Snow Australia SkiMo Festival 2025

Perisher, 20-21 September

Snow Australia is organising this Ski Mountaineering event weekend in partnership with Perisher Resort.

Events Details

What: Ski Mountaineering
Events: Mini Individual / Vertical TBC
Where: Perisher
When: 20-21 September, 2025
Who: Open to all Snow Australia members 

SkiMo - What is it?

Ski Mountaineering, or SkiMo, is a new Winter Olympic sport that will be contested for the first time in Milano-Cortina 2026. Though the SkiMo World Cup series features other race formats, such as the Individual and Vertical events, the 2026 Olympic schedule includes a Sprint and a Mixed Relay.

SkiMo Mini-Individual

A SkiMo Individual event typically has a minimum of three ascents and descents. Race times vary depending on the event, but top racers should complete the event in 1.5-2 hours, with a minimum elevation gain of 1,300 metres. Individual Races are set on challenging trails and include a mass start of all competitors. 

This Mini-Individual event is designed for both elite and new SkiMo participants to compete together on a looped course. The number of laps, final course length and design will depend on snow conditions, but the aim is for the fastest competitors to complete the event in around 20-30 minutes.

Categories

• Open Men
• Open Women
• Masters Men
• Masters Women
• Youth Men (U18)
• Youth Women (U18)

Program - PRELIMINARY

Saturday, September 20

• Vertical
  - approx 10.00am - mass start
  - afterwards, Mini-Individual course open for training

Sunday, September 21

• Mini-Individual
  - approx 10.00am - course to be open for training
  - approx 11.00am - mass start

Equipment

International SkiMo events have strict equipment and clothing requirements. As this is the first event to be held in Australia and specific SkiMo equipment may be difficult to obtain, some requirements are being relaxed.

Mandatory Equipment

• Skis with metal edges and retention device
  (the lighter the better)
• Bindings (alpine touring recommended)
• Boots
• Skins (must cover 50% of ski length)
• Poles
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Backpack

Recommended Equipment

• Eyewear
• Three layers of clothing on top
• Two layers of clothing on bottom

Course

Mini-Individual

The preliminary plan is for the Mini-Individual to take place at the junction below the Olympic T-Bar in the Dog Leg, Olympic and Quad Face area. 

Vertical

The Vertical course is to be in the same area as the Mini-Individual, maximising the amount of available climb.

Registration

Snow Australia Membership

All entrants must be members of Snow Australia. New members can sign up for a SkiMo Sport Racer membership. Existing Snow Australia competitors from another discipline (Cross Country, Alpine, Freestyle, Snowboard) are eligible to enter using their current race licence. Entrants may also opt for a day licence (with additional $10 fee).

Entry Fees

• Both Vertical and Mini-Individual Open/Masters - $75 (racing members)
  - single event $50
• Both Mini-Individual Youth (U18) - $60 (racing members)
  - single event $40

Note - no lift access is included with the entry fee. To access ski lifts entrants will need to hold a Perisher season or day pass.

Contact

For more information about the event format and suitable equipment, contact Brian Lichi on blichi@snow.org.au or mobile 0435 426 046.

Supported by: