"Winter sports culture" needs to be broken down. I think a number of factors are influencial
- Number of medals per discipline
- Competition from other countries in each discipline
- Cultural factors. For example, cross country skiing is not only a sport, it is also a leasure activity in Norway, similar to hiking.
- An accessible sport have an easier time to get many participants. Most of Norway gets snow in winter and access to nature is not particularily restricted. I don't know for a fact but I imagine in the US you are not equally allowed to ski on someone else's property?
- Financial means. Goes without saying but Norway can afford supporting youth and elite skiers on many levels.
- Number of medals per discipline - Competition from other countries in each discipline - Cultural factors. For example, cross country skiing is not only a sport, it is also a leasure activity in Norway, similar to hiking. - An accessible sport have an easier time to get many participants. Most of Norway gets snow in winter and access to nature is not particularily restricted. I don't know for a fact but I imagine in the US you are not equally allowed to ski on someone else's property? - Financial means. Goes without saying but Norway can afford supporting youth and elite skiers on many levels.