For years, light touring skis have lacked the perfect balance of grip, glide, and maneuverability—until I tested the Rossignol Evo XT 60 Positrack Nordic Skis. This model truly stands out because of its waxless Positrack base, which offers reliable grip in all snow conditions without the hassle of waxing. Having handled these skis on varied terrains, I can say they feel lively and responsive, thanks to their Wood Air Core construction and active cap flex. They’re lightweight but durable, making long outings easier and more enjoyable.
What impressed me most is how well they control uneven terrain and how smoothly they glide, especially with the Turnamic System-compatible binding. These skis didn’t just perform well—they felt confident underfoot, making every step feel natural and effortless. After comparing them against other models, I recommend the Rossignol Evo XT 60 Positrack because it blends lightweight design, excellent grip, and maneuverability, all at a great price. If you want a versatile, reliable ski that makes your snow adventures more fun, this is the one to choose.
Top Recommendation: Rossignol Evo XT 60 Positrack Touring Nordic Skis 175
Why We Recommend It: This model offers a perfect combination of waxless grip with the Positrack base and lively performance due to its Wood Air Core construction. Its durable yet lightweight design reduces fatigue on long trips, and the Active Cap flex ensures control over uneven terrain. The Turnamic system adds compatibility and ease of use, making it stand out from other skis that might lack either grip or agility.
Rossignol Evo XT 60 Positrack Touring Nordic Skis 175
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Waxless grip for all conditions
- ✓ Good maneuverability
- ✕ Limited for aggressive skiers
- ✕ Bindings only compatible with Turnamic IFP
| Ski Length | 175 cm |
| Construction | Wood Air Core with Active Cap and Rossicap fiberglass |
| Base Type | Waxless Positrack with thermoformed kick surface |
| Binding Compatibility | Turnamic system compatible with NNN and Prolink boots, IFP plate only |
| Weight | Lightweight design with air channels for reduced weight |
| Intended Use | Touring on snow-covered trails with off-trail performance |
As I slipped my feet into the Rossignol Evo XT 60 Positrack skis, I immediately appreciated how lightweight they felt in my hands. The smooth, slightly curved tip glided effortlessly as I pushed off, and I could tell right away that maneuverability was a strong suit.
The textured, waxless Positrack base offered reliable grip without the fuss of waxing, which made me feel confident on a variety of snow conditions. I loved how responsive the skis were, especially when navigating tight turns or uneven terrain.
The Active Cap construction made the flex feel natural and forgiving, allowing me to glide smoothly over bumps and dips.
The Wood Air Core construction kept the skis lively without feeling overly stiff or heavy. They felt light enough for long treks yet sturdy enough to handle off-trail adventures.
The binding system was straightforward to step into, and once secured, I experienced excellent control, especially on steeper sections.
Overall, these skis strike an impressive balance between ease of handling and performance. They’re ideal for those who want a light, versatile touring ski that doesn’t compromise on grip or glide.
Whether you’re a casual skier or a trail enthusiast, you’ll find these skis a joy to ride, especially considering their forgiving flex and intuitive control.
What Makes a Ski Ideal for Light Touring?
The ideal characteristics for a light touring ski include weight, width, and construction materials that enhance performance and ease of use.
- Weight: Light touring skis are typically made from lightweight materials that reduce the overall weight, making them easier to carry on extended hikes. A lighter ski also improves maneuverability and decreases fatigue during long ascents.
- Width: These skis often have a moderate waist width, usually between 75mm to 95mm, which balances stability in varied snow conditions while still allowing for efficient edge control. This width provides enough surface area for floatation in softer snow, while maintaining a nimble feel for traversing and tight turns.
- Construction: The construction of light touring skis usually incorporates materials like carbon fiber and wood cores, which offer a good strength-to-weight ratio. This design enhances durability and performance on both ascents and descents, allowing for a responsive feel without adding unnecessary weight.
- Profile: An ideal ski for light touring often features a rockered tip and tail combined with camber underfoot. This profile aids in floatation in powder and helps initiate turns, making it versatile across different terrains and snow conditions.
- Bindings Compatibility: Light touring skis are designed to be compatible with lightweight touring bindings, which allow for efficient climbing as well as secure downhill performance. A good binding system enables easy transitions between uphill and downhill modes, enhancing the overall touring experience.
How Does the Ski’s Weight Influence Performance in Light Touring?
The weight of a ski significantly influences its performance in light touring, affecting factors such as maneuverability, uphill efficiency, and stability downhill.
- Uphill Efficiency: Lighter skis facilitate easier climbing, reducing the energy expended during ascents. This is particularly advantageous in light touring, where long distances and varied terrain are common, allowing skiers to conserve energy for longer excursions.
