Snow conditions, current weather are key in the rigorous sport of cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is the oldest form of skiing, a sport that’s evolved from one of the earliest forms of winter transportation thousands of years ago in northern regions to a rigorous test of endurance for passionate winter sport enthusiasts.

Early uses of cross-country skiing were primarily to gather firewood, chase game and stay in contact with nearby communities. But in the mid-19th century, the first race was held in Norway in 1842, according to the Olympic Games website.

According to Snowsports Industries America Nordic Director Reese Brown, over 5.1 million people cross-country ski annually in the United States alone, a number that is incrementally increasing.

During the upcoming Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, which begin Feb. 9, there will be seven different men’s and women’s cross-country events. These include men’s and women’s freestyle races, relays, sprints as well as a skiathalon, a hybrid type of competition where skiers ski on a classic course and then switch equipment and ski what’s known as a skate course.

Olympic races can range from as short as 10 km (6 miles) to 50 km (31 miles). Race entrants strategize differently depending on whether the race is in a group or individual setting.

Skiers should be prepared for the harsh cold of PyeongChang, which will pale in comparison to the mild weather at Sochi, Russia, in 2014 when some competitors raced in sleeveless jerseys and snow was slushy in some locations.

Emily Lovett, a cross country specialist with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) National Team, said in colder weather an athlete's body can burn more energy while participating in an endurance activity so it's important to stay hydrated.

“Wind chill factor can be an issue on fast downhills, so athletes need to dress appropriately and you’ll often see a protective layer or tape on their face,” she said. “Attention to a good warmup prior to racing is important. The body may take longer to warm up.”

One benefit of cross-country skiing is that unlike Alpine skiing, which is held at higher and more exposed elevations, cross-country races are held on lower terrain where it can be less cold. Additionally, some courses are spread throughout wooded areas which can help diminish the wind.

However, there are times when windy conditions can sap the energy out of a racer, according to Brown, who likened it to riding a bike in a strong wind.

Lovett said "drafting" is a racing strategy used to navigate through windy weather by skiing in a pack or right behind or alongside another skier to allow that person to take the brunt of the wind. This technique can also conserve energy, which can come in handy when it comes time for racers to push themselves up hilly terrain.

In some situations, windy conditions have postponed races.

Last month, the powerful Storm Burglind forced the postponement of a World Cup race in Oberstdorf, Germany. Some wind gusts approached hurricane speeds, according to reports, toppling trees and banners onto the trail.

Both Lovett and Brown said new snow that falls during a race can complicate matters.

“Skis are typically waxed for current conditions so if snow conditions change during the race that could affect ski performance. Also, if you have fresh snow that you are skiing through, it can slow you down,” Lovett said.

Depending on how cold it is, different compositions of snow can impact a ski's performance.

"Colder snow (especially new, cold snow) has sharper/harder crystals that can act like sand paper against the ski, compromising glide," Lovett explained. "When the snow is warmer, the crystals are less sharp and skis glide easier."

Wet, slushy snow can stick to the base of the ski and compromise glide as well, she added.

Typically, cross-country courses are groomed prior to competition, but that isn’t possible when snow falls during an event.

“The racers want somewhat firm conditions, so their poles don’t punch through [the snow], but not ice because they do need to grip,” Brown said.

Whether it’s to enjoy the solitude of the cold, peaceful outdoors by traversing through fresh, untouched snow or to simply exercise, there are many different reasons why the sport is beloved by those who participate.

Brown, who also serves as the executive director of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, said he often hears that cross-country skiing is portrayed as a difficult sport, but for those who are considering giving it a shot, he says “give it a try.”

He also believes that the sport is seeing more active participants because some skiers in older age groups are shifting away from Alpine skiing to cross-country skiing as it’s less physically demanding and can be more accessible.

Lovett said the sport is very rhythmic and good for relaxing the mind.

"The learning process in cross-country skiing can be addicting because as you see positive results (overall fitness and ski technique), it motivates you to keep improving."

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