Ski Mountaineering: history, disciplines, curiosities and complete guide

⛰️ Ski Mountaineering (Skimo)

A complete journey into the discipline that combines technique, adventure, history, and competition

Ski mountaineering, known internationally as ski mountaineering or simply skimo, is one of the most fascinating, demanding, and well-rounded disciplines in the entire outdoor world. It was born from the meeting of alpine exploration and skiing, transforming the winter mountain into a technical, varied playground deeply connected to the natural elements.

Practiced by those who love moving through unspoiled environments, ski mountaineering combines uphill progression with climbing skins, agility in descending on untracked snow, and the ability to navigate and make quick decisions in constantly changing conditions. Far from groomed slopes, the terrain becomes an element to be interpreted with intelligence, sensitivity, and a spirit of adventure.

It is a sport that requires a high level of physical endurance, refined technique both uphill and downhill, essential mountaineering skills, and, above all, a deep understanding of mountain-related risks: snow, weather, avalanches, exposure, and energy management. Every route represents a new challenge, a balance between athletic ability, mental preparation, and respect for the forces of nature.

Over the years, ski mountaineering has become not only a sporting activity, but also a cultural language that tells the story of humanity’s relationship with the mountain environment: a way to experience snow in an authentic, essential, and deeply emotional manner.

Origins and historical development

The roots of ski mountaineering lie in the ancient traditions of Nordic populations, who used skis not for recreation but as a primary means of transportation during the harsh winter months. In Scandinavia, Siberia, and Arctic regions, skis were essential tools for hunting, trading, and crossing vast snowy expanses. The earliest archaeological evidence of skis dates back as far as 5,000 years ago, a sign of a millennia-old relationship between humans and snow.

The transformation of skiing into a sporting and mountaineering discipline, however, took shape in the Alps between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This period saw a true cultural revolution: mountaineers, after having explored most of the great peaks in summer, began to wonder how to reach them in winter as well. Thus were born the first alpine ski traverses, often pioneering and daring, combining techniques for moving on deep snow, navigation skills, and the ability to face cold temperatures and avalanches.

Among the most significant events of this historical phase are:

The first winter ascents on skis in the Western Alps, demonstrating the possibility of moving effectively even on steep and complex terrain.
The spread of the first modern skis, thanks to the Norwegian school of Sondre Norheim, whose style would profoundly influence alpine techniques.
The birth of the first alpine ski clubs, which began organizing races and gatherings, contributing to the definition of a sporting identity.

During the First and Second World Wars, winter skiing also took on a strategic role: mountain military units trained soldiers in the use of skis as a means of mobility, consolidating skills that, in the postwar period, would flow into the first structured ski mountaineering races, such as the famous Patrouille des Glaciers and, later, the Trofeo Mezzalama.

From the mid-twentieth century onward, the evolution of equipment lighter skis, more efficient skins, innovative bindings and the creation of the first national federations brought ski mountaineering to a more athletic and competitive level. From an exploratory and military practice, it gradually transformed into a recognized discipline, with regulations, international competitions, and a growing number of enthusiasts.

Today, after more than a century of technical and cultural development, ski mountaineering represents a perfect synthesis of tradition, alpine spirit, and endurance sport, while preserving intact the deep connection with the mountain environment that marked its birth.

In international competitions

The history of competitive ski mountaineering is a long and fascinating journey that reflects the technical evolution of the sport and its growing international recognition. From pioneering races held in extreme conditions to official inclusion in the Olympic program, the discipline has undertaken an extraordinary path.

1943 – The Trofeo Mezzalama is born
In Italy, the Trofeo Mezzalama is held for the first time, one of the oldest and most legendary ski mountaineering competitions in the world. Run along the ridges of Monte Rosa at altitudes above 4,000 meters, the race soon becomes synonymous with extreme winter mountaineering and team spirit. Even today, it is considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

1948 – Debut at the Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz
Ski mountaineering appears at the Games as a demonstration sport, through the discipline known as patrouille militaire. This event, clearly inspired by military practice, features a team race in which athletes must tackle ascents and descents with heavy equipment. Although it does not immediately become an Olympic sport, the 1948 appearance represents a fundamental precedent for future recognition.

