Ski mountaineering will continue expanding its presence within the Olympic movement. The 146th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), held in Lausanne, officially approved the inclusion of this discipline as an additional sport for the Alpes 2030 Winter Olympic Games. The decision represents important recognition for a discipline that combines endurance, technique, and a close connection with high mountain environments, consolidating the growth it has experienced in recent years across different parts of the world.
The addition of ski mountaineering comes after its successful debut in the Olympic program at Milano Cortina 2026. Driven by the Alpes 2030 French Organising Committee and supported by the IOC Olympic Programme Working Group, the proposal includes five events across two disciplines and the participation of 72 athletes. Although further decisions from the IOC Executive Board are still pending regarding final quotas and the definitive competition structure, the approval marks a significant step forward for the upcoming Games.
A sport that reflects the identity of the Alps
One of the main arguments supporting the inclusion of ski mountaineering was its deep connection with the host region. During the presentation to the IOC Session, the chair of the Olympic Programme Working Group, Karl Stoss, highlighted that this discipline brings diversity, authenticity, and appeal to the Olympic programme, while naturally representing the spirit of Alpine communities. For organisers, ski mountaineering is not only a competition, but also a cultural expression connected to the mountains.
The vision was shared by the president of the Alpes 2030 Organising Committee, Edgar Grospiron, who defended the proposal by emphasising that ski mountaineering is part of the landscape, nature, and identity of the Alps. His words reflect the symbolic value that the discipline holds for the region, where generations of athletes have developed a close relationship with the mountains. This territorial connection was considered a key element in strengthening the Games and providing an authentic experience for both athletes and spectators.
The Olympic growth that convinced the IOC
The approval for Alpes 2030 is also based on the results achieved following ski mountaineering’s arrival in the Olympic programme. According to Karl Stoss, the competitions held at Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrated a high level of appeal for audiences thanks to a dynamic format, easy to follow, and capable of creating exciting head-to-head battles even in challenging weather conditions. The atmosphere generated during the events confirmed that the discipline could connect with new audiences without losing its competitive essence.
The growth of the discipline has also been evident beyond the Games. Since it was added to the Olympic programme in 2021, the number of participating National Olympic Committees has increased by more than 45 percent, while the number of athletes registered in clubs affiliated with the International Ski Mountaineering Federation has more than doubled. These figures reflect the sustained expansion of the discipline and explain why the IOC decided to continue supporting it at Alpes 2030, where the proposed programme includes women’s and men’s individual events, as well as the women’s, men’s, and mixed sprint relays already featured in the Olympic proposal.
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