IOC votes to continue ski mountaineering for 2030 Games

Austria's Paul Verbnjak competes during a ski mountaineering men's sprint heat, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- The International Olympic Committee, meeting in an extraordinary session, on Thursday approved adding ski mountaineering, which made its Olympic debut in Milan-Cortina this year, to the 2030 Winter Games program.

The IOC has gathered in Lausanne to review initiatives launched by Kirsty Coventry since her election last June as its president.

After approving changes to the Olympic charter and grants for competitors on the opening day, the session on Thursday ratified a decision taken earlier in June by the IOC Executive Board to make ski mountaineering an “additional sport” for the 2030 Games in and around the French Alps.

“Skimo” requires athletes, racing side-by-side, to negotiate uphill climbs on ski and foot before descending by ski.

There were three events at Milan-Cortina - men’s and women’s sprints and a mixed relay. The proposal for 2030 adds men’s and women’s relays.

“The competition format delivered exciting head-to-head racing, even in challenging weather conditions – with strong engagement from spectators, a good atmosphere, a format that was easy to follow and observe, and clear competitive value,” Karl Stoss, the chair of Olympic Programme Working Committee, told Thursday’s session.

He said his committee was attracted by skimo’s “youth appeal,” and “recognized the sport’s potential to add meaningful value to the program...and its ability to enhance diversity, authenticity and appeal.”

The addition of the sport, with a proposed quota of 72 athletes, could create pressure for cuts elsewhere.

Decisions covering the full 2030 program, including the disciplines to be included and the number of events and athletes, will not be finalised until later this summer.

Nordic combined, which consists of ski jumping and cross-country skiing, is under scrutiny. Freeride skiing and snowboarding on longboards, could potentially be introduced.