1980s–1990s – The birth of modern ski mountaineering
During these two decades, the discipline undergoes a major transformation:

new civilian competitions are created, no longer limited to military events;
shared technical regulations are developed;
the first national federations and international circuits emerge.

The growth of lightweight equipment and technical bindings revolutionizes the sport, making it more accessible and spectacular.

2008 – Recognition of the ISMF
With the founding and official recognition of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), ski mountaineering enters a modern and structured phase. The ISMF oversees regulations, safety, rankings, the World Cup, and world championships, defining global standards for competitions.

2012 – Entry into the Youth Olympic Games (Innsbruck)
The debut at the Winter Youth Olympic Games marks an important turning point. Ski mountaineering gains international visibility and proves to be a dynamic, educational discipline well suited to young athletes. This event paves the way toward inclusion in the senior Olympic Games.

2020 – Confirmation at the Lausanne Youth Olympic Games
The discipline is once again included in the program, consolidating its role in youth multisport events and demonstrating growing interest from both the public and federations.

2021 – The IOC approves entry into the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
The International Olympic Committee officially announces the inclusion of ski mountaineering in the program of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. This represents a historic milestone, the result of years of technical, political, and media development.

For the 2026 Olympic edition, three disciplines are scheduled:

Sprint – A short, intense, and spectacular format.
Mixed Relay – A high-speed mixed-gender relay.
Individual (Short Individual) – A compact version of the classic race, featuring ascents, descents, and on-foot sections.

Entry into the Olympic Games marks a point of no return: ski mountaineering becomes a global, modern, and fully recognized sport, while preserving its authentic spirit rooted in adventure and the mountains.

The evolution of disciplines

Over the decades, ski mountaineering has evolved from long, highly alpine tests—often influenced by unpredictable weather, complex terrain, and rudimentary equipment—into more dynamic, spectacular, and audience-friendly formats, while preserving its technical essence. The introduction of new disciplines, the standardization of regulations, and a strong focus on safety have made the sport increasingly accessible, competitive, and television-friendly, fostering its international growth and entry into the Olympic landscape.

Individual

Considered the flagship discipline of ski mountaineering, it represents the perfect synthesis of technique, endurance, and tactical ability.
In an Individual race, athletes face:
multiple ascents of varying length;
technical descents on ungroomed snow or steep sections;
ridges and exposed sections, often with mandatory passages;
on-foot sections with skis attached to the backpack (portage);
numerous transitions, where dexterity and speed can make the difference.
It requires great physical autonomy, terrain reading skills, effort management, and the ability to adapt quickly to environmental conditions. It is the discipline that most preserves the link with the original spirit of skimo.

Sprint

The Sprint represents one of the most modern, spectacular, and media-oriented evolutions of ski mountaineering. Designed to make the discipline more accessible to the general public and better suited to television broadcasts, this format condenses the essence of skimo into just a few minutes, while maintaining a very high technical level.
The race lasts 2–4 minutes and takes place on a compact course designed to include all the typical phases of ski mountaineering:
Initial ascent with climbing skins: a short but very intense section, where power and push technique are essential to gain position early.
Short on-foot section (bootpack): athletes attach skis to their backpacks and run up a steep section or set steps, showcasing agility and rapid pace changes.
Fast and technical descent: a segment with tight turns, mandatory gates, and passages requiring great precision, despite the fatigue accumulated in the previous phase.
The format features direct elimination heats (qualifications, quarterfinals, semifinals, final), increasing competitive tension and unpredictability. Every detail matters: line choice, transition speed, breath control, and mental reactivity.

Sprint is considered ideal for the Olympic program because it:
is spectacular and understandable even for those unfamiliar with the discipline,
guarantees high intensity and close duels,
allows complete and engaging TV coverage,
highlights athletes with explosiveness, refined technique, and split-second decision-making skills.
It is a young, dynamic, and modern format that is attracting new generations of athletes and contributing to the growing global popularity of ski mountaineering.

Vertical

Vertical is the most essential and “pure” discipline of ski mountaineering, the one that best embodies the challenge of humans versus the mountain.
No descents, no transitions, no moments of rest: only continuous ascent, from the first to the last meter.
In a Vertical race, athletes tackle significant elevation gain often from 600 to 1,000 meters or more with a simple yet extremely demanding goal: maintain the highest possible pace until the finish line. The linearity of the format is deceptive: this is one of the toughest disciplines both physically and mentally.

