Cross-country skiing / Topic 03

Starts

FIS · 2026 / 2027
Last checked: 21 October 2026
Source: FIS Cross-Country ICR June 2026 + Nordic Competition Equipment 2026/27 (cross-country sections) · Source pages: ICR: 57–60
In short

Interval starts · Group starts

On this pageInterval startsGroup starts

Interval starts

Interval starts normally use 30-second gaps, with 15 seconds for sprint qualification unless the jury decides otherwise. Starting more than 3 seconds early is a false start.

Group starts

Mass starts and sprint heats require competitors to remain still until the signal. Marked starting corridors restrict lane changes; a false group start normally causes a restart.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. References: ICR = sporting competition rules; Equipment = technical equipment specifications. Numbers refer to PDF viewer pages. Topic numbers are editorial. This guide combines the supplied FIS cross-country competition rules with the cross-country equipment specifications. It covers snow racing, not ski jumping, Nordic combined or roller skiing.
Sources & approach ↗