Cross-country skiing, or sometimes called Nordic skiing, is much more of a workout than your typical day at the resort. After all, your legs have to do all of the work. It’s a great activity for those who want to have a fun time and get some exercise. But to do that, they have to be equipped with cross country touring skis. These skis are designed for skiing on groomed trails with a forward and back striding motion similar to how you walk or run. Generally, they’re long, narrow, and lightweight for fast and efficient skiing in groomed tracks. To make the most of your next adventure, it’s important to select the best cross country touring skis for your skill level and preferred style. With that in mind, we’ve collected some of the best touring skis for sale, so you can easily pick which pair is best for you!
How To Choose The Best Cross Country Touring Skis
Before you take out your wallet and make your purchase, you should know some features of cross country touring skis that will help you select the best pair. Here are those features:
Length
Just like when choosing the best skis for East Coast, the skis’ length plays a great part in deciding which pair is worth purchasing. Usually, the taller and/or heavier you are, the longer your skis must be. But aside from your height, you should also consider your skill level, expected terrain, and style of skiing. Shorter skis are usually easier to control than longer skis, making the former great for beginners. As for the terrain, shorter skis are best for very rugged terrain, especially in the backcountry. For skiing only on groomed trails, however, you’ll likely be more satisfied with a slightly longer pair of cross country touring skis.
Width
There’s a reason why cross country touring skis are usually very narrow. That’s because narrower skis are better for skiing on groomed tracks, while wider ones are best for out-of-track touring. Something in the middle is best for a general-use ski that works for both terrains.
Camber
The majority of cross country touring skis for sale have what’s known as a double camber. The bow is larger in double camber skis, which makes them ideal for groomed terrain. Even though single camber is fairly uncommon on cross-country skis, some metal edge touring skis have single camber for rougher, steeper terrain, as you’d find in the backcountry.
Ski flex
Normally, double camber skis are noticeably stiffer than single camber skis. Flex not only influences speed and ease of use but also turning ability. A softer flex is usually better in soft snow, while a stiffer flex is better on harder packs. Thankfully, ski flex is of minimal concern unless you’re super into cross-country ski racing.
Waxable or waxless bases
Cross country touring skis for sale grip the snow in one of 2 ways, which are waxable bottoms or with a built-in textured pattern. Waxable bases are less common but are arguably higher performing. However, they lack performance in very cold temperatures. Meanwhile, waxless bases feature a textured pattern. This manufactured texture provides traction without the need for wax. Not only does this minimize maintenance, but these skis also perform well in all weather conditions, just like some of the best mid layers for skiing.
How tall should my cross country skis be?
Like we mentioned earlier, aside from your height and skill level, your weight also affects how tall your skis should be. Here, we have a guide that can help you.
| Your weight | Ski length |
| 100-110lbs | 180-190cm |
| 110-120lbs | 182-192cm |
| 120-130lbs | 185-195cm |
| 130-140lbs | 187-200cm |
| 140-150lbs | 190-205cm |
| 150-160lbs | 195-210cm |
| 160-180lbs | 200-210cm |
| >180lbs | 205-210cm |
Fischer Fibre Crown ED XC Skis (CU)
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Ski enthusiasts of all levels who want an affordable pair of cross country touring skis for sale should totally get their hands on the Fischer Fibre Crown ED XC Skis. These skis will compliment your form as your skills progress over the seasons. Their forward-leaning design will provide an easy, forgiving kick action and makes them very responsive. There are also air channels integrated into the fiberglass and wood core to cut weight when compared to models with all-wood centers.
The awesomeness doesn’t stop there! To further cut down the ounces on these skis, volcanic basalt fibers and an extremely thin full-face surface laminate are employed, which means you’ll be able to move faster and work less! But don’t worry, thanks to the Vario Crown technology, you’ll still have complete control, optimal glide, and efficient power transfer!
What We Love
Overall an ideal pick for those on a tight budget but still want a pair of high-quality cross country touring skis.
