Cross-country Skiers Research Articles

Towards flow field measurements around dynamic cross-country skiers

Flow field measurements around cross-country skiers (xc skiers) are lacking in the literature to date. The aim was therefore to investigate the possibility of using particle tracking velocimetry for visualization and measurement of the flow field around xc skiers roller skiing on a treadmill in a wind tunnel. The airflow was seeded with neutrally buoyant helium-filled soap bubbles as tracer particles, following the flow without affecting it. As illumination, two different approaches were tested: first, a laser in the cameras’ line of sight (sagittal plane), then an LED unit directed vertically in a narrow slice, clearly limiting the depth of the measurement volume in the cameras’ line of sight. The flow field was studied at various speeds (3-7 m/s) around a single skier as well as around two skiers in line with the streaming airflow. It was found that the experimental approach has the potential to provide detailed insights, both qualitatively and quantitatively, into the flow field dynamics. The main challenges regarding setup, illumination, seeding, and cameras were identified, and possible improvements to streamline the experimental methodology were discussed.

Cheese positively affects serum osteocalcin levels, bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in cross-country skiers: a dose-response study

Background: Vitamin K2-rich Jarlsberg Cheese is demonstrated to increase Osteocalcin and bone turnover markers in fertile women. The impact on endurance-trained young cross-country skiers (XCS) with elevated bone turnover remains unclear. Purpose of study was to estimate the optimal daily efficacy dose of Jarlsberg cheese to increase serum Osteocalcin level in young female and male XCS and estimate the Jarlsberg effect on bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: In a parallel group study consisting of three design levels, 10 female and 10 male XCS were included, using Response Surface Pathway design. Blood samples were taken at each level for measurements of Osteocalcin, vitamin K2, BTMs and other biochemical parameters. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), BMD, VO2max and muscle strength were measured at start and at the end of the study. Results: The Osteocalcin development with increasing dose of Jarlsberg cheese was almost parallel in both sexes. These variables were reduced significantly from baseline during the first two design levels but increased above baseline by the end of the study. BTMs decreased significantly during the first and second level but increased during the third level. Total and L1-L4 BMD, s-phosphate, s-urea, RMR, muscle strength and Peak VO2 increased significantly while s-calcium and s-magnesium decreased. Conclusions: Estimated OED of Jarlsberg cheese was 73 and 84 g/day for females and male athletes, respectively. The development in OC, BTMs and BMD suggest an antiresorptive and perhaps anabolic effect of Jarlsberg Cheese on bone tissue. VO2 max, RMR and muscular strength development indicated an anabolic situation.

Lack of cardiac remodelling in elite endurance athletes: an unexpected and not so rare finding.

Endurance elite athletes are expected to present a cardiac remodelling, characterized by eccentric hypertrophy (EH), may be associated with higher sportive performances. However, not all can present a cardiac remodelling. The study aimed to identify endurance athletes without cardiac remodelling characterizing their physiologic and clinical features. We studied 309 endurance athletes (cycling, rowing, canoeing, triathlon, athletics, long-distance swimming, cross-country skiing, mid-long distance track, pentathlon, biathlon, long-distance skating and Nordic-combined) examined during period of training, by clinical evaluation, ECG, echocardiogram and exercise-stress test. Sport career achievements (Olympic\World championship medals or national\world records) were recorded. EH was found in most of athletes, (n = 126, 67% of males; n = 85, 68.5% of females). A significant proportion,, exhibited normal geometry (NG) ( n = 59, 31.3% in males; n = 39, 31.4% in females). At stress test, significant differences between EH and NG athletes were found in peak power (317.1 ± 71.2W in NG vs. 342.2 ± 60.6W in EH, p = 0.014 in males and 225.1 ± 38.7W in NG vs. 247.1 ± 37W in EH, p = 0.003 in females), rest heart rate (66.1 ± 13 in NG vs. 58.6 ± 11.6 in EH, p = 0.001 in males and 68 ± 13.2 in NG vs. 59.2 ± 11.2 in EH, p = 0.001 in females) with similar ventricular extrasystoles (p = 0.363 in males and p = 0.492 in females). However, no significant differences in athletic achievements were registered. Our study demonstrates a relatively high prevalence of NG in endurance athletes, in addition to the expected EH. Athletes with NG perform worse in exercise-stress test and exhibit some less advantageous functional heart characteristics. However, the type of heart geometry is not associated with negative clinical findings.

