PARA CROSS COUNTRY
One of the oldest types of skiing, cross-country skiing is also one of the most popular Paralympic winter sports.
about Para cross-country skiing
Para cross-country skiing has been part of the Paralympic winter sports programme since the first winter Games were held in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 1976. The competition is open to athletes with physical disabilities in the upper and lower limbs (standing) and lower limbs and trunk (sit-ski), as well as individuals with vision impairments.
Athletes compete in sprint (2.5km), 10km and 20km races or in a team relay using classic or free-style techniques..
Depending on the limits of activity due to disability, a competitor may use a sit-ski — a chair equipped with a ski. Athletes with vision impairments can compete in the race with a sighted guide.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is the global governing body of Para cross country skiing.
Para cross-country skiing History
Para cross-country skiing appeared at the inaugural Örnsköldsvik 1976 Paralympic Winter Games with standing and vision impaired athletes competing. Men and women used the classic technique in all distances until skating was introduced at the Innsbruck 1984 Paralympic Winter Games. Since then, Para cross-country skiing events have been split into two separate races: classic and free technique.
The new technique, however, was not officially used in a medal race until 1992 in Albertville, France.
Sitting events were introduced at the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games.
To date, Norway is the most successful nation in the sport while the most male and female athletes with the most victories are Canada’s Brian McKeever (16 gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal) and Norway’s Ragnhild Myklebust (16 gold medals) respectively.
Did you know ?
Oksana Masters, US Paralympic cycling gold medallist, also secured three gold medals in Para cross country skiing across two Paralympic Winter Games.
Video
Cross Country Skiing News
View more
Paralympic stars shine at Milano Cortina 2026 test event
The IBU Para Biathlon World Cup and the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup made a stop in Val di Fiemme, which will stage 38 medal events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Keeping up with the Paralympians
We spoke with four Paralympic medallists at the FIS Para Cross-Country World Championships, which took place in Toblach, Italy, from 12-14 February.
Three years until Milano Cortina: Italian athletes preparing for ‘biggest show ever’
Italy is famous for its food and culture, but during the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the country will also shine thanks to its passion for Para sport, says Para ice hockey player Andrea Macri. We asked four Paralympians what they are looking forward to in three years and why you should also get excited
Ukrainian Paralympic team and Olympian Kai Verbij announced as The Visa Award winners
• The Visa Award winners from the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 – Dutch speed skater Kai Verbij and the Ukrainian Paralympic team – have selected UNICEF Netherlands and the National Sports Committee for the Disabled of Ukraine as their respective charities for a USD 50,000 donation to each from Visa
Beijing 2022 one year on: Record-setting McKeever reflects on what matters most
The Canadian Para cross-country skier Brian McKeever retired after the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, having won 20 Paralympic medals in the men's vision impairment class
Takeaways from Para Cross-Country Skiing
Para Cross-Country Skiing saw one of Paralympic sports greatest athletes bow out in style, while the next generation were ushered in
Federation contact information
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) governs the sport of Cross country skiing.
Contact
Bruno Sassi
PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORT RESULTS
Search for all results from Paralympic Games events and selected other international Para sport events.
Cross Country Skiing FAQs
Para alpine skiing requires athletes to complete a course skiing downhill and passing through gates, whereas Para cross country skiing courses are longer in distance and the sport requires greater endurance.
Para Nordic skiing includes both Para cross country skiing and Para biathlon.
Para cross country skiing involves short, middle and long distances, ranging from 2.5km to 20km.