Pros:
- Great for skiers of all skill levels
- Very forgiving
- Lightweight
- Great maneuverability
- Efficient power transfer
Cons:
- Not all advanced skiers find these skis a great pick for them
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Madshus Kid’s Snowpup Skis (CU)
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At first glance, some might think that the Madshus Kid’s Snowpup Skis are a pair of alpine touring skis for sale, while they’re actually not. However, that perception highlights why these skis are the perfect pick for your little one! Their wide 55mm waist width and 85cm length provide plenty of surface area for junior skiers to get moving on the snow.
These skis also feature a no-wax base, which makes them glide very easily. On top of that, the binding platform is easily adjustable to accommodate growth spurts and different boot sizes. Very thoughtful, right? Though these skis are recommended for groomed trails, they can also be used on backcountry! Plus, the durable ABS core means they’ll last for multiple seasons.
What We Love
An ideal option for your kid that loves to ski the groomed trails.
Pros:
- Plenty of surface area
- Lightweight
- Durable ABS core
- No-wax base allows them to glide easily
- Adjustable binding platform
Cons:
- Considering the materials, some think they’re overpriced
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Madshus Epoch 68 Skis (CU)
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The Madshus Epoch 68 Skis are one of the best cross country touring skis that are currently available on the market. They’re great for ascents, descents, and flat terrain. These metal edge touring skis with a progressive sidecut allow you to easily traverse ungroomed terrain and make controlled turns in deep snow.
Furthermore, these skis are designed to be wide for increased flotation and boast a single camber for improved performance, especially on steep climbs. Their unique design enables them to easily climb uphill but hit fast, fun carves, and lines on the way back down. Overall, they’re really a veritable jack of all trades cross-country skis.
What We Love
A versatile pair of cross country touring skis that perform well for both cross-country skiing and basic downhill skiing.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Controlled turns in deep snow
- Amazing flotation
- Full-length edges make turns effortless
- Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Though versatile, they don’t exactly excel in any one area
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Fischer Spider 62 Crown XC Skis (CU)
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Here we have another popular pair of cross country touring skis for sale that you should get your hands on, the Fischer Spider 62 Crown XC Skis! These incredible skis are an excellent choice for experienced skiers that demand versatility. First of all, you should know that they perform well both on trails and off. So, no matter which one you choose, these skis can always deliver.
Then, their very lightweight design and relatively narrow stature coupled with progressive-depth waxless bases make for excellent gliding speed on groomed tracks. Meanwhile, the double camber keeps the ski tips above deep snow without minimizing traction and propulsion with each kick. Once you use these skis, you’ll also notice that the overall stability is simply amazing and they’re easy to maneuver. Lastly, the metal edges provide traction and bite, regardless of the terrain.
What We Love
Whether on trails or off, these low-maintenance metal edge touring skis are just about as versatile as they come.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Very versatile
- Lightweight design
- Great flotation
- Amazing stability
Cons:
- Compared to other metal edge touring skis in their class, these skis offer a little less bite despite their metal edges.
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Rossignol Evo XC 60 Tour Cross Country Skis (404)
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The Rossignol Evo XC 60 Tour Cross Country Skis are an affordable and excellent option from Rossignol that every beginner should consider. These skis have a shorter, wider footprint compared to other cross country touring skis for advanced skiers. This makes them easy to turn and maneuver, which is perfect for newbies and recreational skiers. Best of all, they come complete with ski boots and ski poles!
With an elegant side cut, this model is surely what you need for a ming-boggling adventure in the snow. Plus, it comes with bindings that perfectly represent the newest styles used in cross-country skiing. It offers an impressive construction that comes in handy when you have to ski in harsh climates. Finally, there’s a wood air core that offers unrivaled durability and ensures you get good value for money.
What We Love
A beginner-friendly option that’s very easy to use and comes complete with other skiing gear.
