The image of Viking warriors is usually tied to ships and seas—but in the snowy landscapes of Norway and Sweden, skis were their hidden weapon. The Norse were among the first recorded cultures to use skis in both hunting and warfare. Warriors trained to move quickly across frozen terrain, often armed with bows. A skilled Viking ski fighter could launch surprise attacks on slower-moving enemies, vanishing into the forest before reinforcements could arrive. Sagas, such as those of Harald Hardrada,