About USA Skimo
USA Skimo sanctions and governs competitive ski mountaineering racing in the US and promotes and fosters recreational ski mountaineering through access, resources, education, and community.
USA Skimo endeavors to enable United States athletes to achieve competitive excellence in the sport of ski mountaineering.
The mission of USA Skimo shall be to promote and grow the sport of ski mountaineering racing in the United States.
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) is ‘recognized’ by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the international governing body for the sport of ski mountaineering. USA Skimo works directly with the ISMF to uphold its rules and regulations and meet its standards in the United States.
Olympic Recognition and Growth
The ISMF, along with many national skimo federations, has spent many years working to get ski mountaineering racing included in the Winter Olympic Games. In July 2017, the IOC accepted the sport to be included in the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Switzerland. On July 20, 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved adding ski mountaineering to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Developing Olympic Talent
USA Skimo is currently working with the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee to be certified as the “National Governing Body” for the sport of ski mountaineering racing in the US. USA Skimo will be expanding the depth of our organization by developing an Olympic development program to properly train, select, and take a team to the Winter Olympic Games.
- Bylaws – Amended 12/18/2022
- Bylaws – Organizational Structure Summary
USA Skimo supports equal opportunity, athlete support, and pay across genders with cisgender divisions in competition. The goal of the USA Skimo Transgender Policy is to establish guidelines that encourage and facilitate the participation of transgender athletes in USA Skimo-sanctioned events. Additionally, the objective of this policy is to enforce fair and inclusive practices that respect the personal rights and dignity of all athletes. View the full USA Skimo transgender athlete policy here.
We stand together in our journey up, over, and down mountains—whatever form they may take. USA Skimo was built on the idea that ski mountaineering, racing, and having fun in the mountains should be accessible for all. USA Skimo does not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
Advancing Equity in Skimo
USA Skimo recognizes that the sport of ski mountaineering in the United States does not come close to being racially diverse within its operational structure, member database, and event participants. While this lack of representation was not built by design, we recognize that by listening and continuing to educate ourselves on the obstacles and opportunities, we can find a path forward to better support all people interested in the sport of skimo. USA Skimo supports the spirit of equity demonstrated by the Black Lives Matter movement and the nationwide effort toward equality for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Toward this end.
Expanding Access and Representation
We have a plan in place to partner with organizations that align with our values to increase mountain access for all and to begin the efforts of meaningfully contributing to the awareness and diversity of our sport. We have some work to do and look forward to sharing our progress throughout the season. Have any feedback or ideas for us? Please reach out and contact us.
Our Mission
To represent and communicate the interests of athletes, review, react and advise in cooperative support of USA Skimo achieving its mission.
How Can We Champion Your Voice?
The Athlete Advisory Committee (AAC) wants to ensure that all skimo athletes are aware and are taking advantage of the USA Skimo-member benefits. One of the critical components of any organization is open and transparent communication between the governing body and the athletes. We would like you to know that we are here working hard to be your advisory, listening to all you have to say, answering questions and making sure your voice is heard.
Each member, whether new or seasoned, has a unique perspective. We value your opinion and hope you’ll share your thoughts and experiences with us.
Contact Us
Do you have questions or comments that you’d like your athlete representatives to take to USA Skimo on your behalf? Please use our contact form and we’ll pass along the information to the AAC.
Guide to Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) Racing
What is Skimo?
Ski mountaineering (“Skimo”), the newest Olympic sport in 2026, combines the best of Nordic and Alpine racing. Skiers race uphill and down, requiring endurance, strength, and skill.
Specialized equipment enables racers to “run” uphill with lightweight skis and skins on their feet, transition in seconds to boot packing, and then transition again to downhill skiing.
Racing Formats and Skills
Skimo races include multiple disciplines that involve different skill sets. Individual races are historically the most popular in Europe and the United States and involve longer-distance (usually 1.5+ hours) endurance events that traverse up and down mountain terrain. Relay races and team events involve teams of 2 or more racers competing either in sequence or in parallel. Sprint races are short, 3-minute events that combine uphill, transition, and downhill skill in an intense anaerobic effort. Vertical races are simply a race from the bottom to the top of the mountain with no transitions or descents.
