Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a fun way to travel across the snow. Skiers use long, thin skis and poles. They push themselves forward on flat ground and small hills. It is great exercise and can be done in many places. People have been doing it for thousands of years.

How It Works

Skiers slide one ski forward at a time. They use their poles to push. There are two main styles, called classic and skate skiing. Classic keeps the skis straight ahead. Skate skiing looks more like ice skating on snow.

A Long History

People first used skis to travel and hunt in cold places. Old skis have been found that are over 5,000 years old. Today it is a popular sport and winter Olympic event. Races can be short sprints or over 30 miles long. Norway, Sweden, and Finland have many top skiers.

Fun Facts

• Cross-country skiing is one of the best workouts for your whole body.
• It is sometimes called Nordic skiing.
• Races can last more than two hours at the Olympics.

Did You Know?

Cross-country skis have a special rough part in the middle that grips the snow so skiers can push forward without sliding backward.