Bormio, Italy, is poised to become the unlikely epicenter of a burgeoning winter sport. In , the Italian Alps will host the debut of ski mountaineering – or “skimo” – as an official Olympic event. This addition marks a significant moment not just for the sport itself, but for a discipline rooted in both ancient necessity and modern athleticism.
Ski mountaineering, as the name suggests, combines elements of alpine skiing and mountaineering. Competitors ascend and descend slopes on skis, often carrying their skis on their backs during steeper sections. The sport demands a unique blend of endurance, technical skill and strategic decision-making. It’s a far cry from the groomed runs and lift-assisted access of traditional alpine skiing, harking back to a time when skis were essential tools for survival in mountainous regions.
The Olympic program in Bormio will feature individual uphill and downhill races for both men and women, culminating in a mixed-gender relay. While the sport has a dedicated following, particularly in Europe, its inclusion in the Olympics is expected to dramatically raise its profile globally. For Italian athletes like Nicolo Ernesto Canclini and Giulia Compagnoni, the prospect of competing on home snow represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Currently, neither Canclini nor Compagnoni are widely recognized names within the broader Italian sporting landscape, despite their success within the ski mountaineering world. Canclini, speaking after a victory at the Cortina Skimo Cup in , expressed his excitement, noting he lives just 300 meters from the Olympic slope. A medal in could instantly transform them into national heroes.
The roots of ski mountaineering are deeply intertwined with the history of the Alps. What began as a practical means of traversing challenging terrain has evolved into a competitive sport attracting athletes from around the world. The discipline’s Olympic debut acknowledges this heritage, bringing a tradition born of necessity into the modern arena of international competition.
The choice of Bormio as the venue is particularly fitting. The Italian resort will also host men’s alpine ski races during the Winter Olympics, creating a dual focus on both traditional and emerging ski disciplines. This synergy underscores the Games’ commitment to showcasing the breadth and evolution of winter sports.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the inclusion of ski mountaineering in the Olympics is expected to spur interest in the sport among recreational enthusiasts. The accessibility of skimo, while requiring specialized equipment and training, is growing, with opportunities for participation emerging in regions beyond the traditional alpine heartlands. The sport’s appeal lies in its challenge, its connection to nature, and its demand for a complete skillset.
The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are already shaping up to be a showcase of innovation and tradition. With the addition of ski mountaineering, the Games are not only celebrating the established stars of winter sports but also welcoming a new generation of athletes and a discipline with a rich history and a promising future. The debut in Bormio promises to be a thrilling spectacle, captivating audiences and solidifying ski mountaineering’s place on the Olympic stage.
The Games themselves are drawing closer, following the conclusion of the Summer Games in Paris. The addition of breakdancing and sport climbing to the Summer program demonstrated a willingness to embrace new sports and attract younger audiences. Ski mountaineering represents a similar effort to diversify the Winter Olympic program and appeal to a broader range of athletes and fans.
As the world’s attention turns to Italy in , all eyes will be on Bormio to witness the inaugural Olympic ski mountaineering competitions. The event will not only crown the first Olympic champions in this demanding discipline but also mark a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution, potentially inspiring a new wave of athletes to take on the challenge of ascending and descending the mountains on skis.
