AUS SkiMo 2023
Talent Development Camp
Falls Creek, 21-23 September

This Ski Mountaineering talent development camp is organised by Snow Australia in partnership with Falls Creek Ski Lifts and the Falls Creek Alpine Resort, and with the support of the Australian Olympic Committee.

SkiMo is a new event on the program for the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina 2026. This camp is for aspiring SkiMo athletes interested to learn about the competitive demands and training methods of this sport.

Camp Overview

What: Ski Mountaineering Talent Development Camp
Activities: SkiMo skills training, training education, equipment demos, transition training, Sprint event.
Where: Falls Creek
When: 21-24 September, 2023
Who: Aspiring SkiMo athletes aged 18 and up.

SkiMo - What is it?

Ski Mountaineering, or SkiMo, is a new Winter Olympic sport that will be contested for the first time in Milano-Cortina 2026. Though the SkiMo World Cup series features other race formats such as the Individual and Vertical events, the 2026 Olympic schedule includes a Sprint and a Mixed Relay.

The SkiMo Sprint event consists of a time trial against the clock followed by head-to-head knockout finals, similar to the Cross Country Skiing Sprint format. A race course typically consists of four main sections separated by transition zones, with climb of approximately 70m. Skinning sections require skiers to have skins on the bottom of their skis, bootpack sections must be covered on foot, and in the final descent skiers must ski through gates similar to a giant slalom. For the fastest racers a Sprint may take around 3-4 minutes.

The SkiMo Mixed Relay event covers terrain similar to the Sprint event, however typically has multiple climbs/ascents and involves a male and female skier racing the circuit twice. Races times for the fastest teams will vary depending on the course but are usually over 15 minutes.

Though the SkiMo Sprint and Mixed Relay events are typically held within the relative safety of a snow resort, participants still must carry mandatory equipment that is often essential when ski mountaineering out of resorts in back country terrain.

Program (will be adjusted due to snow conditions)

Wednesday, September 20

• Optional: Arrival to Howmans Gap Alpine Centre. Dinner from 6.00pm
• 6.00pm  – Dinner
• 7.00pm - Informal discussions with international expert

Thursday, September 21

• 8:00 – Camp Welcome, Introductions and Camp Overview
• 8:30 – Equipment examination and transition training (indoor)
• 9:30 – Skills training and equipment demo on-snow
• 12.00 – Lunch break
• 13.00 – Theory - SkiMo Performance Demands
• 14.00 – Skills training and Free Skiing

• 18:00 – Dinner
• 19:00  – Theory - SkiMo Training

Friday, September 22

• 8:00 – Transition training indoor
• 9:30 – Skills training on Sprint course
• 12.30 – Lunch break
• 13.30 – Skills training and Free Skiing
• 16:00 – Bib collection and event briefing
• 18:00 – Dinner
• 19:00 – Equipment preparation

Saturday, September 23 

• 9:00-10:00 – Sprint course open for training*
• 10:00-10:30 – Time trial
• 11:00-12:00 – Knockout finals
• 12:30 – Presentations

*Conditions permitting.

Coaching

Snow Australia is in the process of engaging an international expert to oversee this development camp, coach participants and also advise on Sprint course design and preparation.

Expressions of Interest

Snow Australia is seeking expressions of interest from aspiring SkiMo athletes aged 18 and up. EOIs should include each candidate's athletic and skiing background, competitive goals, and what they would be hoping to get out of this camp.

Membership Requirements & Fees

Snow Australia Membership

All participants must be members of Snow Australia. New members can sign up for a SkiMo Sport Racer membership. Existing Snow Australia competitors from another discipline (Cross Country, Alpine, Freestyle, Snowboard) are eligible to enter using their current race licence.

Camp Fees (estimated)

• Residential fees (including 4 nights accommodation)
  - $280 (or $70/day)
• Non-resident fees
  - TBC

These fees do not include race entry fees, which will need to be paid separately.

Lift Passes

All camp participants must have a valid Falls Creek Lift Pass or EPIC Australia Pass.

Contact

For more information contact Brian Lichi on brian.lichi@youthworks.net or mobile 0435 426 046.

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