Data: Perceptual Consensus on Cross-Country Ski–Snow Performance: A Questionnaire Study of Experts and Non-Experts

Study design and recruitmentA cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to Swedish skiers, coaches, and ski technicians at all levels between October 13, 2021, and January 31, 2022. The questionnaire link was disseminated through local ski clubs, regional skiing networks, and public sport-related social media channels. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, and no incentives were offered. Respondents were eligible if they were active skiers (classic and/or skate) and at least 15 years of age. No additional exclusion criteria were applied. In accordance with the Swedish Ethical Review Act, this study did not require ethical approval as it involved only questionnaire data collection with no processing of personal information, no physical intervention, and no methods designed to physically or psychologically affect the participants. Participants provided informed consent via the survey platform and could withdraw at any time prior to submitting the questionnaire by closing the survey window.A total of 249 participants completed the questionnaire. We categorized participants as experts (n = 20, 8%) if they met the following criteria:Over 500 ski preparations per year.Over 100 km of skiing per year.Reported a role as waxer.The remaining participants were classified as non-experts (n = 229, 92%). This classification was established post-hoc in consultation with national team ski technicians from XC skiing and biathlon to ensure a sufficiently high threshold was established to be considered an expert. Questionnaire structureThe questionnaire addressed various aspects of ski preparation and glide perception across eight distinct snow conditions. The snow conditions were classified according to SWIX's snow classification system (as of October 13, 2021).Questionnaire items were developed iteratively---in Swedish---by the author team in consultation with experienced trainers, skiers, team leaders, and XC waxing practitioners, including personnel from the Swedish Olympic Committee, the waxing and ski service teams of the Swedish Ski Association (SSF), and the Swedish Biathlon Association (SSSF). This expert input informed the study design, item selection, and wording. Items were subsequently pilot checked to confirm terminology and response-option clarity. For the present article, the original Swedish questions and answer options were translated into English; the wording shown here is the authors' translation of the Swedish questionnaire used for data collection.