaineering racing, as they vie to qualify to compete at “the Olympics of Skimo,” the World Championships in Switzerland. Along the way, Sierra and her “sisters of skimo” will discover what it means when the competition lifestyle goes beyond just who stands on the podium, and becomes a journey about family and camaraderie in sport.

Have Questions? Please Contact USA Skimo