INTRODUCTION: Due to increasing miniaturization of electronic parts the usage of the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in sports-scientific context is becoming feasible {Blumenbach, 2004). For cross-country skiing the application of GPS can be considered a capable tool for recording speed and altitude data as a basis for research and for the training process (Kraemer et al., 2002). Aim of this investigation is to show the possibilities and the limits of a commercial GPS-system for the application in the trainings process of competitive cross-country skiing regarding the visibility and the availability of GPS. METHOD: A test person equipped with a GPS-System skied a total of nine ski tracks of the World cup season 2004/2005. In the measurements performed the commercial GPS-System USB-GPS-Mouse GM 307 (Evermore Technology Inc.) was used, with all raw data available. The evaluation of the GPS-data was conducted with the GPS-evaluation Software micro-Center (micro-Blox) with respect to visibility and availability (parameter PDOP) of GPS. RESULTS: Figure 1 illustrates the percentage distribution of the measurement values of the World-cup ski tracks distinguished for visibility (No-Fix) and availability (PDOP) of GPS. DISCUSS1ON & CONCLUSION: The in the time of measurement given position of the satellites to each other has a significant impact on the quality of the measurement result in mountainous areas. Therefore a continuously position determination for complete ski tracks is hardly possible. Anyway, the usage of commercial GPS-Systems for specific applications in the trainings process of cross-country skiing in combination with e.g. heart rate measurement can be considered as useful.
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