Key characteristics of Vertical include:

No transitions: athletes start with climbing skins and ascend all the way to the finish, with no descent or ski transformations.
Constant pace and effort management: finding the ideal speed is crucial; starting too fast can lead to early exhaustion, while a cautious start penalizes performance.
Maximum aerobic power: heart, lungs, and legs operate at the limit, turning the athlete into an “uphill machine.”
Lactate tolerance: on steeper sections, accumulated fatigue becomes intense, requiring strong mental resilience.
Among all skimo disciplines, Vertical most closely resembles a “time trial against the mountain”: a true test where physical preparation, determination, and the ability to push beyond one’s limits emerge.
It is a race that celebrates great climbers athletes capable of turning ascent into an exercise in power and precision often achieving extraordinary times, such as 1,000 meters of elevation gain in under 30 minutes in top international competitions.

Team Race

The Team Race is one of the most fascinating disciplines and the one most deeply rooted in ski mountaineering tradition. It represents the essence of alpine spirit, where technique, mutual trust, and resilience merge into a single experience.
It is the format that best embodies the value of the winter rope team, transformed into a modern sporting competition.
Racing takes place in pairs or in teams of three athletes in historic competitions such as the prestigious Trofeo Mezzalama, and the course is a true immersion in the most technical and wild elements of the winter mountains. Races may include:

long ascents and descents on varied slopes, often with steep or icy sections;
fixed-rope passages used to overcome exposed or technically difficult sections;
sharp ridges and exposed areas requiring composure, balance, and total ski control;
changing high-altitude conditions, from strong winds to unstable snow and sudden temperature shifts.
The Team Race is much more than a simple competition: it is an exercise in cooperation and synergy.
Athletes must:

maintain the same pace, adapting their speed to their partner’s needs;
support each other in difficulties, through towing, moral support, and shared energy;
communicate constantly and intelligently, jointly assessing terrain conditions, risks, and strategies;
manage the course as if they were a single organism, a single team moving forward together.
This discipline celebrates the most human and authentic side of ski mountaineering: the ability to rely on others, the importance of solidarity in the mountain environment, and the value of collaboration as a key factor for success.
In iconic races such as the Pierra Menta or the Mezzalama, the Team Race takes on an almost epic aura, turning the mountain into a stage where group strength, strategy, and courage emerge.

Relay

The Relay is one of the most spectacular and adrenaline-filled disciplines of ski mountaineering. Designed to deliver rhythm, variety, and immediate engagement, it is a perfect format for international events thanks to the continuous alternation of technical phases and the strong team-based tactical component.
The race is organized in legs, generally with 3 or 4 athletes per team.
Each athlete completes a full mini-loop, including:

an explosive ascent with climbing skins,
an on-foot section (bootpack) on a steep slope,
a fast and technical descent, often featuring mandatory gates or challenging passages,
before handing over to the next teammate.

The Relay is defined by a unique combination of technical and strategic elements:

Very fast transitions
Each leg lasts only a few minutes, so the time spent switching from ascent to descent or handing over can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Team strategies
Teams must carefully choose the athlete order: the opener needs explosiveness, the finisher must handle pressure, while the middle legs maintain rhythm and consolidate position.

Management of repeated efforts
Some formats require athletes to race multiple legs, making rapid recovery and the ability to return at high intensity essential.

For spectators, the Relay is one of the most exciting disciplines:

the succession of legs,
constant overtakes,
tactical choices,
and overall race speed

create an atmosphere full of tension and spectacle.

It is a race that rewards team cohesion, technical precision, and speed, offering an ideal balance between sporting excitement and technical complexity. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most anticipated disciplines in the Olympic context, where the relay’s dynamism makes it immediately understandable and engaging even for those discovering ski mountaineering for the first time.

Why ski mountaineering is unique

Ski mountaineering is a sport that goes beyond athletic performance: it is a complete experience that brings together nature, technique, adventure, and an alpine mindset. Its uniqueness comes from the harmonious combination of elements that few other disciplines manage to blend with such intensity.

Natural environment

Unlike traditional alpine skiing, ski mountaineering takes place on ungroomed, uncontrolled, and highly variable terrain. Routes change shape depending on snow conditions, temperature, and exposure, turning every outing into a one-of-a-kind experience.
The athlete must be able to read the mountain, interpret avalanche risk, choose the best line, and adapt to changing weather: a constant dialogue with the environment, never predictable and always surprising.

Athletic completeness

Ski mountaineering requires a combination of physical qualities rarely found in other disciplines. It alternates:

endurance during long ascents,
strength in push-offs and steep sections,
agility and coordination during transitions,
advanced skiing technique on variable snow descents,
mountaineering movement on on-foot sections or exposed ridges.

It is a total sport that challenges both body and mind, demanding focus, strategy, and the ability to conserve energy at key moments.

Endless variability

No race and no outing are ever the same.
Fresh powder, crust, wind, ice, extreme temperatures, exposed slopes, or technical forests: every terrain requires specific skills and constant adaptation.
It is precisely this controlled unpredictability that makes ski mountaineering an extremely stimulating sport, where even experienced athletes continually face new challenges.

Adventurous dimension

Despite its evolution toward more sporting and television-friendly formats, the original spirit of mountaineering remains very strong.
Ski mountaineering preserves the exploratory dimension, the thrill of discovery, and the allure of high mountains. Even in the most structured competitions, the natural setting, the silence of snow, the sense of exposure, and the relationship with the wild environment give the discipline a unique emotional component.

Equipment and technical innovation

The evolution of equipment has revolutionized ski mountaineering, transforming it from a pioneering discipline into a highly technical and performance-oriented sport. In recent decades, thanks to composite materials and increasingly advanced mechanical solutions, equipment weight has been drastically reduced while efficiency has increased, making speeds and performances possible that were unthinkable in the 1970s and 1980s.

Skis

Ski mountaineering skis are designed to strike an ideal balance between lightness on the ascent and stability on the descent.

Racing skis: typically 65–75 mm underfoot, with an extremely lightweight profile and a reactive construction that allows rapid acceleration and agile direction changes.
Freerando or advanced touring skis: wider (90–100 mm or more), designed to float on fresh snow and tackle technical descents with greater confidence.
Many models incorporate carbon fiber, ultralight woods, and geometries engineered to provide maneuverability on variable terrain.

Bindings

Pin bindings represent one of the greatest innovations in the history of the sport.
Originating from an Italian Dynafit patent, they replaced heavy alpine ski bindings thanks to:

a minimalist locking system based on metal pins,
exceptional uphill mobility,
extremely low weight (often under 200 g per racing binding),
increasingly reliable safety mechanisms.

This technology paved the way for modern ski mountaineering, enabling performance levels that were previously completely unattainable.

Boots

Skimo boots are now a concentration of engineering excellence:

built from carbon or fiber–carbon composites for maximum downhill rigidity;
featuring cuff mobility of up to 60°, essential for smooth and natural uphill walking;
extremely lightweight, with racing models weighing under one kilogram per pair.

Fast closure systems and ski/walk mechanisms allow transitions in just a few seconds, a major advantage in competitions.

Climbing skins

Modern skins are made of mohair, synthetic materials, or blends, offering:

high glide efficiency on the ascent,
optimal grip even on steep slopes,
long-lasting adhesive systems that are easy to maintain.

Compact design and custom cutting ensure perfect adhesion to the ski, improving uphill efficiency.

The combination of these innovations has helped make ski mountaineering faster, safer, and more accessible. Thanks to the lightness and precision of modern equipment, athletes and enthusiasts can tackle significant elevation gain, technical descents, and high-level competitions with an efficiency that would have been inconceivable just a few decades ago.

Records, historic feats, and anecdotes

Ski mountaineering is rich in epic stories, legendary feats, and performances that have shaped the history of the discipline. From major alpine races to record-breaking ascents on the giants of the mountains, every generation of athletes has helped push the limits of skimo a little further.

Trofeo Mezzalama

The Trofeo Mezzalama is one of the most iconic and challenging competitions in the world.
It takes place along the ridges of Monte Rosa, with much of the course above 4,000 meters in elevation, where thin air and unpredictable weather test even the most experienced athletes.
The race, contested by teams of three, is considered a true monument of ski mountaineering: a blend of technique, alpinism, endurance, and the ability to move in extreme conditions. Many describe it as “the Marathon of the 4,000-meter peaks.”

