The Best Cross Country (XC) Skis
Best cross country skis: list by angeloutdoors.com
Are you looking for the best cross country skis for sale today? If you love cross country skiing, then you understand the importance of having a high-quality pair of cross country skis that are effective and help to keep you safe. Skiing lesser known terrains can be difficult and often risky - mainly if you do not have a trustworthy, reliable pair of the best cross country skis.
However, choosing the best cross country skis is not as simple as picking the most expensive or the highest rated pair you can find, but rather, it is essential to know what makes cross country skis great.
There are several qualities and features that separate the best cross country skis from others that merely appear to be of high value, only to let you down when you need them the most. Once you have a good understanding of how to choose the best cross country skis, you can spend more time enjoying the experience and less time worrying about a ski malfunction.
In this review guide, you will learn how to find the best cross country skis and be shown ten of the best cross country skis for sale today, which gives you the opportunity to confidently choose your pair or go with one of our favorites presented in the guide.
How to Find The Best Cross Country Skis
We never want you to go on another cross country skiing trip without being well equipped with the best equipment possible, which allows you to stay safe and make it through steep slopes in an effective manner.
There are various factors that we took into account when reviewing each cross country ski, and we have found these five considerations to be the most relevant:
Size
Balance
Performance
Durability
Design
Of course, your personal preference should play a significant factor in your final decision as well. If you prefer a more lightweight set that allows you to speed down slopes, then choose accordingly, or perhaps you prefer a pair that is more stable and will enable you to cruise more securely. To make the decision making process as effortless as possible, we have broken down the best cross country skis into three categories:
The Best Cross Country Ski Packages - Cross country skiing requires much more equipment than just the skis alone. For those who are in need of the ski boots, ski poles and the skis, finding the right crosss country ski package is the way to go.
The Best Skis for the Cross Country - Cross country skis are uniquely designed to allow for safe trekking through rough terrains and a great experience skiing back down the steep hills and mountains. These skis are specifically designed with the rough terrains of the back country in mind.
The Best All-Around Cross Country Skis - Sometimes cross country skiing alone is not enough, and it can be useful to have all-around skis that are effective anywhere, regardless of the exact location.
The best cross country ski packages provide all of the equipment necessary for a trip through the back country. The second section is dedicated to cross country skis that perform the best for the back country specifically, and the all-around cross country skis perform well regardless of the exact location.
Reviewing The Best Cross Country Skis
Have you ever searched for hours and hours on end for the right pair of cross country skis and found nothing worth purchasing? Or have you ever purchased a pair you thought were effective and safe, only to be disappointed by the overall quality while out skiing? If so, you are not alone as many cross country skiers have had similar issues.
Due to this difficulty deciphering the best cross country skis from the more mediocre or average ones, we decided to do something about it. Through much time and effort of tediously searching through cross country skis, we have narrowed our list down to ten of the best cross country skis currently on the market.
So, without further, adieu, let's get into the ten best cross country skis currently available for purchase today in 2019.
The Best Cross Country Ski Packages
Looking for an entire cross country ski package, including the ski boots, ski poles and skis as well? Check out these options that have been proven reliable.
#1: Rossignol Evo XC 60 Tour Cross Country Ski Package
Specifications
Size: 166, 176, 186 or 196
Sidecut: 60, 50, 55
The Rossignol Evo XC 60 offers much more than the cross country skis alone, and it includes everything you need for a fun cross country ski trip, including ski boots, ski poles and of course high-quality cross country skis as well.
Those who are seraching for a complete package of quality cross country skiing gear for an affordable price, then look no further than the Rossignol Evo XC 60.
Pros
The most significant advantage of the Rossignol Evo XC 60 is the fact that it supplies all of the necessary equipment - rather than the cross country skis alone. Also, this cross country ski package is very well made, and the skis, boots, and poles all are built to last, allowing you to use the skis for years without needing to replace a single item.
If you are looking for the best deal on an entire cross country ski package, then this is the choice for you.
Cons
It is hard to find an area where the Rossignol Evo XC 60 can be even better. It provides excellent balance while skiing, the weight makes it easy to carry and it should last for years due to its exceptional durability.
The only drawback may come to those who prefer to pick each item of cross country ski gear separately, rather than the entire package at once.
Final Verdict
The Rossignol Evo XC 60 is backed with exceptional reviews and is one of the most trusted cross country skis for sale today.
