Revolutionizing Ski Touring with E-Skimo
- Colton Barry
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Ski touring has always been about passion, endurance, and connecting with nature. However, many face significant challenges due to the physical demands of uphill climbs. That's where E-Skimo comes in. This is the world's first electric-assisted ski, designed to transform the ascent and make backcountry skiing accessible to everyone.
The Inspiration Behind E-Skimo
In a recent episode of the Powder Innovation Podcast, I had a fascinating conversation with Nicola Colombo, the founder of E-Skimo. His journey into this innovation began during a covid-era ski tour. He and his friends were enthusiastic, but they soon faced exhaustion just 30 minutes into their climb. This eye-opening experience led him to a crucial realization: there needed to be a way to lower the physical barriers of ski touring. He wanted to allow more people to truly enjoy the mountains without extreme fatigue.
Engineering the Future of Ski Touring
E-Skimo is not merely about attaching a motor to a ski. It's a thoughtful blend of technology and innovative design:
Adaptive Power Output: Each ski features sensors that monitor various parameters like step length, slope angle, and weight distribution. This data helps the system adjust the power output in real-time, providing a smooth and natural assist to the skier.
Machine Learning Integration: The more you ski on the E-Skimo, the better it adapts to your style. By analyzing user data over time, the E-Skimo team can refine its performance, offering assistance that is tailored to individual skiing habits. Looking ahead, they plan to integrate machine learning algorithms to further enhance the efficiency and user experience.
Effortless Transition: After reaching the summit, users can remove the assistive components in under a minute. This allows skiers to enjoy their descent on high-performance skis designed specifically for thrilling downhill experiences.

Performance Highlights
E-Skimo offers several noteworthy benefits for skiers:
Enhanced Climbing Efficiency: E-Skimo allows skiers to ascend slopes up to 80% faster while reducing physical effort by about 30% compared to traditional methods.
Battery Life: The system has an impressive runtime of up to three hours, depending on factors like snow conditions and terrain. This ensures plenty of support for most skiing adventures.
Safety Features: E-Skimo includes integrated sensors that can detect if a skier falls or releases their poles. This feature automatically disengages the motor, helping to prevent accidents.
The Future of Skiing: Looking Ahead
E-Skimo made a remarkable impression at CES 2025, where it showcased its potential to redefine ski mountaineering. The company plans to launch its first small series of skis by the next winter, with production ramping up by summer 2026.
If you're eager to stay updated on E-Skimo's journey or want to be among the first to experience this groundbreaking innovation, follow their official channels:
Website: e-skimo.swiss
Instagram: @e.skimo.swiss
LinkedIn: E-Skimo
Impacts on the Ski Community
As we look to the future, E-Skimo could change the landscape of ski touring. This innovation stands to make the sport more inclusive, allowing novice skiers to gain confidence while exploring the backcountry.
Not only does E-Skimo enhance accessibility, but it also aligns with a growing trend of using technology to improve outdoor experiences.
Imagine a day on the slopes where you can focus on the joy of skiing instead of the fatigue that often accompanies the physical exertion of uphill climbs. With E-Skimo, that dream is becoming a reality.
Stay tuned to Powder Innovation for deeper insights into the exciting technologies shaping the future of skiing!





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