McCann and Trevena claim inaugural SkiMo wins at Perisher

Through some of the most challenging conditions the season has had to offer, eight brave individuals competed in Perisher’s first ever Ski Mountaineering (SkiMo) races.

The weekend brought two exciting events to the slopes, including the first Vertical race held below the Olympic T-Bar, where Daniel Trevena and Ava McCann claimed inaugural victories.

The two-day program showcased both a Vertical race and a Mini-Individual, with competitors ranging from experienced racers to first-timers. Among them were several youth athletes making their SkiMo debuts, delivering standout performances that caught the attention of the field.

Reflecting on her win, overall female champion Ava McCann (below) praised the spirit and effort of the newcomers. 

“I was thrilled to see so many new faces, including two other youth athletes,” McCann said. 

“I think SkiMo is one of the hardest sports in the world, it requires incredible strength and fitness and I was super impressed that the newcomers finished the races and gave it their all, even on much heavier equipment than mine! 

“The course was so much fun, and it was a great treat to be able to do both a vertical and a mini individual in Australia."

Despite variable weather, the Perisher Events team, led by Alan Davis, worked tirelessly to prepare tailored courses for each race. 

For overall Men’s winner Daniel Trevena, the tracks were the right balance between challenge and opportunity. 

“The courses were excellent with some steep terrain in the vertical, a track which was comparable to ISMF sprint races, and as usual the weather added some fun,” Trevena said.

“Hopefully the success of these events leads to more racing and opportunities to try the sport as there are a huge number of people in Australia who’d enjoy and do well at this. 

“Racing skimo is really just about moving fast in the mountains, and who doesn’t love that?"

Snow Australia SkiMo Committee Chair Brian Lichi praised the event as a milestone moment for the sport.

“Through the support of Perisher Resort and our dedicated events team, we’ve been able to bring SkiMo racing to life in the Snowy Mountains,” Lichi said. 

“The energy from the athletes, especially our youth participants, shows the bright future of this sport in Australia and we’re excited to keep building momentum towards Milano-Cortina 2026, where SkiMo will debut on the Olympic stage.”

With two national SkiMo events now successfully delivered this season, the focus turns to the continued growth of the discipline in Australia and international opportunities ahead. 

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open for athletes looking to race on the World Cup circuit - click here.