Ranking of the best cross-country skiing for 2024

Choosing skis for yourself (if you are only going to learn to ski) or for a child to go to school is not an easy task. Sports stores offer a huge assortment in various price points. What to look for to make the purchase bring joy and last a long time. To begin with, it is worth deciding on the markings and purpose.

What are

The design of the skis differs depending on the type of skiing (skating, classic). And also for professional and amateur. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates the marking:

• Back Country means skis are for hunters and fishermen, or just those who like to ski in the forest without a paved track. You can also determine them by their width - increased for walking on loose snow.
• Active or Fitness - for those who like to ride on equipped tracks. Relatively budget price and good quality.
• Racing (PRO) - professional labeling, higher technical characteristics, and, accordingly, cost. Suitable for those who want to ski professionally. If you go out of town several times during the winter, feel free to choose amateur skiing. The brand and country of origin in this case is also not particularly important.

If you ride often, choose the more expensive option. Such skis will last longer and, as a rule, do not require constant lubrication like budget skis.

Professional skis of famous brands, of course, are of higher quality. The price includes numerous tests, specially designed designs and selection of materials for a specific type of track and snow density.

How to choose

Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the height and weight of the skier for a particular model (on some brands, they are applied directly to the skis from the outside).
When choosing, carefully examine the skis. Instances with obvious deformation should not be considered.

Tip: a well-known brand is not a reason to refuse verification. Defective goods are also found in the expensive segment.

The sliding surface should be flat, without bumps or dents. Have the same width, unless it is side cut. The sliding surface must be straight and level except for the groove.

If the end of the skis is flat, you can check the geometry by placing them sideways. Ideally, the entire surface should be in contact with the floor.

To size

Choose the length, depending on the type of ski and your height:

• ridge +10 cm in height;
• classic + 30 cm;
• tourist + 30.

Why such difference? The fact is that the classic move is, in fact, sliding along the track, the skating move is an alternate take-off. Too long skis in this case will simply interfere.

Wood or plastic

It all depends on personal preference. Plastic skis will glide better, last longer and retain their good looks. Wooden ones are suitable for beginners who are just learning to ride.

The advantages of plastic include:

• a light weight;
• better sliding;
• the sliding surface will not collapse over time from moisture;
• durability;

Another advantage is that plastic skis can be used even at above-zero temperatures. Humidity is not terrible for them. But the wooden one will have to be constantly lubricated. In addition, the tree cannot be used at freezing temperatures.
If you choose the classic, pay attention to the sliding surface. The knurled canvas is suitable for beginners. But keep in mind that riding them on dense snow will be difficult.

Absolutely smooth sliding surface suitable for all weather conditions. The main thing is to use special lubricants.

How to determine stiffness

An important indicator when choosing cross-country skis is stiffness. The easiest way to check if the equipment is suitable for the weight and height of a particular person is to put the skis on the floor and stand on them with both feet. Ideally, the "cargo part", which carries the bulk of the weight (about 25 cm from the toe of the boots) should not touch the floor by 1-2 mm. When transferring weight (just lift one leg, transferring weight to one of the skis), it should fit snugly against the floor.
Another easy way to test the stiffness of skis is to squeeze them with both hands - they should be in contact with the surfaces (under the shoes). If it doesn't work, the skis are too hard.

Tip: If you buy inventory from a sports store, you can ask the seller to match a pair using a test stand, indicating the height and weight.

How to choose the right skis for your child

For very young children - 4-6 years old, the simplest plastic models with a semi-rigid mount without shoes are suitable, usually these are plastic straps that securely fix the foot.

Tip: If you are choosing a fastener in the form of fabric straps, carefully adjust the fastener to the size of your child's shoes. Otherwise, the straps will come off. And removing the skis when the mounts are wet will be problematic.

The toddler is not required to make turns or enter sharp turns. And in order to confidently learn to stand on skis and master walking, this is quite enough.

