Ski mountaineering, a unique blend of alpine skiing and mountain climbing, will make its debut at the 9th Asian Winter Games this Sunday. The competition will take place at Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin, coinciding with the opening of the games this Friday.
The event will showcase the sport’s competitive nature, featuring men’s and women’s short-distance sprints, along with a mixed-team relay. Ski mountaineering emphasizes endurance, technical climbing skills, and precise skiing ability.
The inclusion of ski mountaineering in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, announced in 2021, adds further importance to the Asian Winter Games, making it a key testing ground for athletes ahead of the global competition.
The Chinese ski mountaineering team, founded in November 2022, has quickly become a dominant force in Asia. They made history at the 2024 Asian Ski Mountaineering Championships, winning a record seven gold medals. This success boosts their chances of a strong showing at the Asian Winter Games, where they aim to further raise the sport’s profile in China.
“The team is in good shape,” said Zhang Yaohua, coach of the Chinese team. “The Asian Winter Games offer a crucial chance for our athletes to gain experience in a multi-sport setting.”
On Friday, Chinese athletes began their first training session on the snow-covered course, their faces filled with excitement.
“Our competitors from Japan, South Korea, and other countries are also focusing more on this sport,” said Ci Luo, the Chinese team leader. “Competing at home adds an extra sense of pride. A strong performance here will boost our confidence as we prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics,” Ci added.
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