Pierra Menta (France)

The Pierra Menta, held in the Beaufortain massif, is probably the most famous and celebrated stage race in the discipline.

4 days of competition,
over 10,000 meters of total elevation gain,
technical passages, sharp ridges, and vertiginous descents.

It is often compared to the Tour de France, but on snow: spectators climb along the slopes to watch the race, creating a unique atmosphere with cowbells, flags, and passionate cheering. Taking part in the Pierra Menta is considered a major milestone for every competitive ski mountaineer.

Iconic records and great protagonists

The world of skimo has been marked by extraordinary feats, often at the boundary between extreme sport and elite alpinism.

Kilian Jornet, perhaps the most influential athlete in modern skimo, has set records on some of the most iconic mountains on the planet:

Matterhorn: lightning-fast ascent and descent with times that rewrote the history of ultratrail and skimo.
Mont Blanc: performances combining speed, technique, and perfect acclimatization.
Denali, in Alaska: one of the most demanding ascents, made possible by his extraordinary ability to move at altitude.

Beyond Jornet, many athletes have left their mark on vertical races, long-distance competitions, and winter ultratrails, demonstrating how closely ski mountaineering is linked to the world of extreme endurance.

The myth of Vertical

The Vertical discipline is a total challenge against slope and stopwatch.
In top-level competitions, athletes manage to climb 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain in under 30 minutes, a feat that requires:

aerobic power at the limits of human capacity,
perfect technique,
the ability to withstand extremely high levels of fatigue.

It is considered one of the most honest and raw tests of pure physical talent: no descents, no pauses, only ascent and determination.

Curiosities

Ski mountaineering, with its long history and strong connection to mountain communities, is rich in anecdotes and curiosities that tell the story of the sport’s evolution and humanity’s relationship with the alpine environment.

The first climbing skins were… real seal skins

The name is not a metaphor: the first skins used by skiers were made from real seal skin, exploiting the particular orientation of the fur to allow forward glide and uphill grip.
Today, modern skins are made from mohair, synthetic fibers, or blends much lighter, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

The first military races were extreme

In the early competitions of the 20th century, often organized by alpine military units, skis were extremely long and heavy, boots were rigid, and the overall equipment could exceed 20 kg.
The races resembled forced marches more than modern sporting events. Not surprisingly, it was jokingly said that the winner was “the one who arrived alive… and still standing.”

Skimo is elite training for high altitude

Many alpinists and Himalayan climbers consider ski mountaineering one of the best sports for preparing the body for high altitudes.
The combination of endurance, efficient movement, significant elevation gain, and harsh climate partially reproduces the conditions typical of major Himalayan ascents.
It is no coincidence that many successful expeditions include athletes coming from the skimo world.

A cultural tradition of the Alps

In many Alpine valleys especially in Italy, Switzerland, and France ski mountaineering is not just a sport, but a rite of passage, a way of experiencing the mountains from a young age.
For local communities, it represents:

a legacy of winter travel practices,
a symbol of belonging to the territory,
a bridge between a rural past and modern sport.

It is not surprising that in Alpine regions many children start using skins almost before learning to ski on groomed slopes.

Social and political importance

Ski mountaineering is not only a sport, but a cultural phenomenon that has played a significant role in military history, the evolution of mountain tourism, and the economic and political development of Alpine regions. Its growth reflects deep social changes and the evolving relationship between humans and high-altitude environments.

Wartime and postwar period

During the First and Second World Wars, winter skiing became a strategic component of alpine troop training.
Mountain armies used ski mountaineering to:

move quickly across snowy terrain,
transport heavy equipment,
patrol borders and alpine passes,
develop survival techniques in extreme conditions.

The appearance of the patrouille militaire at the 1948 Olympic Games is a direct legacy of this past: a race reflecting the discipline, endurance, and tactical skills of alpine units.
In the postwar period, many skills acquired in the military sphere flowed into the first civilian competitions, contributing to the birth of modern competitive ski mountaineering.

