摘要：Cross-country skiing ranks as one of the most popular recreational activities in Scandinavian countries. Due to its highly beneficial effects on human health and low risk of injury, the sport may be practiced by people of all ages. This study involved 180 participants, all of whom were high school students, and its primary goal was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes towards crosscountry skiing among young people. The participants' knowledge of cross-country skiing and leisure habits were collected using a questionnaire. The respondents' identities remained anonymous as the questionnaire was administered and collected. Emphasis was placed on a general knowledge of cross-country skiing, an understanding of the beneficial effects that it has on health, the attention that cross-country skiing attracts via the media, and, finally, possible opportunities for practicing cross-country skiing in Croatia. The Results indicated that the most popular winter leisure activities are alpine skiing (59%), sledding (16.6%), skating (9.0%), and snowboarding (1.3%), and that only 2.6% of study participants practice cross-country skiing. It was concluded that cross-country skiing is a favorite sport among high school students and that their knowledge of the health benefits of this activity is poor. The study found that students generally consider cross-country skiing to be boring and unsuitable as a recreational activity. As young peoples' knowledge of cross-country skiing, especially its health benefits, is inadequate, perhaps better media coverage of the sport is needed. Finally, it seems that the lack of popularity of cross-country skiing among the young people included in this investigation is in stark contrast to their enthusiasm for alpine skiing, a more dynamic recreational activity.
关键词：cross-country skiing; snow sport habits; leisure; young people
