From Cycling to Skiing: The Rise of Skimo and the Endurance Athlete Crossover
Skimo, or ski mountaineering, is poised to become the next substantial thing in the endurance sports world. Already a favorite among elite athletes from cycling, running and triathlon, the sport’s debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy, is set to catapult it into the mainstream. But what exactly is skimo, and why are so many top-tier athletes trading their bikes and running shoes for skis and climbing skins?
What Makes Skimo So Appealing to Endurance Athletes?
Skimo isn’t just about skiing downhill. It’s a full-body, cardiovascular challenge that combines uphill sprints, technical climbing, and fast descents. This unique blend demands a massive VO2 max, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and a high tolerance for suffering – qualities already honed by endurance athletes. As former professional cyclist Joe Dombrowski puts it, the uphill segments are akin to a “watt test,” requiring sustained, high-intensity effort.
The Physiological Demands of Ski Mountaineering
Successful skimo racers boast VO2 Max figures comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, those of WorldTour cyclists. The sport’s steep gradients necessitate a low body weight, mirroring the physique of elite climbers like Tadej Pogačar. However, skimo isn’t solely about power. It also requires technical skill in transitions – efficiently switching between skiing, boot-packing, and skiing again – and navigating varied terrain.
Beyond the Physical: The Gear and the Obsession
Like cycling, skimo is a gear-obsessed sport. Athletes invest in lightweight skis, specialized boots, and efficient skins, constantly seeking the optimal setup. The equipment is expensive and fragile, requiring meticulous maintenance and a willingness to accept mechanical failures. The International Ski Mountaineering Federation has even mandated minimum weights for equipment to ensure safety, a parallel to discussions around bike weight limits in professional cycling.
Elite Athletes Embracing Skimo
Several high-profile endurance athletes have already embraced skimo. Cyclists Quinn Simmons, Michael Woods, and Joe Dombrowski are actively competing, drawn by the sport’s physiological similarities to cycling. Trail running champions Cam Smith and Anna Gibson are representing Team USA at the Olympics, demonstrating the crossover potential. World-renowned mountain runners Kilian Jornet and Rémi Bonnet are also prominent figures in the skimo world.
The Allure for Retired Pros
For retired professional cyclists like Michael Woods and Joe Dombrowski, skimo offers a new challenge that leverages their existing fitness base. Dombrowski, who recently finished second in a French national cup race, highlights the transferable skills from cycling, particularly in uphill efforts. The transition to skimo allows these athletes to continue pushing their limits in a new and exciting environment.
Olympic Skimo: Sprint and Relay Formats
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature two skimo disciplines: sprint and team relay. The sprint races are short, intense bursts of effort, although the team relay involves two athletes – one male and one female – completing ascents and descents in a tag-team format. These formats are designed to be spectator-friendly and easily adaptable for television coverage.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Skimo
The inclusion of skimo in the Winter Olympics is expected to drive significant growth in the sport. As more athletes discover the challenge and excitement of ski mountaineering, we can anticipate increased participation and innovation in equipment and training methods. Longer-format events, like the Pierra Menta, which emphasize technical skill and mountain experience, may gain prominence as the sport evolves.
FAQ
What is skimo? Skimo, or ski mountaineering, is a winter sport that combines uphill climbing with skis, hiking, and downhill skiing.
What kind of fitness is required for skimo? Skimo demands a high VO2 max, a low power-to-weight ratio, and excellent endurance.
What equipment is needed for skimo? Skimo requires specialized skis, boots, bindings, skins, poles, and appropriate clothing.
Where will the Olympic skimo events take place? The Olympic skimo events will be held at the Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio, Italy.
Is skimo only for experienced skiers? While experience is helpful, athletes from various endurance backgrounds, including cycling and running, are successfully transitioning to skimo.
Did you know? The Stelvio Pass, host to the Olympic skimo events, is also a legendary climb in the Giro d’Italia.
Pro Tip: Focus on efficient transitions between skiing, boot-packing, and skiing to maximize your speed in skimo races.
Ready to learn more about endurance sports and athlete crossovers? Explore our articles on cycling, running, and triathlon for more insights.
