Imagine gliding over the snow just a little faster than you can run. Cross-country skiing offers just about the best full-body workout you can get. Think running with increased core and arm activation and a lot less pounding. Cross-country skiing is an accessible sport suitable for any beginner athletes looking for cross-training opportunities. Or, it can be a lifelong endeavor with tons of nuance in technique to keep you active for years.

　　Cross-country skiing provides access to the most beautiful winter landscapes, whether on groomed trails at a Nordic center or less traveled backcountry routes with majestic mountain vistas. There’s more than one cross-country ski discipline, which means you can find a great deal of variety. Whether you’re looking for a hard workout, a peaceful solo outing, movement variation, or a social ski with friends and dogs, cross-country skiing has it all. However, its important to have the best cross-country skis for your ability and desired discipline.

　　Kylie Collins, our lead tester, has been cross-country skiing for over 15 years. She now works for Crested Butte Nordic year-round. She tested the best skis highlighted in this guide side-by-side through a Crested Butte winter and spring to find the best skis for all abilities, terrain, and conditions.

　　After a season of testing classic, skate, and touring skis, our experts have picked the best options. We tested these skis across Colorado in everything from sparse early winter snow to deep powder, from below-freezing mornings to sunny afternoons, and from perfect corduroy to icy spring conditions.

　　At the bottom of this article, find more advice about purchasing cross-country ski gear in the buyers guide and the FAQ section. Check out the comparison chart for a quick overview of each model’s price and features.

　　Editor’s Note: We published a massive update on this guide on September 22, 2024. We updated our product choice to reflect the current selection of the best cross-country skis on the market and greatly expanded our buyers guide and FAQs.

　　The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024 Best Overall Cross-Country Skis: Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL | Atomic Pro C3 Skintec W + Shift CL (women’s specific) Best Budget Cross-Country Skis: Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings Best Classic Cross-Country Skis: Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium Best Skate Cross-Country Skis: Salomon RS 8 Skate Skis with Prolink Pro Skate Bindings Best Cross-Country Touring Skis: Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings Best Overall Cross-Country Skis Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL Specs Sizes 174 cm (99 lbs.) 209 cm (198 lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions (tip/waist/tail width) 43/44/44 mm Grip Skin Weight (pair) 3 lbs., 1 oz. Included Bindings Prolink Shift Pro Binding Compatibility NNN Boots Intended Use Classic Skiing in Groomed Track Intended Skill Beginner to Advanced

　　Pros Great glide Easily interchangeable skins Women’s specific model available Suitable for skiers of all skill levels Cons Steeper learning curve than fish scale grip Expensive Kylie Collins The Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL ($430) is a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to maximize their glide and make the most of a day on the Nordic trails. These are the Best Overall Cross-Country Skis for their versatility, efficiency, and fun on the trails. Whether we were headed out the door for a workout, a social ski, or a solo journey, this was our go-to ski. When we tested these skins on early morning spring ice, they felt stable and controlled. They were responsive, nimble, and fun when we skied through pristine winter conditions.

　　The easily exchangeable mohair skin underfoot provides adequate kick without compromising glide. We tested the stock universal skins and found them to be incredibly versatile across a range of conditions. When snow turned icy in the spring, moving the binding a notch forward improved grip dramatically on steeper inclines. Atomic offers a speed skin for more advanced skiers that will undoubtedly increase glide and reward great technique.

　　This year, the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec moved toward gender-specific sizing. The men’s and women’s skis are identical in sidecut and construction, but the women’s specific fit offers shorter lengths and increased flex options for lighter skiers.

　　The Atomic Pro C3 is dynamic and light. It makes climbing easy but is also responsive and controlled on the downhill. We felt comfortable staying in the tracks even on steep downhill corners.

　　These skis are more expensive than other classic options on this list. If you’re a beginner, other classic skis will serve you well, but this ski can grow with you as your technique improves without sacrificing fun at the beginning of the learning curve.

　　The Atomic Pro C3 Skintec delivers a range of sizes and flex for skiers of all sizes, as well as great kick and glide. Its unmatched versatility and exchangeable skins make for a great ski that can tackle most conditions for the beginner and intermediate skier.

