Cross Country Ski Rental: Your Guide to Hitting the Trails

Skin skis are perfect for no-fuss kick, and the Fischer Twin Skin Pro makes classic days simple. In our testing, the twin mohair strips gripped confidently in varied snow, the lightweight wood core felt lively, and the adjustable binding position let us fine-tune grip or glide on the fly. Note that skins are a wear item and some users report adhesion issues or peeling; glide can feel draggy if flex/length aren't matched. For dependable daily touring, it's a strong value.

Switching to value-minded performance, the Salomon RS8 Skate Skis delivered reliable glide in our testing, thanks to the fast G5 World Cup base that performs across varied snow. We found the balanced camber and thin edge made weight transfer feel predictable and stable, which is great for progressing skaters. They are heavier than true race skis and the length/tip rocker can feel a bit long at first, but they settle in with time. For the price, they're a durable, everyday workhorse.

Atomic's Pro C3 Skintec PSP is a great pick for skiers who want reliable kick with a faster glide. During our review, the 100% mohair Skintec grabbed predictably across conditions, the Easy Skin Exchange made swaps painless, and the sintered BI 5000 base with Race Grinding felt impressively quick. It does cost more than entry-level classics, and you may need to fine-tune binding position for icy mornings; sizing and flex selection demand care. Get them right, and they feel race-bred.

During our review, the Rossignol Delta Comp Skating Skate Skis impressed us with their ultralight Nomex honeycomb core, making long training sessions feel snappy and efficient. The Activ Cap design delivered a lively, responsive ride at higher speeds, and broad binding compatibility (TURNAMIC/NNN/Prolink) makes setup simple with most boots. Be aware the skis can feel quite flexible and lose glide in very cold, dry snow, and some users note uphill grip concerns on skin variants or hardpack. Best for developing racers rather than total beginners.

If you want one boot for both skate and classic days, the Salomon Pro Combi Prolink is a smart compromise. We found the SensiFit design with dissociated Quicklace hugs the foot securely, while the thermo-moldable lining and adjustable heel strap let you dial in a custom feel. As with any combi, pure skating support isn't as strong as dedicated skate boots, the medium 102 last may feel snug for wide feet, and classic flex runs a bit heavier than race-focused classics. For mixed-technique training, it's a versatile, confidence-building choice.

For classic skiers prioritizing comfort and warmth, the Fischer RC3 hits a sweet spot. During our review, the Speed Lock lacing made on/off quick, Comfort Guard insulation kept toes warm, and the TURNAMIC Performance sole played nicely with common NNN/Prolink bindings. Power transfer is softer than race boots due to its flexible sole and comfort-first fit, and the plastic toe/sole can scuff if you walk on pavement. At $99.99, it's a friendly entry point for long, relaxed tours.

This merino crew is the piece we reach for when temps drop and long glides are on the agenda. During our review, it delivered standout warmth with a soft, itch-free feel, and the natural odor resistance meant fewer washes on multi-day trips. The higher price and reports of small holes over time are worth noting, and thicker merino does take longer to dry after laundry days. If you value cozy comfort and stink-free tours, it's an easy upgrade.

Looking for a precise boot feel? In our testing, the Darn Tough RFL Thermolite OTC Ultra Lightweight hugged the foot with a next-to-skin fit that made sliding into snug Nordic boots effortless and improved control. The Thermolite synthetic knit dried quickly between sessions and held up well to repeated use, and the over-the-calf height stayed put and kept snow out. Just note the zero cushioning can feel thin if you like padding, and the ultra-light build isn't as warm in deep cold; the fit also runs a bit snug.

Night training or pre-dawn tours call for a dependable beam, and the Spot 400 does the job without weighing you down. We found its 400-lumen output, lightweight feel, and handy features—PowerTap, brightness memory, red light, and a battery meter—make it easy to use with gloves. The base model relies on AAA batteries unless you buy the rechargeable pack, and some users report water ingress and finicky battery-compartment contacts affecting reliability. For the price, it's a bright, comfortable workhorse.

When you're heading into remote winter terrain, the inReach Mini 2 adds a vital safety net without weighing you down. In our testing, its ultralight, pocket-friendly form factor disappeared on a nordic belt while two-way satellite messaging and SOS delivered real peace of mind, and battery life clearly improved over the prior model. You will need a subscription, and typing on the small screen is clunky unless paired with your phone; dense trees or canyons can also impact signal. Still, it's our go-to backcountry communicator.

When your skis feel sticky mid-tour, this pocketable Swix F4 bottle is a fast fix. In our experience, the built-in applicator makes touch-ups simple, and the universal formula works across a broad temperature range without hauling a wax kit. Expect it to wear off after a few kilometers and sometimes leave a white residue, and it won't replace a proper hot wax for speed. Still, for quick glide boosts on rental or travel skis, it's incredibly handy.

For cold chairlift laps or nordic loops, the CamelBak Zoid keeps water flowing when temps dip. In our testing, the insulated Therminator harness and tube sleeve helped prevent freezing, and the included 2-liter Crux reservoir means you're trail-ready out of the box in a slim, lift-friendly package. Capacity is minimal: there's room for the bladder and a couple small items, and multiple users report leaks from the bladder or bite valve and fragile buckles. If hydration is priority one, it's a compact solution.

Looking for a budget-friendly pole that still feels crisp on snow? In our testing, the Swix Quantum 6's 60% carbon composite shaft struck a nice balance of stiffness and price, and the PCU/Just Click handle made strap releases effortless at transitions. The wide size range in 5 cm increments simplifies dialing in fit. It is heavier than true race poles (~212 g at 155 cm) and component variations exist, but for everyday touring it delivers reliable power, especially at $24.98 from Pete's Garage.