When did Cross Country Skiing (Nordic) Become a sport as opposed to means of Travel?

Question

When did Cross Country Skiing (Nordic) Become a sport as opposed to means of Travel?

Why?

Who started the sport?

How has the equipment changed?

Answer 1

There have been sanctioned, organized cross-country skiing races for over 100 years. XC skiing was one of the original Winter Olympic events in 1924 and FIS World Cup Nordic skiing has taken place since 1925.

As mechanized forms of travel became more efficient, XC skiing was replaced by things such as snowmobiles and snowcats. Likewise, so were dog sleds. However, skis and snowshoes are still viable means of transportation in many places and are still widely used by the military in many countries.

Sondre Norheim, from Norway, is considered the "Father of Modern Skiing". Nordheim redesigned skis to be lighter and curved in the 1890s. Prior to that skis were longer and heavier.

The equipment today still shares some of the similarities as it did 100 years ago. However, it has greatly changed as well. Boots are specially designed for XC skiing whereas 100 years ago they were not. Bindings then were leather straps one tied around the boots, now, the boots clip into the bindings. There are several binding styles...SNS, NNN, and 3-pin are the most common. Skis have changed too. They are now made mostly of composite materials as opposed to wood. There are many styles ranging from short, light "skate" skis used for racing to metal-edged, wide skis used for backcountry touring.

Answer 2

Well, i recall it being a leasure activity 5 years ago, so it must have happened recently.

I'm not really sure of the "sport" but i know it is harder than it looks and VERY tiring.

Answer 3

The Scandinavians and to be more exact the Norwegians are credited with turning Cross Country Skiing into a sport. Competitive cross-country  events appeared towards the end of the 19th century with the Huseby race in 1879. The legendary Holmenkollen festival was held in 1892 in front of well over 10,000 spectators, and for many years was considered more important then the world championships.

Cross Country Skiing was apart of the Nordic championships held every 4 to 5 years from 1901 till 1926. Has been apart of every Winter Olympics since # I Chamonix, France 1924.

Answer 4

The first time Knut told Leif he could get to that tree first.