　　Check mens price at atomicCheck womens price at atomic Best Budget Cross-Country Skis Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis With TURNAMIC Bindings Specs Sizes 165 cm (90 lbs.) 195 cm (180+ lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions (tip/waist/tail width) 55/48/52 mm Grip Fish scales Weight (pair) 3 lbs.,1 oz. Included Bindings Tour Step In Bindings Binding Compatibility NNN Boots Intended Use Classic Skiing in Groomed Track Intended Skill Level Beginner to Intermediate

　　Pros Great grip through variable conditions Balanced and stable feel Intuitive kick and glide Cons Geared toward beginners Heavier Kylie Collins The Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings ($250) are an excellent choice for beginners looking to jump into cross-country skiing or intermediate skiers looking for an easy and agile ski. These skis won the Best Budget Award since they’re a great entry-level ski for all seasons and conditions that won’t break the bank.

　　The Rossignol Evo XTs are intentionally designed to be shorter and wider than traditional classic skis. The increased width provides stability on the trails while fitting comfortably in a classic track. The decreased length improves agility and lends confidence on steep downhills and turns. The design decreases chatter and feels like a downhill ski when you jump out of the tracks. The lightweight wood core with air chambers keeps the ski among the lightest we tested, giving you a lively kick and glide for an otherwise wide ski.

　　The Rossignol Evo XT employs the POSITRACK base finish, a textured fish scale pattern underfoot to provide grip, unlike the mohair skin on the Atomic Pro C3. The fish scale pattern provides excellent grip and will be more forgiving for beginners while enhancing grip across varied terrain and conditions. When we tested these skis in sticky spring conditions, they were less likely to collect snow than any other fish scales we tested.

　　If you’re looking for a more traditional classic ski, a ski for fast workouts, or the ability to customize wax conditions, these skis won’t appeal to you. But they come with bindings compatible with most boots on the market and are ideal as a stable, intuitive ski for beginners or a fun, lively ski for the intermediate athlete. The Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Skis are a great choice for skiers looking for a social ski option or a ski that can do anything.

　　$250 at REICheck price at evo Best Classic Cross-Country Skis Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium Specs Sizes 176 cm medium (88 lbs.) 208 cm stiff (242 lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions (tip/waist/tail width) 39.5/44/44 mm Grip Skin Weight (pair) 2 lbs., 8 oz. Included Bindings None Binding Compatibility n/a Intended Use Classic Skiing in Groomed Track intended Skill Level Beginner to Advanced

　　Pros Supportive kick and glide for skiers of all levels High-performance mohair grip Ski designed to grow with you Cons Bindings not included Kylie Collins The Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium ($350) is an excellent choice for skiers of all levels. This ski takes home the Best Cross-Country Classic Ski of 2025 because, similar to the Atomic Pro C3, it’s a versatile ski that will grow with you as your technique improves.

　　Like the Atomic Pro C3 and the Fischer Twin Skin, the Delta Comp R uses a built-in mohair skin to grab the snow during the kick phase of your stride. It requires very little maintenance and works well in many snow conditions. However, unlike more race-specific models, these skis have a large sweet spot that will forgive some errors in technique. We jumped into some local races with these skis, and they performed beautifully, even next to more expensive models.

　　They have a super-light Nomex Honeycomb core, which translates to just over 2 pounds, 8 ounces, making these some of the lightest skis we tested.

　　The Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin ski is a solid choice for snowsports aficionados bridging into cross-country skiing or intermediate to advanced recreational skiers who want to leave hours at the wax bench in the past. Unfortunately, they do not come with bindings, but they are compatible with any NNN, Turnamic, or Prolink compatible binding.

　　$350 at Rossignol Best Skate Cross-Country Skis Salomon RS 8 Skate Skis With Prolink Pro Skate Bindings Specs Sizes 174 cm (88 lbs.) 191 cm X-Stiff (220 lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions (tip/waist/tail width) 45/43/44 mm Grip Waxable (skate) Weight (pair) 2 lbs., 15 oz. Included Bindings Prolink Pro Binding Binding Compatibility NNN Boots Intended Use Skate Skiing on Groomed Track Intended Skill Intermediate

　　Pros Stable and balanced ski Extended glide Good price for an intermediate ski Cons Can feel long On the heavier side of skate skis tested Kylie Collins The Salomon RS 8 Skate Skis with Prolink Pro Skate Bindings ($360) are fun, fast, and efficient skate skis. This ski won the Best Cross-Country Skate Ski award because they are intuitive and a blast to ski. The ski is stable across various conditions, feels balanced during both the weight transfer and glide phase, and always feels fast.