Exercise-Induced Troponin Elevation in High-Performance Cross-Country Skiers.

Background: Troponin I and T are biomarkers to diagnose myocardial infarction and damage. Studies indicate that strenuous physical activity can cause transient increases in these troponin levels, typically considered physiological. However, current data show differences in the exercise-induced increase in troponin I and T in elite athletes. Method: This prospective clinical study aimed to determine troponin I and T levels in 36 top cross-country skiers of the German national team (18 male, 18 female) after a standardized competition load over two days. All study participants underwent a comprehensive sports medical and cardiological evaluation, including ECG and echocardiography. A multivariable regression analysis was utilized to identify possible predictors of increased troponin I levels. Results: Only three male athletes (8.1%) showed an isolated increase in Troponin I (Ø 112.49 ng/L, cut off < 45.2 ng/L), while no increase in troponin T in the study population was detected. Conclusions: The analysis suggested several potential predictors for increased troponin I levels, such as height, weight, weekly training hours, and indications of an enlarged sports heart, though none achieved statistical significance. Knowing the different exercise-induced detectability of the various troponins in the clinical setting is essential.

Training journals and the development of an elite sports identity

In this article we investigate whether the practice of writing training journals can shed light on the process whereby young cross-country skiers are transformed from promising talents into serious, committed athletes. By using data from athletes and coaches themselves, we explore how training journals help shape athletes’ outlook on sports, their relationship with their coach, and their personal identity. We focus on the cross-country skiers’ and coaches’ attitudes to planning their training sessions and keeping a journal. Journal writing can be understood as a project of subjectification, whereby the discourses place an athlete in certain positions that then imply particular expectations as to how the athlete will behave. In order to understand the subjectification process, we use what Michael Foucault called the technologies of the self, that is, the discourses and practices that individuals use when working on themselves.

Ski-orienteering: a scientific perspective on a multi-dimensional challenge

Ski-orienteering, which combines cross-country skiing with orienteering, dates back to the late 1800s, with the first World Championships in 1975. While researchers have explored the physiological and biomechanical determinants of success in cross-country skiing and orienteering separately in detail, scientific knowledge concerning ski-orienteering remains limited. Based on the information that is presently available together with interviews with elite ski-orienteers, we explore here for the first time the historical development, physiological, biomechanical, and psychological demands, certain training strategies, and future prospects and challenges associated with this sport, including its potential to become an Olympic event. A demanding endurance sport (with racing times of 12–120 min), ski-orienteering requires both considerable aerobic and anaerobic capacity, as well as well-trained upper and lower body muscles. In addition, ski-orienteering demands advanced skiing technique on various types of terrain, with frequent changes between sub-techniques, on both wide and narrow tracks and with numerous turns on downhill terrain. Moreover, success in this sport requires accurate and rapid orienteering—the ability to navigate a complex network of ski tracks with numerous intersections/crossings in a manner designed to pass the multiple control points in the order indicated on the map as rapidly as possible, i.e., advanced spatial cognition and highly developed navigational skills. Thus, ski-orienteering requires training designed to improve both relevant physiological characteristics and orienteering skills, which should become the focus of future interdisciplinary research on this complex sport.

High-Volume Resistance Training Improves Double-Poling Peak Oxygen Uptake in Youth Elite Cross-Country Skiers and Biathletes: A Pilot Study

