Cross Country Skiing

The popularity of cross country skiing has been steadily increasing over the years, particularly in the U.S., as it’s benefits in maintaining and improving fitness have become more well known.

Methods of Cross Country Skiing

Skiing is a fun sport for all age groups.  However, certain types of skiing are more well-suited for adults.  For example, cross country skiing is a sport that is very difficult and is best-suited for older children and adults.  In contrast, downhill (alpine) skiing may be suitable for younger children with supervision.  Cross country skiing is a sport that not only offers the fun of being outdoors; it also offers an excellent work-out.  There are a couple of types of cross country skiing.  Cross country skiing is also a Winter Olympic event, and is actually one of the oldest Winter Olympic events.

Classic Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing can be done using classic, skating, or telemark methods.  The classic style is what most people think of when they think of cross country skiing.  This type of back country skiing uses long, light skis.  These skis are also very narrow and are different from what is used for downhill skiing.  The bindings and boots used in this type of skiing are also different than what is used for downhill skiing.

The Skating Method of Skiing

The skating method of skiing is a style that is very similar to ice skating.  The skier uses a method that is similar to what is used by ice skaters to propel them.  Generally, specialized skating style across country skis are used for this method.  Bindings and boots can either be specialized for skating cross country skiing or can be a combination style, which can be used for this and for classic country skiing.

Telemark Skiing

Telemark skiing is a type of hybrid skiing.  Generally used for backcountry ski areas, telemarking involves the use of bindings which leave a person heels free.  This method is used for going downhill is that it is used for cross country skiing.  This method of skiing is characterized by traveling downhill doing normal parallels with the exception of the fact that the inside heel and skis will be hanging behind the skier.  By having a binding that allows the keeled move up from the ski, this method is possible.

Cross Country in the Olympics

Cross country is also an Olympic event.  Cross country skiing became an Olympic event, the very first year the Winter Olympics occurred, in 1924.  

Women's cross country skiing, became an event in the 1952 Olympics. Overall, Norway has dominated this event and the Olympics, followed by Finland and the Soviet Union (when it existed).

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