　　Salomon markets this ski as “easy to ski on,” and we found that statement true. Even for a beginner skater, this ski seemed to elongate the glide phase and allow us to focus on technique without much effort. This skis thin but prominent edge differs greatly from the more rounded edge found on the Madshus Active Pro version we tested. The presence of the edge provides a great bite into the snow when rolling from a flat ski to an edged ski in the weight transfer process. This increased stability provided confidence for skiers of all levels.

　　These skis have a good deal of camber and tip rocker. For this reason, the skis can feel long and unwieldy at first if you’re used to shorter skis. However, after just a few times out, the length becomes natural, and the improvement in glide is noticeable and welcome. We especially loved these skis for springtime crust morning skis. The length provided stability over uneven terrain, while the camber and edge provided maneuverability for quick and unpredictable turns.

　　This ski is a great choice if you’re just getting into skate skiing and want to work on technique. A more expensive race-oriented ski might provide a competitive edge. However, this ski is forgiving to any budding skier, fun for the intermediate and advanced skier, and won’t break the bank. It’s also a great ski to grow with. The Salomon RS8 is our go-to skate ski for everything from soft winter snow to spring crust cruising.

　　$360 at REI Best Cross-Country Touring Skis Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis With TURNAMIC Bindings Specs Sizes 169 cm (110 lbs.) 199 cm (229 lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions (tip/waist/tail width) 62/52/60 mm Grip Fish scales Weight 4 lbs., 10.5 oz. Included Bindings Turnamic Binding Compatibility NNN Boots Intended Use Classic Skiing Groomed and Ungroomed Intended Skill Anyone

　　Pros Great grip Fit in most classic tracks Metal edges for ungroomed surfaces Compatible with most boots Cons On the heavier side Kylie Collins The Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings ($369) are a joy for cross-country ski adventure and exploration off the groomed trail. For their versatility both on and off the trail, they won the Best Cross-Country Touring Ski award.

　　These skis bridge the gap between a classic ski and a touring ski. The tips are 62 cm, which is still narrow enough to fit in most classic tracks for easy use at groomed destinations and versatile when maneuvering through tight forests. The metal edges provide bite, stability, and confidence when venturing off the trail. Be warned, the metal edges are sharp! Similar to backcountry skiing, be careful when skiing with dogs.

　　The generous sidecut dimensions mimic the shape of a downhill ski. We found this incredibly beneficial when carving turns in deep powder through the ungroomed terrain. We absolutely loved these skis for beautiful backcountry tours through tight aspen trees and thick pine forests. If you want to go a little further, these are the skis for you!

　　Fischer’s patented Offtrack Crown fish scale bases give adequate grip across various conditions. They ski similarly to the Rossignol Evo XTs, but the metal edges and extra weight pack more punch for deeper snow and choppy spring conditions. We did find the fish scales prone to clumping underfoot through sunny snow patches when the temperature reached above 40°F, but with a few strides, the clumps always dissipated.

　　The Fischer Spider 62 Crown is for anyone looking for a well-rounded ski that performs on and off the groomed track. If you needed one ski to do it all, this would be it. The included bindings are also compatible with NNN ski boots,

　　$369 at REI Best of the Rest Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF Ski Specs Sizes Small (121 lbs.) XLarge (209 lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions (tip/waist/tail width) 49/45/47 mm Grip Skins Weight (pair) 2 lbs., 12.8 oz. Included Bindings None Binding Compatibility NNN Boots Intended Use Classic Skiing in Groomed Track Intended Skill Beginner to Intermediate

　　Pros Easy anti-ice skin HF liquid wax included Four-year manufacturer warranty Cons Design is not as advanced as other classic skis Bindings not included Kylie Collins The Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF ($269) is designed for the masses. If you’re new to cross-country skiing and want to hit the groomed classic trails for a reasonable price without the complexities of thinking about wax, this ski is a great place to start. We really enjoyed taking these skis out in moderate temperatures in mid-winter conditions. For social skis and dog walks, these were a great choice.

　　The Twin Skin Cruiser EF has two strips of mohair skins underfoot. This is a similar grip system to the Atomic Pro C3 and Delta Comp R reviewed above. However, the two strips allow the center groove to continue down the ski without interruption. The skins provide good grip, however we preferred the single skin strip other classic skis offered.

　　Unfortunately, they do not come with bindings, but they are compatible with any NNN, Turnamic, or Prolink compatible binding.

