Ski Mountaineering involves skiing up and down mountains through check points on a pre-determined route. Specially designed lightweight equipment enables racers to ski uphill with skins on their skis, carry their skis on their packs when the terrain is very steep and then stiffen their boots and fix their heel to the skis to descend as in downhill skiing.

Races vary in length and style. In the Individual race, there is often a shorter course option for those thinking about getting into the sport. There are also Team races, shorter Sprint races, a Vertical only race and a Relay race for a group of athletes.