Ranking of the best cross-country skis for 2022

Choosing skis for yourself (if you are only going to learn to ride) or a child for school is not an easy task. Sports stores offer a huge range in various price categories. What to look for so that the purchase brings joy and lasts 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). As well as professional and amateur. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates the marking:

• Back Country means that skis are designed for hunters and fishermen or just those who like to ride through the forest without a laid 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 affordable price and good quality.
• Racing (PRO) - professional marking, higher technical characteristics, and, accordingly, the 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 skis. 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 ones.

Professional skis of famous brands, of course, are of better 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 inspect the skis. Instances with obvious deformation should not be considered.

Tip: a well-known brand is no reason to refuse to check. Defective goods come across in the expensive segment.

The sliding surface must be smooth, without bumps and dents.Have the same width, unless it's a 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 skis and your height:

• skating +10 cm to height;
• classic + 30 cm;
• tourist + 30.

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

wood or plastic

It all depends on personal preference. Plastic skis glide better, last longer and keep an attractive appearance. Wooden ones are suitable for beginners who are just learning to ride.

The advantages of plastic include:

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

Another advantage is that plastic skis can also be used at positive temperatures. Humidity doesn't bother them. But the wooden one will have to be constantly lubricated. In addition, the tree cannot be used at positive temperatures.
If you choose the classics, pay attention to the sliding surface. Notched canvas is suitable for beginners. But keep in mind that riding them in dense snow will be difficult.

Absolutely smooth sliding surface is suitable for any weather. 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 accounts for the main weight (approximately 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) should be firmly on the floor.
Another easy way to check the stiffness of the skis is to squeeze them with both hands - they should be in contact with the surfaces (under the blocks). If not, the skis are too hard.

Tip: If you're buying equipment from a sports store, you can ask the salesperson to pick up a pair using a test stand, stating your 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 choose a binding in the form of fabric straps, carefully adjust the binding to the size of your child's shoes. Otherwise, the straps will fly off. And removing the skis when the bindings get wet will be problematic.

The baby is not required to lay 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 length of the skis should be 15 cm longer than the height of the child.

Tip: do not buy inventory "for growth". The longer the ski, the higher the stiffness. And, accordingly, it will be more difficult for the child to manage them. As a result, you can discourage the kid from any desire to ride.

Sticks are selected depending on the style of riding.For example, for skating - the length of the sticks should be at shoulder level.
For kids who are just learning to ride, poles up to the armpits are suitable (with a loop that can be thrown over the arm). Without a sharp tip, with a nozzle in the form of a plastic ring.

How to lubricate your skis

Lubricants for skis come in 2 types: for sliding and holding lubrication. The first, based on paraffins, is used:

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

The grip lubricant is applied to the central part, which is located under the block (for classic skis), so that there is no recoil.

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

How to store in the summer

The main rule is to store 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 canvas can be deformed.

Ranking of the best cross-country skis for 2022

The rating includes models of adult, children's and teenage skis. When compiling, customer reviews and price-quality ratio were taken into account.

Prestige Mini Ski

Wide skis for kids under the age of 5. Made from durable plastic. Fastening - fabric straps, supplied. They glide well, do not fly off the shoes. Another advantage is the wide choice of colors. You can choose the option for both girls and boys.
Great sports equipment for kids for ridiculous money.

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

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

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

Olympic Virage-sport

From a Russian manufacturer. Not traumatic, thanks to the rounded nose, light and durable. Perfect for kids just learning to ride. Fastening - plastic, adjustable (from 28 to 32 shoe sizes), consists of two straps. The heel rests against a special limiter.
Under the straps there are special spikes that prevent the shoes from slipping.
Choice of 4 colors, sticks and mount included.

Customer rating - 4.5.
Material - plastic.
The cost is from 900 rubles.

• convenient adjustable fastening;
• anti-slip spikes in the toe;
• 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 convenient.

Olympic sport

For children from 3 years old. Plastic with convenient fastening. They look cute and are great for beginners. The fastening is adjustable, suitable for shoe sizes from 24 to 31 sizes. The foot is securely fixed, but the skis are easily removed.
Comes with mounts and aluminum poles.

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

• price;
• good quality;
• lungs

• no.

NORDWAY XС Bliss

For teenagers. Suitable for classic style. Pretty soft. Excellent snow grip regardless of density.Easy sliding without the use of special ointments is achieved by an uneven (notched) surface.
Supplied with sticks. Of course, you won’t be able to arrange races in them, but for mastering classical walking and physical education lessons, NORDWAY is a good and fairly budget option.

Customer rating - 4.5.
Material - plastic.
Price - from 2150 rubles.

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

• there are no fasteners in the kit;
• not suitable for those who want to ski professionally.

Tisa Top Universal

From the Ukrainian manufacturer. Budget option for amateur skiing. Plastic, with a wooden core. Air Channel technology is used in the production to lighten the weight of the structure. Lightweight and provide good stability. Rigidity is due to the use of 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.

• there are no significant ones.

CLASSIC N75 INOVIK

Inexpensive model from the French brand. Sliding surface with notches, providing better grip on the snow when climbing. The reviews are mostly good, but many note that wet snow sticks to the sliding surface, and the fastening 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 model of boots is offered;
• uncomfortable fastening;
• for better glide, 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. The lightweight core and the Sintec gliding surface allow the ski to be used in all weather conditions. Equipped with an 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, be sure to consider this point when choosing.
Customer rating - 4.3.
Material - wood, plastic.
Price - from 6000 rubles.

• a light weight;
• simple care;
• good glide.

• not suitable for tall people;
• fast wear.

Fischer Carbon Skating Hole IFP 17

Professional skating skis from an Austrian brand. The cost is due to the use of modern technologies: Hole Ski Tip (toe made of carbon laminate), textured sliding surface (with fine notches) DTG World Cup Cold is suitable for skiing on dry snow at low temperatures. And swept geometry improves handling.
In general, this is a great option for those who want to improve their skills.
Attention: 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 wear resistance;
• improved design;
• good glide and maneuverability.

• high price.

Fischer Country Crown

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

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

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.

• no.

ATOMIC Redster S7

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

Tip: when choosing, be sure to consider the parameters 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.
Material - plastic.
Price - from 14,000 rubles.

• a light weight;
• good acceleration from descents;
• universality;
• strength;
• simple care;
• long service life.

• there are no significant ones.

Salomon Escape 5 Grip

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

Buyer score 4.8.
Material - wood, plastic.
Price - from 6000 rubles.

• famous brand;
• great quality;
• acceptable price;
• stylish design;
• Fits all types of fasteners.

• no.

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.