Pros:
- Ski boots and poles included
- Easy to maneuver
- Durable construction
- Beginner-friendly
- Offer smoother and comfortable overall feel
Cons:
- Might not appeal to those who prefer to pick each item of cross country ski gear separately
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Rossignol BC 65 Positrack Cross Country Skis (CU)
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Whether you’re a professional skier or consider it as a mere recreational activity during winter, these cross country touring skis could end up being one of your favorites! Let us show you the Rossignol BC 65 Positrack Cross Country Skis! These skis come with BC Auto Bindings, offering an intelligent spin on the classic skis. These metal edge touring skis will also give you the sturdy grip that you want.
With this impressive option, you can conveniently ski sidehill and downhill with no problem. While you’re climbing uphill, their metal edges will give you all the grip you need! Aside from that, there’s also the wooden air-core that offers you air pockets that reduce weight without compromising on durability. Best of all, these wax-less skis are among the most affordable out there!
What We Love
An all-around great option for advanced skiers that’s available at an affordable price, something you don’t always find.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Offer amazing grip
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
- Comes with BC Auto Bindings
Cons:
- Their surface and top edges are easily scared by their metal edges during falls
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Fischer Men’s Outback 68 Crown/Skin Mounted Cross Country Skis (CU)
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Why ski on tracks when you have the chance to make your trails? With the Fischer Men’s Outback 68 Crown/Skin Mounted Cross Country Skis, you can explore the backcountry paths that aren’t explored by many, making you a special skier! These amazing metal edge touring skis have a tip of 68mm and a waist of 59mm, providing you with an excellent ratio to track and turn.
Giving you full control with pace, these cross country touring skis are constructed with an off-track crown. This not only gives you great control when you’re going downhill but also some sturdy grip while you ascend. Another thing that you should note is that they’re constructed with mohair and nylon, allowing them to glide on snow like butter on a hot pan!
What We Love
These skis can give you the control and stability you need to venture further with confidence.
Pros:
- Offer a sturdy grip
- Give skiers amazing control
- Great stability
- Full-length steel edges provide great stopping power
- Wallet-friendly
Cons:
- Not a great choice for those skiing mostly in the tracks
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Fischer Twin Skin Pro IFP XC Skis (404)
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Cross country skiers looking for a pair of reliable cross country touring skis for sale may find their answer in the form of Fischer Twin Skin Pro IFP XC Skis. These skis are an amazing option that performs well on groomed runs with traditional tracks. They’re an absolute classic model with no frills, relying on a basic but perfectly executed construction.
With very narrow tips, these skis are incredibly lightweight, stable, and will work well with your bindings! The bindings can be mounted in multiple places to achieve specific results and are easy to manipulate without tools! Those who need more traction can mount them closer to the front to have more grip, while those who want more glide can mount the bindings closer to the rear. Since they’re also pretty easy to control, beginners won’t have a hard time using them.
What We Love
A solid and reliable option for everyday performance.
Pros:
- Lightweight but durable
- Beginner-friendly
- Plenty of traction
- Perform well on groomed runs
- Great stability
Cons:
- Though shown, the bindings aren’t included
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Salomon Snowscape 7 Cross Country Skis (CU)
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Recreational cross-country skiers who have their sights set on stepping up to competitions will definitely fancy the Salomon Snowscape 7 Cross Country Skis. As one of the best cross country touring skis on the market, they’re really impressive. They might not be the lightest or fastest skis out there, but they allow any skier to go anywhere they please.
The waxless design eliminates any need to make the right wax call. These skis also have a 3D construction that creates a more predictable experience for the user. At the widest point, they measure out to 59mm, allowing themselves to sit comfortably in the classic tracks at Nordic centers. That’s not all, as they also boast Salomon’s G2 Plus base for smooth gliding and a grippy kick zone.
