Cross Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing (also known as XC Skiing) is a winter sport in which the participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles. It is very popular in many countries with large volumes of snow, primarily Northern Europe, Canada, Alaska and the United States.

It's a relatively new sport in North America and was introduced by Norwegian and Swedish immigrants in the 1850s. XC Skiing is part of the Nordic skiing sport family, which also includes ski jumping, skijoring, and a combination sport of cross-country skiing and ski jumping called Nordic combined. Another sub-family sport is ski-orienteering, which adds the skill of map navigation along snow trails and tracks.

Modern cross-country ski competition is experiencing a huge revolution that is resulting in audiences which saw the World Cup and Olympic competitions come out to enjoy the winter sports. Today more and more races are being held in audience friendly formats, such as mass start, sprint, relay and pursuit (a race that involves switching skis and styles halfway through the race).

"Bushwhacking" or "Bushwalking on skis" is a sport where XC skiers tackle trails of various lengths and difficulties. Some XC skiers stay out for extended periods using tents and equipment similar to hikers, whereas others take relatively short trips from ski resorts or clubs on maintained trails. .

As a sport, cross-country skiing is one of the most difficult endurance sports, as its uses every major muscle group and it is one of the sports that burn the most calories per hour in execution. As a leisure sport it is one of the healthiest ways to keep fit, see nature up close during winter and enjoy some amazing sights along the Sandwich Notch.

Come join us for an organized event, tramp or just come along to the club to find out more.