The International Olympic Committee has formally approved the inclusion of ski mountaineering as an additional sport on the program for the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games. The decision was ratified during the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, following a recommendation from the IOC Executive Board and a proposal by the French Alps 2030 Organizing Committee.
Rapid Growth and Youth Appeal
Karl Stoss, Chair of the Olympic Programme Working Group, highlighted the sport’s rapid expansion and appeal to younger audiences. Since ski mountaineering was added to the Olympic program in 2021, the number of participating National Olympic Committees has increased by over 45 percent, while registered athlete club members have more than doubled, according to Stoss.
“We recognized the sport’s potential to add meaningful value to the programme, supported by its strong presence in Alpine regions, and its ability to enhance diversity, authenticity and appeal,” Stoss said during the presentation to the IOC Session.
Cultural Significance for Host Region
Edgar Grospiron, President of the French Alps 2030 OCOG, emphasized the cultural importance of the decision. He stated that ski mountaineering is deeply rooted in the history of skiing and the identity of the host region, making it a natural fit for the Alpes 2030 Games.
The sport combines endurance, technical skill, and mountain navigation, with athletes ascending and descending snowy terrain using skis and specialized equipment.
Event Program and Athlete Quota
The planned program for the Alpes 2030 Games features five events across two disciplines, with a total athlete quota of 72. This includes men’s and women’s individual races, as well as the men’s, women’s, and mixed relay sprint events that debuted at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The IOC Executive Board is expected to finalize the specific discipline programs and exact athlete quotas in the coming weeks, following a comprehensive review of data from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. This review will help ensure a balanced and competitive program for Alpes 2030.
Implications for Future Winter Games
The inclusion of ski mountaineering reflects the IOC’s ongoing efforts to modernize the Olympic program and attract younger audiences. The sport’s growth in participation and its deep ties to Alpine culture made it a compelling addition for the French Alps 2030 edition.
Stoss noted that the Olympic Programme Working Group will continue to monitor the sport’s development and may consider further adjustments after the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
