Ski mountaineering to return for 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics

Ski mountaineering, or skimo, will remain on the Winter Olympic program for the French Alps 2030 Games.

IOC members approved the inclusion Thursday, two weeks after the IOC Executive Board approved skimo for 2030.

“We all recognized the sport’s potential to add meaningful value to the program, supported by its strong presence in Alpine regions, and its ability to enhance diversity, authenticity and appeal, while building on its growing Olympic moment,” said Karl Stoss, the IOC’s chair of the Olympic program commission.

The intention is to grow the skimo event program from three events in 2026 — men’s and women’s sprints and a mixed relay — to five events in 2030, adding longer men’s and women’s individual races.

The IOC plans decide on the number of events, as well as finalizing the entire 2030 event program, in the coming weeks.

At the Milan Cortina Games, France topped the skimo medal standings with one of every color, including gold in the mixed team event. The best U.S. finish was fourth in the team event (Anna Gibson and Cam Smith).

French Alps organizers plan to hold skimo in the Briançonnais region along the Italian boarder, which is already slated to host freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

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The IOC approved proposals to change venues from French Alps 2030 organizers.