The 6 Best Cross-Country Skis of 2025

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, having the best cross-country skis for your ability and desired discipline is important.

Kylie Collins, our lead tester, has been cross-country skiing for over 15 years. She now works for Crested Butte Nordic year-round. Passionate Nordic skiers, editor Chris Kassar, and gear tester and guide Ryan Kempfer also reviewed additions to this buyer’s guide. We tested these skis 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.

We put each of these skis through a few winters and springs in Crested Butte, CO, and Jackson, WY, to find the best skis for all abilities, terrain, and conditions. Whether you’re looking for the performance of our top pick, the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL, or a budget-friendly option like the Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings, we have you covered.

Editor’s Note: We updated this buyer’s guide on February 14, 2025, by adding a review of the Madshus Panorama M78, our favorite cross-country ski for touring.

The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2025

$350 at REI

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Best Overall Cross-Country Skis

Specifications

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

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, the Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack classic skis are more affordable and beginner-friendly. The fish scale base on the Rossignol skis is gripper and more forgiving in icy conditions. However, if you’re looking for a ski to grow with you as your technique improves without sacrificing fun, we highly recommend going for the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec.

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.

Best Budget Cross-Country Skis

Specifications

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

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. For a more versatile ski, you might try the Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium. For only $100, this skin ski bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate equipment.

The Evo XTs 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.

Best Classic Cross-Country Skis

Specifications

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

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.

Best Skate Cross-Country Skis

Specifications

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

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 ski’s thin but prominent edge differs greatly from the gliding sidewall found on Fischer Carbonlite skis and the more rounded edge found on the Madshus Active Pro versions we tested.

The Madshus Active Pro’s aggressive sidecut may feel natural to a seasoned skate skier, but beginner and intermediate skiers found this ski profile frustrating. The presence of the edge on the Salomon RS8 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.

Most Versatile Cross-Country Skis

Specifications

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

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.

Best Cross-Country Touring Skis

Specifications

Sizes: 162 cm (90 lbs.) – 192 cm (170+ lbs.)
Sidecut dimensions (tip/waist/tail width): 109/78/95 mm
Grip: Omnitrack 'waxless' fish scale pattern grip zone
Weight (pair): 5 lbs., 12.8 ounces
Included bindings: None
Binding compatibility: N/A
Intended use: Touring on ungroomed terrain
Intended skill: Anyone

Pros

Great balance of uphill and downhill performance
Stable but nimble
Exceptional flotation
Stellar climbing ability

Cons

Heavy
Won’t fit in a standard cross-country track

Looking to get off the beaten path and explore the wintery wild on your own? Then grab the Madshus Panorama M78 Skis ($350) and get out there, no track required. These rugged, all-terrain skis, which Madshus says “blend traditional Nordic and backcountry performance,” are ideal for deep snow, varied terrain, and multi-day adventures.

Many Nordic skis get you where you want to go, but because they’re so skinny, they require survival skiing to get you back home, especially if you’ve climbed a bit or tackled a steep slope. The Panorama M78 Skis change all that. In fact, due to their width, grip, full metal edges, and light, robust construction, they excel at getting you up and down rolling or steep terrain in style.

We tested these skis on countless tours through Grand Teton National Park and neighboring public lands, where we encountered varying terrain and changing snow depths and conditions. Since these are made for ungroomed terrain, we often set off into the mountains, breaking our own trail and exploring untouched slopes.

As the widest underfoot on our list (by 16 mm), it’s no surprise the Panorama M78 skis float through deep snow better than any others we tested. In a side-by-side comparison with our next widest ski, the Fischer 62, the Madshus skis stayed afloat while the others plunged deep into the snow, causing our tester on the Fischer 62s to fall. We prefer the wider skis for off-trail, backcountry touring since they spread out our weight more evenly, allowing for more fun and float. In addition to a noticeable increase in floatation, these skis offer more control on the way down. We enjoy being able to make quicker, sharper turns due to their tight side cut and short turning radius. We also appreciate the added stability of a wider ski so we can handle steeper grades at higher speeds without the wobbly, knock-kneed sensation we get when picking up speed downhill on narrower options.

