While skiing has been a necessary part of Nordic life for centuries, the popularizing of cross - country skiing as an international sport had to wait until the 19th century.
Ehkki suusatamine on põhjamaalaste elus mänginud olulist rolli juba sajandeid, hakati murdmaasuusatamist rahvusvahelise spordialana populariseerima alles 19. sajandist peale.