Nordic Touring Skis

Recent Nordic Touring Ski Reviews

Madshus Nanosonic IntelliGrip

A mid-to high performance waxless ski for skiing in groomed tracks. Performs nearly as well as a waxed ski in most conditions, but can be a bit slow for experts in softer tracks. For multi-modal skiers like myself there has always been room in the quiver for a couple pairs of waxless skis. Various waxless technologies have come and gone over the years, and I have tried some of the main variations, including a “chemical” waxless base produced by Karhu and a few others back in the '80s. Textured… Full review

Alpina Discovery 80

Lightweight and responsive. Enough flex to make for acceptable kick n’ glide, stiff enough to minimize foundering in powder. These are currently my go-to ski for solo outings. They provide a quick escape down local forestry management roads, meadows, snow-covered riverbeds, exploring rolling terrain, and gliding down gentle slopes. I’ve set them up with a Telebry release plate, Voile 3-pin bindings, and cables from Rottefella Chili telemark bindings (love that heel lever) for the descents. Full review

Altai Skis Hok

These are a lightweight, maneuverable way to get off the beaten track and have snowfun. If you can walk, you can Hok :) I’ve had three seasons of Hok experience now, two with the Universal Binding, one with the three-pin binding. I find the Hoks to be superb for exploring. My wife and I enjoy wandering up frozen stream and river beds. The Hok has enough traction to climb up and enough glide to slide down. They offer a maneuverability in tight terrain my cross-country skis struggle in, a bit more… Full review

Fischer Spider 62

If you're looking for an excellent set of XC skis, I recommend the Fischer Spider 62's. These skis can be used on groomed XC trails and especially off-trails. The full metal edge will give you the grip you need while in the backcountry trails, indeed. Well, here goes, my review of my Fischer Spiders XC skis. I recently picked them up at REI Outfitters in Troy, Michigan. As a matter of fact, I picked them up the day after Michigan was dumped on by the first major snowfall in 2017! When I walked into… Full review

Fischer Spider 62

Excellent skis for track or light back-country. I've been xc skiing since I was a kid growing up in Michigan—50 years! I love these skis. With full metal edges, they are perfect for skiing on snowmobile tracks or in light powder. They have a nice side cut for easy turning, and are slender enough to use in classic tracks on the golf course as well. I can even skate with them! I let a friend who is fairly new to xc skiing use them once, and she immediately bought a pair. Same thing for my sister. Full review

Salomon Snowscape 7

These are the perfect beginner's skis. They're durable without being too heavy. They slide well and you don't have to worry about waxing (time and money saving). They're good for several different skiing situations. This was really my first season skiing. In the past I've rented skis for the once or twice I would go out in a year. These skis do resemble those that many places may rent.  They're very easy to use. Waxless: One less thing to learn when you're just starting out. Good Balance: Slightly… Full review

Altai Skis Hok

True to their description, these are a cross between x-country skis and snowshoes and just might be the right choice for many for winter travel in the front and backcountry. I rented a pair if these from a local shop to give a whirl. I rented 125's that were mounted with BC NNN bindings, I happened to have a pair of boots that worked so off I went. They were easy to maneuver with, they climb nicely, and on the way out I shaved a lot of time off versus snowshoeing.   I did go down a couple a couple… Full review

Atomic Skintec Classic

A very simple, functional product. Atomic has nailed it here. Great kick, good glide, and no maintenance! Not a lot to say — they do what the manufactures says they do. Plain and simple. Full review

Atomic Skintec Classic

I went out for the first time on these skis a few days ago. I'm a recreational skier and on the trails almost daily, mostly using waxable skis. I found the Atomic skis great for grip on a fairly icy track, good glide, but watch out for lichen in the track. I do know that if a ski is waxed with klister the same can happen. I was very careful when first going over windfall on these skis. All seemed good; they did glide over windfall so I stopped worrying. Almost finished my loop, I hit some old man's… Full review