How is a ski mountaineering race started and finished?
I · Intermediate · Equipment and results · 5 of 6Long races use a mass start in rows of up to eight; the sprint qualification uses an interval start. Any movement after "Set" is a false start, penalised at the finish rather than recalled. Time is taken at the first finish line; under 0.2 seconds apart, the photo finish decides on the athlete's front foot.
How it works
- Calls: "Take your marks", "Set", then a pistol or whistle.
- Ski tips: fully behind the line.
- False start: 3 minutes in long races, 30 seconds in short ones.
- Mass start: up to eight per row; top World Cup athletes in front.
- Interval start: 10 to 120 seconds apart, usually 20 or 30.
- Finish: time at the first line; cross the second line 3 m on.
- Photo finish: used under 0.2 seconds apart.
- Timing: reported to a tenth of a second, cut not rounded.
The glossary has the false start, the mass start, the interval start, the finish (ski mountaineering), the skating corridors and the Jury President.
Tricky cases
An athlete falls over the finish line. Does it count?
Yes, if the whole body crosses without outside help.
A photo finish cannot split two sprinters. Who wins?
The better place, then time, in the previous phase.
A mistake by the starter. What happens?
A double signal stops the race and athletes return within a minute.
How is a team's time taken?
On the second teammate to cross.
Why the rule exists
Penalising false starts later keeps a mass start from being stopped. A photo finish settles close sprints fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual, team and vertical | Mass start usual | 23.3.1 |
| Sprint qualification | Interval start | 23.3.2 |
| Olympic Winter Games | False start 0.4 to 0.1 seconds before the gun | 56.6.2 |
From the rule book
ISMF, Rules & Guidelines, version 2026-2027, rules 23.3, 24.2.1.2, 24.2.7, 26.1, 26.1.1, 26.2.1, 56.6 and 27.2 C.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISMF Rules & Guidelines 2026-2027.