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The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024

Cross-country skiing is not only one of the best all-around workouts you can get, but it's also a wonderful way to experience a winter wonderland outdoors. These are the best cross-country skis you can buy for winter 2024.

2 skiers in Salomon biathlon
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Imagine gliding over the snow just a little faster than you can run. You’re working up a sweat, but there’s no pounding. Skis skim silently over a perfectly groomed corduroy snow track that courses through the rolling forest.

Sound idyllic? Well, the world of cross-country skiing really can be. And with its amazing full-body workout and mind-easing outdoor setting, it’s no surprise the sport is booming.

There’s more than one style of cross-country skiing and the supporting gear including classic and skate, which this article dives into for beginner and intermediate nordic skiers.

At the bottom of this article, find more advice about purchasing cross-country ski gear in our buyer’s guide and FAQ including variables like fit, fitness level, and more. Looking for a quick overview of each model’s price and features? Check out our useful comparison chart. Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Cross-Country Skis guide on November 10, 2023, to designate product awards and be a more reader-friendly format.

The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024


Best Overall Cross-Country Skis

Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Ski

Specs

  • Sizes 186 cm (99 lbs for medium flex) – 208 cm (242 lbs for stiff flex)
  • Sidecut Dimensions 41 / 44 / 44 mm
  • Grip Replaceable mohair insert
  • Weight 2 lbs, 8 oz.
Product Badge The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024

Pros

  • Supportive for kicking and gliding for skiers of all levels
  • High-performance mohair grip

Cons

  • Only one year manufacturer warranty
  • This is a nordic classic ski, so if you’d like to skate, check out other designs
  • Binding not included
Best Budget Cross-Country Skis

Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF Ski

Specs

  • Sizes Small (121 lbs) – Extra-large (209 lbs)
  • Sidecut Dimensions 49 / 45 / 47 mm
  • Grip Twin Skin
  • Weight 2 lbs, 12.8 oz.
The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024

Pros

  • Easy Anti Ice Skin HF liquid wax included
  • Four year manufacturer warranty
  • Mounted with bindings

Cons

  • This is a classic ski so skate skiers can check other options
  • Design is not as advanced as other classic skis
Best Cross-Country Skis With Metal Edges

Fischer Transnordic 66 Easy Skin Xtralite

Specs

  • Sizes 190 cm (122 lbs), 205 cm (210 lbs)
  • Sidecut Dimensions 66 / 54 / 61 mm
  • Grip None
  • Weight Unavailable
The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024

Pros

  • Great investment for off-trail travel
  • Rocker-camber profile
  • Compatible with climbing skins
  • Treated with Sintec base finish for glide across various snow conditions

Cons

  • Not a top choice for corduroy trails
  • Does not include bindings or plate mount
Best of the Rest

Asnes Falketind 62 Xplore Skis

Specs

  • Sizes 164 cm, 172 cm, 180 cm, 196 cm
  • Sidecut Dimensions 97 / 62 / 86 mm
  • Grip None
  • Weight 4 lbs, 2.24 oz.
The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024

Pros

  • Wide, ultralight backcountry-centric ski for steeper terrain and longer trips
  • Generous sidecut
  • Carbon reinforcements for torsional rigidity

Cons

  • Over-built for groomers

Cross-Country Skis Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Sizes, Sidecut Dimensions, Grip, Weight.

Cross-Country SkisPriceSizesSidecut DimensionsGripWeight
Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Ski$340186 cm (99 lbs for medium flex) – 208 cm (242 lbs for stiff flex)41 / 44 / 44 mmReplaceable mohair insert2 lbs, 8 oz.
Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF Ski$269Small (121 lbs) – Extra-large (209 lbs)49 / 45 / 47 mmTwin Skin2 lbs, 12.8 oz.
Salomon RS 7 Skate Skis With Prolink Bindings$260174 cm (88 lbs) – 191 cm X-Stiff (221 lbs)44 / 43 / 45 mmNone2 lbs, 14.4 oz.
Fischer Transnordic 66 Easy Skin Xtralite$310190 cm (122 lbs), 205 cm (210 lbs)66 / 54 / 61 mmNoneN/A
Asnes Falketind 62 Xplore Skis$519164 cm, 172 cm, 180 cm, 196 cm97 / 62 / 86 mmNone4 lbs, 2.24 oz.
man on Atomic Redster S9 Gen S
Skiing the Atomic Redster S9 Gen S on very marginal trail conditions; (photo/Sean McCoy)

