Cross country skiing is racing over courses of varying lengths, do you ski?
I have ski'd before, and i loved it! when did the sport first start? 
In the 18th century the Norwegian army was skiing for competition and prizes
Didn't realise it went back that far. is it a popular sport around the world? 
Yes it is and around end of 20th century the current techniques evolved
Nice thats not surprising, What techniques are there in skiing? 
One technique is skate skiing where they groom a wide lane for the skiers