BORMIO, Italy — Marianne Fatton of Switzerland won the first Olympic gold medal in ski mountaineering Thursday, navigating a challenging course blanketed in heavy snowfall at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy. The debut of the sport, known as “skimo” to enthusiasts, drew a crowd of several thousand spectators despite the harsh conditions, marking a milestone for the discipline after years on the World Cup circuit.
The women’s sprint event saw Fatton finish ahead of France’s Emily Harrop, with Spain’s Ana Alonso Rodriguez taking bronze, a surprising result for a nation not traditionally known for its winter sports prowess. The men’s sprint was won by Oriol Cardona Coll of Spain, further highlighting the country’s unexpected strength in the nascent Olympic discipline.
The course demanded athletes ascend steep slopes using skis equipped with traction-generating “skins,” transition quickly to foot travel while carrying their skis, and then descend, a combination of endurance, technical skill, and speed. The conditions tested even seasoned competitors.
For American athletes like Anna Gibson, the event represented a culmination of dedication to a sport still gaining recognition. Gibson finished ninth, expressing her satisfaction with the result despite not reaching the podium. “We love winter, so I’m here for it,” she said.
Cameron Smith, Gibson’s teammate, echoed the sentiment, describing how he discovered skimo through a backcountry race from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado. “I had no idea what it was or what she was talking about,” Smith recalled, referring to his sister’s initial invitation to participate. Both Smith and Gibson qualified for the semi-finals as “lucky losers,” demonstrating the competitive depth of the field.
The inclusion of ski mountaineering in the Olympics has been hailed as a victory for athletes who have long competed in the sport without the ultimate stage. Lara Hamilton of Australia, who finished last in her heat, exemplifies this sentiment, having transitioned to skimo after failing to qualify for the Olympics in Nordic skiing, track and field, and surfing. “I heard it was going to be in the Olympics, and I very quickly started practicing,” Hamilton said. “Always had the dream to go to the Olympics. I just failed in three different sports until I got one.”
The event wasn’t without its quirks. Athletes were observed employing various methods for carrying their ski skins during the downhill transition, with one competitor opting to store his in his pants. The logistical challenges, such as managing equipment during transitions, added another layer of complexity to the race.
While the debut generated excitement, questions remain about the sport’s long-term Olympic future. Concerns have been raised about whether the addition of skimo simply provides more opportunities for dominant winter sports nations like Switzerland and France to collect medals. The unique demands of the sport, including the need for specialized equipment and terrain, also present logistical hurdles for widespread participation.
Smith and Gibson are scheduled to compete in the mixed relay event on Saturday, hoping to build on their experience and further introduce the sport to a global audience. “It was super fun to be part of this historic moment and help introduce our sport to the world,” Smith said. “You can feel the excitement everyone has to see skimo.”
