AY Honors/Skiing - Cross Country/Answer Key

Cross-country skiing (commonly abbreviated X-country skiing; also Nordic skiing) An adventure and fitness activity as well as a competitive sport popular in many countries with large snowfields. As an adventure activity, it may be viewed as "bushwalking on skis".

The skis are long, thin, flat-bottomed devices attached by mean of spring-loaded bindings (which detach in an accident) to the skiers shoes, with a slightly upturned, pointed front end to avoid digging into the snow. Unlike downhill ski, the bindings only attach to the toes of the shoes. They are usually coated with wax to reduce friction during forward motion but with line patterns on the bottom which increase the friction when the ski slides backward. Like downhill skiers, they carry two poles, usually made of aluminium, with a spike at the end to hold the pole steady when embedded in snow, and a plastic ring to ensure the pole only goes to its designed embedding depth.

To move when on level ground or going uphill, cross-country skiers slide one ski forward and reach with the arm on the same side to implant the pole in the snow in front of them, then pull on the pole to accelerate themselves along. They then lift the pole out of the snow and repeat the process with the other side of the body, hopefully maintaining momentum and achieving a smooth, energy-saving rhythm. When reaching a downhill slope, they are able to coast down in a similar manner to downhill skiing.

Cross-country skiing has been practised in Scandanavian countries since recorded history began, and also possibly by native Americans for similar lengths of time. It has been used by polar explorers as a means of transport, and some Scandinavian armies train their infantry on skis for winter operations.

Today, there are several types of cross-country competitive events, involving races of various types and lengths, as well as the biathalon, involving a combination of cross-country skiing and air-rifle shooting.

As an adventure activity, skiiers tackle trails of various lengths and difficulties. Some skiiers stay out for extended periods using tents and equipment similar to bushwalkers, others take relatively short trips from ski resorts, or use huts provided along some trails.

See telemark.