Cross Country Skiing

The More You Know

Cross Country BC is the Provincial Sport Organization responsible for developing the sport in the province and represents over 14,000 skiers.

History

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.

Cross Country Ski at the BC Games

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.