A total of nineteen elite youth cross-country skiers (16 ± 2 years) were divided into three groups: a low-load group (LL, n = 6) performing 15–20 repetitions per exercise, a high-load group (HL, n = 9) executing 6–12 repetitions, and a control group (CON, n = 4) exclusively engaging in endurance training. Testing included 1RM in upper-body exercises, VO2max running tests, and double-poling (DP) ergometer exhaustion and sprint tests to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak-DP) and peak power (PP). The results indicated that HL and LL showed significant increases in VO2peak-DP, both in absolute values (d = −1.2 and −1.2, p &lt; 0.05) and when normalized to body mass (d = 0.93 and 1.3, p &lt; 0.05). Although there were no group*time effects for VO2peak-DP, PP during DP tests to exhaustion increased in both HL (d = −1.6, p &lt; 0.05) and LL (d = 1.4, p &lt; 0.05) compared to CON. Standardized to body mass, only HL showed significant improvements in PP during the sprint test (d = 1.7, p &lt; 0.05). During the sprint test, both absolute and body-mass-normalized peak power increased only in the high-load group (d = −1.0 and 0.93, p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, high-load resistance training resulted in the greatest improvements in strength, DP performance, and VO2peak-DP, indicating a dose–response relationship to the load magnitude of resistance training.

On Ski–Snow Contact Mechanics During the Double Poling Cycle in Cross-Country Skiing

Of the medals awarded during the Winter Olympics Games, most are awarded for sports involving cross-country (XC) skiing. The Double Poling (DP) technique, which is one of the sub-techniques used most frequently in XC skiing, has not yet been studied using simulations of the ski–snow contact mechanics. This work introduces a novel method for analysing how changes in the distribution of pressure on the sole of the foot (Plantar Pressure Distribution or PPD) during the DP motion affect the contact between the ski and the snow. The PPD recorded as the athlete performed DP, along with an Artificial Neural Network trained to predict the geometry of the ski (ski-camber profile), were used as input data for a solver based on the boundary element method, which models the interaction between the ski and the snow. This solver provides insights into how the area of contact and the distribution of pressure on the ski-snow interface change over time. The results reveal that variations in PPD, the type of ski, and the stiffness of the snow all have a significant impact on the contact between the ski and the snow. This information can be used to improve the Double Poling technique and make better choices of skis for specific snow conditions, ultimately leading to improved performance.Graphical

The analysis of the relationship between respiratory functions and body compositions of alpine discipline and cross-country skiing athletes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory functions and body compositions of elite athletes in alpine disciplines and cross-country skiing through their comparison. The study included 32 male athletes (age: 18.3±2 year, height: 172.1±6.05 cm, body weight: 65.73±10.79 kg, and body mass index (BMI): 22.91±2.80 kg/m2) within the scope of alpine disciplines and cross-country skiing. The heights of the athletes were measured with a stadiometer (Holtain, UK) with an accuracy of ±1mm. The weights of the athletes and BMI values were measured using a Tanita brand (BC, 418 Tanita, Japan) body composition analyzer with a precision of 100 grams. The respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength of the athletes were evaluated using a digital spirometer (Pony FX Cosmed, Italy). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between respiratory functions and anthropometric structures of the groups. The results indicated that cross-country skiing athletes had higher averages in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MIP, MVV, and MEP parameters compared to alpine discipline athletes, with only the MIP value being higher in alpine discipline athletes. The results revealed positive correlations between age and FVC (0.563), FEV1 (0.521), PEF (0.679), and MVV (0.511) in cross-country skiing athletes. Negative correlations were found between body weight and FEV1/FVC (r=0.578), FEV1/FVC (r=0.545), height and MVV (r=0.541), and body mass index and FEV1/FVC (r=0.541), FEV1/FVC (r=0.676) in cross-country skiing and alpine discipline athletes, respectively (p0.05). In order to achieve maximum performance, it is very important to identify and keep under control the factors affecting respiratory functions. The current study demonstrated that the characteristics of the sport have an impact on physiological changes in the respiratory system and also affect body compositions and respiratory functions.