Rules, Standards, and the Olympics
Sanctioned skimo races in the United States abide by a series of rules and disciplines, as directed by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF). The United States Ski Mountaineering Association (USA Skimo) is recognized by the ISMF as the national sport organization for the United States. The sport of skimo will debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with the sprint and mixed relay disciplines.
Participation, Resources, and Support
Skimo racing is a welcoming sport to all participants, with recreational and competitive events held throughout the United States. USA Skimo has enclosed the following guide to help you better understand the sport. At any time, please reach out to us with any questions about Skimo.
Athlete Categories
Featuring some of the fastest racers in the world, this race division will challenge even the most fit Skimo athletes. To qualify for the points series and national team consideration, athletes must compete in this race category.
A great way to get into the sport. This race typically features less vertical gain/loss and distance and may not access all of the technical aspects of the long course.
Included as a special division at select races, participants with traditional (heavier) backcountry skis, boots, and bindings rather than specialized, lighter-weight skimo-racing equipment are present.
USA Skimo encourages children to participate recreationally in Skimo. Please check with race directors and clinic organizers about specific age requirements and divisions.
While age categories can vary by race and the quality of registrants, USA Skimo-sanctioned races adhere to the following age divisions by male and female:
- U14 – (Ages 14 and under) Shortened race course.
- U16 – (Ages 15-16) Shortened race course.
- U18 – (Ages 17-18) Shortened race course.
- U20 – (Ages 19-20) Full-distance race course.
- Senior – (Ages 21-44) Full-distance race course.
- Masters – (Ages 45-54) Full distance race course.
- Super Masters – (Ages 55+) Full distance race course.
- Recreation – Reduced distance/vertical category.
Types of Race Disciplines
If you have the legs and the lungs, it’s a simple race from the bottom of the mountain to the top. No transitions and no downhill skiing. It is usually carried out on a groomed trail with the whole race taking place with skins under the skis in a single, 1,300-2,300 ft ascent. Learn More.
Individual races are the most popular in the US. A course typically involves a mass start and includes numerous ascents and descents. Races usually last from an hour and a half to two hours, with at least one ascent where athletes need to remove their skis and bootpack.
Team races are the most traditional form of the sport, with all early races being based on team events. Teams are comprised of two or three athletes; teams must include participants of the same sex and same age category to qualify for USA Skimo/ISMF rankings. These are often spectacular events that take the athletes to beautiful mountaintops and include more technical descents.
Sprint races are heat-based mini races, combining the essential ski mountaineering features and techniques. These races include an ascent on skins, including a short boot pack with skis strapped to the racer’s backpack, and then a single descent from the top. Every second matters to advance to the next round, and transition efficiency is key. Completion of the course will take approximately 3 minutes for the fastest racers.
Mixed relay races involve teams of two athletes—one male and one female—with each member of the team completing a short circuit one after the other. The relay is another fast event; each circuit lasts about 15 minutes and includes two ascents and descents.
Skimo Equipment & Gear
This equipment list is a general guideline and may vary by event; please refer to the specific race you are competing in for equipment requirements.
Race Category:
- For complete specifications, mandatory gear
- Skis – Minimum length: women = 150 cm, men = 160 cm. Minimum combined weight of ski + binding: women = 730 g, men = 780 g (no split boards or snowshoes unless specified by the race).
- Bindings – Toe and heel pieces must be the same brand. Must have both lateral and forward release functions.
- Boots – A rubber sole must cover 100% of the boot bottom. Minimum weight: women = 450 g, men = 500g
- Poles – Of maximum diameter 25 mm and with nonmetallic baskets
- Climbing Skins – At least 1 pair, must cover at least 50% of the surface area of the ski and 50% of the length of the ski
- Helmet – Dual certified for skiing (EN 1077) and climbing (UIAA 106 or climbing EN 12492).
- Beacon – Must transmit on 457 kHz, with three search antennas
- Shovel – Must have separate blade and shaft with handle, i.e., No snow clothes. Minimum total length: 50 cm.
- Probe – Must be a dedicated sectional probe, i.e., no probe poles. Minimum 240cm
- Gloves – Must cover the entire hand up to the wrist – to be worn for the duration of the race
- Pack – Must have sufficient carrying capacity to hold all the equipment required by the regulations, with two rear and/or lateral fastening straps for carrying skis
- Eye Protection – goggles, helmet shield, or sunglasses
- 3 Upper Body Layers
- Base layer
- Outer layer with long sleeves. Sleeves must cover the elbows at all times.
