Spain Unveils Its Ski Mountaineering Team for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics

Published on January 28, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
The four members of the Spanish ski mountaineering team pose with their technical equipment in front of a snowy landscape, ready for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Spain Reveals Its Ski Mountaineering Team for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games

Ski mountaineering will make its debut as an Olympic discipline in the next winter edition, and Spain already has the team ready to make its mark. The national team faces this milestone with great aspirations, backed by a demanding training cycle and athletes who have already reached the top in the world circuit. 🏔️

The Spanish Quartet Aiming for the Olympic Podium

The Spanish delegation will consist of four elite ski mountaineers: Naila Cardona, Claudia Piguillem, Oriol Cardona, and Albert Pérez. This group combines experience with new talents, and each has medals from World Cup events or European championships. Their goal is to compete at the highest level in the individual events and in the novel mixed relay event scheduled for Livigno.

Details of the Selected Athletes:
  • Naila Cardona: Stands out for her power in the ascent and several podiums in the World Cup.
  • Claudia Piguillem: Technical specialist with great results in continental competitions.
  • Oriol Cardona: Experienced climber and skier, the team's reference.
  • Albert Pérez: Young talent who has demonstrated his ability in recent international races.
Now we can say 'I'm Olympic' and skip the next question. It's a category leap for the sport.

The Unique Challenges of Preparing for an Olympic Sport

Ski-mo is a discipline that demands extreme physical condition, technical mastery of skiing, and skill in climbing with the gear on. To adapt, athletes must train at altitude, replicating the conditions they will face in competition. The Spanish Winter Sports Federation has planned specific high-mountain training camps so the team arrives in top form.

Keys to Preparation for the Olympic Games:
  • Train in high mountains to acclimate and build endurance.
  • Simulate the exact conditions of the races in Livigno.
  • Work on quick transitions between climbing and descending.

A Historic Debut with an Eye on the Future

This Olympic debut represents a monumental challenge, but also an unprecedented opportunity to showcase ski mountaineering. The athletes are not only competing for medals but also paving the way for future generations of Spanish ski mountaineers. The goal is clear: perform at the maximum level and demonstrate that Spain is a powerhouse in this demanding winter sport. ⛷️