Ski Mountaineering

Ski mountaineering is racing over established trails in the backcountry, while passing a series of checkpoints. It combines elements of ski touring, Telemark skiing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. The sport featured in the programme of the 2020 Youth Winter Olympic Games, with boys’, girls’ and mixed events. On July 20, 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved to add ski mountaineering to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with sprint events for men and women and a mixed relay.

The sport is governed by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), which was formed in 2008 by an amalgam of several previous organizations. As of 2024, it had 47 member associations. World Championships have been held since 2002 and a World Cup circuit has existed since 2007.