Nordic or cross country skiing is pursued over flat areas or a combination of flat and hilly terrain. Nordic skis are long and narrow and are fastened to a cross country ski boot at the toe. The skier is also equipped with poles to help with balance and forward motion. Nordic skiing is much like jogging, alternating left and right while gliding over the terrain. Wax is applied on the bottom of each ski to grip on the snow as the alternating motion takes place.
Nordic skiing takes place on surfaces where tracks have been made by previous skiers.
The guide, however, is needed to assist avoiding obstacles and in navigating turns, and does so by calling directions to the skier.