Skimo: What you need to know about the newest Olympic sport
Deutsche Welle
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ski mountaineering, often referred to as "skimo," is making its debut at the Winter Olympics in Italy, combining grueling climbs with exhilarating descents. This sport gained attention through athletes like Tatjana Paller, a German skier who transitioned from track cycling to ski mountaineering in 2020. Paller highlights the physical demands of skimo, noting its similarity to endurance sports but emphasizing its greater intensity compared to cycling. Skimo is the competitive version of ski touring, which has surged in popularity among amateur athletes due to rising lift ticket prices.
Ski touring involves ascending mountains on skis without using lifts and descending on ungroomed slopes. Skiers use special bindings that allow them to lift their heels while climbing and lock into place during descents. Climbing skins, made of synthetic or natural fibers, are attached to the skis to prevent slipping during ascents. These can be quickly removed by elite athletes like Paller, who competes in sprint and mixed team events.
The sport's equipment is lightweight and specialized: skis weighing between 700-800 grams, approximately 6.5 centimeters wide, with a minimum length of 1
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/19/2026