Req 7b — Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing

You have chosen cross-country (Nordic) skiing. This option covers equipment, trail rules, waxing, navigation, skiing technique, and a 4-mile tour. There are 11 sub-requirements and you must complete at least 10 of them.

Work through the requirements below in order — the knowledge requirements (7b1 through 7b7) can be prepared before you hit the trails; the skills requirements (7b8 through 7b11) are demonstrated on snow.

What You’ll Complete

• Req 7b1 — Equipment Selection: Select, use, and maintain cross-country ski equipment for safety and comfort.
• Req 7b2 — Trail Rules: Explain the reasons for common Nordic trail rules — no walking on tracks, one-way direction, no pets, no snowmobile trails.
• Req 7b3 — Types of Nordic Skis: Discuss classic, skating, touring, and telemark skis.
• Req 7b4 — Waxing for Touring: Explain the basic principles of waxing for cross-country touring.
• Req 7b5 — Skiing Styles Compared: Discuss the differences between cross-country, backcountry/ski touring, ski mountaineering, and downhill/telemark skiing.
• Req 7b6 — One-Day Tour Gear: List the items you would take on a one-day ski tour.
• Req 7b7 — Map & Compass: Demonstrate the proper use of a topographic map and compass.
• Req 7b8 — Speed & Direction Control: On a gentle packed slope, demonstrate straight run, traverse, side slip, step turn, wedge stop, and wedge turn.
• Req 7b9 — Propulsion Technique: On a cross-country trail, demonstrate weight transfer, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide.
• Req 7b10 — 4-Mile Tour: Complete a 4-mile tour demonstrating ability to handle varied snow conditions.
• Req 7b11 — Steep Hills & Difficult Conditions: Demonstrate traverses, kick turns uphill and downhill, sidesteps, and pole drag.