XC Dictionary Cross Country Skiing - skiing groomed trail over varied terrain with light weight ski equipment. Boots are held onto the ski by a binding system which secures the boot at the front and along the length of the boot but which allows the heel to freely move up off the ski. Skating - a technique for cross country skiing where the skier pushes the skis to the side and glides.
Specific equipment is available although skating can be accomplished on waxable cross country skis.
The skier requires a packed groomed surface for the technique. Classical - refers to the diagonal stride technique of cross country skiing. Contrasts with skating. Ski Touring - skiing ungroomed trail. Telemark - a downhill turning technique that has developed into its own facet of the sport done mostly at downhill ski resorts and in the back country.