For older children, you can pick up a pair of plastic. The skis should be 15 cm longer than the child's height.

Advice: you should not buy inventory "for growth". The longer the skis, the higher the rigidity. And, accordingly, it will be more difficult for the child to cope with them. As a result, you can discourage the kid from any desire to ride.

Sticks are selected depending on the riding style. For example, for skating - the length of the sticks should be at shoulder level.
For toddlers who are just learning to ride, armpit-length sticks (with a loop that you can put on your hand) are suitable. Without a sharp tip, with a plastic ring attachment.

How to properly lubricate skis

There are 2 types of ski lubricants: glide and grip lubrication. The first, based on paraffins, is used:

• for the classics - the nose and heel;
• for ridge skating - over the entire surface.

Grip lubrication is applied to the center section, which is located under the last (on classic skis), so that there is no recoil.

Tip: Paraffin-based products can be stored for a very long time, so you can take the lubricant for future use.

How to store in summer

The basic rule is to keep skis away from heat sources and open sun (for example, on a balcony, in an upright position). Especially when it comes to wood. As a result of exposure to heat, the ski surface can deform.

Ranking of the best cross-country skiing for 2024

The ranking includes models of adults, children and teenagers skis. When compiling, customer reviews and price-quality ratio were taken into account.

Prestige Mini Skis

Wide skis for toddlers up to 5 years of age. Made of durable plastic. Fastening - fabric straps, supplied in the kit. Glide well, do not fly off your shoes. Another advantage is the wide choice of colors.You can choose an option for both girls and boys.
Great sports equipment for kids for ridiculous money.

Customer reviews - 4.3.
The material is plastic.
The price is about 400 rubles.

• price;
• glide well;
• lungs;
• durable

• the straps need to be fastened independently (measure the child's foot well in the shoes, otherwise the skis will fly off);
• it is difficult to take off and put on skis.

Olympic Virage-sport

From a Russian manufacturer. Not traumatic, thanks to the rounded bow, lightweight and durable. Perfect for kids who are just learning to ride. Mount - plastic, adjustable (from 28 to 32 shoe sizes), consists of two straps. The heel rests against a special stopper.
Under the straps there are special spikes that prevent the shoes from slipping.
You can choose from 4 colors, poles and mount included.

Customer rating - 4.5.
The material is plastic.
Cost - from 900 rubles.

• convenient adjustable mount;
• anti-slip spikes in the forefoot;
• durable;
• acceptable price;
• good quality.

• the manufacturer indicated that the equipment is suitable for children from 3 to 8 years old, but the length of the skis is only 100 cm, consider this point when buying;
• stick limiters break quickly;
• the straps on the handles are made of plastic, which is not very comfortable.

Olympic sport

For children from 3 years old. Plastic with a convenient fastening. They look cute and are great for beginners. The mount is adjustable, fits shoe sizes 24 to 31. The foot is securely fixed, but the skis can be easily removed.
The set includes bindings and aluminum poles.

Customer rating - 4.5.
The material is plastic.
The price is about 600 rubles.

• price;
• good quality;
• lungs

• not.

NORDWAY XС Bliss

For teenagers. Suitable for classic style. Quite soft. Excellent grip on snow, regardless of density. Easy sliding without the use of special ointments is achieved by an uneven (notched) surface.
Supplied complete with poles. Of course, it will not work to arrange races in them, but for mastering classical walking and physical education lessons, NORDWAY is a good and fairly budgetary option.

Customer rating - 4.5.
The material is plastic.
Price - from 2150 rubles.

• good quality;
• do not break or deform;
• easy maintenance and lubrication.

• no mounts included;
• not suitable for those who want to ski professionally.

Tisa top universal

From a Ukrainian manufacturer. A budget option for amateur skiing. Plastic, with a wooden core. The production uses Air Channel technology to lighten the weight of the structure. Lightweight, provide good stability. Stiffness thanks to Power Edge technology with reinforced edges.

