Nordic skiing, also known as cross-country skiing, can be traced back to the Nordic countries where it is still used as a means of getting around in some rural communities. It’s the evolution of snowshoeing and involves gliding across snowy landscapes without the assistance of ski lifts. “In Nordic skiing you move across the snow under your own steam; there are no chairlifts or platter lifts,” explains Imma Obiols, an instructor at the Nordic ski resorts of Catalonia (Tot Nòrdic). “That’s why it’s done in flatter environments with gentle ascents and descents.”