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for all of your cross country skiing needs, then this package is the way to go, providing you with the skis, poles, and boots all in one.
#2: Whitewoods Adult NNN Cross Country Ski Package
Specifications
Size: 207
Sidecut: 64, 55, 59
The Whitewoods Adult Cross Country Ski Package is the perfect package of cross country skis when making a challenging trek to the top. They come with high-quality snowshoes, which provide excellent traction and give you the ability to climb steep hills and mountains easily.
It is designed with a laminated wood core and a full metal edge, which makes it durable, easy to hike in and allows for a hell of skiing experience.
Pros
The biggest perk of the Whitewoods Adult Cross Country Ski Package is the excellent traction the skis provide, which allow you to hike in as well as ski easily.
Also, they perform very well during the skiing process, and they are great for more experienced skiers who are looking for a more fast-moving flexible set of skis. They provide the opportunity to handle any track, regardless of the width or slope.
Cons
The included snowshoes is a huge advantage and make the trek up to the top much easier, but some may prefer to wear their own snowshoes and are only looking to purchase the cross country skis, rather than the entire package.
Also, the skis are longer than most on this list, which may make it slightly challenging to get used to for skiers who are smaller in size.
Final Verdict
When cross country skiing, it is important to be able to make it to the top of the track without exerting too much energy or risking injury when doing so. The Whitewoods Adult Cross Country Ski Package allows you to hike in easily, and subsequently, you can enjoy the cross country skiing even more.
For those who want a reliable pair of skis - in addition to quality ski boots and poles - that keep them safe, the Whitewoods Adult Cross Country Ski
The Best Skis for Cross Country
Staying safe and making it through the rough terrain the back country often offers can be a challenge, unless you use one of these skis specifically designed with the back country in mind.
#1: Alpina Discovery 68 Cross Country Skis w Bindings
Specifications
Size: 168, 178 or 188
Sidecut: 68, 60, 65
The Alpina Discovery 68 Cross Country Skis are the perfect set of skis for beginners and experienced skiers alike, making it easy to stay in control as you make your way down the track.
Alpina is a trusted brand for cross country skis, and you can feel safe when using these skis. They are made of steel edges and an all-terrain base, which makes them easy to maintain and very versatile.
Pros
The Alpina Discovery 68 Cross Country Skis is one of the easiest set of cross country skis to control, and they are an excellent choice for those who are still relatively new. Also, they are incredibly durable as they are made of a solid wood base and a store edge.
For anyone who is looking for a durable set of cross country skis that are easy to maintain control of, this is a set to consider strongly.
Cons
Although they allow for exceptional speed and give more experienced cross country skiers the ability to be a little bolder, they are better suited for beginners who are looking to learn the basics of cross country skiing.
The Alpina Discovery 68 Cross Country Skis is excellent for keeping you safe and avoiding losing control and running off the track, but they may be a little restrictive for the most advanced backcountry skiers.
Final Verdict
The Alpina Discovery 68 Cross Country Skis gives you the ability to safely navigate your way through any track, regardless of the conditions.
If you are looking for a pair of skis that allow you to go cross country skiing and still give you the ability to go on the track, these are a great option to choose.
#2: Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis
Specifications
Size: 158
Sidecut: 52, 48, 50
The Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis are specifically designed for women who are looking for a set of cross country skis that are easy to control.
They are made with a broad base and a secure grip, which provide more stability during the entire cross country skiing trip and give women more control when skiing down steep hills. They are designed to allow for safety during more challenging terrains.
Pros
The most significant upside of the Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis is the excellent stability they provide. The broader base and excellent grip make it easy for even the most beginner skiers to handle more difficult tracks without fearing to go off trail or falling.
Whether you go on a simple ski trip or try a more challenging terrain, you can stay safe with the Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis.
Cons
The Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis are built for women who are less experience, providing them with excellent control over their movements. However, they may not allow for as much flexibility that a more experienced skier may prefer.
With that said, you can quickly move around freely with the Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis and they work well for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
Final Verdict
The Madshus Cadenza 100 XC Skis may be one of the safest options on this list, and women who are worried they may lose control while skiing can benefit from choosing this set of skis.
They also make it easy to hike in, providing excellent traction and mobility while climbing, making them a great selection of cross country skis for those who want to worry more about a fun experience and less about staying safe.
