The ISMF Sport & Events Department has announced an important update to the start method for sprint and mixed relay events, effective from 24 January 2025.
New Start Method
To ensure fairness and consistency across all competitions, the ISMF will discontinue the use of the current start gate. This decision follows feedback from the opening events of the season, which highlighted operational challenges with the start gate.
Introducing the “Start by Line” Method
The “start by line” method will now be used for sprint heats, semifinals, and finals, as well as for mixed relay finals. This approach has proven to be more practical and reliable, ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.
Implementation Timeline
The transition to the “start by line” method will apply to all remaining events of the 2024/25 season and the 2025/26 season, including the current Olympic qualification period and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Importantly, this change will not impact the Olympic Ranking Lists.
Commitment to Excellence
The ISMF remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of competition and thanks all athletes, coaches, and national members for their understanding and support during this transition.
For any questions or feedback, the ISMF is available to assist.
About the ISMF:
Founded in 2007, the ISMF is the global governing body for competitive ski mountaineering. Since 2016, the organisation has been officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the sport of ski mountaineering worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 53 national federations located in Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering Senior and Youth World Cups, as well as Masters and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering was a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been included in the programme of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
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