Style
Classic: The original form of cross-country skiing where the skis follow tracks in the snow. Sometimes referred to as diagonal stride or stride-and-glide.
Herringbone: A method for classic skiing up steep hills. Skis are in a 'V' shape, and there is no glide phase.
Double Pole: A classic skiing technique where only the upper body is used for power.
Skate: A newer form of cross-country skiing that resembles ice skating. Also known as freestyle.
V1: A skate technique where used primarily for going uphill where the poles are planted on only only one side of the skating action.
V2: A skate technique where a double poling action accompanies every leg push.
Skis
Classic Skis: Typically longer than skate skis, the middle portion is covered with kick wax.
Fish Scale Skis: Waxless skis for classic touring.
Skin Skis: A newer version of waxless classic skis.
Skate Skis: Smooth skis with only glide wax for skate sking.
Wax
Glide Wax: Wax applied for speed to the gliding portions of the ski. Usually ironed in or sprayed on.
Paraffin Wax: A form of glide wax.
Fluoro Wax: Expensive, fast glide wax. Currently banned from competitive racing.
Kick Wax: Wax applied to grip the snow during the kick phase of classic skiing.
Klister: