Ruqayyah Snyder
Cross-country skiing is a popular sport in Australia, with 20% of snow and ice sports participants taking part in it, according to the 2008 Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS). The sport has a long history in the country, with ski races being conducted as early as 1861 in Kiandra, New South Wales. Australia has also been sending athletes to compete in cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympics since 1952, winning medals in the sport since 1998. Today, cross-country skiing is possible in various locations across the country, including Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cross-country skiing locations in Australia | Namadgi National Park in the A.C.T., Bimberi Nature Reserve, Brindabella National Park in New South Wales, Mount Franklin, Mount Gingera, Tasmania's Cradle Mountain, Kosciusko Main Range in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Victoria's Lake Mountain, Falls Creek, Hotham, Dinner Plain, and Mount Buller |
| Cross-country skiing resorts in Australia | Lake Mountain, Falls Creek, Hotham, Dinner Plain, and Mount Buller |
| Cross-country skiing in the Australian Olympics | Australian skiers have competed in Olympic cross-country skiing since 1952, and in 2014, Esther Bottomley and Anthony Evans became Australia's first three-time cross-country skiing Olympians |
| Popularity of cross-country skiing in Australia | Cross-country skiing is a popular sport for Australians of all ages and skill levels. The 2008 Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) estimated that 20% of the 227,900 Australians who participated in snow and ice sports during the previous 12 months were cross-country skiers |
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What You'll Learn
Cross-country skiing resorts in Australia
Cross-country skiing is possible in Australia, with resorts and trails located in the Australian Alps in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as in the mountains of the island state of Tasmania.
The Kosciusko Main Range in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales offers some of the most challenging cross-country and back-country skiing in Australia, notably Watsons Crags and Mount Twynam on the steep Western Face of the Range. The Mount Jagungal wilderness area provides some of the most isolated back-country ski terrain. The highest mountain in the ACT is Bimberi Peak, which lies above the treeline at 1912 meters. Cross-country skiing is possible in the area when conditions allow. Cross-country skiing is also practiced at Mount Gingera, which rises to an elevation of 1855 meters above the city of Canberra.
In Victoria, Lake Mountain is renowned as Australia's premier cross-country ski resort, offering a network of well-marked beginner and advanced trails spanning 39 kilometers. Falls Creek is another popular resort, featuring 65 kilometers of groomed and patrolled trails along with the 'Nordic Bowl', an excellent spot for beginners and children. Other resorts in Victoria include Mount Stirling, Hotham, Dinner Plain, Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw, and Mount St Gwinear. The highlight of the Victorian cross-country skiing calendar is The Kangaroo Hoppet, Australia's premier long-distance cross-country ski race, held at Falls Creek on the last Saturday of every August.
In Tasmania, cross-country skiing is possible at Cradle Mountain, which is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
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Cross-country skiing in the Olympics
Cross-country skiing has been an Olympic sport since the first Winter Games in Chamonix, France, in 1924, although women's events were not introduced until 1952 in Oslo. The sport has its origins in northern Europe, where skis were used to travel long distances across snowy terrain, hunt, and gather firewood. It evolved into a sport in the late 19th century and was practised by Norwegian army units.
The upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 12 cross-country skiing races, with men and women competing over the same distances for the first time in Olympic history. The races will be held in Tesero, Val di Fiemme, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium. The events will include the 10km + 10km skiathlon, sprint classic, team sprint free, 4x7.5km relay, 10km interval start free, and 50km mass start classic.
Norway has dominated the men's World Cup in recent years, with athletes like Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who has won five Olympic gold medals, and Harald Østberg Amundsen, who won the overall, distance, and Tour de Ski titles in 2024. Other notable athletes include Swedish starlet Edvin Anger, a two-time Youth Olympic medallist, and Jessie Diggins, a two-time overall champion and three-time Olympic medallist.
Australia has also competed in Olympic cross-country skiing events, first participating in the Winter Olympics in Oslo in 1952 and winning medals in every Games since 1998. The country has a range of cross-country ski resorts, such as Lake Mountain, Falls Creek, and Hotham, which offer trails for all ages and abilities.
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Australia's history with the sport
Australia has a long history with skiing, dating back to the 19th century. The country's first ski races were held in Kiandra, New South Wales, in 1861, marking the beginning of organised skiing in Australia. The Kiandra snow shoe club, founded as a result of these races, is the oldest ski club in the world. In 1908, the club hosted the world's first "International Ski Carnival", with Australia placing second.
Skiing in Australia continued to gain popularity, with the first ski tow constructed on the Mount Buffalo plateau, Victoria, in 1936. A ski chalet was also built at Mount Franklin in 1938 to service the Canberra Alpine Club, further enhancing the country's skiing infrastructure.
Australian skiers made their debut at the Winter Olympics in Oslo in 1952, marking the nation's entry into international competitive skiing. Since then, Australia has participated in all subsequent Winter Olympic Games and has consistently sent athletes specialising in various disciplines, including cross-country skiing.
The Kosciuszko Main Range in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales offers challenging cross-country skiing terrain, with notable locations such as Watsons Crags and Mount Twynam. Additionally, Victoria boasts several renowned cross-country ski resorts, including Lake Mountain, Falls Creek, and Dinner Plain. Lake Mountain, in particular, is known for its extensive network of well-marked trails catering to skiers of all skill levels.
Australia has continued to strengthen its presence in cross-country skiing at the Olympic Games. In 2014, Esther Bottomley and Anthony Evans became the country's first three-time cross-country skiing Olympians. Australia sent its largest cross-country skiing team to the 2018 PyeongChang Games, consisting of six athletes. The country's strong showing in cross-country skiing continued at the 2022 Beijing Games, where another six cross-country skiing Olympians competed, achieving an Australian Olympic best.
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Cross-country skiing injuries
Cross-country skiing is a low-impact sport with a very low incidence of injuries. The low sliding speed and the free heel, which allows twisting if you fall, contribute to the low risk of injuries. However, some injuries can still occur during the ski season due to falls or the aggravation of pre-existing conditions. About 75% of injuries sustained by cross-country skiers are a result of overuse due to the repetitive nature of the sport, and the remaining 25% are a result of trauma.
Traumatic injuries in cross-country skiing can include ankle sprains, thumb sprains, knee ligament sprains, groin muscle strains, and wrist sprains. These injuries are often the result of falling, and the recommended treatment is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is also important to slowly restore the range of motion, strength, and proprioception. For a proper diagnosis and rehabilitative exercises, it is suggested to see a physiotherapist.
Overuse injuries from cross-country skiing can include knee pain, compartment syndrome on the shins, Achilles tendon problems, rotator cuff and shoulder problems, and low back pain. To prevent overuse injuries, it is important to correct muscle imbalance, equipment faults, and training errors. Seeking medical advice from a physiotherapist or other qualified health professional specializing in cross-country skiing injuries can help address these issues. A full-body analysis with a professional can help identify individual mechanical inadequacies and develop an athlete-specific core stability and functional strength program.
Additionally, endurance sports, including cross-country skiing, require long hours of repetitive training, which can increase the chance of injury. Previous injuries and a high volume of repetitive training are commonly reported injury risk factors for endurance athletes. Cross-country skiing involves various skiing techniques and terrain types, which can also impact the risk of injury. While injury incidence and risk factors for adult cross-country skiers are relatively unexplored, a 12-month study found that elite adult North American cross-country skiers reported 3.81 injuries per 1,000 training/exposure hours. This study also found that lower extremity and non-traumatic/overuse injuries had the highest incidence rates.
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$295.45
Equipment and clothing
Cross-country skiing requires specialised equipment and clothing to ensure safety and comfort. The equipment needed includes skis, boots, bindings, and poles. In Australia, several retailers offer a comprehensive range of cross-country skiing gear, such as Cross Country Skier and Wilderness Sports AU. These stores provide expert advice and guidance to help customers select the most suitable equipment.
When it comes to clothing, the key is to wear multiple lightweight layers that can be easily adjusted to regulate body temperature. The base layer, which is in direct contact with the skin, should be made of synthetic materials that dry quickly and wick away sweat. Polyester base layers, such as workout tights or thermal underwear, are popular choices. This layer should be comfortable and form-fitting but not restrictive.
The middle layers focus on providing warmth. Fleece garments or lightweight jackets are recommended for these layers. It is essential to have the option to remove or add layers as needed to prevent overheating or excessive sweating.
Additionally, cross-country skiers should not underestimate the importance of sun protection. Sunglasses and sunscreen are crucial to protect against direct and reflective sunlight. Lastly, it is always good to have spare clothing, especially for extended trips, as dry clothing is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing hypothermia.
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Frequently asked questions
Cross-country skiing is a popular sport in Australia for participants of all ages and skill levels. The 2008 Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) estimated that 20% of the 227,900 Australians who participated in snow and ice sports during the previous 12 months were cross-country skiers.
There are many options for cross-country skiing in Victoria, Australia, including Lake Mountain, Falls Creek, Hotham, and Dinner Plain. Tasmania's premier Alpine skiing operations are located at Ben Lomond, and limited downhill ski operations also exist in the Mount Field National Park at Mount Mawson. Cross-country skiing is also possible in the Australian Capital Territory, in the Brindabella Ranges and at Mount Gingera.
In addition to skis, you will need well-fitting, durable, and waterproof boots that provide thermal protection. You should also wear thermal underwear, a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm socks, waterproof gloves, a warm hat or balaclava, and a scarf. Layer your clothing so you can remove some if you get too warm. You should also carry emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen and eye protection.