　　The Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser trend softer in flex making them easy to control even for a beginner skier. For $260, they are a great entry level ski for groomed classic skiing or light touring off trail. If you’re looking to grow out of the recreational or hobby stage, we recommend looking at a ski that’s capabilities will grow with you like the Atomic Pro C3 or the Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium.

　　$161 at AmazonCheck price at Fischer Rossignol BC 80 Positrack Skis With NNN BC Bindings Specs Sizes 166 cm (90 lbs.) 196 cm (180+ lbs.) Sidecut Dimensions 80/60/70 mm Grip Fish scales Weight 5 lbs., 5.9 oz. Included Bindings Rottefella BC Binding Compatibility NNN BC Intended Use Touring on Ungroomed Terrain Intended Skill Anyone

　　Pros Durable and capable in ungroomed conditions Metal edges for touring capabilities Notched tip for backcountry skins Cons Heavy Requires specific boots Less agile and versatile than other touring skis Kylie Collins The Rossignol BC 80 Positrack Skis with NNN BC Bindings ($450) are true touring skis. They are wide and will not fit in a groomed classic track. They are designed exclusively for off-trail or backcountry use.

　　These skis are heavy, but this aids in their ability to cut through variable conditions. The tips are notched for backcountry skins, increasing versatility on steeper and more challenging terrain.

　　The bindings come premounted, and unlike NNN plate-mounted bindings, they are pre-drilled and not adjustable forwards or backward. The fish scale pattern is longer on this touring ski, so we did not find a need to increase grip with binding movement. The specialized binding also requires a specialized boot. The bar underneath the toe is thicker and wider than NNN boots. Most NNN BC boots look like hiking boots. They are insulated and comfortable for long days in the mountains. However, we found the decreased articulation offered by the boots and the binding sometimes a hindrance.

　　Like the Fischer Spider 62 Crown, the fish scales clumped in sunny patches of snow above 40°F. However, this skis textured base is longer and requires more effort to clean. We found these skis excelled in deep winter conditions but were not our first choice in spring snow.

　　The shaped design also aids in downhill maneuverability and turning power. However, since these skis are much wider, they felt less agile but no more stable than the Fischer Spider 62 Crown.

　　This ski can go anywhere. If you spend all your time in the backcountry and don’t mind the hefty boots or want an insulated boot, the Rossignol BC 80 Positrack Skis would be a solid choice. However, many backcountry skis would rival this skis capabilities. That is an entirely different ski category, but it would be worth it to research all the options for the price tag and limited capabilities.

　　$400 at REI$340 at Rossignol Madshus Active Pro Skate Skis With Rottefella Performance Skate Bindings Specs Sizes 172 cm 192 cm Sidecut Dimensions 41/44/44 mm Grip Waxable (skate) Weight 2 lbs., 8.5 oz. Included Bindings Rottefella Performance Binding Compatibility NNN Boots Intended Use Skate skiing on groomed track Intended Skill Intermediate+

　　Pros Lightweight Stable at high speeds Cons Edge felt unstable when gliding Kylie Collins The Madshus Active Pro Skate Skis with Rottefella Performance Skate Bindings ($360) is an interesting ski. The skis reward good technique, feel fast, and are stable at high speeds and sharp turns.

　　The stiffer and more durable construction feels solid in hand but does not provide versatility underfoot. We found the rounded edge to require a good bit of pressure to hold a bite when transferring weight. This made the ski feel heavier and less agile than other skate skis we tested. These skis shine on hard-packed snow where you can V2 on flat or rolling terrain for miles. We struggled in softer conditions and on tighter, more technical trails.

　　The Madshus sizing system indicates skier height over the traditional skier weight. This made it challenging to find the correct size ski. According to this sizing system, this ski lacks lengths for shorter skiers.

　　The Madshus Active Pro is a one-flex-fits-all ski. We found these skis to feel heavy and stiff on the feet. A stiffer flex might benefit advanced skiers, but beginner skate skiers may want a more forgiving ski to get started. This would be a good choice if you’re looking for a reasonably priced stiffer ski for all conditions.

　　Check price at Madshus Cross-Country Skis Comparison Chart

　　Two skiers enjoy a tour outside Crested Butte, Colorado. Classic and specific touring skis are a great choice to adventure off the groomed track; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) How We Tested Cross-Country Skis Our expert group of testers all work in the cross-country ski industry year-round. They are passionate winter people who love to geek out about ski stats, conditions, terrain, and the nuances of good wax. They have been skiing for a combined total of 57 years, with experience ranging from former college racers to PSIA-certified classic and skate instructors to endurance athletes who got started on cross-country skis later in life.

