Best Cross Country Ski Packages for Beginners
Cross country skiing is one of the easiest ways to stay active all winter. You can glide across a golf course, a local trail, or your own backyard after a good snow.
Buying a complete package is the simplest way to start. Skis, boots, bindings, and poles that are matched to each other save you from guessing at compatibility.
We picked beginner packages from Rossignol, Fischer, and Whitewoods for groomed trails and backyard touring.
Best Overall: Rossignol Evo XC Package
Rossignol's Evo skis are shorter and wider than traditional cross country skis, which makes them more stable and easier to control for new skiers.
They use a textured waxless base, so you get grip on the uphills without messing with kick wax.
They work well on groomed trails and on fresh snow in a park or field.
Rossignol Evo XC Cross Country Ski Package
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1,000+ reviews
Short, wide waxless cross country skis with bindings, designed for easy control on trails and fields.
Shop on Amazon →Best for Groomed Trails: Fischer Spider Crown Package
Fischer's Spider skis are classic beginner trail skis with a Crown waxless pattern that grips well in a wide range of snow temperatures.
They feel more like traditional cross country skis than the shorter Evo style, which helps if you plan to ski groomed tracks most of the time.
Look for packages that include matched boots and bindings so everything clicks together on day one.
Fischer Spider 62 Crown Cross Country Skis
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1,000+ reviews
Waxless classic touring skis with a Crown grip pattern for groomed trails and light backcountry.
Shop on Amazon →Best Budget: Whitewoods 75mm Cross Country Ski Package
Whitewoods sells complete waxless packages with skis, three pin 75mm bindings, boots, and poles in one box.
The three pin binding is simple and forgiving, which makes this a popular choice for families and backyard skiing.
It is a good low commitment way to see if cross country skiing sticks before you spend more.
Whitewoods Waxless 75mm Cross Country Ski Package
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1,000+ reviews
A complete package with waxless skis, 75mm three pin bindings, boots, and poles.
Shop on Amazon →Best Boots: Rossignol X-1 Ultra Touring Boots
If your package does not include boots, or the included boots do not fit, a comfortable touring boot makes a huge difference.
Rossignol's X-1 boots are warm and supportive and fit NNN style bindings used on many beginner skis.
Always match the boot sole to your binding system before you buy.
Rossignol X-1 Ultra Cross Country Ski Boots
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1,000+ reviews
Warm, supportive touring boots for NNN bindings, made for classic cross country skiing.
Shop on Amazon →Tips for New Cross Country Skiers
- Choose waxless skis. A textured or skin base gives grip without any waxing.
- Match boots and bindings. NNN, SNS, and 75mm systems do not mix, so buy them together.
- Size by weight. Ski length charts are based on your weight more than your height.
- Dress in layers. You warm up fast, so skip the heavy parka and wear breathable layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What length cross country skis should a beginner get?
Use the maker's sizing chart, which is based mostly on your weight. Shorter skis are easier to control when you are learning.
Waxless or waxable skis for beginners?
Waxless skis are best for beginners because they grip without any kick wax.
Can I cross country ski in my backyard?
Yes. Wider touring skis like the Rossignol Evo work well on fresh snow in yards, parks, and fields.
Do I need special boots?
Yes, cross country boots clip into specific binding systems, so match the boot to your binding.