Which touring skis should you choose?
Start with the tours you want to do: the surface, the terrain and how you usually carry your pack. Then choose a ski with the right length, width, span and attachment solution. The guide is about Nordic touring skis for free heel skiing in the forest and mountains.
| Your most common tours | Features to start comparing | What you need to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Winter trails and longer flat tours | Directional stability, efficient ski step and a span that works with your load. | If you also want to be able to ski in machine-drawn tracks, the entire width of the ski must fit. |
| Varied mountain terrain | An all-round combination of load-bearing capacity, walking comfort and the ability to steer downhill. | How much of the day is spent on transportation and downhill skiing? |
| Forest and lots of loose snow | Load-bearing capacity and a length that can be handled between trees and in turns. | The width helps, but the length and profile of the ski also affect how it carries. |
| Hilly tours with a focus on downhill | Turning properties, edge control and a well-thought-out combination of skis, bindings and boots. | A more downhill-oriented equipment means different trade-offs for long, flat transport distances. |
Please describe a typical ride and the most demanding ride you plan on. This will make it easier to find a workable compromise than just choosing by brand or width.
Start with our touring skis or explore the ranges from Åsnes and Fischer . Compare the features of the current model and version.
Width, turn-in and rocker
| Measure | Where on the ski? | What does it say? |
|---|---|---|
| Front / tip | The width at the front of the ski. | Part of the surface to assess load-bearing capacity and whether the ski fits in a groove. |
| Middle / waist | The narrower part under the foot. | Helps you compare the basic width of the skis and choose the correct width of the skin. |
| Rear / rear end | The width at the rear of the ski. | Together with the front and center measurements, it affects the ski's turn-in. |
Read all three dimensions
Width measurements are often given in millimeters as front–middle–back. Check the order in the specification. A number in the model name can refer to different parts of the ski from different manufacturers and is therefore not a reliable comparison of the width under the foot.
Load capacity in loose snow
A larger ski base can help the ski sink less in soft snow. Both width and length contribute, while the snow and load determine how it works in practice. At the same time, choose a ski that you can handle when the trail gets narrow or the terrain turns.
Turn-in and rocker affect steering
Sidecut, or sidecut, describes how much narrower the ski is in the middle than the front and back. More sidecut can help the ski turn when it is edged. The result also depends on length, flex, and how you load it.
Rocker means that part of the ski, often the front, lifts off the ground earlier. This can make it easier in loose snow and when you start a turn. Read more in Åsnes' explanation of ski shape and rocker .
The right length for touring skis: weight, terrain and packing
Based on the length and weight recommendation for the current model. The same skier may need different ski lengths, a narrow ski for long hauls and a wider ski for hilly terrain.
- Body length and weight: both are needed for a good starting point.
- Backpack: enter approximate weight with the equipment you are actually carrying.
- Terrain: shorter skis can be more agile in dense forest and when turning; longer ones can provide more support surface.
- Experience: choose a length you can handle even when you get tired.
Tell us if you are pulling a sled. The entire weight of the sled should not be placed on top of your body weight as if it were in a backpack, but the pulling resistance affects the need for attachment and the choice of equipment.
Åsnes length tables are a guide for different model groups. For Fischer, use the recommendation for the selected ski. Ask for help if your height and weight point to different sizes.
Span and stiffness: the balance between grip and glide
Span is the curvature of the ski, while stiffness describes the resistance when the ski is loaded. On many touring skis, a clear span helps reduce contact between the attachment zone and the snow as the ski slides forward.
A span that is too tight can make it difficult to push down on the attachment zone. A ski that is compressed too much under your load can experience more resistance in the slide. How pronounced the effect is depends on the construction and whether you use wax, pattern or skin.
Downhill touring skis may have a different ski curve than models for long flat tours. A simple paper test for classic trail skis is therefore not sufficient as a universal method for choosing mountain skis.
Evaluate the ski based on usage and manufacturer's instructions. We explain how span and stiffness interact on touring skis.
Grazable, non-grazing or mountain hide?
| Solution | How does it work? | To think about |
|---|---|---|
| Shearable surface | Attachment webbing in the attachment zone provides grip during the take-off. A compatible ski can also be used with a climbing skin. | Allows you to adjust the attachment to the snow. The fence needs to be selected and maintained according to the conditions. |
| Patterned covering | A pattern under the foot provides grip without the need for adhesive wax. Brands use terms such as Waxless and Crown. | Comfortable for repeated uphill and downhill sections. The pattern remains even when you want to prioritize gliding. |
| Removable short skin | A short skin is attached under part of the ski and removed when you want to reduce resistance. | Choose the right attachment, width and material. Åsnes X-Skin and Fischer Easy Skin are two different systems. |
| Integrated skin | A skin sits submerged in the base's attachment zone and is intended to remain in place during skiing. | A proprietary construction. The word “Skin” in a model name does not always mean that the ski has an integrated skin. |
Choose according to how you want to use the skis
If you want to be able to fine-tune the grip and prioritize glide, waxable surfaces are an option. If you want to reduce the work of applying wax, a patterned surface may be a good fit. Risers provide another option when you need more grip.
