The scientific and methodological manual contains material on the problems of training young cross-country skiers, biathletes and combined athletes. It shows for the first time some of the specific features of cross-country skiing as a sport. The necessity of specialization of racers to distances of different lengths and the amount of load to prepare for each of them is substantiated, the problems of selecting young skiers and their training at the initial stages of sports improvement are considered, the issues of technical training, control, nutrition, rehabilitation, and education of mental qualities are disclosed.The publication is addressed to coaches, trainers-teachers, scientists, athletes.