Australia Set to Compete in 2025/26 Ski Mountaineering World Cup Season

The 2025/26 international Ski Mountaineering (SkiMo) season is set to begin in Solitude with Australian athletes preparing to take on the world’s best in the lead-up to Milano-Cortina 2026, where SkiMo will make its Olympic debut.

While SkiMo does not have an official national team, three Australian athletes - Lara Hamilton, Ava McCann and Isaac Thompson - will proudly represent the green and gold at the opening World Cup of the season in Solitude, USA, from December 5-7.

The trio’s selection follows a strong domestic winter for the emerging discipline, highlighted by the inaugural Falls Creek SkiMo Challenge and Perisher SkiMo events, which saw record participation and enthusiasm from the Australian snowsport community.

Across the past two years, Australia’s presence on the international SkiMo circuit has continued to expand, with athletes gaining valuable experience across sprint, vertical, and individual formats. The upcoming season presents another opportunity for growth and competition at the highest level, as Olympic qualification nears.

Hamilton enters the season following a dedicated training block, making significant adjustments to her usual preparation in order to prioritise SkiMo

"Training has been a real adventure and a lot of firsts, to which I am excited to see if they translate,” Hamilton said.

“For the first time I really focused on skiing preparation in the autumn and fall, and ended my running season early, and things have been progressing really well!

“I am excited to see SkiMo in North America grow. I lived in the mountain west for a long time so it’s so cool to reunite with the world cup scene as a familiar face with hopefully lots of friends."

McCann will line up in Solitude off the back of her final year of school, balancing training with study commitments throughout the spring.

"I’ve been a bit busy with HSC exams, but I’ve managed to squeeze in some training,” McCann said.

“I hope I can get my fitness up after sweating it out in the Sydney sunshine, and I’m looking forward to getting back on snow in Utah and I’m excited to visit Solitude as I loved Soldier Hollow and Park City!"

Snow Australia congratulates Lara, Ava and Isaac.