What is skimo racing?

Transcript

Strength, stamina, focus, and agility: Key attributes for athletes competing in the [skimo racing] events, an Olympic event for the first time at Lausanne 2020.

Athletes race over snow-covered terrain in testing conditions, combining both skiing and mountaineering. It's a race, and the first to cross the finish line wins.

Athletes compete in three different events. The shortest is the sprint, a race for individuals. The athletes go up the course on skis and on foot. Then, it's down to the bottom on skis as fast as possible—the first to get down wins.

The individual event is longer. Endurance and stamina are tested here in a race lasting up to 90 minutes. The course is made up of three ascents and three fast and furious descents. The first to get down wins.

The relay event features teams of four, two men and two women. This time with two ascents and two descents. Again, it's a race with the first team to finish taking the gold.

The equipment in [skimo racing] is different. The skis feature detachable skins, which allow the athletes to ski uphill without sliding backward. The skis are also lighter, which makes them easier to carry for the sections on foot. Ski boots are also adapted for quick opening which makes it easier and faster for athletes to switch between uphill and downhill sections of the course.

In short, [skimo racing] is a test of balance, decision-making, and razor-sharp reflexes.