Cross-country skiing is a quintessential part of Norwegian culture. Skiing is so popular here, people joke that Norwegian babies are born with skis on their feet. With winters lasting nearly half a year, it is no surprise that cross-country skiing is such a cornerstone of Nordic society. It is both a form of transportation and recreation. I was so excited to give skiing a try when I moved here, but trust me, it’s not as easy as it looks!
In Norway, cross-country skiing is not just a pastime – it’s a mode of transportation! Even in Norway’s largest cities, it is not uncommon to see people skiing down the side of a busy street. In more rural places like Bø, where I live, skiing as transportation seems to be even more popular. Many people strap on their skis to get to work, school or the grocery store. There is snow nearly everywhere – including on the sidewalks – and endless trails through the cities and nature. While we are accustomed to having plowed sidewalks in the United States, it seems to be less common in Norway for them to be completely cleared after a snowstorm. But this is no problem for a Norwegian. They can just wear their skis!
While many people use their skis for practical reasons, it is still a fun leisure activity.
