# Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing

Part of the Snow Sports Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/index.md)

*7. Option B — Nordic Skiing*

> **7.** Option B—Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing. DO ALL of the following: **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](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b1/)**: Select, use, and maintain cross-country ski equipment for safety and comfort.
- **[Req 7b2 — Trail Rules](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b2/)**: 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](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b3/)**: Discuss classic, skating, touring, and telemark skis.
- **[Req 7b4 — Waxing for Touring](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b4/)**: Explain the basic principles of waxing for cross-country touring.
- **[Req 7b5 — Skiing Styles Compared](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b5/)**: Discuss the differences between cross-country, backcountry/ski touring, ski mountaineering, and downhill/telemark skiing.
- **[Req 7b6 — One-Day Tour Gear](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b6/)**: List the items you would take on a one-day ski tour.
- **[Req 7b7 — Map & Compass](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b7/)**: Demonstrate the proper use of a topographic map and compass.
- **[Req 7b8 — Speed & Direction Control](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b8/)**: On a gentle packed slope, demonstrate straight run, traverse, side slip, step turn, wedge stop, and wedge turn.
- **[Req 7b9 — Propulsion Technique](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b9/)**: On a cross-country trail, demonstrate weight transfer, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide.
- **[Req 7b10 — 4-Mile Tour](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b-10/)**: Complete a 4-mile tour demonstrating ability to handle varied snow conditions.
- **[Req 7b11 — Steep Hills & Difficult Conditions](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b-11/)**: Demonstrate traverses, kick turns uphill and downhill, sidesteps, and pole drag.

> **Tip**
>
> You need to complete at least 10 of these 11 requirements. Review all 11 and plan which one you might skip if needed — most Scouts find the full 4-mile tour (7b10) the most time-intensive to prepare for.

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- Previous: [Major Ski Organizations](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7a-10/index.md)
- Next: [Equipment Selection](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b1/index.md)