Postcard from Torino: Nordic skiing at Pragelato Plan

Covering two disciplines – cross country skiing and biathlon – Nordic skiing has more medals up for grabs than any other Paralympic sport.

In both biathlon and cross country skiing, the athletes are classified into three categories: sitting, standing or visually impaired.

Depending on their ability level, athletes may use standard or specially-modified equipment, such as prosthetics, special poles, or a sit-ski. Athletes with a visual impairment ski with a guide, and in the case of biathlon, use electro-acoustic glasses and an optronic system to aim.

One of the most interesting Nordic events is the cross country relay, in which teams are made up of athletes belonging to different classifications, who each complete one lap of the course. Nordic events are taking place at Pragelato Plan, a scenic mountain valley 80 kilometres from Torino.

Learn more about Cross Country Skiing and Biathlon, or watch the Paralympic Games online at www.paralympicsport.tv