Skiing economy and kinematic during a field double poling roller skiing among novice and experienced cross-country skiers

To assess the skiing economy (SE) and kinematics during double poling (DP) roller skiing between two groups of skiers in a field setting. Five experienced and five novice male skiers performed a SEDP test at 16 km∙h−1 on an outdoor athletics track. Gas exchange parameters were measured to determine SEDP. A two-dimensional video was filmed to measure the kinematics variables. Experienced skiers exhibited a 21% lower oxygen cost than novice skiers (p = 0.016) in DP, indicating a strong association between SEDP, cycle length and cycle rate (p < 0.001). Additionally, before the poling phase, experienced skiers manifested significantly greater maximum hip and knee extension angles than novice skiers (p < 0.001). During the poling phase, experienced skiers with a greater pole plant angle (p = 0.001), longer flexion time (p < 0.001) and higher flexion angular velocity in the elbow joint (p < 0.05) demonstrated better SEDP. There was an interaction effect of the one-repetition maximum bench press × group in SEDP (b = − 0.656, SE = 0.097, t = − 6.78, p = 0.001). Therefore, experienced skiers with better SEDP demonstrated more efficient cycles, potentially accomplished using dynamic full-body DP motion to ascertain effective propulsion. Combined upper body strength and ski-specific skill training may enhance SEDP in novice skiers.

Performance and micro-pacing in sprint cross-country skiing: A comparison of individual time-trial and head-to-head race formats

ABSTRACT This study compared performance strategies and sub-technique selection in cross-country skate skiing sprint races, specifically individual time-trial (ITT) and head-to-head (H2H) formats. Fourteen male cross-country skiers from the Chinese national team participated in the FIS-sanctioned sprint race day. GNSS and heart rate sensors recorded positioning, skiing speeds, heart rate, sub-technique usage, and skiing kinematics. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to determine the course positions (clusters) where instantaneous skiing speed was significantly associated with section time. One-way analyses of variance were used to examine differences between the ITT and H2H. H2H race speeds were 2.4 ± 0.2% faster than the ITT race (p < 0.05).Variations in sub-technique and skiing kinematics were observed between race formats, indicating different strategies and tactics employed by athletes. SPM identified specific clusters (primarily uphill) where the fastest athlete gained significant time over the slowest. The greatest time gains were associated with higher G3 sub-technique usage and longer G3 cycle length on steep uphill terrain (9–13% gradients). Integrating SPM analyses and sub-technique assessments can help optimise performance and tactics in sprint races. This study enhances our understanding of cross-country skiing dynamics and performance variations among elite competitors.

Associations between objective measures of performance-related characteristics and perceived stress in young cross-country skiers during pre-season training

ABSTRACT Monitoring performance-related characteristics of athletes can reveal changes that facilitate training adaptations. Here, we examine the relationships between submaximal running, maximal jump performance (CMJ), concentrations of blood lactate, sleep duration (SD) and latency (SL), and perceived stress (PSS) in junior cross-country skiers during pre-season training. These parameters were monitored in 15 male and 14 females (17 ± 1 years) for the 12-weeks prior to the competition season, and the data was analysed using linear and mixed-effect models. An increase in SD exerted a decrease in both PSS (B = -2.79, p ≤ 0.01) and blood lactate concentrations during submaximal running (B = -0.623, p ≤ 0.05). In addition, there was a negative relationship between SL and CMJ (B = -0.09, p = 0.08). Compared to males, females exhibited higher PSS scores and little or no change in performance-related tests. A significant interaction between time and sex was present in CMJ with males displaying an effect of time on CMJ performance. For all athletes, lower PSS appeared to be associated with longer overnight sleep. Since the females experienced higher levels of stress, monitoring of their PSS might be beneficial. These findings have implications for the preparation of young athletes’ competition season.

Comparative Analysis of Model Characteristics of Compliance with the Standards of the Federal Standard of Sports Training for the Sport “Cross-Country Skiing” by Cross-Country Skiers at the Stages of Sports Training

Comparative Analysis of Model Characteristics of Compliance with the Standards of the Federal Standard of Sports Training for the Sport “Cross-Country Skiing” by Cross-Country Skiers at the Stages of Sports Training

Effect of exercise intensity and apnea on splenic contraction and hemoglobin increase in well-trained cross-country skiers

