Beijing 2022: Para Cross-Country Skiing

In para cross-country skiing competitions, skiers use gear suitable for their own physical conditions and apply basic techniques such as uphill, downhill, turning and gliding to ski on snow-covered hills.

Skiers can use classical or free techniques to take part in a sprint, middle distance and long-distance races, in which they can compete across three classification categories: standing, sitting and visually impaired. Visually impaired skiers are oriented with the help of a qualified guide.

Cross-country skiing, also known as the “snow marathon”, demands a high level of physical strength and endurance. Courses are relatively smooth compared with those at the Winter Olympics due to athletes’ limitations. Skiers should be physically and mentally strong enough to withstand extraordinarily difficult tests.

Copyright: Guide to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022– A Celebration on Ice and Snow