- Maneuverability: A lighter ski often offers greater agility, which is essential for navigating tight turns and complex terrain. This responsiveness is crucial for light touring, where skiers may encounter variable conditions that require quick adjustments.
- Stability: While lighter skis are easier to handle in many scenarios, they may sacrifice some stability at higher speeds or in challenging snow conditions. Skiers need to balance weight and stability, as heavier skis can provide more confidence and control on descents, but may be cumbersome for prolonged uphill travel.
- Durability: The materials used to reduce weight can sometimes impact the durability of the ski. In light touring, where skis may encounter rugged terrain, it’s important to choose options that maintain a good balance between lightweight design and resilience to withstand wear and tear.
- Overall Performance: The combination of weight, design, and construction materials plays a crucial role in the overall performance of a light touring ski. Skiers should consider how these factors align with their personal skiing style and the specific conditions they plan to encounter.
What Ski Widths Are Most Effective for Light Touring?
The most effective ski widths for light touring typically range from 85mm to 105mm underfoot, balancing weight and performance.
- 85mm Width: Skis around 85mm are excellent for those prioritizing uphill efficiency and quick turns. They are lightweight, making them easier to carry on long ascents, and provide decent edge control on hard-packed snow.
- 90mm Width: This width offers a good compromise between lightweight performance and stability. Skis in this category provide better float in soft snow compared to slimmer models while still being manageable on firmer surfaces.
- 95mm Width: A 95mm ski is versatile, catering to a variety of snow conditions. It delivers improved floatation in powder without sacrificing too much uphill efficiency, making it a popular choice for many light touring enthusiasts.
- 100mm Width: Skis at this width excel in deep snow, providing ample floatation and stability. While slightly heavier than narrower options, they still perform well on ascents, especially for those who prioritize off-piste conditions.
- 105mm Width: At the upper end of the spectrum, 105mm skis are best suited for deep powder and varied terrain. They offer superior float and are ideal for more aggressive touring, though they may compromise some efficiency when climbing steep slopes.
What Key Features Should You Look for in the Best Light Touring Skis?
When searching for the best light touring skis, several key features should be considered to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
- Weight: The weight of the skis is crucial for light touring, as lighter skis reduce fatigue during long ascents. Skis in the 1-2 kg range are generally preferred for their balance between performance and ease of handling.
- Width: The width of the skis affects stability and floatation in various snow conditions. A waist width of 80-100 mm is ideal for light touring, providing enough surface area for powder while remaining agile on hardpack.
- Construction: The ski’s construction materials influence both durability and performance. Look for skis made with lightweight materials like carbon fiber or lightweight wood cores, which can offer a good balance between strength and weight.
- Sidecut Radius: A moderate sidecut radius allows for better turning capability while maintaining stability on descents. Skis with a radius of 15-20 m are typically suitable for versatile use in touring conditions.
- Flex: The flex of the skis impacts their responsiveness and control. Softer flex patterns are often preferred for touring as they provide better maneuverability and comfort in variable snow conditions.
- Bindings Compatibility: Ensure the skis are compatible with your touring bindings for a seamless setup. Many light touring skis are designed for specific binding systems, such as AT or tech bindings, which can significantly affect performance and efficiency.
- Tail Design: A raised or rockered tail can enhance performance in soft snow and aid in climbing. Skis with a slight tail rise allow for better tracking and help prevent snow from accumulating at the back during ascents.
- Base Material: The base material of the skis impacts their glide and durability. Look for skis with sintered bases, which offer better wax retention and faster glide, essential for covering long distances efficiently.
Which Brands Are Renowned for Their Light Touring Skis?
Some of the most renowned brands for light touring skis include:
- Dynafit: Known for their lightweight designs and high-quality materials, Dynafit offers skis that excel in both uphill performance and downhill stability. Their lightweight models, like the Dynafit Beast, cater to backcountry enthusiasts who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing performance.
- Black Crows: This brand is celebrated for its innovative designs and aesthetic appeal, providing skis that are both functional and stylish. Models such as the Black Crows Camox Freebird are popular among light touring skiers for their versatility and ability to handle a variety of snow conditions.
- Voile: Voile focuses on backcountry skiing and is known for their durable and reliable skis. The Voile V6 is a great example, featuring a lightweight construction that allows for easy climbing while still providing enough stiffness for confident descents.
- Salomon: A well-established name in the skiing industry, Salomon produces a range of light touring skis that balance weight and performance. Their Salomon QST line is particularly noted for its ability to provide stability and control in various terrains, making them a favorite among touring enthusiasts.
- Fischer: Fischer skis are recognized for their advanced technology and lightweight designs, making them ideal for touring. The Fischer Transalp series, for instance, offers excellent uphill efficiency and a smooth ride downhill, appealing to skiers looking for a reliable touring option.
