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Ski Mountaineering

What is Ski Mountaineering?

Ski Mountaineering, also knows as "SkiMo" combines the endurance of a cross-country skier with the skill and strength of an alpine skier.   This is great sport for alpine, cross-country, and all mountain skiers as well mountain bikers and runners.  Our athletes are taught the fundamental skills and efficiency of ski touring before training with an eye on racing. There are a variety of race distances and styles.

  • "Vertical" uphill only (15 min to 1h)
  • "Individual" multiple ascents and descents (1h- multi-hour)
  • "Sprint" race combining all the skills under 4min in heats and finals like cross country skiing sprint races.
  • "Mixed Relay" brings together a team of one male and one female, each who complete 2 legs of around 7 - 10 minutes. 

SkiMo will be making its Olympic Debut at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, featuring the sprint & mixed relay formats.

Our Purpose

The primary objective of the PCSS Ski Mountaineering team is to develop both the skills and passion for ski touring and ski mountaineering. In doing so, we hope to foster a lifelong love for both the outdoors and sport. Skiers will optimize specific ski mountaineering skills and fitness to develop enjoyment and proficiency in the sport.  

Ski Mountaineering Programs

Ski Mountaineering Staff

Adam Loomis

SKIMO Program Director

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Adam is PCSS's Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined and SkiMo Director. As a mountain athlete, he has represented the US as a National Team member for both Skimo and Nordic Combined. Adam is always a competitive ultra runner in his spare time.

Mark Christopherson

DEVO Head Coach

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Born and raised in WI, Mark has lived in Utah since 1987. He's been at Voile Manufacturing, a UT company producing skis, split boards and more since 1992. During the winter, Mark spends his time backcountry skiing and skimo racing. In the summer, you'll find him on the trails on a bike or running. He's completed over 50 ultra marathons to date!

Mark Flis

RACE TEAM HEAD COACH

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Originally from outside of Philadelphia, PA, Mark began the ski journey at the age of 4. The mountains drew Mark to Western Colorado University where he earned degrees in Business Administration and Recreation Leadership while teaching mountaineering and rocking climbing courses for the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, WY. Mark discovered endurance sports through cycling where he spent over a decade racing bikes with a focus on cyclocross. His passion for skiing and endurance sports led Mark to the world of Skimo.