Ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut to much intrigue in blizzard conditions
BBC World
February 19, 2026
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Ski mountaineering, or skimo, made its historic debut at the Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy, under challenging blizzard conditions. The event, a mix of uphill sprinting with skis and downhill racing, captivated fans and athletes alike. Switzerland's Marianne Fatton secured gold in the women's sprint, while France's Emily Harrop claimed silver despite being on course for victory until a technical error during a critical transition. Spain's Oriol Cardona Coll won men's gold, marking the nation's first Winter Olympic medal since 1972. Despite the daunting weather and steep competition, skimo proved to be an electrifying addition to the Games.
The sport, rooted in 19th-century skiing before lifts were invented, combines endurance and skill. Athletes sprint uphill with special skins on their skis for traction, navigate obstacles, transition to backpacks while climbing, and then ski downhill to finish. The format is fast-paced, with races lasting about three minutes, making it visually dynamic for fans. BBC commentator Matt Chilton praised the event's spectator appeal, noting that viewers could follow every moment from grandstands or screens.
Harrop's performance highlighted the importance of transitions in skimo. After leading in her semi-finals and heat, she struggled during the second transition, losing momentum on the downhill. Despite this setback, Harrop reflected on the significance of competing in a sport that wasn't part of the Olympic program until recently. Her journey from Alpine skiing to becoming a key player in skimo underscores the sport's growing appeal.
The event drew large crowds despite the harsh weather, with nearly every ticket sold for the debut. Fans were treated to thrilling
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026