What is ski mountaineering?
B · Beginner · Races and categories · 1 of 3Ski mountaineering is a race up and down mountains on skis. Athletes climb on skis with skins stuck to the bases, carry the skis on their backpack up steep foot sections, then strip the skins and ski down. The ISMF runs seven race types, from three-minute sprints to team races of up to three hours. Penalties are added as time.
How it works
- Governing body: the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF).
- Races: sprint, vertical, individual, team, relay, mixed relay and vertical kilometer.
- Climbing: on skis with skins, or on foot with skis on the backpack.
- Descending: skins off, boots locked, through any gates.
- Marking: green, yellow and red flags show how to move.
- Safety kit: every athlete carries an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
- Result: finishing time plus any time penalties.
- Olympics: the sprint and the mixed relay.
The glossary has the ski mountaineering, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation, the skins, the flag colours (ski mountaineering), the compulsory equipment and the Olympic events.
Tricky cases
Is it the same as cross-country skiing?
No. Ski mountaineering climbs and descends steep mountain terrain, with skins and foot sections.
Can athletes ski down with skins on?
No. Red-flag descents must be skied without skins.
Does the fastest athlete always win?
Not always. Penalties are added to the finishing time.
Which races are at the Olympics?
The sprint and the mixed relay.
Why the rule exists
The sport grew out of mountain touring, so its rules keep both racing and mountain safety. Avalanche kit is carried even on short courses for that reason.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual and team races | Long, off-piste where possible | 24.1 |
| Sprint and relays | Short loops, mostly visible | 24.1, 24.2.8.3 |
| Olympic Winter Games | Sprint and mixed relay only | 54, 57, 58 |
From the rule book
ISMF, Rules & Guidelines, version 2026-2027, rules 1, 24.1, 25, 26.4.1 and 27. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISMF Rules & Guidelines 2026-2027.