#3: Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus XC Skis Mens
Specifications
Size: 205, 210
Sidecut: 44, 42, 44
The Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus Skis are the ultimate set of skis for cross country skiers who are looking to take on some of the more challenging tracks.
They have a carbon construction and provide excellent traction, making it effortless to climb in, and they have a lightweight core to provide for freedom while skiing. If you are looking to have fun and move fast, then this is an excellent option for you.
Pros
The most significant advantage of the Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus Skis is the ability to perform as well as any cross country ski currently on the market. With an incredibly lightweight design, you essentially do not have any limitations while skiing.
Additionally, they provide extreme durability and are built to resist damage from the toughest obstacles one may face while skiing.
Cons
The Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus Skis are built for those who are looking to test their skills and be bolder while backcountry skiing and they may not be the best option for skiers who are just starting.
With that said, there are several adjustment features with the Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus skis that make it easy to accommodate those who prefer to have a more comfortable, slow experience down the track.
Final Verdict
If you want a set of cross country skis that glide incredibly well with little restriction or resistance, then the Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus skis are the way to go. In addition to the easy glide nature, they make it easy to hike to reach the top of your destination comfortably.
When considering all they offer, there is no wonder the Madshus Redline Carbon Classic Plus Skis are one of the best cross country skis for sale.
#4: Fischer Ridge Crown XC Skis Mens
Specifications
Size: 195, 200
Sidecut: 51,49, 50
The Fischer Ridge Crown XC is one of the best cross country skis on the market, offering its users excellent traction, comfort and the ability to handle the most difficult treks with ease.
The price is much more generous than other options on this list, and there is no doubt that the quality of the Fischer Ridge Crown XC Skis is second to none as well.
Pros
There is a lot to like about the Fischer Ridge Crown XC, and it is perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. Perhaps the biggest advantage of this set of cross country skis is the excellent traction they provide on even the most difficult of terrains.
If you want a set of skis that are going to prove reliable and hold up during tough circumstances, then you cannot go wrong with the Fischer Ridge Crown XC Skis.
Cons
If we were to try and find a flaw with the Fischer Ridge Crown XC Skis - which is incredibly hard to do - some may not like the limitation in style options. These cross country skis are only offered in one color option, although most find it to be quite stylish.
If you are simply looking for the most effective set of skis during more risky skiing adventures, then this may be the best option for you.
Final Verdict
The Fischer Ridge Crown XC Skis provides everything you could dream of from the best cross country ski, including incredible traction, steel edges for added versatility and ski straps that allow for comfort regardless of the size snow boot or shoe you decide to wear. Not to mention, they are extremely durable and last for years without needing replacement as well.
The Best All-Around Cross Country Skis:
For Backcountry and all-around skiing
Anyone who plans to ski in a traditional sense as well as take on the back country and go cross country skiing should consider these all-around skis, effective in any circumstance.
#1: Altai Hok
Specifications
Size: 125, 145
Sidecut: 102, 90, 101
Altai Hok is not the most popular brand on the market, but they offer cross country skis that are as effective as the most trusted brands on the market.
They are famous for being easy to use on even the toughest cross country ski tracks, allowing for excellent traction while climbing and even better maneuverability while skiing. Altai Hok Skis are specifically designed for cross country skiing.
Pros
Altai Hok Skis are perhaps the easiest ski to use when cross country skiing, which makes it perfect for beginners who are learning how to ski in the backcountry.
Made with a wide base, they give the user the ability to easily control their movement while skiing and the excellent traction of the Altai Hok Skis allow for beginners to easily climb steep hills and mountains.
Cons
There are not many drawbacks to the Altai Hok Skis as they are easy to use for beginners and are versatile enough to accommodate even the most advanced cross country skiers. If there were a criticism, it would likely be the wide base of the Altai Hok Skis, which some more experienced skiers may not prefer.
While it provides excellent control, it may limit speed and movement for those who prefer to take more risks while skiing.
Final Verdict
Altai Hok Skis are known for their ability to be used as cross country skis specifically, whereas many other brands are more notable as traditional skis that happen to do well in the backcountry.
Due to the intent to make the best cross country skis, Altai Hok has created the ultimate set of skis that provide excellent traction and allow for fantastic control while skiing in the backcountry.
#2: Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis Mens
Specifications
Size: 160, 170, 180, 190
Sidecut: 70, 60, 65
The Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis are the real deal, offering everything you could ever want out of a trusted set of cross country skis. They provide excellent traction for the uphill climb and are easy to control on the way down, making them great for beginners who are new to cross country skiing.