Sustainable tourism

In recent decades, amid growing environmental awareness, ski mountaineering has become one of the symbols of slow and sustainable tourism.
Unlike resort skiing, it does not require:

ski lifts,
heavy infrastructure,
intensive energy consumption or artificial snowmaking.

It represents a way of experiencing the mountains based on silence, observation of nature, and reduced environmental impact. This approach has encouraged a new, more intimate and less invasive way of enjoying Alpine areas.

Mountain economy

Ski mountaineering has also had an important impact on the economic development of mountain valleys.
Its practices have helped to:

reduce tourism seasonality by attracting visitors during less crowded periods;
enhance smaller valleys and lesser-known locations, often outside mass-skiing circuits;
encourage complementary activities such as alpine guiding, mountain huts, ski schools, rentals, and outdoor services.

For many small mountain communities, skimo now represents an important resource, capable of generating high-quality and respectful tourist flows.

International representation and political value

The inclusion of ski mountaineering in the program of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games marked a major political and institutional turning point.
This recognition has led to:

increased attention from federations and governments of Alpine countries,
targeted investments in youth categories and development programs,
greater media visibility and global recognition of the discipline,
a strengthening of the cultural role of mountain regions within the global sporting landscape.

Ski mountaineering has thus become not only a sport to be practiced, but also a tool for territorial promotion and an ambassador of Alpine identity worldwide.

Ski mountaineering today

Ski mountaineering is experiencing one of the most significant growth phases in its history. From a niche discipline practiced almost exclusively in the Alps, it has evolved into an international phenomenon involving enthusiasts, professional athletes, and new generations of sportspeople from all over the world.
From the United States to Japan, and across the mountain ranges of Scandinavia, the Andes, and the Caucasus, skimo is establishing itself as one of the most dynamic and versatile winter sports.

The contemporary movement is characterized by an extraordinary diversification of practices:

some experience ski mountaineering as an exploratory pursuit, seeking new lines and wild terrain;
others practice it for training and well-being, using ascents as a form of winter fitness;
some embrace the competitive dimension, taking part in local races, World Cup events, and major international classics;
and others naturally alternate between competitions and solo outings, finding in skimo a perfect balance between sporting challenge and contact with nature.

Entry into the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games represents an epoch-making turning point. This milestone is attracting:

new sponsors and investments,
greater media coverage,
growing interest from young athletes who see skimo as a structured sporting career,
the attention of federations and training centers developing dedicated programs.

Future Olympic editions will certainly help expand the global community, further professionalize the discipline, and stimulate technical and methodological innovation.

Yet, despite progress and increasing spectacle, the authentic heart of ski mountaineering remains unchanged.
It continues to be the sport of mountains lived in an essential way, where every outing is a dialogue with the elements:

the silence of snow-covered ridges,
the effort of the climbs,
the satisfaction of reaching the summit,
the lightness of the descent,
and the absolute freedom of carving one’s own line on the snow.

It is precisely this combination of technique, emotion, and nature that makes ski mountaineering, today more than ever, a unique and deeply contemporary discipline.

 

A final look at the discipline

Ski mountaineering is not simply a sport: it is a culture, a way of living the mountains that combines technique, adventure, resilience, and deep respect for the natural environment. It is the perfect synthesis of athletic movement and exploration, of alpine tradition and sporting innovation.

From its origins linked to military patrols, through the first pioneering competitions in the Alps, to prestigious Olympic recognition, ski mountaineering has passed through different eras while always remaining true to its essence. Modern sprint races fast and spectacular coexist with the great alpine classics, longer and more technical, demonstrating the discipline’s extraordinary ability to evolve without losing authenticity.

Today as in the past, those who practice skimo carry with them a set of values:

respect for the mountains,
ability to adapt,
spirit of exploration,
attention to technical details,
determination to overcome one’s limits.

Whether it is a professional athlete competing in a World Cup, an enthusiast tackling a dawn ascent, or a young newcomer taking their first steps on skins, ski mountaineering offers an experience that goes beyond performance: it is an inner journey, a way to measure oneself against both oneself and the elements.

In an increasingly fast and noisy world, ski mountaineering preserves the rarefied charm of mountains experienced in silence, step by step, turn by turn. A discipline that evolves, grows, and changes… yet continues to remind us of the importance of simplicity, nature, and the freedom to carve one’s own line in the snow.