History of Ski mountaineering in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 19, 2026

Ski mountaineering is a sport involving climbing mountains, either on skis or carrying them, and then skiing down. It utilizes specialized equipment, primarily free-heel telemark skis or modified alpine skis with free-heel functionality for ascents and fixed-heel for descents. This discipline can be enjoyed recreationally or pursued as a competitive sport.

1924: Military patrol at the Winter Olympics

In 1924, Military patrol was an official event at the Winter Olympics.

1928: Military patrol as a demonstration event

In 1928, Military patrol was a demonstration event at the Winter Olympics.

1936: Military patrol as a demonstration event

In 1936, Military patrol was a demonstration event at the Winter Olympics.

1948: Military patrol as a demonstration event

In 1948, Military patrol was a demonstration event at the Winter Olympics.

1992: CISAC sanctioned European Championship

From 1992, the Comité International du Ski-Alpinisme de Compétition (CISAC) sanctioned the European Championship.

1999: CISAC merged with International Council for Ski Mountaineering Competitions

In 1999, the CISAC merged with the International Council for Ski Mountaineering Competitions.

2007: South American Ski Mountaineering Championship and Asian Championship of Ski Mountaineering

In 2007, the first South American Ski Mountaineering Championship and the first Asian Championship of Ski Mountaineering took place.

2008: International Council for Ski Mountaineering Competitions became ISMF

In 2008, the International Council for Ski Mountaineering Competitions became the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF).

2009: End of CISAC sanctioned European Championship

In 2009, the Comité International du Ski-Alpinisme de Compétition (CISAC) stopped sanctioning the European Championship.

2012: First North American Ski Mountaineering Championship

In 2012, the first North American Ski Mountaineering Championship, sanctioned by the United States Ski Mountaineering Association, was held.

2020: Ski Mountaineering Debut at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics

In 2020, Ski Mountaineering had a successful debut at the Winter Youth Olympics.

July 2021: Ski Mountaineering added as an optional sport at the 2026 Winter Olympics

In July 2021, the International Olympic Committee announced that Ski Mountaineering had been added as an optional sport at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.

October 2021: Competition venue chosen for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games

In October 2021, the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games announced that the resort of Bormio was chosen as the competition venue for the event.