Chinese ski mountaineers hope for debut 2026 Olympic breakthrough

China's ski mountaineering team have been training in the Italian Alps ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The sport will debut for the first time at the Milano-Cortina games in February.

Ski mountaineering - or SkiMo - is physically challenging. Participants must climb mountains on foot wearing specialist ski equipment, including modified skins on the bottom of their skis enabling them to climb at an angle.

By contrast, in Alpine skiing, competitors simply use a ski lift to ascend up the slopes.

After quickly removing the skins, SkiMo participants descend down the slopes, skiing at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Traditionally the sport has been dominated by European Alpine nations but China's team hopes to break through and qualify for the 2026 games.

Italian Andrea Gianni, a former railway engineer on China's high speed rail project turned Chinese national SkiMo coach, has been working with Chinese athletes since 2016. During this time he's witnessed remarkable progress.

"I've seen them almost starting from zero," Gianni, told CGTN. "They have put a lot of determination and willingness to learn. I think this is what is making it possible to get to this level of international high competition."

Gianni is leading preparations with Six Olympic hopefuls near his hometown at Passo del Tonale, a ski resort at 1884m altitude, in the Alps.

"I'm very impressed at how China is taking all of the winter sports seriously, but in particular this discipline," he added.

Every day, alongside gym work and running, the team practices uphill sprinting in the snow, quick equipment changes and downhill skiing. In a SkiMo race, competitors must be able to switch in and out of skis and also carry all equipment on their backs.

Two SkiMo events are scheduled for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the men and women's sprints and the mixed relay. Only 18 men and women can qualify.

Ski-mountaineer Yisimaer Tuohetaeraili, from the Xinjiang autonomous region told CGTN it would be a dream to represent China at the games.

"I really want to work hard, so I can stand on that podium, and hear the Chinese anthem," said Tuohetaeraili.