How We Tested Cross-Country Skis

We spoke with the most expert cross-country skier we know: The father of author and editorial director Sean McCoy, Lowell McCoy, to learn his opinions about the sport and what gear new skiers should buy. He bases his opinions on 15 years of level III PSIA Nordic ski instruction and rental/sales experience. And if you knew him, you’d know he’s pretty passionate about the sport.

“Nordic skiing is an admixture of fitness, technique, and equipment. For a satisfying experience, these three should be in balance,” he said. “Nordic skiing is a somewhat technical sport. The proper equipment makes the learning curve much lower.”

man going downhill on cross-country skis
(Photo/REI)

Buyers Guide: How to Choose Cross-Country Skis

Speaking with Lowell McCoy, we learned a few more tips for people searching for cross-country skis. Here was his feedback.

Choosing Cross-Country Skis: Which Style Is Right for Me?

Nordic skiing breaks down into classic, skate, and touring designations.

Classic and touring skis are similar in that both require a forward-and-back striding motion to move the skier forward. Touring skis are wider and meant for use off groomed trails.

Skate skis work with a sideways push-off, similar to that used by ice skaters. They’re only meant for groomed trails. For many situations, skate skiing is faster. It requires somewhat more fitness and balance than classic cross-country skiing but is still very approachable for the moderately athletic beginner. If you’ve downhill skied, you probably know the motion of skating already. So, strap on these superlight skis and feel speed like you never expected on flat terrain.

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.

But we do include a few metal-edge touring skis — and explain when they make sense. The vast majority of cross-country skis don’t have metal edges. But a niche area of expedition skis provides efficiency on flats and hills with effective edges for descents.

This article is for beginner and intermediate skiers; experts are probably well beyond this story.

A final note: Cross-country skis have been hard to find during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we’ll do our best to keep our links fresh to in-stock gear, you may need to look for alternatives in stock at major retailers. And when you do find a good ski for your needs, don’t hesitate to buy!

Location

Where you expect to use the skis is very important. Will you mostly use them at a groomed nordic center (where you probably need to purchase a ski pass) or social (dog walking) trails?

Groomed trails need 65mm-wide skis or less to fit into classic tracks. Off-grooming skis should be shorter for mobility and a little wider for flotation.

For downhill-experienced beginners, a metal edge helps on downhills and increases confidence off-grooming.

Traction

Consider your underfoot traction options. For experts, wax is still the gold standard. But other options are getting better and better. Skins use a soft fabric that grabs the snow for traction and works very well.

A fish-scale pattern is also effective and used on many beginner skis. Fischer calls its pattern a “crown,” and Rossignol uses the term “positraction.” Both are good. Skins are faster, more expensive, and require a little maintenance.

Waxless vs. Waxable Skis

You’ll see a lot of skis called “waxless” when shopping. But in fact, there is no such thing as a “waxless” ski.

While they may have traction like a fish-scale pattern, the glide zones still need 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. Fit is mostly by body weight, not height. The ski doesn’t know how tall you are, but it knows exactly what you weigh.

Skis that are too stiff or too soft are unstable, especially on downhills. Skis that are too stiff will not reliably grip and result in slipping. Too soft, and you’ll have very little glide.

Fortunately, it’s easy to know which skis to buy. Look for a marked weight range. Longer skis usually have a higher weight rating.

Boots

Spend more on quality boots. Midrange boots are a good beginner choice, offering more control.

Ski Swaps

Beware ski swap bargains. Unless you have lots of experience or the help of an expert, you risk frustration.

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.

FAQ

What are the best cross-country skis for beginners?

Most beginning cross-country skiers should use “light touring” gear that works with a classic skiing stride. 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.

What length cross-country skis should I use?

Cross-country skis come in various lengths, but you should choose your ski length based on your weight, not height. Almost all cross-country skis come with 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 skis 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.

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