Every year, ski mountaineering attracts more and more people. It offers a different way to experience the mountains. However, it is a demanding sport that requires suitable preparation, specialist equipment and a good understanding of mountain conditions. For more information, explore our complete guide to ski mountaineering.
- Ski mountaineering combines skiing uphill and descending in the mountains. It requires good fitness and a degree of technical skill.
- Lightweight, suitable equipment is essential, including skis, bindings, boots, climbing skins, technical clothing and safety gear.
- To get started, seek suitable instruction, choose less exposed routes and assess the weather conditions and avalanche risk carefully.
What is ski mountaineering?
Definition and principles
Ski mountaineering, or skimo (short for "ski mountaineering"), is a sport combining endurance, technique and mountain knowledge. It involves climbing snowy slopes under your own power. The ascent is made without ski lifts, using climbing skins attached beneath the skis. The skins are then removed for the descent.
This sport requires good fitness, skiing ability and an understanding of the terrain. Depending on the route and your ability, you can practise skimo on accessible routes or on more technical high-mountain terrain.
From its origins to the Olympic Games
Originally, ski mountaineering was a way to travel through snowy regions without ski lifts. Over the years, it became a recreational activity and then a competitive sport.
One of the best-known events is the Pierra Menta, a race held in Arêches-Beaufort in Savoie. Athletes can also compete in the ISMF World Championships (International Ski Mountaineering Federation). In 2026, ski mountaineering also made its debut at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. Three events were held: the women’s sprint, the men’s sprint and the mixed relay.
Who is ski mountaineering for?
Ski mountaineering is not just for elite athletes or experienced mountaineers. There are different levels, from recreational outings on accessible routes to demanding high-mountain terrain. However, suitable preparation, adequate skiing ability and a good understanding of the risks are essential.
Skimo vs ski touring: the differences
Lighter equipment
Ski mountaineering stands out for its exceptionally light, minimalist equipment. Skis, often made of carbon, generally weigh between 700 and 1200 g each, compared with 800 to 1600 g for ski touring models.
Competition bindings are also ultralight. Ski touring places more emphasis on versatility and stability, with heavier bindings.
Finally, skimo boots prioritise low weight and mobility on the ascent while providing effective power transfer on the descent. Ski touring boots offer greater versatility and comfort.
High-mountain terrain
Ski touring takes place on routes of varying difficulty, chosen for their scenery and accessibility. They may or may not be waymarked.
Ski mountaineering, meanwhile, generally takes place on more committing terrain and is closer to winter mountaineering. Skiers often have to cross technical sections (steep couloirs, ridges, glaciers…). Both activities can, however, take place in the high mountains.
A sporting challenge
Ski touring is primarily a recreational activity. The aim is to enjoy the mountains, climbing and descending at your own pace.
In competition, ski mountaineering focuses above all on performance, elevation gain, speed and efficient transitions. Outside competition, the aim is more to venture onto technical terrain, become more self-reliant in the mountains and explore remote routes.
Greater safety
Skimo and ski touring involve risks from avalanches, changing weather and falls on exposed terrain. Ski mountaineering also carries additional risks associated with high-mountain routes. You may encounter crevasses, steeper slopes or falling rocks.
In avalanche terrain, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are non-negotiable. Training in how to use them is also strongly recommended.
Ski mountaineering equipment
Skis
Ski mountaineering equipment, particularly for competition, is very light to enable a fast ascent. Most skis therefore weigh less than 1200 g each.
The width underfoot determines how a ski performs. In skimo, it is often between 80 and 95 mm, offering a good balance between efficiency on the ascent and stability and comfort on the descent.
Bindings
To keep weight to a minimum, pin bindings are often preferred for ski mountaineering. The Tech/Dynafit system secures the boot at the toe using metal inserts, allowing a natural, fluid walking motion.
For greater security on the descent, some skiers prefer hybrid bindings. These combine an uphill mode with a downhill setup closer to alpine bindings. They provide more support but weigh more.
