Snow Australia is seeking preliminary interest from skiers of all standards interested in participating in Ski Mountaineering (SkiMo) events during the 2024 Australian winter. Plans are currently underway for the following events:

Falls Creek SkiMo

Where: Falls Creek
Events: Sprint Event + Mini Individual
When: 14-15 September, 2024

Perisher SkiMo

Where: Perisher
Events: Mini Individual
When: 28-29 September (TBC), 2024

How to Register Your Interest

Click on the Register button above.

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.

SkiMo Sprint

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.

Though the SkiMo Sprint is 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.

SkiMo Mini-Individual

A SkiMo Individual event typically has a minimum of three ascents and descents. Race times vary depending on the event, but top racers should complete the event in 1.5-2 hours, with a minimum elevation gain of 1,300 metres. Individual Races are set on challenging trails and include a mass start of all competitors. 

This Mini-Individual event is designed for both elite and new SkiMo participants to compete together on a looped course. Rather than completing the course just once, competitors will complete as many loops as possible within a set time, e.g. in a two-hour period.

EQUIPMENT

International SkiMo events have strict equipment and clothing requirements. As these will be the first events to be held in Australia and specific SkiMo equipment may be difficult to obtain, some requirements are being relaxed.

Mandatory Equipment

• Skis with metal edges and retention device
  (the lighter the better)
• Bindings (alpine touring recommended)
• Splitboards can also be used for the Mini-Individual events
• Boots
• Skins (must cover 50% of ski length)
• Poles
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Backpack

Recommended Equipment

• Eyewear
• Three layers of clothing on top
• Two layers of clothing on bottom

More Information

For more information about event formats and suitable equipment contact Snow Australia's SkiMo Committee Chair Brian Lichi on blichi@snow.org.au or mobile 0435 426 046.