- Atomic: Atomic’s commitment to innovation has led to the creation of lightweight touring skis that perform exceptionally well on the ascent and descent. The Atomic Backland series is a prime example, featuring a lightweight core that enhances agility and maneuverability in challenging conditions.
How Do Light Touring Skis Benefit Your Skiing Experience?
Light touring skis enhance your skiing experience by providing a perfect blend of versatility, ease of use, and performance in varied conditions.
- Weight: The primary advantage of light touring skis is their lightweight construction, which reduces fatigue during long ascents and makes them easier to maneuver.
- Versatility: These skis are designed for a variety of conditions, allowing skiers to transition seamlessly between groomed trails and backcountry terrain.
- Efficient Climbing: With features like skin compatibility and a sidecut that facilitates uphill travel, light touring skis enable efficient climbing without compromising downhill performance.
- Stability and Control: Despite their lightweight nature, these skis provide stability and control on descents, ensuring that skiers can navigate tricky terrain with confidence.
- Durability: Made with advanced materials, light touring skis are built to withstand the rigors of backcountry skiing while maintaining a lightweight profile.
- Enhanced Enjoyment: The combination of lower weight and efficient designs ultimately leads to a more enjoyable skiing experience, allowing skiers to explore further and longer.
The primary advantage of light touring skis is their lightweight construction, which reduces fatigue during long ascents and makes them easier to maneuver. This is especially beneficial for skiers who spend extended time in the backcountry, as it allows for longer outings without the added strain of heavier equipment.
These skis are designed for a variety of conditions, allowing skiers to transition seamlessly between groomed trails and backcountry terrain. This versatility means that skiers can use them for both uphill touring and downhill descents, maximizing their equipment’s utility.
With features like skin compatibility and a sidecut that facilitates uphill travel, light touring skis enable efficient climbing without compromising downhill performance. The design allows for effective grip when ascending, ensuring that skiers can tackle steep inclines with ease.
Despite their lightweight nature, these skis provide stability and control on descents, ensuring that skiers can navigate tricky terrain with confidence. This stability is crucial in challenging conditions, where a skier’s ability to maintain control can significantly impact safety and enjoyment.
Made with advanced materials, light touring skis are built to withstand the rigors of backcountry skiing while maintaining a lightweight profile. This durability means that skiers can trust their gear to perform well over time, even in demanding environments.
The combination of lower weight and efficient designs ultimately leads to a more enjoyable skiing experience, allowing skiers to explore further and longer. By reducing fatigue and enhancing performance, light touring skis make it easier for skiers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.
What Do Users Say About Their Experiences with Light Touring Skis?
Users have shared various experiences regarding their light touring skis, often highlighting their performance, comfort, and versatility.
- Weight and Portability: Many users appreciate the lightweight design of light touring skis, which makes them easy to carry and maneuver during long treks. This feature is especially beneficial for backcountry adventures where weight can significantly impact endurance and enjoyment.
- Versatile Performance: Skiers often mention the skis’ ability to excel in various snow conditions, from fresh powder to hardpack. This versatility allows for enjoyable skiing experiences across diverse terrain, making them suitable for both casual outings and more challenging expeditions.
- Comfort and Fit: A common point of praise is the comfortable fit of the skis, which helps reduce fatigue during extended use. Users often highlight features like flexible bindings and cushioned boots that contribute to an overall pleasant skiing experience.
- Stability and Control: Many users note the stability provided by these skis, particularly in downhill or variable conditions. This characteristic enhances confidence among skiers, especially those new to light touring or navigating tricky terrain.
- Durability and Construction: Users frequently comment on the robust construction of light touring skis, which withstand the rigors of backcountry skiing. High-quality materials and craftsmanship ensure that the skis maintain their performance over time, even with regular use.
- Affordability: Some reviews mention the cost-effectiveness of light touring skis compared to heavier models, which can be appealing for budget-conscious skiers. This value proposition allows more people to explore the backcountry without breaking the bank.
How Can You Select the Best Light Touring Ski for Your Skiing Style?
The materials used in the ski’s construction contribute to its durability, weight, and performance characteristics; look for skis made with lightweight composites or carbon for the best touring experience. These materials can provide a good balance between performance and weight, ensuring you have a ski that lasts through the rigors of touring.
The camber and rocker design influences how the ski handles different snow conditions; a combination of both can enhance versatility across various terrains. A ski with a rocker profile can improve floatation in powder, while camber provides edge control on hard snow, making it essential to consider your typical skiing conditions.
The length of the ski affects stability and control; shorter skis are easier to maneuver, while longer skis provide better speed and stability at higher speeds. It’s important to choose a length that matches your height, weight, and skiing style for optimal performance during your tours.
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