Footwear
Ski mountaineering boots are more flexible than alpine skiing boots. On the ascent, the cuff’s range of motion makes walking easier and reduces fatigue. On the descent, adequate support and a sufficiently stiff shell improve power transfer and ski control.
Before choosing your ski boots, check carefully that they are compatible with Tech/Dynafit bindings, as this is not always the case.
Climbing skins
Attached beneath the skis, climbing skins are essential for making progress uphill. Ski touring climbing skins and ski mountaineering skins are generally made from a mohair and nylon blend. For competition, mohair is preferred for a smoother, faster glide.
Climbing skins need to be the right width for the skis. Adhesive quality also matters, as cold and moisture can reduce grip and cause the skins to come loose.
Safety gear
Every skier must carry an avalanche safety kit and know how to use it. An avalanche transceiver can locate someone buried in snow who is carrying a compatible device. A shovel is essential for clearing snow quickly once they have been located. Finally, a probe helps pinpoint the person’s position and depth before digging.
Clothing for ski mountaineering
Thermal considerations
On the ascent, even in sub-zero temperatures, your body generates a lot of heat and sweat. At the summit and on the descent, it can cool rapidly because of the wind, reduced activity and damp clothing.
Like ski touring clothing, skimo clothing must wick away sweat on the ascent and retain warmth during breaks and on the descent. A layering system is ideal for this.
The three-layer system
The base layer wicks away moisture, helps prevent you feeling cold and maintains thermal comfort. A merino t-shirt regulates temperature well and helps limit odours. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and wick away sweat effectively. In all cases, avoid cotton: it retains moisture and dries slowly.
The mid-layer provides insulation. Put it on during breaks, at the summit or before the descent, depending on the weather. Choose a thin fleece or lightweight insulated jacket for warmth without restricting movement.
The outer layer protects against wind, snow and precipitation. Several mountaineering garments are suitable. In dry, stable weather, a softshell jacket is ideal thanks to its excellent breathability. In wetter or more exposed conditions, we recommend a hardshell jacket, which is waterproof.
Ski trousers
Like the three upper-body layers, ski mountaineering trousers need to limit heat loss while wicking away sweat. Choose a lightweight softshell pair that resists wind and allows freedom of movement. Ventilation zips can be particularly useful for releasing excess heat on the ascent.
Essential accessories
A few accessories complete a ski mountaineering outfit. A thin beanie protects your head without causing overheating on the ascent. Lightweight gloves for the ascent and overmitts for the descent help keep your hands at a comfortable temperature. A neck gaiter protects your neck and lower face from wind and cold. Finally, glacier sunglasses are recommended in the high mountains for strong UV protection.
Our tips for getting started
Learn from professionals
The best way to get started in ski mountaineering is with proper instruction. The Club alpin français (CAF), now the Fédération française des clubs alpins et de montagne (FFCAM), offers a way to learn gradually from experienced participants. For a more personalised experience, you can also hire a high-mountain guide.
Professionals can teach you how to move through mountain terrain and about mountain-specific risks. They can also offer tips for your first ski touring outings.
Start on suitable terrain
Before tackling technical peaks, you can practise skimo on less exposed terrain. Before every outing, assess the weather conditions and avalanche risk, and choose a route suited to your ability and fitness.
At first, opt for guided beginner outings and routes suited to the conditions on the day. Remember that a technically easy route can still carry a significant avalanche risk, depending on conditions.
Take part in beginner races
Beginners who want to enter ski mountaineering competitions have several options. Some regional ISMF races offer events suited to different ability levels.
For a taste of the legendary atmosphere of Arêches-Beaufort, a one-day race was created as an alternative to the Pierra Menta. Called the Étape de la Pierre, it offers two routes with 900 and 1800 metres of ascent. The first is recommended for regular participants who want to try competition without taking on too much at once. The second is aimed more at experienced participants.
Ski mountaineering is a compelling sport that pushes participants to their limits. To get started safely, you need suitable instruction, a route matched to your ability and the right equipment. You also need to understand how to move through mountain terrain and follow safety rules. With good preparation, you can set out in the best possible conditions.
Photo credits: Grégoire Fauquenoi.
