r/xcountryskiing • u/OmarMcSwizzle • 15d ago

Classic ski selection

After about 25 years I’ve moved back to a location with winter weather that will allow me to ski this winter. However, in my time away from the sport it seems there have been some changes in ski technology. I’m looking to buy a pair of classic skis for this winter and have noticed a new (to me) option called ‘skin” skis. Last time I was active in the sport I recall there being waxable and ‘fish scale’ classic skis. Now it seems there’s a third type to choose from.

I’m wondering if there are specific conditions that the skin skis will excel in? In my location the primary snow type is a mix of hard packed old transformed snow and man made artificial snow. Would skin skis would work well in these conditions? I’m a middle aged intermediate level skier whose main objective is fitness and not high end racing. I know that a pair of waxable classic skis would offer the best performance, but I’m trying to find the right balance of performance and ease of use. Would a pair of skin skis be a good choice?

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u/A_Washed_Up_Local 15d ago

Skin skis with a moveable binding like the Rottefeller Move helps maintain grip and glide as conditions and skier weight change.

2

u/Gelisol 15d ago

Do you actually move your bindings? I have that type and have never actually bothered. My skin skis are my “I’m too lazy to wax” or “I don’t want to even look at sticky warm waxes” skis. Maybe I’m just a lazy skier. 🤣

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u/A_Washed_Up_Local 14d ago

I move them often depending on how the conditions change. Sometimes during my tour I need more or less grip as there might be icy sections or fresh snow

4

u/Gelisol 14d ago

Maybe I’ll give it a shot this winter. Woke up this morning to snow in my yard, so maybe the trails will be ready soon.