How are skis carried in ski mountaineering?

I · Intermediate · On the track · 3 of 6

Checked 14 October 2026

On yellow-flag sections athletes climb on foot with skis fixed to the backpack by two straps; if the skis come loose they must stop and refix them. Where crampons are required, walking without them is disqualification. On fixed ropes athletes must stay clipped in at all times, moving one karabiner before the other.

How it works

Skis on the backpack: two fastening straps, not shoulder straps.
Loose skis: stop and refix them.
Fewer than two fastening points: 30 seconds or 3 seconds.
Crampons: at least 10 spikes, straps fastened.
No crampons where required: disqualification, or 3 minutes if broken.
Crampons off the boots: packed with spikes facing each other.
Fixed rope: always clipped in; second karabiner on before first off.
Not clipped: 3 minutes.

The glossary has the foot section, the crampons, the fixed rope, the via ferrata kit, the flag colours (ski mountaineering) and the disqualification (ski mountaineering).

Tricky cases

Can skis be carried in the hand?

Only if the Technical Jury allows it on a yellow-flag section of an individual or team race.

A crampon comes off. What must the athlete do?

Stop and refit it at once.

Can a team member carry a partner's skis?

Yes, if their backpack has two separate sets of straps.

An athlete leaves the marked line on a ridge. Penalty?

Disqualification.

Why the rule exists

Loose skis and spikes are a danger to others on steep ground. Staying clipped to fixed ropes prevents a fall where a slip could be fatal.

Where it differs

Where	What changes	Source
Individual and team races	Crampon and rope rules apply	27.2 C.8, C.25
Sprint and relays	Foot section on every lap	24.1
Vertical races	No foot section	24.1

From the rule book

ISMF, Rules & Guidelines, version 2026-2027, rules 26.4.4, 26.4.4.1, 26.4.11, 26.4.15, 28.1 and 27.2 C.3, C.8, C.9, C.11, C.12 and C.25. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISMF Rules & Guidelines 2026-2027.