"Before skis were used for fun and leisure, the ski was used for work and transportation. The oldest known version is a wide, short ski found in Sweden that has been shown to be over 4500 years old, and cave and rock drawings suggest that skis were used even long before then."
http://www.speedski.com/HistoryofSkiing.htm
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia states, "Skiing was originally a practical way of getting from one place to another in packed or crusted snow. In Norse Myth, skiing was invented by Skadi, the snowshoe goddess. The word "ski" entered the English langauge from Norwegian in 1890. Previous to that time, English speakers considered skiing to be a type of shoeshoeing. In countries where loose snow dominates, the indigenous population developed snowshoes that did not slide rather than skis which do."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skiing
It is not exactly clear when cross country skiing was invented as a competitive sport. It is accepted the first competitive races were held in Norway in 1879 and it has grown from there.
Crosscountry skiing, otherwise called Nordic skiing or XC skiing, is a colder time of year sport that includes skiing across significant distances over fluctuated landscape. Nordic skiing is the name given to it because it was first practiced in Scandinavia and other Nordic countries during the winter as a means of transportation. Crosscountry skiing varies from downhill skiing in that it includes skiing on compliment territory, and the skis are longer and more slender, permitting the skier to skim over the snow as opposed to cut turns. It is a popular winter exercise and endurance sport that is enjoyed by both recreational and competitive skiers.
Through the first two days of the 2010 Winter Games, Australia has never won a medal in cross country skiing. Australia has won 7 total Winter Olympic medals, 4 in freestyle skiing, 2 in short track speed skating, and 1 in alpine skiing.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is often related to Backyard Skiing. The skiers propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles. When cross country skiing, skiers are expected to ski jump or ski orienteering.
Bill Koch became an Olympian due to his early exposure to skiing and his determination to excel in the sport. Growing up in a skiing family in Vermont, he developed a passion for cross-country skiing, which was further nurtured by his participation in local competitions. His relentless dedication and rigorous training culminated in his participation in the 1976 Winter Olympics, where he became the first American to win a medal in cross-country skiing. Koch's achievements were also fueled by advancements in skiing techniques and equipment during his career.
If all skiers started as the same time: Yes. When skiers start one at a time it is the one that has the shortest time that wins.
The First Skiing Skiing may have come from snowshoeing. Though the history of skiing is somewhat obscure, we do know that the first type of skiing was cross country skiing. Down hill skiing evolved later on. The First Ski Poles The first ski poles evolved from walking sticks. They were first used by snowshoers, for balance. Down Hill Skiing Down hill skiing came during a modern era. Sondre Norheim constructed birch bindings, which could be the first stiff bindings. Later on, in 1896, Matthias Zdarsky created firmer bindings. With Zdarsky's bindings, skiers could turn and move about better on skis. Resources Skiing History - The History of Skiing History of Skiing History of skiing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nordic combined is a winter sport that combines two disciplines: cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Athletes compete in both events, with the ski jumping portion typically held first, followed by the cross-country race. The results from the ski jump are used to determine the starting positions for the cross-country race, with points converted into time penalties. This sport tests both the athletes' jumping skills and their endurance in skiing.
The first thing you need to know about cross country skiing is basic knowledge of the sports. Cross country skiing involves climbing and go downhill. Skilled Cross country skiers do this effectively and safely. Very importantly, choose the right ski for you. You can maneuver well in snow if you have a comfortable ski with you. Moreover, choose boots that fit snugly, holding your heel in place. You'll also need ski poles that can sit under your arm while you're standing. Also, where a warm undergarment and a ski jacket that fits you well. Avoid cotton undergarment as possible. Don't forget your water resistant gloves. Enjoy skiing!
the first compitition was held in attitash, New Hampshire in 1966.
The first thing you need to know about cross country skiing is basic knowledge of the sports. Cross country skiing involves climbing and go downhill. Skilled Cross country skiers do this effectively and safely. Very importantly, choose the right ski for you. You can maneuver well in snow if you have a comfortable ski with you. Moreover, choose boots that fit snugly, holding your heel in place. You'll also need ski poles that can sit under your arm while you're standing. Also, where a warm undergarment and a ski jacket that fits you well. Avoid cotton undergarment as possible. Don't forget your water resistant gloves. Enjoy skiing!