Cross country skiing is a winter sport that promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes of all ages. Events are designed for athletes of every ability level, as athletes work to propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles. Cross Country Skiing is offered as one of 4 Special Olympics winter sports competitions, along with Alpine Skiing, Ice Skating, and Snowshoeing.

Cross Country Skiing has been a Special Olympics official sport with events at the World Games since 1977. There are over 41,000 athletes in the sport of Cross Country Skiing across 6 global regions. Cross-country skiing (commonly abbreviated XC skiing) is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles.

Find a Special Olympics Area program near you to participate. Contact your Region Director if you’re interested in starting this sport in your Area.

Get an overview of the sport of Special Olympics cross country skiing.  View the Cross Country Skiing Fact Sheet