What is Skimo? The new Olympic sport of ski mountaineering explained originally appeared on Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Thursday marked the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering.
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Yes, this is another form of skiing, known simply as “skimo”.
Both the women’s and men’s races will have separate heats on Thursday, with the final sprint beginning at approximately 8 a.m. ET.
This is not a completely unfamiliar sport. After all, this is still skiing.
But to be sure, things are different.
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What is Skimo?
“Skimo” means ski mountaineering, as the name suggests.
Competitors ski down steep slopes often referred to as mountains.
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It has elements of alpine skiing, including downhill descents, but also has difficult climbing sections.
According to the official Olympic website, the sport has deep roots in Italy and the Alps, making it the perfect Olympic debut.
In addition to the men’s and women’s sprint events, there is also a mixed relay event.
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What makes ski mountaineering unique?
Ski mountaineering has a higher altitude than other ski sports. Competitors must climb up and down various terrains.
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It doesn’t have the very defined downhill skiing lines of a slalom race, and is much flatter than a cross-country ski race.
Hence, ski mountaineering.