- Long-sleeved windproof top—may be carried in the backpack
- 2 Lower Body Layers
- Outer layer – ski pants or a ski suit covering the entire length of the legs
- Windproof pants – may be carried in the backpack
- Whistle
- Survival blanket
- ID or copy of ID
Recreation Category:
- Touring skis, telemark, or split boards (no snowshoes unless specified by race)
- Touring Bindings
- Poles
- Climbing Skins
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Hydration – bottle or bladder
- Eye Protection – goggles, helmet shield, or sunglasses
- Upper Body Layer – windproof
At just about any skimo race around the US, you’ll see a wide variety of alpine touring, telemark, and skimo racing equipment at the starting line. At some races, you’ll see splitboards and snowshoes. While it is important to read the race director’s requirements regarding equipment prior to registering, you don’t need spandex skin suits and specialized skimo equipment to get started.
Starting With the Right Gear
Our recommendation is to either rent demo gear or start with the backcountry ski gear you currently own and, if available, enter the heavy metal or recreational division. When you are ready for competitive skimo, you can opt for lighter and faster equipment.
Finding Specialized Equipment
When the time comes to investing in some specialized gear, we recommend speaking with a qualified skimo gear provider like Cripple Creek Backcountry, Skimo.co, Bangtail Bike, or your local backcountry ski shop about your preferences, expectations, and budget. Our partner at SkinTrack.com has put together a brief overview regarding a gear guide to your first skimo race. USA Skimo members can also receive discounts at select retailers.
Articles About Getting Started in Skimo Racing
Start Skimo Racing-8 Tips Wish ID Known
Gear Guide To Your First Skimo Racing Setup: Skis, Boots, Bindings, and more.
The Sport of Skimo an Introduction
How to Improve
USA Skimo is assembling a skimo resource library to assist you in a variety of categories, including at-home transition exercises. We encourage you to take a tour around our Skimo Resource Library. Please contact us to let us know what training resources you would like to see included in the library.
Skimo clinics are a great way to receive professional training in a group setting to sharpen your fundamentals and practice specialized techniques. USA Skimo, ski resorts, race directors, skimo clubs, and coaches all tend to host skimo clinics and would love your attendance; when possible, USA Skimo adds clinics to our list of events.
Professional coaching services are a wonderful way to receive personalized attention to achieve your goals. As a member of USA Skimo, you’ll receive discounted access to skimo coaching and training manuals. Please visit the USA Skimo Member Benefits page to view the available options.
Skimo clubs are a great way to join others in your area to collectively improve and compete. USA Skimo has begun compiling a list of skimo clubs.
Where to Train
Ski areas provide a fantastic opportunity to enhance your fitness levels while practicing your technique and form in a safe environment. Many ski resorts throughout the US offer uphill access on their terrain; however, access policies can vary by ski area. Please visit our Uphill Resort Guide for more information.
Backcountry touring is a wonderful way to escape the crowds and seek an untracked adventure. However, the backcountry is an uncontrolled environment and comes with risks. USA Skimo recommends completing a professional course prior to entering the backcountry. Please visit the Avalanche Education and Avalanche Center pages for more information.
USA Skimo is assembling a skimo resource library to assist you in a variety of categories, including at-home transition exercises. We encourage you to take a tour around our Skimo Resource Library. Please contact us to let us know what training resources you would like to see included in the library.
Ready to Race?
Find Local & National Races
A ski race is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience.
Recreational and competitive events are held throughout the United States. We hope you’ll visit our race and event schedule to find a skimo event of interest near you.
Race Internationally
Ready to race against the best competition in the world?
USA Skimo provides resources and national team positions to support representation on the world’s stage. Additionally, USA Skimo will be hosting the North American Championships and future World Cup events. Learn more about qualifying for the National Team.
Need More Inspiration?
Howard Head Sports Medicine presents “Sisters of Skimo,” the journey of Sierra Anderson and her fellow female competitors in ski mountaineering racing as they vie to qualify to compete at “the Olympics of Skimo,” the World Championships in Switzerland. Along the way, Sierra and her “sisters of skimo” will discover what it means when the competition lifestyle goes beyond just who stands on the podium and becomes a journey about family and camaraderie in sport.
Have Questions?
Please Contact USA Skimo
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