cross-country skiing

noun

1. the sport of skiing across the countryside, often through woods and usually on relatively flat terrain, using narrow skis with boots that can be raised off the ski at the heel when striding.

Other Words From

• cross-country skier noun

Example Sentences

A lot of us picked up new hobbies over the past year, from biking to cross-country skiing to simply moving more.

From Outside Online

I am continuing my education though — learning how to telemark ski, a style of skiing that originated in the Telemark region of Norway more than a century ago and combines elements of Alpine and cross-country skiing.

From Washington Post

Dressing to go ice fishing or riding snowmachines at -20 degrees is much different than dressing to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at the same temperatures.

From Popular-Science

The hard work of going away for a long, long time Six tips that will help you plan your next cross-country skiing trip

From Washington Post

Bundle upPart of cross-country skiing’s appeal is that cost won’t necessarily freeze out participants.

From Washington Post

Google searches: “How many calories does cross-country skiing burn,” “cross country skiers falling down gif”

From The Daily Beast

The real-life clan emigrated here in 1950, bringing an Austrian love of cross-country skiing with them.

From The Daily Beast

More About Cross-Country Skiing

What is cross-country skiing?

Cross-country skiing is skiing that takes place on relatively flat terrain, as opposed to being completely downhill (as is the case in what’s called downhill skiing).

In cross-country skiing, skiers use poles to help propel them forward. The skis used in cross-country skiing differ from those used in downhill skiing in shape, size, and structure. Notably, the boots used in cross-country skis can lift at the heel to allow for striding, in contrast to skis used for downhill skiing, in which the boot is fully attached.

There are several different types of cross-country skiing competitions, including sprints and longer distance races, such as the one known as Skiathlon. In some events, all racers begin at the same time, while others feature staggered starts. There are individual, team, and relay events.

Competitive cross-country skiing events are featured at the Winter Olympics and the Paralympic Winter Games. Cross-country skiing is an element of the event known as the biathlon.

Cross-country skiing is classified as a type of Nordic skiing (which also includes ski jumping), in contrast with Alpine skiing, which is more generally called downhill skiing and includes events such as the downhill and the slalom.

Much less commonly, cross-country skiing is called ski touring.

Example: Cross-country skiing is a great way to exercise and experience the winter landscape at the same time.

Where does cross-country skiing come from?

The term cross-country is used in the context of athletic races—including running and skiing—to indicate that the race is held over open terrain, such as through fields and woods, as opposed to being held on a track or other artificial surface. Cross-country has been used in the context of skiing since at least the early 1900s.

The sport of cross-country skiing has its roots in the practical use of skis for travel and transport, particularly in Scandinavian hunting culture.

Cross-country skiing has been a part of the Winter Olympics since the first Winter Games in 1924.

Over time, different cross-country skiing techniques have been developed. In more traditional styles, skiers glide while keeping their skis parallel. A more modern style involves alternating strides.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to cross-country skiing?

• cross-country skier (noun)
• cross-country ski (noun, verb)

What are some synonyms for cross-country skiing?

• ski touring

What are some words that share a root or word element with cross-country skiing? 

• cross
• country
• cross-country
• ski

What are some words that often get used in discussing cross-country skiing?

• skiing
• Nordic
• downhill skiing
• biathlon
• freestyle
• Winter Olympics
• Paralympic Winter Games

How is cross-country skiing used in real life?

Cross-country skiing is both a competitive sport and a form of recreation. The term skiing by itself is most commonly understood as referring to downhill skiing, hence the use of cross-country in the name.

Congratulations to Jessie Diggins, of Vermont, who won Team USA's first-ever sprint medal in cross-country skiing. She took the bronze medal in the women's sprint free cross-country skiing competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics. pic.twitter.com/jTVlyNPaE0

— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) February 8, 2022

"Plummeting temperatures are usually a given at the Games, but the Swedish delegation are urging cross-country skiing events to be held earlier in the day after one athlete, Frida Karlsson, was seen shaking and close to collapse at the end of the women’s 7.5km+7.5km skiathlon."

— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) February 7, 2022

All you haters would enjoy winter more if you started cross country skiing.

— Jonah Hudec (@JonahHudec) April 1, 2014

 

 

Try using cross-country skiing!

True or False? 

Cross-country skiing is classified as a type of Nordic skiing.