Classical technique: Kick-and-glide cross-country skiing technique distinguished by diagonal stride, keeping the skis parallel to one another. Also known as diagonal technique. 

Double pole: A technique in which a skier propels themselves forward using both ski poles simultaneously. A variation of double poling is named kick double pole, where a skier pushes off with one ski while using both poles simultaneously. Both techniques can be used in classical and freestyle races. 

Feeding zone: Area on a cross-country skiing course where coaches are allowed to hand off energy drinks and/or gels to athletes mid-race. Only seen during longer distance events. 

Freestyle or skate technique: Skis are spread apart at the tip and close together at the tails. Skiers push off the inside edge of alternating skis to propel themselves forward. First named “skate” due to the similar motion to ice skating. 

Glide wax: It is used to decrease the friction between the skis and the snow. It is applied to the entire ski in freestyle races, but only to the front and rear tips of the skis in classical races.

Harries: Ski preparation technique. A ski is roughed up with a brush, instead of waxed, when kick wax is not desired for a classical race – introduced by the first U.S. athlete to win an Olympic cross-country medal, Bill Koch.

Herringbone technique: Skiing technique used primarily to climb steep hills. Herringbone is allowed in classical races as long as a racer does not glide. Herringbone technique sometimes is called the "duck walk." 

Interval start: In a race with an interval start (also referred to as an individual start), skiers take off from the starting gate, one at a time

Kick wax: Also known as grip wax, it increases the friction between the skis and snow in order to improve traction. It is applied to the middle part of the skis for classical races.

Klister: Sticky, goopy kick wax used on the camber (the section of the ski directly beneath the foot) of cross-country skis in classical races where a tacky grip is necessary. Used when snow conditions get mushy for better kick. 

Bill Koch: 1976 Innsbruck Olympic Games silver medalist in the 30km – the only U.S. cross-country skier in history to win an individual Olympic medal. 

Loppet: Scandinavian word, said to be Norwegian in origin, meaning a ski race. Loppet also has been used to refer to an “intense competition,” and also, to describe a skiing event in which people ski to take in the outdoor beauty around the ski trails. 

Lucky loser: A skier who is not one of the top-two finishers of their heat, but advances through to the next round of a race based on the ranking of their time.  

Mass start: All skiers line up behind the starting line and begin at once. Seeded skiers are given the most favorable start position.

Photo finish: In cross-country skiing, the winner of a race is based on the first toe of a boot, NOT the tip of a ski, to cross the finish line. 

Piste: The snow-covered track used in a cross-country ski race

Relay exchange zone: During a relay event, the next skier begins when the current racer exchanges with the next team member in line. The exchange occurs when the current skier taps the next skier on their team with their hand while both are in the relay exchange zone.

Scramble leg: The first leg of a mass start ski race, where skiers are “scrambling” for the best position 

Skiathlon: A mass start event in which skiers race 10km (6.2 miles) using the classic technique and then 10km (6.2 miles) in freestyle. Athletes change skis at the midway point (the clock continues to run like a pit stop in auto racing). The first athlete to cross the finish line is the winner.

Ski base: The bottom part of a ski that makes contact with the snow

Ski pole basket: The round piece at the bottom of a ski pole which helps prevent the pole from sinking too deep into the snow

Tail: The flat back end of a ski

Tech zone: A designated area along the race where certain equipment adjustments can be made by the skier's team support staff

Tip: The upward curving front of a ski

“Track!”: In a race, a skier may yell “track!” before passing a fellow skier. In race etiquette, this is the most courteous way of saying, “Get out of my way!” 

Vertical: An uphill climb

Wax: Substance used on the bottom of skis. Two wax types commonly used on cross-country skis include kick wax and glide wax. Kick wax also is known as grip wax, used on skis during classical technique races. Glide wax is used on the tips and tails of skis during classical races, and on the entire length of the skis in freestyle races. Ski waxes are developed while considering a variety of race day conditions, including snow condition, snow temperature, air temperature and air humidity.  

Wax pocket: Also known as the “kick zone” or more formally, the camber. This section of the ski is directly under the foot where grip wax or klister is applied 

White ribbon: Slang for a cross-country course that has been made using artificial snow, when no other snow is present. The snow track has the appearance of a white ribbon twisting through forest trails and across expanses of grass fields.