The performance of the binding pattern varies with snow and slope. On hard or icy snow, grip may be reduced, and a slope with a heavy drag load may require extra grip. Therefore, check the ability to mount skins before choosing a patterned ski.
Grazing-free also needs care
Wax-free means that you do not need to use wax for the intended bonding solution. The sliding zones still need to be kept clean and cared for. See wax and wax accessories and Åsnes' comparison of different coatings and bonding solutions .
Åsnes and Fischer: compare model and fastening system
Both brands offer touring skis with different widths and uses. For the comparison to be useful, you need to compare similar skis: intended terrain, span, attachment solution and the equipment around the ski.
| Name | This means in practice | Check when purchasing |
|---|---|---|
| Åsnes X-Skin | Removable short ski skins with intended attachment. | The ski's attachment and recommended skin width and skin type. |
| Åsnes Waxless | Patterned attachment zone on models with this designation. | Which version of the ski you are looking at and its ability to be supplemented with skin. |
| Fischer Crown / Offtrack Crown | Patterned attachment zone. Offtrack Crown is used on several of Fischer's touring skis. | If the particular model also has a mount for Easy Skin. |
| Fischer Easy Skin | A removable short ski skin for skis with the correct attachment. | Whether the base is flockable or patterned. Easy Skin is available in both combinations. |
| Fischer Dual Skin | On affected models, there is compatibility for both Easy Skin and the longer Super Skin. | Which hides and lengths the manufacturer specifies. The designation does not mean that both hides are included. |
Åsnes: first choose type of tour
Åsnes classifies its skis according to, among other things, longer transports, all-round tours, more downhill skiing and use with dogs. Then check the base and steel edge of the current version. See Åsnes at Outdoor Buddies and the manufacturer's guide to ski types .
Fischer: read the full designation
At Fischer, Crown and Easy Skin describe different parts of the binding solution. An Easy Skin binding does not in itself mean that the ski has a patterned surface. See Fischer at Outdoor Buddies and Fischer's information on binding systems for ski touring .
Check what is included. A picture of a binding or skin does not mean that the accessory is included in every variant. Read the package contents and what mounting is offered.
Short and long climbing skins – choose the right combination
Short skin for extra grip during the ride
A short skin covers part of the surface and can be useful on uphill slopes, when pulling a sled, or when the binding is not working. It also provides more resistance forward, so practice taking it off and putting it on during a short trip.
Long skin when you need more grip area
A long skin covers more of the base and is an option when a short skin is not enough. It needs to fit the length, width and bindings of the ski. Follow the model's instructions so that the steel edge can work where it is needed.
Material and width affect the feel
- Mohair: an option when you prioritize glide.
- Synthetic, often nylon: an option when durability and grip are important.
- Mix: combines the materials for a balance between the properties.
A wider skin covers more of the base and can provide more grip, but also more friction. Start from the recommendation for the ski. See climbing skins and short skins and the manufacturer's guide to skin selection .
The attachments are not universal. Choose X-Skin for the intended Åsnes attachment and Easy Skin for the intended Fischer attachment. The same skin width does not mean that the attachment will fit.
Steel edge for hard snow – and options for tours with dogs
Steel edges help the ski to grip sideways on firm ground, for example when you are leaning or braking. They serve a different function than grip wax, grip patterns and step skin, which are mainly intended to prevent slipping backwards during the step.
Check whether the ski has a full, partial or no steel edge. When skiing with a dog, skis without a steel edge can be a relevant choice to reduce the risk of cuts when contacting the ski. At the same time, you have to forego the grip of the steel edge on hard snow.
Start from where you are going and how the dog moves around the skis. A partially steel-edged ski is not the same as a completely steel-edged model. Åsnes describes why some skis for dog tours lack steel edges .
Weight and construction: compare the entire equipment
Check whether the ski weight refers to one ski or a pair, what length it applies to and whether bindings are included. Then compare it to the boots, bindings and skins you intend to use. This is all the equipment you will be moving during the day.
