04 / Skimo Estonia
Skimo Estonia
Ski mountaineering: a combined sport of mountaineering and skiing that involves climbing uphill on skis or carrying them, and then descending on skis. A very rapidly developing and increasingly popular winter sport, part of the Olympic programme since 2026.
Story
The story of Estonian ski mountaineering began in 2019 when Andres Laineste participated in the legendary Mountain Attack race in Saalbach, Austria. Since then Andres has represented Estonia twice at the World Masters Games in skimo. With guidance and inspiration from Andres, Jan has done skimo trainings since 2021. After a few years of silence, at the end of 2025, on a skiing trip to the Italian Dolomites we refound our dream to make Estonia an official member of the international skimo family. Since then we have been slowly working to build this sport in our home country. This winter we will return to the Italian Alps to race the Sellaronda Skimarathon, which will make the step-father/son duo the first ever Baltic team to compete in a team skimo race.
Athletes
Founder / Athlete
Jan Rasmus Rohtla
Project lead, experienced and ambitious endurance athlete. Estonian Championship medallist in triathlon.
FOUNDER / ATHLETE
Andres Laineste
First ever Baltic athlete to race a ski-mountaineering race back in 2019. 2× World Masters games participant in skimo. Decades of experience in multiple endurance sports, mainly marathon running and cross-country skiing.
Your place on the team
YOU
You could be the next athlete on our team. Join Skimo Estonia and be part of our journey to the mountains.
Follow
We document the journey as it happens — training sessions, trips, races and the small details that define the sport. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
Join in
Whether you've raced skimo before or have only ever seen it on a screen, there's a way in. Write and I'll point you at the next session, race or trip.
SKIMOESTONIA@GMAIL.COM