The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024-2025

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. 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. 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 December 13, 2024, by adding a Price & Value discussion, comparisons between skis from further testing, and a review of the Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus Medium.

The Best Cross-Country Skis of 2024-2025

• 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

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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
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+

How We Tested Cross-Country Skis

Our Expert Testers

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.

Our Testing Grounds & Process

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 you’re looking to go further into the mountains, check out our guide to the best backcountry skis and best backcountry bindings.

Buyer’s 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.

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.

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 or the Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus if you want to upgrade your gear.

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 the best 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.

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 or the Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus are both great choices to hit the trails.

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.

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, Fischer Carbonlite Skate Plus, 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.

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 skier’s 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.

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 rider’s 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.

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 manufacturer’s 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 skier’s 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 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.

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!

Price & Value

The cross-country skis we tested range in price from $250 to $450, though higher-end skis may cost closer to $1,000. Many budget-friendly skis will serve beginners well and for many years. Price is not directly related to quality or durability, but rather advancements in ski technology more related to skill level.

For this reason, we don’t always recommend purchasing the most expensive ski your budget allows. Instead, think honestly about your skiing abilities and goals to pick the right ski.

Budget

Budget-friendly skis fall in the $250-300 price range. These skis typically include bindings, are forgiving in nature, and will suit beginner skiers well. There’s a steep learning curve to break into cross-country skiing for both skate and classic techniques.

Beginner-friendly skis will make the learning process more fun, whereas skis geared towards advanced skiers will often cause frustration. Though you might sacrifice a few ounces in weight, the benefits in ski stability and therefore confidence are well worth it.

Our budget pick for this guide was the Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings. At just $250, these classic skis are fun, forgiving, and easy to learn on. The intentionally wider ski fits in standard classic tracks but provides increased confidence in both kicks and stability on the downhill. These skis are surprisingly light for the price and extremely durable. This is a great budget-friendly pick.

Mid-Tier

Spending a bit more on cross-country skis brings advances in technology, increased versatility, and often savings in weight. Mid-tier skis fall in the $300-400 range. Skis in this range are great for skiers of all abilities. Slight advances in technology over budget skis increases versatility to match a wider range of skier types. Mid-tier skis are a great choice if you’re looking for equipment to grow with you as your skills improve. 

We love the Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium for a great all-around classic ski in the mid-tier range. Priced at $350, these skis are still very affordable for a high-quality ski. The skin base offers more versatility than other fish scale bases if you’re looking for speed or a great workout. We recommend the Salomon RS8 with Prolink Pro Skate Bindings for a skate ski in this range. Priced at $360, these easy-to-ski skate skis are fun, fast, and a great choice for skiers of all abilities. 

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. 

Premium

We tested top-of-the-line skis in the $400-500 range. If you’re a beginner, the advances in ski technology may not be worth the additional spend. High-end technology requires and rewards proper technique, so these skis can feel frustrating for a beginner. However, if you’re already an intermediate skier and looking to stay in the sport, the additional spend and benefit in weight savings and new technology can be a game changer.

Many brands use their World Cup and race-specific technology in these premium-tier skis without all the bells and whistles of the very top-end, meaning you reap the benefits. This means a premium-tier ski may be identical to the top-of-the-line in weight savings, premium construction, and high-end core material. The only difference is often advancements in base quality, specifically wax absorption ability and therefore better glide performance.

In this premium range, we love the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL. Our overall best cross-country ski of the year comes in at $430. For this price, you’re getting a very high-quality ski, gender-specific sizing, interchangeable universal or race-specific skins, and a really fun ski.

This ski can do it all. It can perform well on fast flat intervals, provide great kick on steep hill climbs, and tackle any conditions from frigid mid-winter temperatures to spring mashed potatoes.

Keep in mind, there’s also the Rossignol BC 80 Positrack Skis with NNN BC Bindings priced at $450 in this category. These skis are highly specific to backcountry skiing and require specialty boots. This high price tag does not translate to a versatile ski. 

If you love cross-country skiing, you have a good skill base and you’re working on your technique, and you want a pair of skis to last many seasons, this premium range has great options. 

Frequently Asked Questions