Nordic Combined 101: Basics of the Sport

New to Nordic Combined? You’re in the right place.

Our Nordic Combined 101 series is designed for anyone curious about one of winter sport’s most fascinating and complex disciplines. Whether you’ve seen it on TV, heard about it during the Olympics, or just stumbled across one of our highlights on TikTok, we’re here to break it down – clearly and simply.

The Basics

Nordic Combined is a unique and thrilling winter sport that brings together two disciplines: Ski Jumping and Cross-Country skiing. It’s a true test of versatility, where athletes must master both the explosive precision of the jump and the stamina-driven challenge of endurance racing.

A sport with deep roots

The origins of Nordic Combined date back to 1892 in Norway, where the first major competition was held during the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in Oslo. The idea was simple but demanding: to identify the best all-around skier – someone who could fly through the air with grace and still power through the snow-covered terrain. Since then, the sport has evolved into a staple of international winter competition and has been part of the Olympic Winter Games since its very first edition in Chamonix, France, 1924.

How it works

Nordic Combined consists of two parts:

Ski Jumping

Athletes launch themselves from a ski jumping hill, aiming for both distance and style. Judges score the jump based on how far the skier travels and how technically sound the jump is, including takeoff, flight, and landing. Except for the Mass Start, the scores from this round determine the starting positions for the cross-country race.

Cross-Country Skiing

Depending on the format, results from the jump and race are combined in different ways. The most common method is the Gundersen method, where jumping scores are converted into time gaps for a staggered start in the cross-country race – the first athlete to cross the finish line wins.

Skill meets strategy

What sets Nordic Combined apart is the contrast – and balance – between its two components. Ski Jumping demands calm precision and courage. Cross-Country skiing requires physical endurance, tactical awareness, and mental grit. Success in Nordic Combined requires an athlete to be well-rounded, adaptive, and consistently focused.

A modern evolution

While historically dominated by Nordic countries, the sport has grown globally, with athletes from across Europe, Asia, and North America competing on the World Cup and Olympic stages. Although Nordic Combined is the only Winter Olympic discipline without a women’s category at the moment, significant strides are being made toward inclusion, with international competitions featuring female athletes at the World Cup, World Championships and junior levels.

Why it’s worth watching

Nordic Combined offers edge-of-your-seat drama. Because start times in the second phase reflect performance in the first, every race is a chase – and often a nail-biter. A strong skier can make up ground fast, while a top jumper has to defend their lead under pressure.

Whether you're new to winter sports or a longtime follower, Nordic Combined offers a unique blend of technique, endurance, and versatility.