What happens if you miss a gate in ski mountaineering?
I · Intermediate · On the track · 4 of 6Athletes must follow the markings closely and may not cut marked kick turns. A gate is passed only when both ski tips and both feet cross its line; a missed gate can be put right before the next one, or costs 3 minutes (30 seconds in short races). Missing a checkpoint in a long race is disqualification.
How it works
- Ascent: head for the next flag; follow marked kick turns.
- Descent: go the way of the flags.
- Gate passed: both ski tips and both feet over the gate line.
- Putting it right: only before passing the next gate, without hindering others.
- Missed gate: 3 minutes or 30 seconds.
- Race checkpoints: bibs and order noted; missing one is disqualification.
- Gate numbers: from the top down, for gate controllers.
- Dangerous line: disqualification.
The glossary has the gate (ski mountaineering), the missed gate, the race checkpoint, the kick turn, the diamond and the flag colours (ski mountaineering).
Tricky cases
An athlete misses a gate and climbs back. Is it fine?
Yes, if they have not passed the next gate and do not get in anyone's way.
Does missing a gate by accident still count?
Yes. Missing a gate is penalised whether on purpose or not.
Is a checkpoint missed in a sprint disqualification?
No. The checkpoint penalty applies to individual and team races.
Can an athlete cut a kick turn to save time?
No. It counts as not following the markings.
Why the rule exists
Marked lines keep athletes on safe, checked ground and make the race the same for all. Checkpoints prove the whole route was raced.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual and team races | Missed gate 3 minutes | 27.2 C.4 |
| Vertical, sprint and relays | Missed gate 30 seconds | 27.2 C.4 |
| Sprint descent | Must pass every gate | 24.1.1 |
From the rule book
ISMF, Rules & Guidelines, version 2026-2027, rules 24.1.1, 24.2.4, 26.4.2, 26.4.3 and 27.2 C.2 to C.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISMF Rules & Guidelines 2026-2027.