FIS

In Cross-Country Skiing, required skis for classic technique must be at least competitor's height minus 20 cm with a wax pocket or kick zone.

Classic skis: Minimum length = competitor’s height minus 20 cm. Maximum width 48 mm (1.89 in). Feature a “wax pocket” or “kick zone” under the foot for grip wax or mechanical grip patterns (fish scales, skin inserts). Relatively soft flex to engage the kick zone underfoot.; Skating skis: Minimum ...

Classic: Maximum pole length = 83% of body height (measured with the athlete standing in ski boots on a flat surface); Skating: Maximum pole length = 100% of body height; Pole baskets must not exceed 100 cm² (15.5 in²) in area

Classic boots: Low-cut, flexible sole for ankle articulation during diagonal stride; Skating boots: High-cuff design with ankle support for lateral stability during skating push; Must be commercially available models (no custom prototypes at World Cup level without prior FIS approval)

Kick wax (classic only): Applied to the grip zone; must be matched to snow temperature and humidity. Harder waxes for cold/dry, softer waxes (klisters) for warm/wet conditions.; Glide wax: Applied to tips and tails (classic) or full base (skating). Ironed into the base structure for maximum speed...

FIS-homologated courses must provide a balanced test of uphill, flat, and downhill ability. The course profile should include approximately one-third uphill, one-third flat, and one-third downhill terrain, ensuring no single physical attribute dominates.

Competition courses must be homologated by FIS. Courses should include approximately 1/3 uphill, 1/3 flat, and 1/3 downhill terrain.

Sprint (1.0–1.8 km): Total climb 30–60 m (98–197 ft). Maximum single climb 30 m (98 ft). Course designed for spectator-friendly layout with multiple passing opportunities.; 10 km: Total climb 250–420 m (820–1378 ft). Maximum single climb 50–80 m (164–262 ft). Laps of 2.5–5.0 km.; 15 km: Total cli...

Classic technique: Minimum 3 m (9.8 ft) wide, with machine-set parallel tracks (2 tracks standard, 3 on uphills for overtaking); Free technique: Minimum 6 m (19.7 ft) wide, groomed flat surface without set tracks; Mass start: Start area must be at least 10 m wide to accommodate field safely

Stadium must accommodate: start area, finish area with electronic timing, penalty loop (for sprint), warm-up area, wax cabins, and spectator zones; Finish straight: minimum 100 m long for distance races, with photo-finish camera and electronic timing mat; Exchange zone (relay): 30 m long, clearly...