The oldest form of skiing, cross-country skiing was born in northern Europe because of the need to travel for long distances across snowy terrain. It became a sport in the late 19th century. At the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, there will be 12 cross-country skiing events. For the first time in history, men and women will race over the same distances. The competitions will be held in Tesero, in Val di Fiemme region, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium.