Cross-country skiing is like cross-country running, only on skis. It may look easy, but the strength that it requires makes it hard. Competitors race on skis in sprints, relays, and freestyle races. The fastest time wins.

Cross-country is the oldest type of skiing. Thanks to artifacts, we know that early forms of cross-country skiing began over 5,000 years ago! People in northern Europe used cross-country skis to travel and to transport things in areas where most of the land is flat.

The Rules of the Game
Cross-country skiing events are divided along two techniques, classical and freestyle. In classical races, skiers stride along with their skis in parallel tracks on flat ground. In freestyle races, which are faster and require more strength, skiers can ski any way they choose. The athletes do not keep their skis within narrow tracks but instead push off with both legs in a motion that often resembles skating.

By Laura Winters