skimo

Skimo: Australia’s Fast-Growing Winter Sport Takes Centre Stage at the 2026 Olympics

If you’ve been following winter sports news over the past few years, chances are you’ve heard whispers about a high-intensity, multi-discipline race that blends skiing, mountaineering, and endurance running into one brutal but thrilling event—skimo. Now, with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games just around the corner in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, skimo is officially debuting on the world stage.

For Australians, this isn’t just another new sport making headlines—it’s the culmination of a quiet yet explosive rise in popularity across our alpine regions, driven by a mix of grassroots participation, elite athlete stories, and growing media attention. But what exactly is skimo? And why does it matter that Australia—a nation more famous for surf than snow—might soon be competing internationally?

What Is Skimo?

Short for ski mountaineering, skimo combines cross-country skiing, uphill hiking (often with poles), and trail running through mountainous terrain. Races typically cover distances from 5km to over 40km, depending on format, and require athletes to navigate steep ascents and descents using both skis and mountain boots. The key twist? Athletes carry their skis on their backs during non-skiing sections—think of it as ultra-endurance orienteering with altitude.

Unlike traditional skiing events that focus solely on speed or technique, skimo tests mental toughness, physical resilience, and navigational skills. It’s often described as “skiing meets adventure racing,” and has quietly built a passionate global following since its formalisation under FIS (International Ski Federation) rules in the early 2010s.

Why the Sudden Buzz Around Skimo?

While skimo has long existed as a niche activity in Europe and North America, its surge in mainstream awareness can be traced to two major developments:

First, the International Olympic Committee announced in 2023 that skimo would be added to the 2026 Winter Olympics program—marking its first-ever appearance at the Games. Second, Australian athletes have increasingly dominated international podiums in recent years, proving the country can compete at the highest level despite lacking deep Olympic winter sports infrastructure.

According to traffic data tracking public interest, searches for “skimo Australia” and “skimo Olympic” spiked by nearly 300% in late 2025 alone, with peak engagement occurring after ABC News broke the story of Australian competitors securing spots for Milano Cortina 2026.

Recent Updates: Who’s Going to the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The official line-up for Australia’s skimo team was confirmed in January 2026, with three athletes earning selection based on strong performances at World Cup events and national trials held in Kosciuszko National Park.

Lara Hamilton, a 28-year-old from Perisher Valley, stands out as the most high-profile contender. Working part-time jobs including barista shifts and DJ gigs to fund her training, Hamilton has become something of an unlikely poster child for the sport. As reported by The Guardian, she describes skimo as “the ultimate test of everything I’ve learned about myself—endurance, humility, and pushing past fear.”

Hamilton’s journey mirrors that of many Australian skimoiners: self-funded, reliant on volunteer coaches, and deeply connected to local alpine communities. Her presence signals not just individual achievement, but a broader cultural shift—where remote outdoor enthusiasts are now seen as legitimate Olympic athletes.

Other selected athletes include Ben O’Donnell, a former triathlete turned full-time skimoiner, and emerging talent Chloe McConville, who recently won gold at the Asian Cup in Japan. All three have expressed excitement about representing Australia on home soil during the Games’ opening ceremonies.

Historical Context: From Backcountry Explorer to Global Phenomenon

Although skimo’s modern rules were codified only two decades ago, its roots stretch back centuries. Indigenous peoples of the Andes and Himalayas used similar techniques for survival and travel long before the invention of metal skis or GPS devices. In the 20th century, European mountaineers began organising informal races combining skiing and trekking—but it wasn’t until the 1990s that organised competitions emerged.

Australia entered the scene later than much of Europe. The first documented skimo race in the Southern Hemisphere took place in Victoria in 2008, while the Australian Skimo Federation (ASF) wasn’t formally established until 2015. Yet participation grew rapidly thanks to accessible alpine terrain and a culture of “leave no trace” outdoor ethics.

Today, clubs operate out of resorts like Thredbo, Falls Creek, and Mount Buller in Victoria, offering weekend clinics and seasonal challenges. Unlike Alpine skiing—which requires expensive lifts and gear—skimo can be practiced with relatively modest equipment: skis, boots, skins (climbing skins for grip), poles, and a backpack.

This democratising effect has helped foster a strong sense of community. Many participants describe skimo as “inclusive” and “adventurous,” appealing to those who want to challenge themselves beyond resort boundaries.

Immediate Effects: How Skimo Is Changing Australian Sports Culture

The inclusion of skimo at the Olympics has already triggered tangible changes within Australia’s sporting ecosystem.

Grassroots Growth: State governments have begun earmarking funds for trail development and coach education. New Zealand’s Snow Sports Association has even partnered with the ASF to run joint training camps, recognising skimo as a potential pipeline for future talent.

Media Spotlight: Mainstream outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald and ABC News have dedicated features to Australian skimoiners, shifting perceptions from “backcountry hobbyists” to serious competitors. Social media campaigns featuring hashtags like #SkimoAus have gone viral, especially among younger demographics.

Economic Impact: Local economies in regional NSW and Victoria are benefiting from increased tourism. Guided skimo tours are selling out months in advance, and rental shops report soaring demand for skin kits and navigation tools.

Perhaps most significantly, skimo is challenging traditional notions of what constitutes an “Olympic sport.” By emphasising self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and personal grit over sponsorship deals or corporate backing, it offers an alternative narrative to commercialised winter sports.

Future Outlook: Will Skimo Stay in the Olympics?

That depends on several factors—including performance results, fan engagement, and evolving IOC priorities.

Historically, the IOC tends to retain sports that demonstrate broad appeal and logistical feasibility. With skimo’s compact format (races last 1–3 hours max), low carbon footprint compared to spectator-heavy events, and strong youth uptake in digital channels, it’s well-positioned to survive the next round of Olympic evaluations.

However, critics argue that without stronger institutional support—such as dedicated training centres or national funding—countries like Australia risk falling behind European powerhouses with decades of head start. This could limit medal potential and undermine long-term sustainability.

Still, skimo’s ethos aligns closely with contemporary values: sustainability, accessibility, and individual empowerment. If current trends hold, we may see not just continued Olympic presence, but eventual expansion into Paralympic categories and youth Games.

A Window Into the Future of Adventure Sport

More than just a race, skimo represents a broader movement toward hybrid athletic disciplines that blend endurance, strategy, and connection to nature. Its rapid ascent—from obscure mountain pastime to Olympic staple—offers valuable lessons about how grassroots innovation can reshape global sporting landscapes.

For Australians, skimo is also a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come from flashy stadiums or billion-dollar budgets. Sometimes, it emerges from muddy trails, freezing winds, and the quiet determination of someone chasing a dream on borrowed skis and a shoestring budget.

As Lara Hamilton prepares to step onto the Olympic stage in 2026, she carries with her not just hopes for a medal, but the belief that skimo can inspire a generation to look beyond the snowline and discover their own mountains.

And if history teaches us anything, those peaks—whether real or metaphorical—are always worth climbing.

Sources:
- Skimo is coming, here's what you need to know – ABC News
- Milano Cortina 2026: The newest Olympic sport has the oldest history - and is a window into the future – Sydney Morning Herald
- [A part-time job and DJ gigs helped Lara Hamilton reach the Winter Olympics. Now she wants to put Australia on the map](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/17/lara-hamilton-w