　　Our lead tester, Kylie Collins, has been cross–country skiing for over 15 years. She began cross-country skiing in New England in college and has continued through the mountains of Colorado. She’s tested over 20 pairs of skis, including the nine best picked for this guide, through all kinds of conditions for pleasure, training, and racing. She now works year-round in the cross-country ski profession for Crested Butte Nordic and skis almost every day in the winter.

　　We put these skis through the ringer in Colorado through the Elk and Sawatch Mountains and all over Grand Mesa. Starting on early season snowmobile groomed trails, through a full season of groomed trails and backcountry exploration in all the challenging terrain Crested Butte offers. We also tested in variable spring conditions both on and off the trail. Each ski was tested at temperatures ranging from well below zero to 45°F.

　　We paid close attention to performance across this range of conditions, including glide, weight, stability, agility, and, of course, fun factors. This gave us confidence in each ski’s ability to tackle flats, uphills, and downhills across various conditions and temperatures, as is only natural through a full season of cross-country skiing. We tested these skis at all hours of the day, on full moon skis with friends, and even jumped into a few local races.

　　Together, we’ve skied nearly every brand of ski on the market, and these are our favorites for the 2024-2025 winter season for beginner and intermediate skiers. If youre looking to go further into the mountains, check out our guide to the best backcountry skis and best backcountry bindings.

　　Skate, classic, and touring skis tested for the 2024-2025 winter season; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Cross-Country Skis Getting into cross-country skiing can feel daunting. There are wildly different disciplines, all kinds of gear, and many different styles of trails. The following tips will help you pick the right gear for your goals and experience.

　　Choosing Cross-Country Skis: Which Style Is Right for Me? Nordic skiing breaks down into classic, skate, and touring styles.

　　Skiers enjoy a mellow classic ski on the trails at Crested Butte Nordic; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Classic and touring skis are similar in that they require a forward-and-back striding motion to move the skier forward. The skis are kept parallel and use traction on the bottom (wax, fish scales, or mohair skins) to grab the snow and reduce backward motion. Classic skis are meant to fit in parallel tracks on a groomed trail. Touring skis are wider and meant for use off groomed trails. Many classic skis can be used off-trail. Some touring skis have metal edges for better grip and stability off-trail and in variable conditions.

　　Skate skis work with a sideways push-off motion, similar to the look of a speed skater. The skis move outward in a V or skating motion. Skate skis are meant for groomed trails on the flat corduroy section next to, and wider than, the classic tracks. If you’ve downhill skied before, you’ve probably skated up a slight uphill. The motion is similar.

　　Classic skiing can feel more approachable for someone new to cross-country skiing or someone who has never been on skis before. The motion is more like walking. True classic technique is a lifelong sport and truly beautiful to watch.

　　If you want to get into classic skiing for more than just a social ski, we recommend taking a lesson or jumping into a clinic to learn some of the basics and avoid bad habits. We recommend the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec or Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin for classic skis that will work for beginners and grow with you as your technique improves. If you want to venture off the groomed trail, we recommend the Fischer Spider 62 Crown for its versatile touring capabilities.

　　Classic skiing involves a forward and backwards kick and glide similar to a walking motion. Traditional classic skis are narrow and fit in groomed tracks; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Skate skiing is aerobically challenging, especially in the beginning. It requires more fitness and balance than classic skiing but is still very approachable for a moderately athletic beginning and will feel more natural if you’ve been on downhill skis before. We recommend the Salomon RS8 Skate for beginners.

　　On skate skis, forward propulsion comes from sideways pushes in a V motion. These skiers head up a steep hill on skate skis; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Many websites lump backcountry skis and cross-country skis together, but they have very little in common. So, we’re not including any backcountry skis (which use different boots and bindings and focus on downhill performance) in this article. However, if you prefer this discipline, check out our guide to thebest backcountry skis.

　　Location Where you expect to use the skis is very important. If you plan to ski on groomed trails at a Nordic center you will probably need to purchase a pass. Classic skiing in groomed tracks generally requires skis that are 65mm wide or less. The Atomic Pro C3 Skintec and Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin are all great skis for groomed trails.

