The Swiss ski mountaineering team, supported by UNIL's researchers for this year's Olympic Games – News – CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance [null](#main) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-05-Dj7Wr3Es.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-09-B3BMjMVU.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-03-DvaxLIQk.svg) [ ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg)](https://civis.eu/it) - [ Scopri di più ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance) - [ Cos'è CIVIS? ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis) - [ Il nostro lavoro ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work) - [ Missione, Visione & Valori ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-institutional-journey) - [ Governance e gestione ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/governance-andamp-management) - [ Chi è chi ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) - [ CIVIS Association ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/civis-association) [Open Labs e Impegno civico ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Impara ](https://civis.eu/it/learn) - [ Blended Intensive Programmes ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/blended-intensive-programmes) - [ Apprendimento flessibile ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/build-your-learning-path-with-our-modular-offer) - [ Programmi di Master ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/find-your-master-s-programme) - [ Staff Week & Job Shadowing ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/keep-on-learning-with-staff-weeks-andamp-job-shadowing) - [ Studiare all'estero ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/study-abroad-and-connect-with-civis-universities) [Discover the projects led by our students in 2025-2026 ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026) [CIVIS Museum University Forum ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/CIVIS-Museum-University-Forum) - [ Insegna ](https://civis.eu/it/teach) - [ Bandi per progetti ](https://civis.eu/it/teach/civis-calls) - [ Innovare la didattica ](https://civis.eu/it/teach/innovate-your-teaching) - [ Risorse per educatori ](https://civis.eu/it/teach/resources-for-educators) [CIVIS BIPs: forte impatto e alto grado di soddisfazione, secondo un nuovo rapporto ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/civis-bips-strong-impact-and-high-satisfaction-new-report-finds) [Musicians from all over CIVIS come together in Madrid to promote inclusiveness ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/musicians-from-all-over-civis-come-together-in-madrid-to-promote-inclusiveness) - [ Ricerca ](https://civis.eu/it/research) - [ Collaborazione nella ricerca ](https://civis.eu/it/research/research-collaboration) - [ Carriere, reti e mobilità ](https://civis.eu/it/research/research-careers-networks-and-projects) - [ Risorse per ricercatori ](https://civis.eu/it/research/resources-for-researchers) [CIVIS launches new job space for early-stage researchers across Europe and Africa ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/civis-launches-new-post-doc-doc-job-space-to-connect-early-stage-researchers-across-europe-and-africa) [Di fronte a sfide comuni, soluzioni congiunte per l'Africa e l'Europa ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/facing-common-challenges-shaping-joint-solutions-for-africa-and-europe) - [ Connettiti ](https://civis.eu/it/connect) - [ Newsletters ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/newsletters) - [ CIVIS Days ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/civis-days) - [ Società civile ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Contattaci ](https://civis.eu/it/contact) - [ Area stampa e branding ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) [Make Some Waves: CIVIS Launches New Podcast Series ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/make-some-waves-civis-launches-new-podcast-series) [Fake It Till You News It: Challenges and Solutions in Modern Media Student Innovation Forum ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026/civis-creathon-contest) [ Storie ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom) it - [ en ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ de ](https://civis.eu/de/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ fr ](https://civis.eu/fr/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ el ](https://civis.eu/el/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ es ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ sv ](https://civis.eu/sv/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ ro ](https://civis.eu/ro/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) Menu - [Scopri di più](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-29) - [ Cos'è CIVIS? ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis) - [ Il nostro lavoro ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work) - [ Missione, Visione & Valori ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-institutional-journey) - [ Governance e gestione ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/governance-andamp-management) - [ Chi è chi ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) - [ CIVIS Association ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/civis-association) - [Impara](https://civis.eu/it/learn) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-30) - [ Blended Intensive Programmes ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/blended-intensive-programmes) - [ Apprendimento flessibile ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/build-your-learning-path-with-our-modular-offer) - [ Programmi di Master ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/find-your-master-s-programme) - [ Staff Week & Job Shadowing ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/keep-on-learning-with-staff-weeks-andamp-job-shadowing) - [ Studiare all'estero ](https://civis.eu/it/learn/study-abroad-and-connect-with-civis-universities) - [Insegna](https://civis.eu/it/teach) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-31) - [ Bandi per progetti ](https://civis.eu/it/teach/civis-calls) - [ Innovare la didattica ](https://civis.eu/it/teach/innovate-your-teaching) - [ Risorse per educatori ](https://civis.eu/it/teach/resources-for-educators) - [Ricerca](https://civis.eu/it/research) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-32) - [ Collaborazione nella ricerca ](https://civis.eu/it/research/research-collaboration) - [ Carriere, reti e mobilità ](https://civis.eu/it/research/research-careers-networks-and-projects) - [ Risorse per ricercatori ](https://civis.eu/it/research/resources-for-researchers) - [Connettiti](https://civis.eu/it/connect) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-33) - [ Newsletters ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/newsletters) - [ CIVIS Days ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/civis-days) - [ Società civile ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Contattaci ](https://civis.eu/it/contact) - [ Area stampa e branding ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) [ Storie ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom) it - [ en ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ de ](https://civis.eu/de/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ fr ](https://civis.eu/fr/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ el ](https://civis.eu/el/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ es ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ sv ](https://civis.eu/sv/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) - [ ro ](https://civis.eu/ro/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) 1. [La redazione CIVIS ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom) 2. The Swiss ski mountaineering team, supported by UNIL's researchers for this year's Olympic Games The Swiss ski mountaineering team, supported by UNIL's researchers for this year's Olympic Games ================================================================================================== CIVIS Highlights 3 marzo 2026 Switzerland captured a historic gold and silver in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Games, achievements supported behind the scenes by two researchers from the University of Lausanne (UNIL). Ski mountaineering entered the Olympic programme for the first time this year, with Swiss athlete Marianne Fatton winning the inaugural women’s sprint gold, while the Swiss mixed relay team claimed silver, confirming the nation’s strength in this new discipline. ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/unil-march.jpg)The tests carried out with the Swiss Alpine Club athletes in the ISSUL laboratory\_© Forrest SchorderetTo prepare for these unprecedented events, the [Swiss Alpine Club](https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/) relied on the scientific expertise of Grégoire Millet, professor of exercise physiology at UNIL’s [Institute of Sport Sciences (ISSUL)](https://www.unil.ch/issul/fr/home.html), and Forrest Schorderet, training and performance specialist. Since 2023, the pair have conducted biannual, three‑hour physiological testing sessions designed to optimise training while safeguarding athlete health. These Games posed a unique challenge: unlike traditional endurance‑based ski mountaineering races such as the Patrouille des Glaciers, Olympic events last only a few minutes and demand extremely intense, explosive effort. > *This short and very intense format forces us to rethink the athlete’s physiological profile and training methods,* explains Millet Understanding the demands of a new Olympic format ------------------------------------------------- The team’s testing framework reflects this specificity. Athletes first complete a standard maximal oxygen consumption test, followed by repeated bouts of very high‑intensity effort not typically included in preparation for long‑duration competitions. Performance is assessed across three test types measuring oxygen consumption under rising intensity levels. Each session concludes with a blood analysis evaluating, among other factors, red blood cell production in high‑altitude conditions - an essential physiological parameter in ski mountaineering. Recovery strategies also proved crucial: > *Field data showed that active recovery works best, so we encouraged athletes to walk or cycle after intense bouts rather than remain still”,* notes Schorderet Looking beyond Milan–Cortina ---------------------------- Although neither researcher made explicit predictions before the Games, their structured monitoring and targeted recommendations contributed to Switzerland’s strong Olympic showing. And their collaboration with elite sport continues: following ski mountaineering’s successful debut, Millet and Schorderet will now support the Swiss rowing team as they prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. **Find out more from the** [**original story, in French**](https://www.unil.ch/news/fr/1770212124046)**.** Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-hand-laptop_1-800x600.jpg?token=a1f77b91f6f498d995a4442378a7d49b)UNIL and the City of Lausanne, hand in hand for shaping the future of digital public services CIVIS Highlights 17 aprile 2026 ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/unil-and-the-city-of-lausanne-hand-in-hand-for-shaping-the-future-of-digital-public-services) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/post-it-risks-800x600.jpg?token=3f32ba7f3ab0220e88eeac41defdd8bf)Innovative micro-credential for professionals on AI for the workplace launched by CIVIS Learn 10 febbraio 2026 ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/civis-micro-credentials-ai-and-work-supporting-teams-through-change) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/img-4583-800x600.jpg?token=9b1616d14128b09af2bc51cc05d57631)UNIL empowers master’s students to co-create research with partners in the field abroad CIVIS Highlights 17 ottobre 2025 ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/unil-empowers-master-s-students-to-co-create-research-with-partners-in-the-field-abroad) [Scopri tutte le nostre storie](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom) [ Academic solidarity powered by the University of Bucharest for sustaining education in Kyiv ](< https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/academic-solidarity-powered-by-the-university-of-bucharest-for-sustaining-education-in-kyiv >) [ CIVIS BIPs: forte impatto e alto grado di soddisfazione, secondo un nuovo rapporto ](< https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/civis-bips-strong-impact-and-high-satisfaction-new-report-finds >) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither can be held responsible for them. ### Persone - [ Studenti ](https://civis.eu/it/i-am-a-student) - [ Docenti e ricercatori ](https://civis.eu/it/i-am-an-academic-researcher) - [ Amministratori ](https://civis.eu/it/i-am-an-administrator) - [ Società civile ](https://civis.eu/it/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Area stampa e branding ](https://civis.eu/it/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) ### Link utili - [ Risorse ](https://civis.eu/it/resources) - [ CIVIS Agora ](https://civis.eu/it/civis-agora-the-operational-hub-of-the-civis-digital-campus) - [ Iniziativa delle Università Europee ](https://civis.eu/it/european-universities-initiative) - [ Eventi passati ](https://civis.eu/it/past-events) - [ Contatti ](https://civis.eu/it/contact) [Newsletters](https://civis.eu/it/connect/newsletters) ### Social networks - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/instagram.svg) Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/civis.eu/) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/linkedin.svg) LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/civis-eu) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/facebook.svg) Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/CIVISEuropeanUniversity/) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/youtube.svg) YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCm0FfreX81BuNH-znlRGQ) © 2026 – CIVIS – All rights reserved - [ Cookie Policy ](https://civis.eu/it/informativa-sui-cookie) - [ Privacy policy ](https://civis.eu/it/privacy-policy) Website by [Typi Design](https://typi.be) • Design by [Atelier Milky](https://ateliermilky.com) [ ](#top) Search