It is a common myth that Norwegians are born with skis on. Believe it or not, this is not true. However, most parents introduce their children to their first cross-country skis when they are very young- even before their balance is fully developed. Nevertheless, most Norwegians never get to the level of becoming professionals although we do have famous skiers such as Bjørn Dæhlie, Ole Einar Bjørndalen and Marit Bjørgen.
Most of us are satisfied when we get to a level in which we are capable of using our skiing skills for being as typical a Norwegian you could possibly be. This includes packing a rucksack with dry mittens, toilet paper, a chocolate bar called Kvikk Lunsj (quick lunch), juice and matches and everything else you might need during a skiing trip. In most cases, Norwegians go cross-country skiing with their family, even if the age and speed varies. It is nearly a written rule that either the skis are to clingy or they are too slippery. The wax is never perfect. Your hands are always cold and your parents are always annoyingly thrilled that the whole family does something as idyllic as this.
These are the rules of the Norwegian cross-country skiing, if you are not performing on a professional level of course. In spite of the fashion changes in ski outfits and ski-waxes, the rules have persisted and probably will exist for as long as the Norwegians and the myth that we are born with skis on does.
Hi Ingrid!
SvarSlettI love how you have written your whole blog post around the myth that "Norwegians are born with skis on".
Your post stands out from an ordinary post about the sport. Instead of writing about the competitions and various variations, you have written about how you experience it, which I think is awesome!
Your post is fun to read, I very much like the hint of humor :)
What do you think of the sport? Fun, or overrated?
Thanks for a lovely comment!
SvarSlettI really like cross-country skiing actually. This humourous way of viewing has roots in my childhood. This is exactly how I experienced our family ski trips when i was younger. As for now I do not struggle as much wih the ski wax nor with wet mittens :P Hope you like skiing as well!