As ski mountaineering (Skimo) makes its Olympic debut at this week's Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, adrenaline junkies are already looking ahead to 2030. Freeride skiing – a high-risk, high-reward discipline combining cliff drops and backcountry terrain – is gaining momentum for Olympic inclusion.
🏔️ Athletes are trading groomed slopes for uncharted mountain faces, with viral social media clips showcasing 360 spins over rocky outcrops and 20-meter jumps. "It's about creativity and adapting to nature's challenges," says Norwegian freerider Lena Haugen, who recently landed a record-breaking double backflip in the Alps.
While the International Olympic Committee won't finalize 2030 sports until late 2027, insiders note freeriding's youth appeal and social media dominance (📈 3B+ TikTok views this winter alone) make it a strong contender. Safety protocols and judging criteria remain key discussion points ahead of potential approval.
