Ski mountaineering makes its Olympics debut in Milan Cortina in 2026. Here's more on this new Olympic sport, its schedule and how to watch.

Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut this year, the first winter sport to do so since 2002. Skeleton, luge, ski jumping and moguls are also getting new events.

Physicians should screen older skiers for cardiac risk, counsel athletes on graded conditioning, and watch for tendinopathy when high-intensity ski alpinism exposure increases.

This sport will make its official Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, alongside seven other new competitions across existing disciplines.

Ski mountaineering originated not as an organized sport but as a means of survival. For thousands of years, people have worn skis due to the practical need to traverse mountainous or hilly terrain during the snowy winter months.