In the world of snow sports, disciplines are often rigidly defined. Alpine skiers chase gravity, freestyle skiers chase style, and cross-country skiers chase endurance. However, recent footage emerging from the FIS Cross-Country World Cup circuit suggests that the lines are becoming increasingly blurred, as the world's fittest endurance athletes prove they aren't allergic to airtime.
Traditionally, cross-country skiing is viewed through a lens of physiological masochism—hours of toiling in the pain cave, clad in lycra, focused solely on VO2 max and glide efficiency. Yet, a recent video shared by the official FIS Cross-Country World Cup governing body showcases a different side of the squad. The clip features athletes launching significant jumps on equipment that is decidedly not designed for flight.
To the uninitiated, sending a jump on cross-country gear might look like a casual stunt. From an industry perspective, however, it demonstrates a terrifying level of balance and ski control. Unlike alpine setups, cross-country bindings leave the heel free, and the boots offer minimal ankle support compared to a 130-flex downhill boot. Furthermore, the skis themselves are narrow, lightweight, and lack the metal edges required for precise landings on hardpack. Taking this gear airborne requires a finely tuned kinesthetic awareness that goes far beyond cardiovascular capacity.
The FIS captioned the display with a tongue-in-cheek question, asking if the team was "confusing the assignment for ski jumping." It is a welcome moment of levity in a sport that takes itself notoriously seriously.
The Evolution of Nordic Skiing
This shift towards freestyle elements isn't entirely isolated. We are seeing a broader trend in the industry to make Nordic skiing more accessible and exciting to a younger demographic. Events like "Nordic Cross"—which incorporate jumps, berms, and technical obstacles—are gaining traction.
Swiss skier Antonin Savary has been highlighted as a standout in this informal aerial contest, bringing a level of style that rivals park skiers. But it's not just the World Cup contenders getting involved. Content creators and pros are increasingly exploring the limits of skinny skis.
In a relevant breakdown of this mechanics, the YouTube channel Become Norwegian released a video titled "We Tried XC Skiing Jumps & Tricks With a Pro," featuring professional skier Emil Sorgard. The video dissects the technical difficulty of these maneuvers.
The Right Tool for the Job
While seeing pros launch 40-foot jumps on skate skis is entertaining, it highlights the remarkable durability of modern carbon construction. For those inspired to push their own cross-country gear beyond the groomed tracks, having the right equipment is essential. Standard touring gear may not withstand the forces of landing, and racing skis are fragile.
If you are looking to get into the sport—whether for fitness or to attempt your own (smaller) airs—investing in high-quality skate or classic gear is the first step. For performance setups similar to what these athletes use, look for top-tier offerings from heritage brands.
- Performance Skate Skis: Salomon S/Lab Skate Ski
- Nordic Boots: Rossignol X-Ium Skate Boot
- Technical Layers: Odlo Base Layers
Ultimately, these displays of athleticism serve as a reminder that skiing, regardless of the binding system, is about the joy of movement on snow. Whether you are clocking kilometers or catching air, the core principle remains the same.
Source: Unofficial Networks
