How do blind cross-country skiers race?
I · Intermediate · Categories and classes · 1 of 4NS1 and NS2 skiers must race with a guide; for NS3 it is optional. Guides lead, follow or ski alongside, by voice or radio. No contact is allowed, except to steady the skier by one arm or pole for safety. NS1 skiers wear opaque shades throughout. Guides change only in a marked zone.
How it works
- NS1 and NS2: guide compulsory.
- NS3: guide optional.
- Guiding: voice or radio.
- Position: lead, follow or alongside.
- Contact: only steadying an arm or pole.
- NS1 shades: opaque, all event.
- Guide changes: one over 5 km, two over 10 km.
- One athlete: per guide per day.
The glossary has the guide, the guide contact, the changing guides, the guide bib, the NS1 shades and the vision impaired classes.
Tricky cases
Can a guide push the athlete up a hill?
No.
Can a guide hand over a pole after a fall?
Yes.
Can one guide work two races in a day?
Not for two athletes.
Where can guides swap?
Only in the marked guide exchange area.
Why the rule exists
Guides replace sight, but limiting contact keeps the skiing the athlete's own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NS1, NS2 | Guide required | R 12342 |
| NS3 | Optional | R 12342 |
| NS1 | Opaque shades | R 12341.1.4 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Para Cross-Country (9 July 2026), articles 12314.7.2, 12341 and 12342. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS ICR Para Cross-Country and Para Nordic Classification Rules.