Kilian Jornet Prepares for Ski Mountaineering’s Olympic Debut

Ski mountaineering, often referred to as SkiMo, will make its Olympic debut at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Renowned athlete Kilian Jornet, a multiple-time SkiMo World Cup champion, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m excited to watch the races.” Although Jornet will not be competing, he is contributing as a coach for the Spanish team.

Jornet, who grew up in the Spanish Pyrenees, has an impressive background in mountaineering, holding the fastest known times (FKT) for both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. His VO2 Max, a measure of aerobic endurance, is among the highest ever recorded, highlighting his exceptional fitness level. As he prepares for the Olympics, Jornet reflects on the unique challenges and demands of SkiMo.

Understanding the Olympic Course

The Olympic SkiMo course will differ significantly from the mountainous terrains Jornet is accustomed to. Typically, SkiMo participants use cross-country skiing techniques to ascend and alpine skiing techniques for descent. “If there isn’t much snow, it becomes a combination of cross-country skiing, mountaineering, and free riding,” Jornet explained.

In Milano, athletes will face a single ascent of approximately 70 meters (about 230 feet), while the mixed team event will require each male and female competitor to complete two ascents of around 120-150 meters (400-500 feet). Competitors will climb on skis until conditions necessitate a switch to boots, followed by a rapid transition back to skiing for the descent. Jornet estimates that a single run could take about three minutes, with team events taking around double that time.

The Demands of SkiMo

SkiMo requires total body commitment and exceptional endurance. Over the past year, Jornet has been coaching Oriol Cardona, a promising member of the Spanish SkiMo team. The duo is focusing on both physical training and the technical aspects of the sport. “There aren’t any big secrets in SkiMo training,” Jornet noted. “We’ve known for decades what works.”

The cardiovascular demands of SkiMo are immense. Jornet emphasized the sport’s requirement for strength, endurance, and a unique blend of skills. “Your muscles need to be strong to carry this weight uphill,” he explained, “but coming downhill, it’s the complete opposite muscles doing eccentric work.” He highlighted how SkiMo requires different physical adaptations than those seen in traditional alpine or cross-country skiing.

Athletes must also master quick transitions, which Jornet describes as one of the sport’s most challenging elements. As competitors reach the summit, they must swiftly remove their climbing skins to prepare for the descent, all while managing high heart rates and muscular exertion. “It requires flexibility and coordination,” he added.

Nutrition plays a critical role in training. Jornet estimates that a typical SkiMo athlete burns around 4,000 calories per day, typically fueled by a high-carbohydrate diet. During the Olympic event, preparation will be crucial, as athletes will eat before the race, whereas multi-stage events require them to carry food supplies.

The Journey to Elite Performance

Building the endurance required for SkiMo can take years. Jornet dedicated up to 25 hours weekly in his younger years to training, focusing on aerobic capacity and strength. He underscored the importance of efficiency and technical proficiency in the sport.

Jornet has also engaged in research to enhance his understanding of the psychological aspects of competition, collaborating with experts in psychology and biophysics. “You can be very strong, but if you don’t know how to glide the ski or execute a transition, you will lose time,” he emphasized.

Jornet’s resilience is legendary. In May 2017, he climbed Everest without supplemental oxygen in just 26 hours, and then repeated the ascent five days later, achieving the summit in 17 hours. Following a dislocated shoulder during the Hardrock 100 Endurance Race, he famously reset his shoulder and continued to win the race.

“Pain tolerance often distinguishes elite athletes,” Jornet pointed out. He believes that a strong desire to overcome discomfort is essential for success. While training builds endurance, personal motivation drives athletes to excel.

Getting Started in Ski Mountaineering

For those interested in SkiMo, Jornet recommends gaining knowledge about snow conditions and avalanche risks before venturing off-piste. He advises aspiring athletes to consider hiring a mountain guide for initial experiences.

Building fitness through aerobic activities is essential, and Jornet suggests exercises like squats, box jumps, and running. “It’s a combination of physical exercise, adrenaline, and fun,” he noted.

As the Olympic Games approach, SkiMo athletes prepare to showcase their skills on an international stage. With Jornet’s coaching and expertise, the Spanish team aims for success in this demanding sport, marking a historic moment in the alpine community.