2026 Winter Olympics: Cross-Country Skiing Guide and Schedule
The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, will spotlight cross-country skiing, a quintessential Winter Olympic sport. Known for its endurance demands and diverse techniques, this sport has captivated audiences since its Olympic debut in 1924.
Cross-Country Skiing Overview
Cross-country skiing emphasizes distance over speed, with athletes navigating relatively flat courses featuring climbs and descents. The physical toll is evident, as athletes often collapse at the finish line after giving their all.
Historical Context
This sport traces its roots to the 1924 Olympic Games in Chamonix, France. The women’s events were introduced later, in the 1952 Oslo Winter Olympics.
2026 Olympic Events
The Olympic program for cross-country skiing includes 12 events, reflecting a milestone where men and women will race the same distances for the first time. The events are categorized as follows:
- 10km + 10km Skiathlon: Athletes start together, using both classic and free techniques in this combined race.
- Sprint Classic: Individual skiers race at 15-second intervals, with qualifying rounds leading to knockout stages.
- Team Sprint Free: Teams of two alternate laps, culminating in a final race of six total laps.
- 4×7.5km Relay: Four-member teams race simultaneously, each covering the same distance.
- 10km Interval Start Free: Individual racers use freestyle techniques, starting one at a time.
- 50km Mass Start Classic: All participants begin at once, racing to the finish line.
Key Competitors
Among the standout athletes is Jessie Diggins, the most decorated American cross-country skier. Having won three Olympic medals, including gold in Pyeongchang alongside Kikkan Randall, Diggins aims for success in her fourth and final Games in Milano Cortina.
Other notable U.S. athletes include:
- Gus Schumacher: At 25, he has recently made headlines by winning his first World Cup event.
- Ben Ogden: Celebrated for his performances, including a podium finish in the 10 km freestyle.
- Julia Kern: Known for her silver medal finish in the team sprint at the 2025 World Ski Championships.
International Competition Landscape
Norway and Sweden remain dominant forces in cross-country skiing. Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has showcased exceptional skill, aiming for a third consecutive Olympic title in sprint events. Meanwhile, Swedish athletes have excelled in women’s competitions, combining for significant Olympic and World Championship accolades.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promises exciting competitions, providing a platform for these dedicated athletes to showcase their talents on a global stage.
Where to Watch
Fans can follow all cross-country skiing events at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme, Italy, as part of the Milano Cortina Olympic schedule.
