Cross-country skiers are hardy, strong, spirited people. Now their sport is proving to be just as resilient.
Despite warmer winters and decreasing snowfall worldwide, cross-country skiing is experiencing a sustained surge in participation. One of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, the trend began during the pandemic and has continued well beyond it, evolving into a broader cultural movement, especially among women and youth.
Once viewed as a fringe winter pastime, cross-country skiing benefited early on from the need for social distancing, which pushed people outdoors and toward individual, nature-based activities. Even before snow hit the ground in 2020, industry reports showed Nordic skiing gear sales jumping by as much as 200 to 300 percent. More notably, that enthusiasm never faded when pandemic restrictions eased.
Instead, the sport’s combination of fitness benefits, accessibility, and increasing visibility — particularly on the Olympic stage — has broadened its appeal and helped fuel steady growth. Participation continues to rise across demographics, with especially strong momentum in youth programs and among adults drawn to its full-body, low-impact workout.
An Inspiring Role Model Redefines the Sport
High-profile athletes such as Jessie Diggins have played a major role in this evolution. As the most successful Nordic skier in U.S. history, Diggins has helped reshape the image of cross-country skiing through the joy, grit, and determination she brings to competition.
Equally impactful is the openness she brings off the course. Her mental health advocacy, along with the unmistakable face glitter and genuine smiles she carries into every race, has made the sport feel more human, relatable, and fun. By consistently embodying these qualities, Diggins has helped redefine cross-country skiing for a new generation of athletes and fans—particularly women.
The result is growing grassroots support in communities across the country, especially in the Olympic Region. Nordic ski clubs, school programs, and community organizations provide a strong foundation for participation. In Lake Placid, programs such as the Olympic Authority’s Wee Ski, Pathfinders, and Snowboomers programs make cross-country skiing more accessible for people of all ages. Additional events, such as the ADK Tour De Ski, Full Moon Parties, and the Lake Placid Loppet provide a wide range of community events for all ages and abilities from simple and fun outings to more serious ski challenges.
Two of the Olympic Authority’s alpine ski areas – Gore and Belleayre Mountains – also offer cross-country skiing. Gore Mountain’s Nordic Center at the North Creek Ski Bowl offers a professionally groomed 5k trail network, complete with rentals, snowmaking, and even lighting. At the Ski Bowl, skiers can also enjoy a spacious new lodge called The Station, complete with a full-service restaurant and other amenities. Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills provides an array of terrain ranging from gentle inclines to more challenging ones that include wide historic carriage roads as well as steep narrow trails that together offer something for every level of skier.
The Extraordinary Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing
A wide diversity of personal benefits offer a host of additional reasons for the sport’s booming popularity. Anyone who skis regularly can offer a range of motivating factors:
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- A full-body workout
Whether approached as serious training or a relaxed outing, cross-country skiing engages nearly every muscle group while improving balance, coordination, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. - Time in nature
Fresh air, quiet forests, and winter scenery offer a restorative escape, while the sport’s rhythmic motion adds a calming, almost meditative quality. - Growing competitive opportunities
Participation in cross-country ski racing continues to rise, from citizen races to youth and elite programs. Last year, there were 2,119 competitive junior members (ages 16–20) nationwide, and high school programs attract approximately 6,500 athletes across the U.S. - Low-impact and lifelong
The smooth sliding motion reduces impact compared to running, making the sport both safe and accessible across all stages of life. - Choice and versatility
Skiers can choose between classic and skate techniques and select terrain ranging from flat groomed trails to rolling hills or backcountry routes, depending on conditions, equipment, and personal preference. - Easy to learn and widely accessible
People of all ages and abilities—including those with joint pain or limited athletic backgrounds—can quickly learn the basics and see meaningful improvements in fitness and technique.
- A full-body workout
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Embracing Sustainability to Preserve Winter and Cross-Country Skiing
Lake Placid is uniquely positioned to support the sport’s future. The region offers numerous cross-country locations and programs, anchored by the 55 kilometers of world-class trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. The venue’s diverse terrain ranges from beginner-friendly flats to some of the most challenging Nordic trails in the world.
The recently completed Mountain Pass Lodge adds to the experience, blending European and Adirondack design and elevating the facility into a destination Nordic skiers everywhere admire.
Beyond recreation, Mt. Van Hoevenberg represents a model for climate resilience. A study published in Scientific American identified Lake Placid as one of only four former Winter Olympic host sites expected to remain reliable for outdoor winter sports through 2050.
That projection is reinforced by the venue’s high-efficiency snowmaking system—among the most powerful dedicated Nordic systems in the world — as well as new snow storage technology that allows trails to open earlier each season. Careful stewardship and continued investment in sustainability help ensure cross-country skiing remains viable in the region despite changing winter conditions.
Stifel Cross-Country World Cup Finals
That resilience will be on full display March 19–22, when the Stifel Cross-Country World Cup Finals arrive at historic Mt Van Hoevenberg. The event will bring the strongest Nordic skiers in the world — many fresh off the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina — to Lake Placid’s iconic Olympic venue.
The atmosphere is expected to be electric as this elite international competition unfolds just outside the Olympic Village. Fans will also have the chance to see Jessie Diggins compete in what is expected to be the final race of her extraordinary career.
Whether you’ve followed the sport for decades or are seeing it for the first time, the World Cup Finals offer a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience cross-country skiing at its highest level.
Click here now to visit the Mt Van Hoevenberg website for event details, schedules, and tickets.