What is cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which participants use skis and poles on groomed ski trails with a flat or hilly profile. Originally from Norway, cross-country skiing was, at one time, a very efficient means of traveling on snow. Since ancient times it has been used for hunting and exploration, but it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that cross-country skiing became a sport and the first competitions took place. Today, athletes at the Winter Olympics compete in several disciplines of cross-country skiing and the sport is becoming increasingly popular with winter sports enthusiasts.
Cross-country skiing: one sport, two techniques!
Two distinct techniques are used in cross-country skiing: classic and skating.
The classic style is used on ski trails featuring two parallel grooves, or channels, in the snow. When the skier moves in a similar motion as walking, the skis glide along inside these channels. This technique is perfect for your first experience with cross-country skiing, or if you want to stroll around the Nordic area at a leisurely pace. Learn more by reading our article about the classic technique.
Skating, or freestyle, uses the same motion as ice skating and requires balance and coordination. Once you’ve mastered the basic movement, the pleasures of gliding across the tracks are guaranteed.
What equipment do you need for cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing equipment is not the same as the equipment used for either alpine skiing or backcountry skiing. Cross-country skis are very light, thin and don’t have metal edges on the sides (except for Nordic backcountry skis). The length of the skis is based primarily on the weight and skill level of the skier, and only the front of the foot is attached to the ski for more efficiency and freedom of movement. Cross-country ski boots are also lighter and more flexible than alpine ski boots. In addition, the poles are longer and stiffer (which helps you push) while also being lightweight so that they’re easier to swing.
There are also differences in equipment depending on which technique you use:
- Classic skis feature a kick zone located under the foot that facilitates propulsion (by using either fish scales, ski skins or wax) and the ski tips are more pronounced tips than skating skis. On the other hand, skating skis are shorter than classic cross-country skis and the sole has a glide zone from tip to tail.
- Skate skiing boots are rigid underfoot and feature a rigid collar that extends above the ankle to provide the extra support needed to maintain balance. Classic cross-country boots have a lower collar so that they’re flexible enough to provide the freedom of movement needed at the ankle. Read our advice on how to choose your cross-country ski boots
- Ski poles for skate skiing should be the same height as your nose or ears while classic cross-country ski poles should only be as high as your armpits. Read more about how to choose cross-country ski poles
Cross-country skiing is an intense activity and the best clothing for it is closer to running clothing than to alpine skiing, which is usually too hot. As for most outdoor sports, using the three-layer system is a smart idea. To help choose the right clothing for your ski session, take a look at our article What to wear for cross-country skiing.
Check out our Stories and Guides page for more articles about cross-country skiing.