The slopes of Shahdag Mountain Resort have become the centre of the European Ski Mountaineering Championships, just days after the 2026 Winter Olympics closed in Italy, as top athletes arrive for the European round. AnewZ's Narchichek Jahangirl is on site to cover the action.
“It’s about minus five and a thick fog blankets the slopes,” said Jahangirl. “Visibility is extremely limited but the cold doesn’t seem to bother anyone.”
Despite the freezing temperatures and poor visibility in the Greater Caucasus range, the European round of the International Ski Mountaineering season, known as Skimo, is under way. Athletes are competing across senior, U23, U20 and U18 categories, with the sprint race a short but intense three-minute climb and descent - opening the championships.
Over the coming days, spectators will also see mixed relay, vertical and individual races.
Eighteen nations are taking part in the 2026 ISMF Ski Mountaineering European Championships, held at the Shahdag Tourism Center from 4 to 8 March. The participating countries include Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany, Russia, Spain, Austria, Norway, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, Andorra and Sweden, as well as AIN (Individual Neutral Athletes).
Fresh from Milano Cortina 2026, where ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut, several athletes arrive as clear favourites. France has brought a squad of Olympic gold medallists, while Switzerland and Spain are also expected to challenge for top honours.
Victory in this sport depends on a combination of endurance, technique and speed. Competitors climb on skis, switch to boots for steep hiking sections, and then return to skis for technical descents - all while managing rapid gear changes and carrying essential equipment in their backpacks.
Azerbaijan is represented by five skiers from nearby mountain villages, all familiar with the peaks they are now racing on. Early performances have already shown promise, hinting at a bright future for the local contingent.
We will continue following the action over the coming days as the championships unfold across the foggy Caucasus slopes.
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