What is medical support in Cross-Country Skiing?

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Per ICR 315.9, if the temperature is below -20 °C (-4 °F), measured at the coldest point of the course, a competition will be postponed or cancelled by the Jury
With difficult weather conditions (strong wind, high air humidity, heavy snowfall, or high temperature), the Jury may, in consultation with the Team Captains and the Chief of Medical and Rescue Service, postpone or cancel the competition
Competition jury has authority to shorten, postpone, or cancel at any point if conditions deteriorate
Snow conditions assessed: if the course becomes dangerously icy or bare, the jury may halt competition

Directional arrows and course markings mandatory at every junction and turning point; forks and intersections must be marked and unused parts of the course fenced (ICR 311.4.3)
Safety netting or padding on dangerous downhill curves and at bridge abutments
Emergency access routes for snowmobiles or rescue vehicles must reach all course sections
Track controllers stationed along the course to monitor athlete safety and course conditions (ICR 302.3.6)
Radio communication network linking all controllers, start/finish, and medical team

Medical team with ambulance stationed at the stadium area; first aid and medical services must be fully operational during all official training times (ICR 302.3.8)
Mobile medical personnel on snowmobiles positioned along the course
Nearest hospital identified in competition plan; helicopter evacuation plan for remote venues
Athletes showing signs of hypothermia, frostbite, or collapse are removed from the course by medical personnel
Anti-doping controls conducted per WADA guidelines; selected athletes tested post-competition

Per new ICR 351.3 (June 2026 edition), a competitor who does not wear the competition bib, or who wears it with any part covered, is not permitted to start; no part of the bib may be covered.
Athletes are responsible for knowing the course and respecting course markings
Athletes who abandon the race must notify a track controller
Proper cold-weather clothing is the athlete’s responsibility; the jury may prohibit a start if clothing is deemed insufficient

Per ICR 315.9, if the temperature is below -20 °C (-4 °F), measured at the coldest point of the course, a competition will be postponed or cancelled by the Jury
With difficult weather conditions (strong wind, high air humidity, heavy snowfall, or high temperature), the Jury may, in consultation with the Team Captains and the Chief of Medical and Rescue Service, postpone or cancel the competition
Competition jury has authority to shorten, postpone, or cancel at any point if conditions deteriorate
Snow conditions assessed: if the course becomes dangerously icy or bare, the jury may halt competition

Directional arrows and course markings mandatory at every junction and turning point; forks and intersections must be marked and unused parts of the course fenced (ICR 311.4.3)
Safety netting or padding on dangerous downhill curves and at bridge abutments
Emergency access routes for snowmobiles or rescue vehicles must reach all course sections
Track controllers stationed along the course to monitor athlete safety and course conditions (ICR 302.3.6)
Radio communication network linking all controllers, start/finish, and medical team

Medical team with ambulance stationed at the stadium area; first aid and medical services must be fully operational during all official training times (ICR 302.3.8)
Mobile medical personnel on snowmobiles positioned along the course
Nearest hospital identified in competition plan; helicopter evacuation plan for remote venues
Athletes showing signs of hypothermia, frostbite, or collapse are removed from the course by medical personnel
Anti-doping controls conducted per WADA guidelines; selected athletes tested post-competition

Per new ICR 351.3 (June 2026 edition), a competitor who does not wear the competition bib, or who wears it with any part covered, is not permitted to start; no part of the bib may be covered.
Athletes are responsible for knowing the course and respecting course markings
Athletes who abandon the race must notify a track controller
Proper cold-weather clothing is the athlete’s responsibility; the jury may prohibit a start if clothing is deemed insufficient