Wood core, reinforcements and coverings affect the construction. Light weight alone does not determine how the ski carries, bends or holds the edge. Connect the material specification to the properties you need. Åsnes describes the different parts of its skis .
Bindings, boots and poles must work with the skis
A wide ski with good turning characteristics needs a binding and boot combination that provides sufficient control. On long hauls, the same combination also needs to allow you to take comfortable, repeated steps.
NNN BC, Xplore and 75 mm are different systems. The ski boot must fit the binding, and the binding must be suitable for the ski and fitted according to the instructions. For 75 mm, the exact ski boot and binding combination also needs to be checked. See Rottefella's system information .
Compare touring ski bindings and touring ski boots . Get help with fitting bindings if you're buying a new combination or want to modify an existing one.
Also choose touring ski poles with sockets that work in the snow you usually ski in. If you are starting from scratch, a touring ski package can be a good starting point. Check what parts are included.
Checklist before purchase and first trip
- Describe the tours: forest, mountains, trails, loose snow and how much downhill skiing you want to do.
- Enter length, weight and packing: distinguish between backpack and sled.
- Choose a fastening solution: what will provide fastening for everyday use and what will complement it when it gets heavier?
- Check all equipment: bindings, boots, skin attachments, skin width and assembly.
- Practice handling: try out bindings and skins with gloves before departure.
- Start with a short ride: test glide, grip, turns and controlled downhill skiing with the pack you intend to use.
Please report back with what you experience: backsliding in the push-off, heavy gliding or difficulty in steering. These problems can have different causes. Conditions, skin choice, grazing and technique are part of the assessment along with the ski itself.
Care of touring skis and hiking skins
Wipe down skis, steel edges and bindings after the ride. Remove dirt and check the pads, screws and fasteners. Let the equipment dry before putting it in a closed case.
Clean and treat the sliding zones according to the ski manufacturer's advice. The attachment zone, attachment pattern and skin should have the treatment intended for the specific construction. Use skin-specific cleaning and impregnation when recommended by the manufacturer.
Dry climbing skins gently and protect the adhesive side from dirt. Follow the skin's instructions for storage and protection netting. Before a longer trip, the adhesive and fasteners also need to be in good condition.
See wax and accessories for ski care , ski skins and short skins and Åsnes' advice on care before storage .
Frequently asked questions about touring skis
What length of touring skis should I choose?
Follow the recommendation for the current model and consider body height, weight, backpack and terrain. A narrow ski for transport and a wider downhill ski may require different lengths for the same person.
Is Åsnes or Fischer best for ski touring?
Compare models with the same application. The right length, span, width and attachment solution for your tours are more important than a general ranking of brands. Also check which skins and bindings are suitable.
Can touring skis be used on regular ski trails?
Some narrow models can work in machine-made tracks. Check the entire width of the ski, including the front, and the clearance for the binding. Many wider touring skis are designed for off-track use.
Are non-grazing touring skis maintenance-free?
No. You don't need any binding wax for the intended binding solution, but the skis need to be cleaned and the sliding zones need to be cared for. The pattern does not provide the same grip in all snow conditions and slopes.
What is the difference between X-Skin and Easy Skin?
Åsnes X-Skin and Fischer Easy Skin are removable short skins with different attachments. Select the system and skin width according to the instructions for the ski in question. They are not universally interchangeable.
Does Easy Skin mean that the ski has an integrated skin?
No. Easy Skin is Fischer's removable short skin. Compatible skis may have a velcro or Crown pattern. Check the skin and whether it is included in the package you purchase.
Do I need skins if the ski has Crown or Waxless?
A compatible climbing skin can complement the pattern when you need more grip, for example on a longer uphill or with a sled. First check if the ski has the correct skin attachment and which skin is recommended.
Should I choose touring skis with or without steel edges?
Steel edges are useful for edge grip on hard snow. Skis without steel edges can be a relevant choice when touring with a dog. Weigh this against the terrain and the need for control on firm ground.
Background and manufacturer information
The guide combines practical buying advice with manufacturers' descriptions. The model's current specification and assembly instructions determine which combinations are suitable.
- Åsnes: select ski type and length recommendations .
- Åsnes Academy: ski shape , span and stiffness .
- Åsnes Academy: covering and attachment , choice of skin and Åsnes skin system .
- Fischer: Crown and skins for ski touring . Technical documentation shows Crown with Easy Skin , grazeable base with Easy Skin and Dual Skin compatibility .
- Åsnes Academy: care and storage .
Choose touring skis with the help of Outdoor Buddies in Åre
Tell us about your height and weight, where you want to go and what kind of pack you usually have. If you already have ski boots or bindings, model names and pictures will help us assess a working combination.
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