Ski Mountaineering is New Olympic Sport

14th February 2026

Skimo makes its debut at the Milan-Cortina Games.

We reported on the announcement when it was made:

• Ski Mountaineering to be included in Winter Olympics

Think of the sport, popular among Alpine nations, as a kind of mix between skiing and hiking.

Athletes start at the bottom of the mountain, ascending both on skis and by foot before descending back down the course on skis.

PBS News’ Tim McPhillips spoke with Sarah Cookler of the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association to learn more about skimo and how its inclusion in the 2026 Winter Olympics could boost its popularity.