Cross Country Skiing - Soldier Hollow There is evidence that primitive skis were used in Norway over 5,000 years ago. As early as the 10th century, Vikings used skis for transportation. It wasn't until the 19th century, however, that ski competitions came into existence, starting in Norway. The famous Holmenkollen ski festival was started in 1892. At first, the main focus of these Nordic festivals was the Nordic combined event -- cross-country skiing and ski jumping. In 1900, a separate cross-country race was held at the Holmenkollen. Cross-country skiing was contested at the inaugural Olympic Winter Games in 1924 and has been a part of every Winter Games since. The events held at the first Games in Chamonix were the 15km and the 50km. A women's cross-country event, the 10km, was added to the Olympic program in 1952. Back to top