What We Love
They’re a great pick for recreational riders exploring competitive skiing.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Amazing maneuverability
- Suitable for casual and advanced skiers
- Waxless bases
- Plenty of grip and stability
Cons:
- Not that durable compared to other metal edge touring skis
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Rossignol Evo Glade 59AR Skis (CU)
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Are you still new to the cross-country skiing world? If so, then you’re in for a treat with the Rossignol Evo Glade 59AR Skis. When you look at these skis, you’ll notice that they’re significantly smaller than other best cross country touring skis. Because of that, they’re more accessible for true beginners with absolutely no experience. That also means that they’re easier to control and maneuver.
Even better, these skis are pretty versatile. They allow you to take them off the groomed tracks when your skills improve, so you don’t have to hurry and buy a new pair. The classic double camber will familiarize beginners with the most common profile for cross-country skis. They also provide easy gliding when your weight is evenly distributed across both skis and an ample amount of grip when the weight is fully transferred to a single ski.
What We Love
Arguably the best pick for true beginners.
Pros:
- Ideal for first-timers
- More lightweight than some of the alpine touring skis for sale out there
- Easy to maneuver
- Pretty versatile
- Comes with easy-to-adjust bindings
Cons:
- Might be too small for some skiers
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Rossignol Evo OT 65 IFP Positrack XC Skis
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As one of the few single cambered cross country touring skis on this list, the Rossignol Evo OT 65 IFP Positrack XC Skis are one of the most versatile options you’ll ever found. With a tip width of 65mm, these skis are just slim enough to be used on groomed runs. But at the same time, they’re also versatile enough to be used on ungroomed runs, which honestly is pretty fascinating.
The metal edges, while typically a staple of backcountry skis, help give these skis the extra edge necessary to grip better in icy conditions, making them one of the top metal edge touring skis. That’s not all, as these skis come with a single camber profile, they provide a greater ability to carve when making turns on ungroomed and backcountry terrain.
What We Love
A very versatile option that performs incredibly both on groomed and ungroomed runs.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Metal edges that give you a better grip in icy conditions
- Single camber profile
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to maneuver
Cons:
- When on groomed runs you’ll lose some of the ability to glide when heading straight downhill
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Fischer S-Bound 112 Crown Cross Country Skis (CU)
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Spring snow just begs for a pair of great cross country touring skis like the amazing Fischer S-Bound 112 Crown Cross Country Skis. Their width is known to make others jealous because of how much flotation they add when skiing in backcountry powder. Although they’re on the heavier side, weighing in at a whopping 6lbs for the pair, their weight is justified by how well they handle deep snow and steep terrain. These metal edge touring skis have a great grip in icy conditions as well.
We also like how their double camber provides a nice pop when exiting turns and reduces the friction point underfoot when gliding downhill. Another thing to note is that they’re also waxless, which means you won’t have to fuss with applying a coat of wax for traction. But, it’s recommended that you at least wax the tips and tails for the best result.
What We Love
They perform exceptionally well on deep snow and steep terrain compared to other touring skis for sale.
Pros:
- Amazing traction
- Metal edges hold grip well in icy conditions
- Perform well on deep snow & steep terrain
- Double camber provides a nice pop when exiting turns
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- You may need burly boots to get them turning
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Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF Cross Country Skis (404)
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Are you looking to enter the world of cross-country skiing without spending your whole fortune? If so, look no further than the Fischer Twin Skin Cruiser EF Cross Country Skis! If you need versatility and predictability when snow conditions are variable, these skis from Fischer will take you where you need to go with ease. They provide a smooth, stable, and speedy ride, thanks to their lightweight construction and effortless glide.
On top of that, these cross country touring skis also feature a core made from wood and Balsalite, which helps to reduce weight, thus making each stride a bit easier. As you might know, when you’re trying to move fast and spend long hours on the track, a pair of lighter skis means less wasted energy! Best of all, they’re backed by a 4-year manufacturer’s warranty that gives you confidence in your investment!
What We Love
One of the most affordable and beginner-friendly options with plenty of fantastic features.
Pros:
- Backed by a 4-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Affordable price
- Offer a smooth and stable ride
- More lightweight than some of the alpine touring skis for sale
- Durable and high-quality construction
Cons:
- Not a versatile option
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