Cross Country Skiing is an individual, endruance sport where competitors use skis to travel across long, flat distances. Cross Country Skiing can be done for exercise, recreation or competition.

Cross country skiing is an ancient activity originating in prehistoric Scandinavia. Used then for hunting and farming, it is now primarily a recreational and competitive activity. Due to the unique motion skiers take, equipment is specially designed for cross country use. Being an endurance sport, cross country skiers must have a strong heart and lungs.

Use skis to travel long distances over snow. Competitively, skiers aim to finish races in the least amount of time possible.

All equipment must be inspected prior to starting. Cleaning, waxing or scraping skies during a race is not allowed. Races begin with a classical, freestyle or pursuit start, where different restrictions are placed on what skiers may do in the first 100-200 meters. Skiers must allow for others to pass unless the race is in the final 200 meters. The final 200 meters of the course must be as straight and narrow as possible. The skier that finishes the race in the least amount of time is the winner.

Cross country skiing originated in Scandinavia in prehistoric times. It was originally used as a way to hunt, farm and herd animals in snow. Competitive and recreational versions began sprouting up across Scandinavia in the 18th century. Technological improvements in the areas of skis and snow grooming in the 1950's and 1960's allowed for greater access to the sport. Today, cross country skiing is an Olympic sport, and remains popular in cold weather climates around the world.

Bindings
Boots
Gloves
Poles
Skis
Wax

Cross country skiing is generally a safe sport due to low speeds and a lack of contact between participants. However, injuries to the knees, thighs and ankles have been known to occur. Cross country skiers should also know the area they are skiing, and be mindful of any natural hazards.

Competing in an endurance sport like cross country skiing requires, above all, a strong cardiovascular system. Participants should also have strong knees, thighs and shoulders.

Classical Technique - style of skiing where the skier takes a striding movement with one leg moving forward while the other leg stays momentarily stationary while preparing to move forward

Double Poling - using both poles at the same time to thrust the body forward

Freestyle Technique - style similar to the movement used in ice skating; enables the skier to obtain faster speeds than by using classical style

Freestyle Start - mass starting style where skiers are not allowed to use the skating technique for the first 100-200 meters

Herringbone - moving forward on cross country skis in a stepping mode, with the ski tips further apart than the tails; forms a herringbone pattern in the snow

Kick Turn - a way of turning to the opposite direction of travel by kicking one ski to a 180 degree position, then doing the same to the other ski

Skating - propelling the body forward by using one ski as a platform and the other as the sliding ski, in a manner like a skater

http://www.robertsski.com/webpgss/termsccs.htm
http://www.fuzilogik.com/index.php/Sports-Library/SkiingCross Country/Cross-Country-Skiing-Rules.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-country_skiing