It’s 4:43 p.m., and it’s already dark outside. Temps are in the single digits, and the couch is whispering sweet nothings. The pull to hunker down is at an all-time high during the deep winter months in Minnesota, and it takes effort to keep yourself from spending the entire season indoors and out of the elements.
Enter cross-country skiing — a beacon of hope in a dark place. I picked up skate skiing to help get myself outside and stay fit during the long winter months. Greater Minneapolis has fantastic teams that keep trail systems well-groomed and lit. They provide an awesome experience on the trails regardless of Mother Nature.
Since my first foray into skate skiing a few seasons ago, I’ve come to love the sport. I look forward to winters and the change of pace that skiing provides from my typical cycling and gym workouts.
This winter, I’ve been putting a chunk of my ski hours on Salomon’s S/Max Skate Ski Kit. An upper-middle kit in the Salomon skate ski ecosystem, the S/Max kit is built for skiers moving from entry-level casual skiing to harder training and competition-level performance.
In short: The Salomon S/Max Skate Ski Kit gives skiers an option when transitioning from introductory skate skiing to more serious efforts and events. The kit blends a forgiving feel with high-level performance for casual skiers and competitors. This setup goes with me for social ski outings, hard training efforts, and everything in between.
If you’re shopping for cross-country skis, compare the Salomon S/Max Skate Skis to those on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Cross-Country Skis.
- Weight: 1.26 kg (pair with plate)
- Sizes: 170-192cm
- Base: G5 universal base
- Binding mounting: ProLink Shift Race Skate
Pros
- Well-rounded performance in different conditions
- Forgiving in corners at speed
- Competitive price point
Cons
- Softer feel on hard efforts
- Fit: Medium width
- Weight: 1.06 kg (pair)
- Flex: Stiff
- Protection: Waterproof membrane and zipper
- Lacing system: Disassociated quicklace system for a precise fit
Pros
- Simple to adjust lacing and fit
- Comfortable
- Wider footbed
Cons
- Shallow boot liner
- Runs a little large
- Construction: 100% carbon
- Weight: 190g (pair)
- Rigidity: Stiff
- Balance: Pendulum
Pros
- Ergo Click for quick in and out
- Competitive price point
Cons
- May lack stiffness competitive skiers need
Salomon S/Max Skate Kit Review

In the Field: S/Max Skis + ProLink Shift Bindings
S/Max Carbon Skate Boots

S/Max Carbon Click Poles

Not Without Compromise

Who Is the S/Max Lineup For?

Salomon S/Max Skate Ski Kit: Final Thoughts
