Ascent: Refers to the uphill section during a ski mountaineering race, whether the section is on skis or foot

Bindings: Connect ski mountaineering boots to skis. In ski mountaineering, bindings are flexible and allow skiers to lift their heel during an ascent section and lock in place for the descent. 

Bootpack: The on-foot section during an ascent. In a race, skiers remove their skis in a transition area and place them on the outside of their pack, continuing the next section of the race on ski boots. 

Crampons: A traction device with metal spikes that attach to the bottom of a boot for climbing ice and snow. The ISMF race jury can decide if crampons are mandatory during an on-foot section of a race if conditions are icy. 

DVA: Avalanche Victim Detector. A radio transceiver required in all ski mountaineering competitions for finding avalanche victims in the snow. 

Descent: The downhill section of a ski mountaineering race, with required gates to pass through that make up the course. Reminiscent of a short giant slalom Alpine ski race. 

Diamonds: A variation of the ascent section in a ski mountaineering race that requires athletes to climb uphill in a zig-zag pattern

Handover: Exclusive to the mixed relay race. When an athlete finishes a lap of the mixed relay course, they enter the handover area and tag their partner, who then begins their lap of the race. 

ISMF: Stands for International Ski Mountaineering Federation, the non-governing body of the sport. The ISMF began in 2007 and regulates the rules of international competition as well as managing competitions such as the World Cup and world championships. 

Individual: A discipline of ski mountaineering not included at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. The individual race is considered the most traditional form of ski mountaineering. The course includes three ascents and three descents, up to 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) of total elevation gain, and takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. 

Mixed relay: One of the two disciplines of ski mountaineering at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. Teams comprised of one man and one woman race a circuit two times each, one after the other. The course can include 140-180m (460-590 feet) of elevation and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. 

Race skins: An attachable strip of carpet-like material placed on the bottom of skis during the ascent section of a ski mountaineering race. Skins provide traction for climbing the snow on skis. 

Skimo: The slang term for ski mountaineering. 

Sprint: One of the two disciplines of ski mountaineering at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. A quick race format ascent with skins, a bootpack section and a single descent. The course has up to 70m (230 feet) of elevation gain and takes approximately three minutes to complete. 

Team: The longest discipline of ski mountaineering, not included at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. Teams of two complete a long course of ascents and descents, with a maximum elevation gain of 2,600m (8,530 feet), and takes approximately two and a half hours.  

Transition: An element unique to ski mountaineering that requires athletes to switch their equipment for a specific course element. In a transition area, athletes can remove their skis for a bootpack section, remove the skins from their skis for a descent or reattach skins for an ascent. 

Vertical: A discipline of ski mountaineering not included at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. The vertical discipline is an individual race with a single ascent on skins, which can be upward of 700m (~2,290 feet).