The human spleen acts as a reservoir for red blood cells, which is mobilized into the systemic circulation during various conditions such as hypoxia and physical exertion. Cross-country (XC) skiers, renowned for their exceptional aerobic capacity, are regularly exposed to high-intensity exercise and local oxygen deficits. We investigated a putative dose-dependent relationship between splenic contraction and concomitant hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) elevation across four exercise intensities in well-trained XC skiers. Fourteen male XC skiers voluntarily participated in a 2-day protocol, encompassing a serial apnea test and a V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2max test (day 1), followed by three submaximal exercise intensities on a roller skiing treadmill corresponding to 55, 70, and 85% of V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2max (day 2). Spleen volume was measured via ultrasonic imaging, and venous blood samples were used to determine [Hb] levels. Baseline spleen volume was similar (266(35) mL) for all conditions (NS). Notably, all conditions induced significant splenic contractions and transient [Hb] elevations. The V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2max test exhibited the most pronounced splenic contraction (35.8%, p < 0.001) and a [Hb] increase of 8.1%, while the 85% exercise intensity led to 27.1% contraction and the greatest [Hb] increase (8.3%, < 0.001) compared to baseline. The apnea test induced relatively smaller responses (splenic contraction: 20.4%, [Hb] = 3.3%, p < 0.001), akin to the response observed at the 70% exercise intensity (splenic contraction = 23%, [Hb] = 6.4%, p < 0,001) and 55% (splenic contraction = 20.0%, [Hb] = 4.8%, p < 0.001). This study shows a discernible dose-dependent relationship between splenic contraction and [Hb] increase with levels of exercise, effectively distinguishing between submaximal and maximal exercise intensity.

Comparative Analysis of the Diagonal Stride Technique during Roller Skiing and On-Snow Skiing in Youth Cross-Country Skiers.

Roller skiing is one primary form of training method as it is an off-snow equivalent to cross-country (XC) skiing during the dry land preseason training, but the results could only be applied to on-snow skiing with appropriate caution. The aim of this present study was to investigate the similarities and differences in roller skiing and on-snow skiing with the diagonal stride (DS) technique. Six youth (age: 14.3 ± 2.9 years) skiers participated in this study. Two high-definition video camcorders and FastMove 3D Motion 2.23.3.3101 were used to obtain the three-dimensional kinematic data. The cycle characteristics and joint angle ROM of the DS technique while skiing on different surfaces were similar. Almost all joint angle-time curves that were obtained from roller skiing showed a moderate-to-high degree of similarity to the angle-time curves obtained from on-snow skiing, except the hip adduction-abduction angle. The differences between roller skiing and on-snow skiing were mainly found in the body and calf anteversion angles, and the joint angles at critical instants. DS roller skiing can simulate DS on-snow skiing to a large extent in youth athletes. The hip movement, knee flexion, and calf anteversion at ski/roller ski touchdown and take-off, pole inclination at pole touchdown, body anteversion angle, and trunk anteversion angle at pole touchdown were the points that required caution when transferring preseason practice roller skiing to on-snow skiing.

Body Surface Potential Mapping during Ventricular Depolarization in Athletes with Prolonged PQ Interval after Exercise.

Prolongation of the PQ interval, generally associated with an atrioventricular conduction delay, may be related to changes in intraventricular impulse spreading. To assess, using body surface potential mapping (BSPM), the process of ventricular depolarization in athletes with prolonged PQ intervals at rest and after exercise. The study included 7 cross-country skiers with a PQ interval of more than 200 ms (Prolonged-PQ group) and 7 with a PQ interval of less than 200 ms (Normal-PQ group). The BSPM from 64 unipolar torso leads was performed before (Pre-Ex) and after the bicycle exercise test (Post-Ex). Body surface equipotential maps were analyzed during ventricular depolarization. The significance level was 5%. Compared to Normal-PQ athletes, the first and second periods of the stable position of cardiac potentials on the torso surface were longer, and the formation of the "saddle" potential distribution occurred later, at Pre-Ex, in Prolonged-PQ athletes. At Post-Ex, the Prolonged-PQ group showed a shortening of the first and second periods of stable potential distributions and a decrease in appearance time of the "saddle" phenomenon relative to Pre-Ex (to the values near to those of the Normal-PQ group). Additionally, at Post-Ex, the first inversion of potential distributions and the total duration of ventricular depolarization in Prolonged-PQ athletes decreased compared to Pre-Ex and with similar values in Normal-PQ athletes. Compared to Normal-PQ athletes, the second inversion was longer at Pre-Ex and Post-Ex in Prolonged-PQ athletes. Prolonged-PQ athletes had significant differences in the temporal characteristics of BSPM during ventricular depolarization both at rest and after exercise as compared to Normal-PQ athletes.

