Best Cross Country Skis for Beginners and Touring (2026)
Cross-country skis and packages for groomed trails and backcountry touring, and how classic, skate, waxless and bindings differ.
Choosing Cross-Country Skis
Cross-country (Nordic) skiing is a great full-body workout and a peaceful way to explore winter trails. Before buying, decide on three things: style (classic or skate), terrain (groomed tracks or ungroomed touring) and grip (waxless or waxable). Most beginners start with waxless classic or touring skis. Your boots and bindings must use the same system, such as NNN or 75mm 3-pin. Here are skis and packages from Rossignol, Fischer and Whitewoods.
Rossignol Evo XT 65
Best touring ski
- Pre-mounted step-in bindings
- Positrack waxless base
- Wider for stability
Fischer Voyager EF
Best for groomed trails
- Efficient Forward design
- Vario Crown kick pattern
- Tour step-in binding
Whitewoods NNN Package
Best complete package
- Skis, bindings, boots and poles
- NNN binding system
- Beginner-friendly
Cross-Country Skis Compared
| Ski | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rossignol Evo XT 65 | Touring, waxless | Groomed and light off-trail |
| Fischer Voyager EF | Classic/touring, waxless | Groomed trails |
| Whitewoods NNN Package | Classic package | Beginners on a budget |
The Best Cross-Country Skis
1. Rossignol Evo XT 65
The Evo XT 65 Positrack is a Nordic touring package with pre-mounted Control step-in bindings. Rossignol lists sizes by weight, for example 175cm for about 110–155 lb and 185cm for about 130–180 lb.
Good to Know
- Bindings pre-mounted
- Stable touring width
Watch Out For
- Needs compatible boots
2. Fischer Voyager EF
The Voyager EF uses Fischer's Efficient Forward design for a smooth, forgiving kick and a Vario Crown pattern for grip in a wide range of conditions. It comes with a Tour step-in binding.
Check Price on Amazon3. Whitewoods NNN Package
Whitewoods' adult package includes skis, NNN bindings, boots and poles, an easy all-in-one way to start. Use the sizing charts on the listing.
Check Price on Amazon4. Whitewoods 301 75mm Boots
Insulated 75mm 3-pin touring boots for backcountry-style touring with 3-pin bindings.
Check Price on AmazonClassic vs Skate
| Classic | Skate | |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | Striding, like walking or running | Skating side to side |
| Trail | Set tracks | Flat groomed lane |
| Learning curve | Easier for beginners | Harder |
| Ski length | Longer | Shorter |
Waxless vs Waxable
| Type | Grip | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Waxless (fish scale) | Patterned base | Beginners, variable snow |
| Waxless (skins) | Mohair or synthetic strip | Better glide and grip |
| Waxable | Kick wax applied | Performance in known conditions |
Binding Systems
- NNN and Prolink-compatible: common for track and touring.
- Turnamic and other step-in systems: check boot compatibility.
- 75mm 3-pin: traditional backcountry touring.
Always match boots to bindings.
Sizing
Ski length depends on weight and model. Heavier skiers need longer or stiffer skis so the grip zone doesn't drag. Poles for classic skiing typically reach about the armpit; skate poles are longer.
Getting Started
- Take a lesson or start on easy groomed trails.
- Dress in breathable layers; you'll warm up fast.
- Check trail passes and grooming reports.
Prefer downhill? See ski boots, the ski boot size chart and snow helmets. Learn more on the skiing hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between classic and skate skiing?
Classic skiing uses a striding motion in groomed tracks; skate skiing uses a skating motion on flat groomed lanes. They use different skis, boots and poles.
Should beginners get waxless skis?
Yes, most beginners choose waxless skis. Fish-scale patterns or skins provide grip without kick wax.
What length cross country skis do I need?
It depends on your weight and the ski model. Use the maker's chart; for example, Rossignol lists weight ranges for each Evo XT 65 length.
What binding system should I choose?
NNN and Prolink-compatible systems are common for touring and track skiing. 75mm 3-pin bindings are used for heavier backcountry touring. Boots must match bindings.
Can I use cross country skis off groomed trails?
Wider touring and backcountry skis handle ungroomed snow; narrow track skis are best on groomed trails.