What is the difference between cross country and downhill skiing?

Answer by  rainbow122 (61)

Downhill skiing, as its name clearly implies, is performed on a steep slope on which you go sliding from top to bottom while wearing skis. Cross country skiing is a form of walking or hiking in which you traverse relatively flat terrain.

Answer by  lotion33 (48)

There are a lot of differences, everything from the skis, poles, and the fact that on one you go down a big hill while the other is on varied land. Cross county you go up & down hills. There are also 2 styles of XC-Skiing were there is just downhill for downhilling.

Answer by  somerset (801)

I also think that cross country is much more strenuous type of skiing. It is a great exercise. Downhill is possibly more fun, you get a rush skiing relatively fast down the mountain. Cross country involves more work.

Answer by  JYas (68)

Cross country skis are longer and narrower. They are made for deeper snow as the skier travels across snow-covered fields, woodlands, etc. You can set a slower pace with cross country skiing. Downhill skiing is self-explanatory. The skier uses poles and skis to travel downhill from a higher elevation to a lower one.