Supplement usage and doping attitudes in elite youth sports: The mediating role of dietary supplement acceptance.

This study investigated whether dietary supplement acceptance mediated the relationship between supplement use and doping attitudes in youth sports. To this end, we employed a two-wave half-longitudinal design during a sports season (time point one [T1] to time point two [T2]). The sample consisted of 217 elite youth athletes (47% male; mean age = 16.98 years, standard deviation = 0.88) who competed in team sports (43%; N = 93; basketball, floorball, handball, and ice hockey) and individual sports (57%; N = 124; alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, swimming, and tennis). The participants were recruited from eight Norwegian sports academy high schools that provide extracurricular, higher-level training and specialization for youth athletes. Results from structural equation modeling analysis indicated that dietary supplement acceptance (T2) mediated the positive relationship between supplement use (T1) and doping attitudes (T2) when accounting for prior levels of the mediator and the outcome variable. These findings suggest that when young athletes used dietary supplements at the start of the season to improve their performance, they were more likely to view the use of supplements as acceptable and to report more favorable attitudes toward doping at the end of the season six months later. For those seeking to prevent doping in youth sports, targeting athletes' views on the acceptable use of dietary supplements may be important.

Vitamin D and Its Effect on the Endothelial Function of Cross-Country Skiers at Various Stages of the Training Cycle

Vitamin D and Its Effect on the Endothelial Function of Cross-Country Skiers at Various Stages of the Training Cycle

Performance-Determining Variables of a Simulated Sprint Cross-Country Skiing Competition.

To investigate performance-determining variables of an on-snow sprint cross-country skiing competition and the evolvement in their relationship with performance as the competition progresses from the individual time trial (TT) to the final. Sixteen national-level male junior skiers (mean [SD] age, 18.6 [0.8]y; peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak], 67.6 [5.5]mL·min-1·kg-1) performed a simulated sprint competition (1.3km) in the skating style, comprising a TT followed by 3 finals (quarterfinals, semifinals, and final) completed by all skiers. In addition, submaximal and incremental roller-ski treadmill tests, on-snow maximal speed tests, and strength/power tests were performed. VO2peak and peak treadmill speed during incremental testing and relative heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentrations, and gross efficiency during submaximal testing were all significantly correlated with performance in the TT and subsequent finals (mean [range] r values: .67 [.53-.86], all P < .05). Relative VO2peak and submaximal relative heart rate and blood lactate concentration were more strongly correlated with performance in the semifinals and final compared with the TT (r values: .74 [.60-.83] vs 0.55 [.51-.60], all P < .05). Maximal speed in uphill and flat terrain was significantly correlated with performance in the TT and subsequent finals (r values: .63 [.38-.70], all P < .05), while strength/power tests did not correlate significantly with sprint performance. VO2peak and high-speed abilities were the most important determinants of sprint cross-country skiing performance, with an increased importance of VO2peak as the competition format progressed toward the final.

Wearable snow friction measurement device for cross-country skiing

Friction on snow surface, especially in relation to winter sports, is difficult to measure directly because of its complexity and variability. In this work, a wearable snow friction measurement device for cross-country skiing was designed and constructed to calculate the friction force and monitor movement signals through the logical placement of three-component sensors and connection parts on skis. Both theoretical simulation and experiments have been conducted, which proved that the deformation of cross-country skis outputs few abnormal force signals during applying large load. Through the static validation in the laboratory, the output accuracy and stability of the device were confirmed. To verify the availability of the device, measurements on a skiing treadmill were conducted, and the results showed that the device can work well and distinguish the different friction behaviors of various waxes. More important, through the ski field test, the device was able to monitor the technical actions and evaluate the frictional coefficient of different ski waxes on snow surface comprehensively, which provides a scientific reference for athletes and coaches in routine training.