How do I get into Ski Mo Racing?

Recreational SkiMo Racing

These races are generally for the first timers starting out and are open to all. The SkiMo race scene in the UK is enabled and championed by Ski Mo Scotland. This race series is held in Scotland each winter. They warmly welcome both newcomers and seasoned competitors.

This series is a brilliant opportunity to see what a race involves, and try it out. For many, this is a chance to have a fun race using their everyday touring kit, without having to invest in race kit without knowing if they enjoy the sport.

Or try one of the several Virtual Skimo Races (self led challenges) with SkiMo Scotland available for when the Scottish snow permits. Race at a time convenient to you, on split board, skis anyway you want. Available for all level of competitors, newcomers and seasoned skimo racers.

When abroad, keep an eye out for local events

Keep an eye out for local events, usually organised by National Bodies (National Series Races) or Local Clubs. See Skimostats.com for lots of information.

Or watch a race, then take advantage of the manufacturers (like Dynafit) accompanying ski touring tryouts.

International Ski Mo Races

National Series Races or Local Clubs organise SkiMo Races see Skimostats.com for lots of information.

Races organised by the ISMF (international ski mountaineering federation) or ‘La Grande Course’ races require competitors to have a racing licence from their home country’s SkiMo federation.

The ISMF races include a ‘World Cup’ series and a biannual European or World Championships. These competitions see teams of athletes competing for their country in sprint, individual, team and vertical races. Each country can put forward 4 male and 4 female athletes for competition in each discipline (sprint, individual etc) at these championships. More details about these race formats can be found here ISMF (ismf-ski.org).

La Grande Course is a series of six long-standing team races held over a two year rolling cycle. Some of these are multi-day stage races across whole mountain ranges. Frequently one of these races is chosen as the ISMF Long Distance Team Championship for that particular season, and with their historical significance these races can be considered to be the Monuments of the sport.

In order to compete in these races, athletes need to have a licence from their home federation. This is essentially to ensure that those applying to compete have the necessary skills and experience to take on the often complex terrain.

In the UK, athletes wishing to be considered for an ISMF licence should consult the BMC Ski Mo Racing Steering Group page for details of the application process.

International Ski Mo Races – Elite Racing

Athlete’s with an 'Elite' licence and a place in the GB Team can compete in ISMF World Championships and ISMF World Cups Races representing GB. The ISMF races include a ‘World Cup’ series and a biannual European or World Championships. These competitions see teams of athletes competing for their country in sprint, individual, team and vertical races. Each country can put forward 4 male and 4 female athletes for competition in each discipline (sprint, individual etc) at these championships. ISMF also organise the Youth and Masters World Championships.

Frequently one of the La Grande Course races is chosen as the ISMF Long Distance Team Championship for that particular season, and with their historical significance these races can be considered to be the Monuments of the sport.

Information can be found here ISMF (ismf-ski.org).

In the UK, athletes wishing to be considered for the GB Ski Mo Racing Team should consult the BMC Selection Policies for Winter GB Teams Selection.

How do I become a Champion?

In the UK, the Governing body for Ski Mountaineering Racing is the British Mountaineering Council, and it is managed by the Ski Mo Racing Steering Group within it.

Find out more information about Ski Mo Racing on the BMC GB Ski Mo webpage.

The process to progress to stardom is:

1. Get a Race Licence. For ISMF events obtained through BMC Ski Mo.
2. Get on the GB Squad. Those who are good enough can try for the GB Squad which is supported by training camps and advice. See the BMC performance news page for how they are getting on.
3. Meet the criteria for Olympic selection of win a World Championship.

But don't worry if you are not yet a ski mo superstar, there is support and guidance available for how to develop in the sport.

Get in touch for any further information or advice by emailing: skimo@thebmc.co.uk