Nordic Skiing

Nordic skiing, also called classic skiing, techniques and events that evolved in the hilly terrain of Norway and the other Scandinavian countries. The modern Nordic events are the cross-country races (including a relay race) and ski-jumping events. The Nordic combined is a separate test consisting of a 10-km cross-country race and special ski-jumping contest, with the winner determined on the basis of points awarded for performance in both. Cross-country racing is sometimes called Nordic racing. There are numerous factors that differentiate the various individual cross-country races, such as the type of start, the style of skiing, and the distance. With the exception of one event, all cross-country races begin with a staggered start in which competitors are spaced 30 seconds apart. Skiers are thus racing against the clock, not each other. Races with pursuit formats involve two races, and ultimately skiers race against each other rather than the clock.

The other important aspect of a race is the style of skiing. Until the 1970s there was only one style, now called classic, in which skiers follow parallel tracks. A more productive type of cross-country skiing was popularized by American Bill Koch when he used a skating stride, pushing his skis outside the parallel tracks. His innovative style is now used in freestyle events. The freestyle technique requires longer poles and shorter skis than the classic style. It also requires higher boots that give improved ankle support.

Classic individual Nordic events were included in the first Winter Olympic program in 1924; Alpine events (downhill and slalom) were not added until 1948. A Nordic World Cup for cross-country events has been awarded since 1979. The governing body is the International Ski Federation (Fédération Internationale de Ski, or FIS).