Cross country skiing is a winter sport which promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes of all ages. Special Olympics cross country skiing events are designed to be appropriate for athletes of every ability level. Individual events offered in cross country skiing range from a 500 meter to the 10K. In addition to these traditional events, Special Olympics offers events for lower ability level athletes to train and compete in basic cross country skiing skills. The development of these basic skills is necessary to progress to other competitive events.

Athletes can also participate in a Unified Sports® relay. Unified Sports® is a program that combines Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition.

On a Unified relay, a team consists of two Special Olympics athletes and two partners. Selection of athletes and partners of similar age and ability is preferred for Unified Sports® training and competition in cross country skiing, as age and ability matching enhances the quality of the training and competition experience. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.

Cross Country Skiing Facts  

• Special Olympics cross country skiing was first included in the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
• At the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska, USA, 238 athletes from 26 Special Olympics programs competed in cross country skiing.
• Ten Minnesota delegations currently offer athletes the opportunity to train and compete in cross country skiing.
• Difficult training conditions the past few winters has affected cross country skiing participation numbers at Winter Games, but 31 dedicated skiers competed at Giants Ridge in Biwabik in 2004. The 2005 event at Welch Village was canceled due to poor trail conditions. To find out more about cross country skiing or Winter Games, contact Pam Bergerson.
• In addition to competition at Winter Games, cross country athletes can also compete at area competitions in Area 3 and Area 12.

Special Olympics Minnesota
Cross Country Skiing Events

  100 Meter

Sports Rules

National Governing Body: Fédération Internationale de Ski

Special Olympics Incorporated: Cross Country Skiing Rules (updated January 2008)

Other Resources

Cross Country Skiing Participation by Delegation, Area and Level – Click here to find a cross country ski team in your area.

Cross Country Skiing Recertification Test

Cross Country Ski Tips

Eight Week Cross Country Skiing Training Plan