Madshus’s Omnitrack waxless base has a long fish-scale grip zone that delivers exceptional traction on the uphill, with no skins required. This grip, coupled with a greater width, gives added security while climbing moderately steep slopes, which means more options for where you can explore. We were skeptical about how such grippy skis would kick and glide on the flats or rolling stretches, but they perform well in these scenarios.

One downside to these skis is their weight. They’re significantly heavier than most traditional cross-country skis. This heft adds stability, however, a tradeoff we’re willing to make for a ski meant for off-trail exploration. The other thing to consider is that at this width, the M78s won’t fit into most classic Nordic tracks. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on a groomed track, you’ll want to look at the Madshus Panorama M68 (you’ll sacrifice a little bit of stability and control) or our top pick, the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL.

However, if you seek to leave the crowds behind and explore untouched powder stashes on nimble, maneuverable Nordic skis that inspire confidence on both the ascent and descent, the Madshus Panorama M78 skis are your ideal pick.

Other Cross-Country Skis We Loved

Specifications

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: N/A
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

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 on dog walks.

Finding a good kick in cold or icy conditions became challenging. More than other skis we tested, fine-tuning the fit for the Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser was really important; we found that sizing up created a better fit in cold conditions.

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. In theory, the continuation of the groove helps the skin track straight, especially when skiing outside of a set classic track. We found the benefits of the single-skin skis to outweigh this feature. The single-skin skis were more forgiving in sizing, offered better kick, and were easier to ski across a range of snow conditions.

Unfortunately, they do not come with bindings, but they are compatible with any NNN, Turnamic, or Prolink compatible binding. New this year, Fischer is offering a Move binding that offers tool-free adjustment on the go. Upgrading to these bindings allowed us to fine-tune binding placement for the conditions and find a better kick even in colder conditions.

The Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser trends softer in flex, making it 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 whose capabilities will grow with you, like the Atomic Pro C3 or the Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium.

Specifications

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

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 ski’s 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 ski’s 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.

Specifications

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

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. If you’re a beginner or intermediate skier looking for a more agile and fun ski at the same price, we recommend trying the Salomon RS8.

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.

Specifications

Sizes: 171 cm medium (110 lbs.) – 191 cm x-stiff (286+ lbs.)
Sidecut Dimensions: 41 / 44 / 44 mm
Grip: Waxable (skate)
Weight: 2 lbs., 5 oz.
Included Bindings: None
Binding Compatibility: N/A
Intended Use: Skate skiing on groomed track
Intended Skill: Intermediate+

Pros

High-performance ski
Excels across variable conditions
Lightweight

Cons

Challenging for beginners
Expensive
Bindings not included

The Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus Medium ($675) is the most advanced ski we tested. This ski bridges the gap between intermediate and race gear. If you’ve spent some time on skate skis and you’re looking to expand into the race market or up your game, these are a great choice without paying a premium price for a true race ski.

Fischer extends its patented cold base bonding introduced on its high end Speed Max race lineup to the Carbonlite series. This technology improves wax absorption, which keeps your wax choice working longer throughout the day. We tested these skis on a 42k race. The lightweight race-ready design rewarded good technique and limited fatigue over long distances. We found an efficient glide with pre-race wax even at the end of a long day.

The carbon fiber top coat finish keeps these skis super light while providing enhanced durability. The gliding sidewall construction allows a professional waxer to get wax on the gliding edge of the ski (we found this challenging to do on our own). An intermediate skier might not notice a performance difference, but we did like the slanted shape of the edge. With some practice, we found benefits in extended glide.

Unfortunately, they do not come with bindings, but they are compatible with any NNN, Turnamic, or Prolink compatible binding. For beginner skiers, we found the camber and balance of the Salomon RS8 to provide an easier introduction to skate skiing. With some technique basics under your belt, the Fischer Carbonlite Skate is a great choice or upgrade for someone looking for new gear.

