Ski mountaineering facts for kids

Skiing on the Columbia Icefield

Start at Arolla, Patrouille des Glaciers 2006

Ski mountaineering descent on a Norwegian peak.

Mt. Alberta from Columbia Icefield

Ski mountaineering (abbreviated to skimo) is a skiing discipline that involves climbing mountains either on skis or carrying them, depending on the steepness of the ascent, and then descending on skis. There are two major categories of equipment used, free-heel Telemark skis and skis based on Alpine skis, where the heel is free for ascents, but is fixed during descent. The discipline may be practiced recreationally or as a competitive sport.

Competitive ski mountaineering is typically a timed racing event that follows an established trail through challenging winter alpine terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints. Racers climb and descend under their own power using backcountry skiing equipment and techniques. More generally, ski mountaineering is an activity that variously combines ski touring, Telemark, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering.

Images for kids

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  Start of a German Reichswehr military training patrol team in the Giant Mountains, 1932.

See also

In Spanish: Esquí de travesía para niños