　　Testing out the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec in groomed classic tracks at Crested Butte Nordic; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Groomed Nordic trails are also the place for skate skis. If you’re lucky, crust skiing in the spring will expand the locations where skate skis are capable. The Salomon RS8 is a great choice to hit the trails.

　　Testing out the Salomon RS8 Skate on groomed corduroy at Crested Butte Nordic; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) If you plan to ski more socially on dog or walking trails, you can consider wider classic skis or touring skis (though any classic skis will also work). We highly recommend the Rossignol Evo XT Positrack 55 or Fischer Spider 62 Crown for their versatility. Though the Rossignols don’t have metal edges, both skis are shorter and wider and excel on and off the trail.

　　If you plan to explore off-trail and untracked locations, you might consider a shorter, wider ski with metal edges to aid in mobility, flotation, and confidence in powder and on downhills. We suggest the Fischer Spider 62 Crown for its versatile performance off-trail. The Rossignol BC 80 Positrack is a heavy-duty option, but it requires specialized boots.

　　Skiers enjoy a rare spring crust on a spring day in the backcountry; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Besides ski choice, location is extremely important for safety. Nordic Centers generally groom in avalanche-safe terrain. However, be sure to check a center’s daily trail report and adhere to any warnings and trail closures.

　　If you choose to adventure in a backcountry environment, consider an avalanche awareness class, check the avalanche report before you head out, know your terrain, carry a beacon and ski with friends, and always tell someone where you’re going.

　　Traction Since cross-country skiing includes traveling across uphill, downhill, and flat terrain, the bases employ different forms of traction to keep the skier moving forward.

　　Skate skis have a smooth base that helps skiers keep momentum going forward with a skating motion. Wax application on skate skis increases glide and can be tailored to specific temperatures and conditions. A recreational skier might not need to apply wax for every outing; however, temperature-specific wax will always improve performance. In the skate division, we tested the Salomon RS8 Skate and the Madshus Active Pro.

　　Classic skis have three methods of traction to decrease backward glide. Since skiers use a kick motion to push off, they need some resistance to keep forward momentum.

　　Wax skis are still the gold standard for experts. Wax can be tailored to every temperature and condition, but kick wax needs to be applied every time you head out the door. We did not test any waxable skis in this guide as it is tailored for the beginning and intermediate skier.

　　Waxless skis are now popular for skiers who want to spend less time at the wax bench or are just getting into the sport. Some classic skis use fischales for traction, like the Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack, Fischer Spider 62 Crown, and Rossignol BC 80 Positrack. The fish scale pattern is effective, grippy, and popular among beginners and hobby skiers.

　　Other classic skis use mohair skin inserts like the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec, Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin, and Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF. Skins are a soft fabric that grabs the snow for traction. Skins are faster than fish scale pattern bases. They are great for intermediate skiers or a patient beginner. They also require minimal maintenance and versatility with easy replacements.

　　The Rossignol BC 80 Positrack also has tip notches for backcountry skins for increased grip on steep and challenging terrain.

　　Variation in cross-country ski traction methods. From left to right: smooth waxable skate, fish scale classic, twin skin mohair classic, single skin mohair classic, touring ski with backcountry skin; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) We use the word waxless to describe the fish scale and skin classic skis. This means that the kick zone (the grip zone underneath the boot) does not need condition-specific wax to provide traction. The tip and the tail should still be given a good dose of glide wax to maintain speed and provide hydration to the base of the ski. Additionally, if the fish scale skis start to dry out (take on a white color), they will need the occasional base wax. We recommend an easy liquid wax like Toko Express or Swix F-4. These are very easy to apply with a shoe polish foam applicator. Then, just buff them with a towel.

　　Find the Right Fit Fit is critical. Unlike downhill skis, cross-country ski length is based on the skiers weight instead of height. The ski doesn’t know how tall you are but knows exactly what you weigh. As you step on the ski, the camber or bend of the ski depresses and makes contact with the snow. The correct amount of depression will ensure you have grip and glide for both classic and skate techniques.

　　Cross-country skis also come in a range of flexes. Skis that are too soft will feel unstable, especially on downhills. Skis that are too stiff will not make contact with the snow and feel slippery. A more advanced skier may look for a stiffer ski for efficiency, while a beginner skier may look for a softer ski for increased grip and forgiveness. A more advanced skier may use snow conditions to choose ski flex.

