See the world in vertical: Top photos from Week 2 of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

In a thrilling display of athletic prowess and endurance, elite competitors from Italy, Germany, Spain, and Austria battled against each other in the ski mountaineering mixed relay event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy. The dramatic competition, captured on February 21, 2026, showcased Italy’s Michele Boscacci alongside Germany’s Finn Hoesch, Spain’s Oriol Cardona Coll, and Austria’s Paul Verbnjak as they navigated the challenging alpine course.

The event marks a historic milestone for the sport of ski mountaineering, commonly known as “skimo,” which made its Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. After years of campaigning by international sporting federations and growing popularity among winter sports enthusiasts, the International Olympic Committee officially added ski mountaineering to the Olympic program in 2021.

Bormio, a renowned winter sports destination in the Italian Alps, provided a spectacular backdrop for the competition. The picturesque Lombardy region town, with its storied skiing tradition, delivered challenging terrain that tested the athletes’ technical skills and physical endurance throughout the mixed relay format.

Ski mountaineering combines elements of alpine skiing with mountaineering, requiring athletes to ascend and descend mountain terrain using specialized lightweight equipment. The mixed relay format adds an additional layer of strategy and teamwork as nations field both male and female competitors who must coordinate their efforts across multiple legs of the race.

Italy’s Boscacci, competing on home soil, entered the event as one of the favorites. A decorated veteran in World Cup competitions, Boscacci has long been considered among the sport’s elite. His participation represented Italy’s strong tradition in the discipline, with the host nation having dominated international skimo competitions for years.

Germany’s rising star Finn Hoesch demonstrated why he’s considered the future of the sport, showcasing remarkable uphill efficiency and downhill technique throughout the relay. Spain’s representative, Oriol Cardona Coll, a consistent performer on the international circuit, leveraged his experience in high-altitude competitions to navigate the challenging course.

Austria’s Paul Verbnjak, known for his explosive climbing ability, rounded out the group of featured competitors. The Austrian team entered the competition with high expectations after strong results in pre-Olympic World Cup events.

The competition unfolded against the backdrop of growing international interest in ski mountaineering, which has seen participation numbers surge over the past decade. What was once considered a niche alpine pursuit has transformed into a mainstream winter sport with dedicated athletes and sophisticated training programs.

Industry experts note that the Olympic inclusion has already boosted equipment sales and participation rates worldwide. Manufacturers of specialized ski mountaineering gear have reported significant market growth as recreational enthusiasts seek to emulate their Olympic heroes.

“The Olympic platform provides unprecedented exposure for ski mountaineering,” said Marco Rossi, president of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation, in a pre-event statement. “We’re witnessing the sport’s evolution from its traditional alpine roots to a global competitive discipline with broad appeal.”

The Bormio venue, selected for its combination of technical terrain and spectator accessibility, allowed audiences both on-site and through global broadcasts to appreciate the unique challenges of the sport. Course designers incorporated steep climbs, technical ridges, and challenging descents to showcase the complete skill set required of elite competitors.

Beyond the athletic competition, the event highlighted the sport’s connection to alpine culture and environmental stewardship. Unlike many winter sports that require extensive infrastructure development, ski mountaineering utilizes natural mountain terrain with minimal environmental impact.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, the ski mountaineering competitions are expected to draw increasing attention from sports enthusiasts discovering the discipline for the first time through Olympic coverage. With additional individual and team events scheduled in the coming days, the athletes competing in Bormio are pioneering a new chapter for their sport on the world’s biggest athletic stage.