Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is travel over varied terrain on skis, using poles for propulsion, rather than skiing downhill on a prepared slope.
Classic skiing: A cross-country skiing technique in which skis glide parallel along tracks or a straight path. Its alternating stride and diagonal glide are the defining movements of traditional cross-country technique.
Nordic skiing: A family of skiing disciplines in which the heel is not fixed to the ski. Cross-country skiing is the central form within this broader family of heel-free skiing.
Cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympics: The Olympic program of cross-country skiing races, including distance, sprint, relay, and pursuit events. Its races showcase the sport’s techniques and endurance demands at elite level.
Skiing: Travel or sport involving movement over snow on skis. Cross-country skiing grew from skiing’s broader history as a means of winter movement.
Alpine skiing: Skiing downhill on slopes with bindings that secure both the toe and heel of the boot. Its fixed-heel equipment and downhill focus contrast with cross-country travel and propulsion.
Skate skiing: A cross-country skiing technique that propels skiers with outward skating pushes on a firm, groomed surface. Its lateral push differs from classic skiing’s forward stride and requires a wider trail.
Ski: A long, narrow device attached to a boot for gliding over snow. The ski’s shape, flex, and base govern flotation, grip, and glide.
Biathlon: A winter sport combining cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship at shooting ranges. Biathlon uses cross-country skiing for the race’s demanding locomotion between shooting bouts.
Ski warfare: The use of skis by military forces to travel and fight in snowy terrain. Military ski travel helped sustain practical skiing traditions that preceded modern recreation.
Telemark skiing: A downhill skiing technique characterized by a free heel and a bent-knee lunge turn. It shares heel-free bindings but centers on turns and descents rather than distance travel.