　　Three different brands and models of skate skis for one skier. Be sure to heed the manufacturers recommendation for ski length based on skier weight as all skis have different camber, flex, and features; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Fortunately, it’s easy to know which skis to buy. Each ski brand publishes a size chart specific to its quiver of skis, which advises on ski length and flex based on the riders weight and ability.

　　Boots There are classic, skate, and combi boots on the market. A classic boot has minimal ankle support because skiers move forward and backward. A skate boot has increased ankle support to help the skier with the sideways skating motion. A combi boot is a mix of the two and will work well for skiers who enjoy both disciplines but only want to own one pair of boots. Most classic skate and combi boots on the market are NNN compatible and will work with all NNN bindings Turnamic, NIS, NNN, and Prolink.

　　If you are skiing a touring ski with an NNN BC binding, you will need an NNN BC-specific boot. These boots are often more like hiking boots, with a wider and thicker toe bar. They are meant for long days out instead of performance. There are also three-pin backcountry boots on the market that use a telemark binding.

　　Salomon used to manufacture two models of SNS boots and bindings. This system was different from the current NNN (New Nordic Norm) system. The SNS system is no longer sold, however you may find SNS equipment if you buy used equipment or visit a ski swap.

　　NNN BC touring boots, NNN Skate books, and NNN classic boots; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) If you can spend a few extra dollars, midrange boots are a great choice. Their increased features will offer dividends in performance without sacrificing comfort.

　　Bindings Many skis come with bindings. Check the manufacturers recommendation if a ski does not come with a binding. Most bindings and boots follow the NNN system (New Nordic Norm), but be sure to check for compatibility when purchasing. The Turnamic, Prolink, NNN, and NIS systems are all NNN compatible.

　　NNN bindings attach to the ski on a pre-mounted plate. The bindings are adjustable for the skiers ability, preference, and conditions. For a classic ski, moving the binding forward will increase grip, while moving the binding backward will increase glide. For a skate ski, moving the binding forward will increase control and stability, while moving the binding backward will increase speed and float on soft snow.

　　NNN-compatible boots and bindings. Most boots and bindings on the market for classic and skate skis will utilize the NNN system. Here, a Fischer combi boot is paired with a Salomon Prolink skate binding, and a Salomon classic boot is paired with the Atomic Prolink classic binding; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) NNN BC bindings accept a single toe pin, similar to the NNN system, but the bar is wider and thicker. The increased stability allows skiers to ski with confidence off trail and in challenging terrain. However, these bindings require a different boot.

　　The NNN BC system uses a thicker and wider toe bar and a pre-drilled fix mounted plate; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography) Salomon used to make an SNS binding that required different boots, but they have phased out that model. You may still find the SNS system if you buy used equipment or visit a ski swap.

　　Poles When purchasing poles, height is important. For skate skiing, a longer pole is required. The general formula is to choose a pole that is 90% of your height. This is usually just below your lower lip. For classic skiing, the general formula is to choose a pole that is 83% of your height. This is usually about shoulder height.

　　Shop Your Level Don’t buy racing or expert-level equipment and hope to grow into it. High-end equipment requires high-end skiing skills. Intermediate gear is often a better choice if you want to grow into the sport. This is good news for the bank account!

　　FAQ What are the best cross-country skis for beginners? Most beginning cross-country skiers will find more success starting on class or touring skis. The forward stride will feel more approachable. Experienced downhill skiers who would like to transition to cross-country skiing may be able to start on skate skis if they desire. However, skate skiing requires more athletic skill and balance to learn. We highly recommend a lesson or clinic if you’re headed out on skate skis for the first time.

　　What length cross-country skis should I use? Cross-country skis come in various lengths, but you should choose your ski length based on weight, not height. Almost all cross-country skis have a weight rating listed on the ski or wherever they’re sold.

　　What are the different styles of cross-country skis? Cross-country skis come in three main types: classic, touring, and skate. Telemark and backcountry skis have some similarities but are much more focused on the downhill portion of skiing, such as fast descents and powder turns. Those are outside the scope of this article.

　　The Best Snowshoes of 2024-2025 After hours of research and months of testing, we found the best snowshoes for every use and budget. And dont miss our buyers guide with everything you need to get started.

　　The Best Ski Socks of 2024 Winter is in full swing, and that means youll be spending a lot of time in the snow. These are the best ski socks of 2024 that will keep your feet happy and warm all winter long.