Classical style: The older style of cross-country skiing in which the skis remain parallel to each other as the athlete travels.
FIS: La Fédération Internationale de Ski, or the International Ski Federation, is the governing body for ski jumping.
Freestyle: A newer method of skiing in which one ski points straight ahead and the other is used like a skate to push off. Freestyle first appeared in Scandinavia in the late 1960s or early 1970s, and made its Olympic debut at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. The skis used for freestyle are shorter, and the poles longer, than those used in classical events.
Glide wax: Wax that is used to ease the friction between the skis and the snow. In a freestyle race, it is applied to the entire ski whereas in a classical style race it is applied to the tips and ends.
Grip wax: Wax that is applied to improve traction. Sometimes referred to as kick wax, it is applied to the middle of the ski in classical style races.
Individual: An event that combines ski jumping from the normal hill and a 15-kilometre cross-country race.
In-run: The section of the jump in which the athlete travels down the ramp
K-point: The distance from the takeoff point that equals the height of the hill. The K-point for a large hill is 120 metres from takeoff and 90m for a normal hill. Points are awarded using the K-point as the measuring principle. For example, a jump to the K-point is 60 points. Two points are added or subtracted for each metre over or under the K-point distance.
Large Hill: A 120m-long hill used in competition.
Normal Hill: A 90-metre long hill used in competition.
Outrun: The flat grounds at the bottom of the hill on which the skiers brake and stop.
Skating style: Another term for Freestyle.
Sprint: An event that combines ski jumping from the large hill and a 7.5km cross-country race.
Takeoff: The point of the jump in which the athlete springs himself into the air the end of the artificial ramp at maximum speed.
Team: An event that combines teams of four competing on the normal ski jumping hill and a 4X5km cross-country relay.
Telemark position: Landing stance with one ski placed in front of the other, lunging forward.
V-position: The V-shape positioning of skis, with the backs together and the tips apart, to enhance the amount of lift the jumper gets from air resistance.
