SkiMo climbs closer to Winter Olympic debut

Olympic statue in Lausanne, Switzerland. Photo: Jim Moore // courtesy of USA Skimo

SILVERTHORNE, Colo. – The United States Ski Mountaineering Association (USA Skimo) announced on Monday that it has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to establish an Olympic high-performance program for Ski Mountaineering before the sport makes its debut at the Olympic Winter Games Milan-Cortina 2026.

In July 2021, the International Olympic Committee unanimously approved adding Ski Mountaineering to the 2026 Games. 

“Though new to the Olympic Games program, Ski Mountaineering is a dynamic, fast-growing sport that also boasts more than a century of tradition,” said Rocky Harris, USOPC Chief of Sport & Athlete services in a statement. “We are excited to welcome Ski Mountaineering onto the Olympic program and are excited to partner with USA Skimo to deliver results for Team USA.”

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In addition to addressing a high-performance program for Ski Mountaineering, the agreement establishes the roles and responsibilities of USA Skimo and the USOPC in selecting and sending athletes to the 2026 Winter Games and competitions within the qualification pathway to the Games.

“Formalizing our role with the USOPC represents a true inflection point for our sport. The USOPC will provide resources and expertise to our athletes, aspiring athletes, and the U.S. Ski Mountaineering community,” said Anthony Armstrong, Executive Director of USA Skimo in the statement. “This partnership will take our sport to the next level of competition and professionalism.” 

Park City Ski and Snowboard Team (PCSS) has programs for Skimo athletes ages 5 to 18 and of all levels, and Utah Skimo organizes bi-weekly winter competitions.