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What Is Cross Country Skiing?

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By Julie Boehlke
What Is Cross Country Skiing?

http://www.sxc.hu

Cross country skiing is a sport that is enjoyed individually using cross country skis and ski poles to glide and maneuver over packed snow. There are also variations of the sport. There are different classifications of cross country ski types such as backcountry, groomed trail and race performance---because of this, ski designs vary slightly.

Equipment

The standard equipment used in cross country skiing are lightweight skis with speed tips and tails, goggles, boots, ski poles jackets and snow pants. Topographic maps, backpacking equipment and navigational equipment is often used.

Location

Cross country skiing can be performed anywhere there is at least two inches of packed snow. Groomed trails free of branches, dips, rock and debris are preferable and can be found throughout the United States.

Seasonal

Cross country skiing is seasonal and is usually conducted during the winter months of November through March in most regions of the northern United States.

Ski Orienteering

Ski orienteering is a type of vigorous sport using cross country ski equipment, an orienteering map and keen navigation skills to move through rough terrain and complete a competition against other skiers.

Nordic Combined

Nordic combined uses race performance cross country ski equipment and clothing and combines traditional cross country skiing with ski jumping.

About The Author

Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on a wide genre of topics such as green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors, camping, gourmet cooking, hiking, backpacking, outdoor survival and interior decorating.
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