Best ever British result in Ski Mountaineering World Cup
GB SkiMo's Iain Innes delivered the best-ever result by a British athlete at a Ski Mountaineering World Cup yesterday, finishing 24th in an elite international field.
25th of March 2026, Puy-Saint-Vincent, France. Photo credit: ISMF
The result marks a historic milestone for British ski mountaineering at World Cup level in what is widely regarded as the sport’s most demanding discipline, the Individual race.
Ski mountaineering - an endurance winter sport combining uphill ski climbing, technical boot packs, carrying skis, and high-speed descents - made it’s Olympic debut at Milano-Cortina 2026 with the Sprint and Mixed Relay. The World Cup circuit represents the highest level of international competition outside of the Olympics and World Championships.
The Individual race at Puy-Saint-Vincent featured approximately 1630 metres of vertical ascent and took the leading competitors around 90 minutes to complete, with athletes tackling multiple climbs and technical transitions at altitude. The field was dominated by elite competitors from traditional powerhouse nations such as France, Switzerland and Italy, countries that have historically dominated the sport.
Britain has never finished inside the top 30 at World Cup level in the Individual discipline. Innes’ 24th-place finish sets a new benchmark for British performance in the format.
Innes remained competitive throughout the race, managing the early pace on the opening climb before moving through the field during the mid-race transitions. Strong technical sections and controlled descents allowed him to consolidate position in the latter stages of the course.
Speaking after the event, Innes said:
“To achieve Britain’s best-ever result in the Individual discipline is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“The level at World Cup is exceptionally high, so this shows that British athletes can compete closer to the front of the sport. It’s an important step forward.”
The Individual discipline is considered the purest test in ski mountaineering, demanding sustained aerobic capacity, efficient transitions, and technical proficiency across varied alpine terrain. Performances at this level are often seen as the clearest indicator of an athlete’s all-round capability within the sport.
Innes will next compete at Tour du Rutor, and World Cup Finals in Villars, as he continues his campaign.
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