Customer rating - 4.3.
Material - plastic, wood.
Price - from 3000 rubles.

• lungs;
• suitable for beginners and mastering the skating style.

• no significant ones.

CLASSIC N75 INOVIK

Inexpensive model from a French brand. Sliding surface with grooves for better grip on snow when climbing. The reviews are generally not bad, but many note that wet snow sticks to the sliding surface, and the mount is not very successful.

Customer rating - 4.5.
Price - from 1700 rubles.
Material: wood, fiberglass, plastic.

• price;
• a light weight;
• warranty - 10 years;
• attractive appearance;
• strength.

• comes with only one type of mount;
• only one boot model is offered;
• inconvenient fastening;
• for better sliding, it is necessary to constantly lubricate (after every 2-3 times of use).

Fischer LS Skate IFP

Skating skis for advanced athletes from a Ukrainian manufacturer. Sintec's lightweight core and sliding surface allow for skiing in all weather conditions.Equipped with IFP platform, which allows you to adjust the mount "for yourself" without the use of tools and screws.

Attention: the maximum length is 186 cm, when choosing, be sure to take this point into account.
Customer rating - 4.3.
Material - wood, plastic.
Price - from 6000 rubles.

• a light weight;
• easy care;
• good sliding.

• not suitable for tall people;
• rapid wear.

Fischer Carbon Skating Hole IFP 17

Professional skating skis from the Austrian brand. The cost is due to the use of modern technologies: Hole Ski Tip (toe made of carbon laminate), textured sliding surface (with small notches) DTG World Cup Cold is suitable for skiing on dry snow at low temperatures. And the swept geometry improves handling.
Overall, this is a great option for those looking to improve their skills.
Note: IFP platform is used, for Turnamic mount - not included

Customer rating - 4.7
Material - high molecular weight carbon laminate, fiberglass, wood, plastic.
Price - 27,000 rubles

• a light weight;
• strength and durability;
• improved design;
• good glide and maneuverability.

• high price.

Fischer Country Crown

Unisex model for classic walking. Suitable for walks in the winter forest and skiing on equipped trails. They combine the best traditions of the brand. The notches on the sliding surface provide good traction, regardless of the type of track. Rigid, and thanks to a strong wooden core, they evenly distribute weight, do not bend or break.

Reinforcement Power Layer is a resin-based laminate that is tough and lightweight, providing extra rigidity without adding weight.

The skis are equipped with special inserts in the heel part, which increases the service life.

Customer rating - 4.5.
Material - wood, plastic.
Price - from 8000 rubles.

• strength;
• durability;
• good value for money;
• can be used on soft and loose snow.

• not.

ATOMIC Redster S7

For skating riding style. Suitable for professional athletes. Versatile, suitable for any weather. Fast, provide good stability thanks to a special, optimized deflection thickness.
The tapered heel geometry guarantees high speed.

Advice: when choosing, be sure to take into account the parameters of height - weight (according to the manufacturer's recommendation, the maximum allowable weight is 90 kg with a height of 193 cm).

Customer rating - 4.5.
The material is plastic.
Price - from 14,000 rubles.

• a light weight;
• good acceleration from descents;
• versatility;
• strength;
• easy care;
• long service life.

• no significant ones.

Salomon Escape 5 Grip

The classic version from the legendary manufacturer. The special design provides an optimal level of rigidity and stability. The notches on the sliding plane do not require sliding ointment. The holes in the planks are drilled at an optimal distance and will fit any type of fastening.
The model has earned positive reviews, mainly for good performance, striking design and attractive price.

Customer rating 4.8.
Material - wood, plastic.
Price - from 6000 rubles.

• famous brand;
• great quality;
• acceptable price;
• stylish design;
• any type of mount is suitable.

• not.

And finally, it is better to buy sports equipment in specialized stores. Firstly, you can get advice or use a special stand, and secondly, the risk of buying a defective item is much less.