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Cross-country (or Nordic) skiing is much more of a workout than your typical day at the resort — your legs have to do all of the work, after all. It's a great way to get exercise in the winter, whether you like to ski on a developed track or alongside the road to nowhere.
Cross-country skis all have some common features, such as lightweight construction, a long and thin shape that minimizes resistance with the snow, and the ability to grip the snow for uphill ascents. But there are plenty of differences as well: Some Nordic skis are designed for speed in the classic track, some for touring and creating your own route, and others are built for use in mixed-snow conditions.
The Best Cross Country Skis
What to Consider
Cross-country skis, just like downhill skis, come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so we'll highlight a few of the most important considerations to help you make the most informed decision.
- Styles: Nordic skis can be split into two groups: classic skis and skate skis. Classic skis include touring, race-inspired, and metal-edge skis and are used with a traditional, reciprocal motion that resembles your gait stride. The first two are made for skiing on groomed tracks, while metal-edge touring skis are built to perform on fluffy snow outside of the track's boundaries.
Skate skis are used with a motion that resembles that of an ice skater (think hips externally rotated in a V-shape). Skate skis are lighter, shorter, and stiffer than classic skis, which is ideal for climbing hills, but it's a completely different motion and type of cross-country skiing.
- Size: Narrow skis have less surface area than wider ones, making them faster for on-track skiing. Classic skis typically have a waist width under 68 millimeters, and skate skis are the narrowest with a waist that is under 45 millimeters wide. Wider, shorter skis with metal edges will float and carve better when you venture off-track, and these are typically from 65 to 100 millimeters wide. Consider if you'll be doing most of your skiing on a groomed trail or if you'll be venturing into more unmaintained areas.
- Base: Cross-country skis perform because of a base or edge that grips the snow for uphill traction. Classic skis are typically waxless, with a textured pattern in the base that grips the snow. Classic skis can also be waxable, and a kick wax must be periodically applied to improve traction. Skate skis, on the other hand, rely on their edges for grip rather than on a textured pattern or a grippy wax.
How We Chose
To compile this group of the best cross-country skis, our editors considered a wide variety of options. We researched current technology, award-winning brands, and surveys of user reviews. We chose our picks based on shape, weight, price, intended use, and extra features they offer, like bindings.
Editor's Note: Many cross-country skis require that you purchase bindings separately, but we've selected only skis that come mounted with bindings for simplicity.
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Best for Beginners
Rossignol Evo OT 65 Positrack Cross-Country Skis With Turnamic Bindings
- Positrack base and steel edges balance grip, control, and glide
- Wood Air Core reduces weight
- Fast learners may outgrow these quickly
New to cross-country skiing? This set of skis is pre-mounted with bindings, which puts you one step closer to your new favorite sport without the hassle and guesswork of buying your first pair.
Rossignol’s EVO 65 skis fall into the “classic” category. They’re a bit shorter than traditional Nordic skis, and their flex pattern is easier to control than more advanced, racing-inspired options. The waxless Positrack base is an ideal compromise of grip and glide, plus partial steel edges improve edge control, making these the perfect choice for learners who are hoping to feel sure-footed as they learn the ropes.
More: Check Out Some of the Highest-Performing Ski Pants
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Most Versatile
Salomon Escape 64 Outpath Cross-Country Skis with Prolink Bindings
- Full-length metal edges and rockered tips perform well off-track
Salomon's Escape 64 Outback is well-positioned for both in-track cruising and backcountry tours. Whether you're on a single-day excursion or a multiple-night getaway, these skis will take you as far away as your legs will let them.
These skis measure 64 millimeters underfoot, falling right in the middle of the “classic” category. They feature a full-length metal edge, which lets you carve like Emeril while cruising downhill after an arduous climb. The Posigrip embossed base (waxless) on this ski is super grippy, too, making the ascent effortless. A rockered tip, similar to a downhill powder ski, also allows for easy maneuverability when fresh snow falls.
These Salomon skis, with pre-mounted bindings, are the complete package for whichever adventure you choose and whatever conditions Mother Nature provides.
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Best Skate/Racing Skis
Salomon RS 10 Skate Skis With Prolink Bindings
- Ski smooth and fast like an Olympian
- Bases require waxing for optimum performance
Got a need for speed? We hear you! The carbon-laminate construction in this 44-millimeter-wide skate ski provides maximum stability and propulsion — ideal for picking up the pace quickly, gliding smoothly, and holding your top speed for longer.
Even better, this ski's long glide zone will help you overcome resistance on freezing-cold race days, while the shallow grind pattern on the waxable base will minimize friction.
If you're serious about cross-country ski racing — or just like to move quickly — these beasts from Salomon are serious speed machines.
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Best for Recreational Skiers
FischerTwin Skin Cruiser EF Ski
- Adjustable bindings simplify the learning process
- Four-year warranty
- Fast learners may outgrow them quickly
Looking to enter the world of cross-country skiing without spending a fortune? Look no further than these sub-$300 skis — with bindings included — from category-leading Fischer.
If you need versatility and predictability when snow conditions are variable (perfectly groomed to sun-baked and mushy), these 45-millimeter skate skis from Fischer will take you where you need to go. The waxless base features Mohair inserts, a carpet-like strip that resists backward motion on uphill climbs without compromising glide. The bindings are adjustable: Simply slide them forward for better grip, and slide them backward for better glide.
They're also backed by a 4-year manufacturer's warranty to give you confidence in your investment.
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Best for Off-Track Touring
Fischer Excursion 88 Crown/Skin Xtralite Cross-Country Skis
- Wide, rockered tips float on powder
Looking for some skis that will take you as far as your legs let them? Check out Fischer’s Excursion 88 — the widest “classic” skis in our list. They feature a 68-millimeter waist that expands to 88-millimeters at the tip, making them the perfect weapon for off-track exploration.
These skis feature a progressive-depth Offtrack Crown waxless base pattern, which delivers optimal grip on slick ascents and unmatched glide on the descent. With full-length metal edges and a rockered tip, you can carve like you’re on downhill skis and float on the surface when it’s deep. Because there’s no better feeling than floating on powder when you’ve earned your turns.
Andrew Bettlach
Andrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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