For more advanced skiers, the Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis are lightweight and provide fantastic glide on the way down the mountain.
Pros
One of the most notable features of the Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis is the amazing traction they provide and how easy it is to climb steep hills. While they favor more towards the use of beginners, they are versatile and great for any backcountry skiers, regardless of their skill level.
Also, the Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis are perhaps the most attractive set of skis on the market, and you are sure to look good wearing them while on the trail.
Cons
The Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis are designed more for cross country skis than they are for traditional, on-trail skiing, so they may not be the most suitable for those who plan to use the skis for both regular use and cross country skiing.
However, they still work well regardless of the exact trail, and they are safe and reliable in any circumstance.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a practical yet attractive set of skis that work well during the hike up and the skiing adventure coming down, then the Rossignol BC 70 XC Skis are a great way to go.
They offer top-notch traction and allow for easy glide and freedom of movement on the way down the mountain.
#3: Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis
Specifications
Size: 166, 186, 196
Sidecut: 49, 47, 49
The Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis is one of the easiest to use set of cross country skis for sale today, and they are perfect for those who are new to cross country skiing and are looking for a set of skis that allow for the maximum amount of stability and control.
Made of the highest quality material and intelligently designed for high performance, you cannot go wrong with this choice.
Pros
The most significant advantage of the Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis is the lightweight yet balanced design it offers, which makes it easy to stay in control on the way down the trail and still move around freely enough to have some fun and shred the track.
Also, the Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis offers excellent traction, making the climb to the top very effortless.
Cons
The Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis is one of the safer options on this review guide, although experienced skiers are sure to enjoy them as well. For those looking for the most amount of freedom and versatility, then this may not be the best option.
However, those searching for one of the truly best cross country skis available for beginners, this is a great choice.
Final Verdict
Many of the options on this list are tailored towards experts. The Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis can be used effortlessly by beginners and is more suitable for those who are new to cross country skiing and are looking for a lightweight yet a balanced design that allows for maximum control while skiing in the cross country.
If you are willing to go for the highest quality, then you are certain to love the Rossignol Evo First 49 IFP Cross Country Skis, which are made with the most intelligent design and allow for a fantastic performance.
#4: Fischer Voyager EF Crown Cross Country Ski with Bindings
Specifications
Size: 164, 174, 184, 189
Sidecut: 60, 52, 58
The Fischer Voyager EF Crown is the perfect set of cross country skis for beginners as they offer a broad base and allow for excellent control when skiing in the cross country. Also, they are well designed to provide an excellent grip when trekking your way up steep hills and mountains.
Cross country skiing beginners who are searching for the most effective and efficient set of skis when going both up and down the track should consider this option.
Pros
Perhaps the most notable benefit of the Fischer Voyager EF Crown is the unmatched ability to accommodate even the least experienced cross country skiers.
When cross country skiing for the first time, safety is essential, and this set of cross country skis provides a broad base, safety features and makes it easy to trek up steep mountains without exerting too much energy while doing so.
Cons
The main drawback of the Fischer Voyager EF Crown that is worth noting is that it does have a broad base, which means it may not be preferable for experienced cross country skiers who prefer a more lightweight ski that allows them to glide smoothly with a considerable amount of movement.
However, beginner and occasional cross country skiers who do not consider themselves experts are likely to enjoy this set.
Final Verdict
The Fischer Voyager EF Crown is an affordable pair of skis that are great at keeping beginner cross country skiers safe during their first few trips, while still allowing them to have fun and enjoy the wonderful experience.
Hiking and skiing in narrow skis can be strenuous for those who are new, and using the Fischer Voyager EF Crown is a great way to learn the basics.
Check Out The Rest of Our Top Outdoor Gear
Cross country skiing is a great way to get outside and interact with nature, soaking in all of the beauty nature provides while doing so. However, it is essential to stay safe when hiking and cross country skiing. While purchasing a reliable set of cross country skis is a great place to start, it is important to also prepare yourself with the rest of the needed equipment and gear.
Here are a few items to check out before heading out to cross country skiing:
By making sure you are well prepared with a reliable pair of cross country skis - along with the rest of the necessary hiking and skiing equipment - you can ensure you stay safe and focus more on having a good time while out trekking through the backcountry terrain.
