Cross Country Skiing

BC WINTER GAMES

Cross Country Skiing

At the BC Winter Games, athletes are 13 or 14 years old and compete in Midget and Juvenile categories. There is an individual sprint race (400m) and an individual start (3.5km or 5km), as well as team relays (4x2km). Athletes with a disability (ages 14-35) compete in the Para-nordic races including standing and sit-ski events for different disability classifications.

Cross Country BC is the Provincial Sport Organization responsible for developing the sport in the province and represents over 14,000 skiers. Notable BC Games alumni include World Cup medallist and two-time Olympian George Grey of Rossland (1994 BC Winter Games).

Skier approaches the finish line at Historic Barkerville.

The origins of cross country skiing date back thousands of years as a form of transportation. The sport came to North America in the 1850s and is truly a sport for life as it is easily learned with no boundaries for age, gender, or fitness level. At the highest levels of competition it is one of the most difficult endurance sports, demanding exceptional skills and fitness. Cross country skiing has been part of the Olympic Winter Games since the first Games in 1924.

Racers use two basic ski techniques in cross country skiing: classic, where the skis move parallel to each other, and free skate, where skiers push off with the edge of their ski similar to ice skating.

By the Numbers

Facts:

Uses every major muscle group

2 styles – Classic and Free Skate

Skis are long and narrow

8,500 volunteers per
Games cycle.

Volunteer

5,000 participants per
Games cycle.

Participate

45 sports included across BC
Winter and Summer Games.

Our Sports

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Notable Alumni

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Julia Johnson

Speed Skating 2006 BC Winter Games

Technical Package

Rules and technical information for participating in the BC Games are specific to each Games and are established for each Games.

Technical Packages provide details of the eligibility requirements for competition as well as event and competition information. In order to fully understand the rules and requirements for participation in the BC Games, it is expected that the BC Games General Rules will also be read.

Technical Packages include:

Contact Information

Rules

Eligibility Criteria

Registration Deadlines

Venues

View Technical Package

How to qualify for the Games

Qualification for the Games varies from sport-to-sport.

Generally qualification events for the Games are held beginning 6 months prior to the Games up to about 5 or 6 weeks prior to the Games, depending on the sport. Qualifications for the Games are coordinated by the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) and managed by the organization or the Zone Representatives – refer to the technical package for the respective sport (BC Winter Games; BC Summer Games) for contact information.

Step 1: Find
Your Sport

See if your sport will be at the next Games and what the eligibility is with our sport packages.

Our Sports

Step 2: Find
Your Zone

The team that you attend with will depend on what geographical Zone you live in.

Find your Zone

Step 3: Contact
PSO

Your Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) can tell you when your Zone qualification event is. Contact information cab be found in the technical packages.

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Step 4: Attend
Zone Tryout

Zone qualification events are usually held beginning 6 months prior to the games up to about 5 of 6 weeks prior to the event. Check with your PSO to be sure.

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