Top 5 Cross Country Skis

Finding the right pair of cross-country skis can feel overwhelming. You’ve got skate, classic, touring, waxless, skin, waxable… it’s a lot. I’ve spent the better part of this winter testing the new 2026 lineup on everything from perfectly groomed corduroy to chunky, ungroomed trails to find what actually works.

My goal isn’t to sell you the most expensive ski. It’s to help you find the best tool for the job so you can get outside and enjoy the snow. We’re also keeping an eye out for solid cross country ski deals, because nobody wants to overpay.

 

 

Best For Getting Started

Rossignol Evo XT 60 Positrack

If you’re new to classic skiing or just want something dead simple for kicking around local parks, this is it. The Evo XT is wide enough to be super stable, which is a huge confidence booster when you’re still finding your balance. I felt totally secure, even on slightly uneven terrain.

The magic is the Positrack waxless base. It’s basically a fishscale pattern that grips the snow when you push off, so you don’t need to mess with kick wax. It’s not the fastest ski on the planet, but for pure, hassle-free fun, it’s tough to beat. They often come in a package with bindings, making them a great deal.

 

 

Best All-Around Classic Ski

Fischer Twin Skin Superlite EF

Skin skis have really taken over, and for good reason. The Fischer Twin Skin Superlite offers way better glide than fishscales but still gives you reliable grip without waxing. I took these out on a day when the temperature was hovering right around freezing—a nightmare for waxing—and they performed perfectly.

These are for the intermediate skier who wants to go a little faster and farther than a basic beginner ski allows. They feel light underfoot and really reward good technique with a smooth, long glide. If you only own one pair of classic skis for groomed trails, this is a fantastic choice.

 

 

Best Entry into Skate Skiing

Salomon RS 8 Skate

Ready to try skate skiing? The RS 8 is your ticket in. It hits that sweet spot of being fast and responsive without being so twitchy that it punishes every mistake. I found it easy to control while practicing my V1 and V2 timing.

It’s built with a lightweight core that makes it feel energetic, but it’s forgiving enough for skiers who are still developing their form. You get a lot of performance here for the price. It’s a ski that you can learn on and won’t immediately outgrow as you get better.

 

 

Best for Off-Track Adventure

Madshus Panorama M62

Sometimes you want to leave the groomed tracks behind. The Panorama M62 is a backcountry touring ski designed for exploring. It’s wide (a 62mm waist), has full metal edges, and a waxless Omnitrack base for climbing.

I took these through some deep, untracked snow in the woods behind my house and they were awesome. The metal edges gave me total control on a few icy descents, and the width provided plenty of float. This is the ski for people who want to break their own trail and see what’s over the next hill.

 

 

Best for Performance Without Wax

Atomic Pro C3 Skintec

This is for the fitness-focused classic skier who wants speed but doesn’t want a waxing bench in their basement. The Pro C3 is a step up in performance from most recreational skin skis. It’s lighter, narrower, and built for a more powerful kick and a longer glide phase.

What I noticed most was the acceleration. On the groomed tracks, these skis just wanted to go. The Skintec system uses mohair skins that are easy to swap out for different conditions. If you’re doing local races or just trying to keep up with your fast friends, this is your ski.

 

 

How to Find the Best Cross Country Ski Deals

You don’t always need the brand-new 2026 model to have a good time. One of the best ways to find cross country ski deals is to look for last year’s skis. A 2026 model is often almost identical to the new one, just with a different graphic and a lower price tag.

Also, look for package deals. Many shops will bundle skis, boots, and bindings together for a much better price than buying everything separately. This is especially true for beginner and intermediate setups. Don’t be afraid to ask if they can create a package for you.

Finally, timing is everything. The best discounts are usually found at the very end of the season, around March and April, when shops are clearing out winter inventory. It takes some patience, but you can score some amazing gear for next winter if you plan ahead.