One particular race with death and the future of an entire country at stake occurred in the year 1206 and still lives prominently in the modern XC ski culture. King H kon was attempting to unify Norway, and not everyone wanted to go along, especially other tribal leaders of the time. Thanks to their heroic efforts, the boy lived to become a king that expanded Norway's boundaries beyond what they had ever been, or would be again. Food, drink, and first aid is available from well-wishers along the course. Looking back 100 years or so, it is important to realize that the extreme specialization that we see today within skiing was not always present.
Small children use one pair of skis for all disciplines, and learn to jump, skate, slalom, etc.
Only later does specialization take place. In contrast to the sport's crude beginnings, modern cross country skiing is a highly specialized discipline, completely distinct in every way imaginable from downhill, slalom, telemark, and ski-jumping. One thing the modern XC elite have with their fore-runners in my book is sheer mental and physical toughness. Skiing's advancement is due to the combined impact of significant developments in every single facet of performance. First, the courses are prepared better.