Cross-Country Skis Comparison Chart

Cross-Country Skis	Price	Sizes	Sidecut Dimensions	Grip	Intended Use	Intended Skill
Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL	$430	174 cm (99 lbs.) – 209 cm (198 lbs.)	43/44/44 mm	Skin	Classic Skiing in Groomed Track	Beginner to Advanced
Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings	$250	165 cm (90 lbs.) – 195 cm (180+ lbs.)	55/48/52 mm	Fish scales	Classic Skiing in Groomed Track	Beginner to Intermediate
Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium	$350	176 cm medium (88 lbs.) – 208 cm stiff (242 lbs.)	39.5/44/44 mm	Skin	Classic Skiing in Groomed Track	Beginner to Advanced
Salomon RS 8 Skate Skis with Prolink Pro Skate Bindings	$360	174 cm (88 lbs.) – 191 cm X-Stiff (220 lbs.)	45/43/44 mm	Waxable (skate)	Skate Skiing on Groomed Track	Intermediate
Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings	$369	169 cm (110 lbs.) – 199 cm (229 lbs.)	62/52/60 mm	Fish scales	Classic Skiing Groomed and Ungroomed	Anyone
Madshus Panorama M78 Skis		162 cm (90 lbs.) – 192 cm (170+ lbs.)	109/78/95 mm	Omnitrack ‘waxless’ fish scale pattern grip zone	Touring on ungroomed terrain	Anyone
Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF	$269	Small (121 lbs.) – XLarge (209 lbs.)	49/45/47 mm	Skins	Classic Skiing in Groomed Track	Beginner to Intermediate
Rossignol BC 80 Positrack Skis with NNN BC Bindings	$450	166 cm (90 lbs.) – 196 cm (180+ lbs.)	80/60/70 mm	Fish scales	Touring on Ungroomed Terrain	Anyone
Madshus Active Pro Skate Skis with Rottefella Performance Skate Bindings	$360	172 cm – 192 cm	41/44/44 mm	Waxable (skate)	Skate skiing on groomed track	Intermediate+
Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus Medium	$675	171 cm medium (110- lbs.) – 191 cm x-stiff (286+ lbs.)	41/44 /44 mm	Waxable (skate)	Skate skiing on groomed track	Intermediate+

best cross-country skiing — Two skiers enjoy a tour outside Crested Butte, Colo. 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 Testers

Our lead tester, Kylie Collins, has been cross-country skiing for over 15 years. She began 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, in 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. Editor Chris Kassar and gear tester and Nordic ski guide Ryan Kempfer also added their expertise and passion for Nordic skiing to this guide by testing many of these skis in and around their home of Jackson, Wyoming.

Our Testing Grounds & Process

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cross-Country Skis

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

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. However, if you’ll spend most of your time off-piste, check out our top pick for off-trail exploration, the Madshus Panorama M78 Skis.

Classic skiing involves a forward and backward kick and glide similar to a walking motion. Traditional classic skis are narrow and fit in groomed tracks; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography)

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)

Location

Testing out the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec in groomed classic tracks at Crested Butte Nordic; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography)

Testing out the Salomon RS8 Skate on groomed corduroy at Crested Butte Nordic; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography)

best cross-country skis — The **Madshus Panorama M78** is our go-to for off-trail exploration in the Tetons; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Traction

Find the Right Fit

Three different brands and models of skate skis for one skier. Be sure to heed the manufacturer’s recommendation for ski length based on skier weight as all skis have different camber, flex, and features; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography)

Boots

Bindings

The NNN BC system uses a thicker and wider toe bar and a pre-drilled fix mounted plate; (photo/Eric Phillips Photography)

Poles

Shop Your Level

Price & Value

Budget

Mid-Tier

We also love the Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings. These skis are unicorns. Priced at $369, these classic fish scale skis with metal edges do it all. The narrower profile fits in most classic tracks, the metal edges and shaped tips and tail provide confidence in the backcountry, and the fish scale base is beginner-friendly. For a more backcountry-oriented ski in this range, you’ll want to pick up the Madshus Panorama M78 Skis ($350), which also have metal edges and a fish scale base. They don’t come with bindings, however, so you’ll end up in the $500 range after all is said and done.

Premium

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.