Ski Mountaineering at the Winter Olympics
Quick Answer
Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, featuring three events: women's sprint, men's sprint, and mixed relay. The sport combines skiing and mountaineering skills across challenging alpine terrain.
- Ski mountaineering debuted at the 2026 Winter Olympics with three medal events
- Switzerland's Marianne Fatton won gold in the women's sprint
- Spain's Oriol Cardona Coll took gold in the men's sprint
- France (Harrop and Anselmet) won gold in the mixed relay
The sport of ski mountaineering has been added to the program of the Winter Olympics, and made its first appearance in Milan & Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026.
Ski MountaineeringSki mountaineering is a sport that combines the skills of skiing and mountaineering. Participants use specialized equipment to ascend and descend mountainous terrain, typically involving a mix of uphill climbs on skis and downhill skiing.
"Ski mountaineering's inclusion in the 2026 Olympics represents a significant milestone for the sport. Its roots in alpine tradition and the physical demands of ascending and descending mountain terrain make it a natural fit for the Winter Games."— As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes
The Military Patrol event at the 1924 Winter Olympics included a section of ski mountaineering.
Ski Mountaineering Event Winners at Milano Cortina 2026
Here are the athletes who won gold, silver, and bronze in the Ski Mountaineering events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics:
Ski Mountaineering Women's Sprint
Ski Mountaineering Men's Sprint
Ski Mountaineering Mixed Relay
"The mixed relay results highlight the depth of talent in ski mountaineering, with France, Switzerland, and Spain all fielding athletes who medaled across multiple events. This cross-event consistency speaks to these nations' strong ski mountaineering programs."— According to sports science expert Robert Wood
References
- International Olympic Committee. (2026). Ski Mountaineering - Olympic Sport Overview. Olympics.com.
- Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee. (2026). Official Results - Ski Mountaineering Events. Milano Cortina 2026.
- International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF). (2026). Competition Rules and Format. ISMF Official Website.
- International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). (2024). Ski Mountaineering Added to Olympic Program. FIS Official Website.
- International Olympic Committee. (2024). History of Military Patrol at the 1924 Winter Olympics. Olympics.com.