This year’s big ski test is divided into four parts: skin skis, double poling skis, mid-range skate skis and an updated pole test.

Next up are mid-range skate skis. We tested six pairs from the leading suppliers and rated them on stability, ride feel and maneuverability, with an overall score from 1 to 5.

How the test was carried out

The test was carried out at Torsby Ski Tunnel in Värmland, Sweden, in September. The temperature was −3°C, there was no wind at all and conditions were consistent throughout the test. The testers skied on the skis, rated them, and wrote their comments independently. The suppliers chose which skis were tested and also provided the product information. The results presented are an average of both testers’ scores. Each ski was tested for ten to twelve minutes in varied terrain to give a fair overall impression.

Stability: How stable the ski is on the track and beside the track. How does the ski feel to stand on?

Ride feel: The sense of whether the ski wants to move forward. The ski’s liveliness (its response). How does it react when you apply power? Does the power come back, or is it lost?

Maneuverability: Tested in curves and when changing tracks. Describes, among other things, how easily the ski can be moved sideways.

About the testers

Both testers are experienced skiers who competed at elite level for many years in both long-distance races and traditional cross-country skiing. Madelene Halvardsson is 174 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. Maja Eriksson is 171 cm tall and weighs 68 kg.

The Big Ski Test 2026 – Mid-range skate skis

Rossignol X-ium Skating

Assessment

Overall score: 4.9 / 5
Stability: 5.0
Ride feel: 5.0
Maneuverability: 4.75

Testers’ comment:

The best ski in the test. Easy to ski and very stable, and it feels like a higher-end model.

Facts

Core: Nomex® Honeycomb
Base: K7000 / UNI 5.2
Lengths: 173, 180, 186, 192 cm
RRP: approx. €540 excl. bindings

About the ski:

Set the pace with X-ium Skating. A large sweet spot makes race-proven technology accessible to both experienced skiers and elite athletes. The ski’s universal camber and flex perform excellently in a wide range of conditions, while Rossignol’s proven honeycomb construction delivers ultra-light precision and power for podium-level performance.

Salomon Equipe Pro Skate

Assessment

Overall score: 4.5 / 5
Stability: 3.75
Ride feel: 5.0
Maneuverability: 4.75

Testers’ comment:

A very easy-to-maneuver ski that feels more expensive than it is. Slightly unsteady and a little less stable than test winner Rossignol.

Facts

Core: Innowave
Base: G5 universal
Lengths: 177–192 cm
RRP: approx. €510 excl. bindings

About the ski:

Equipe Pro Skate is built for ambitious skiers who want a really good ski to develop on. With an Innowave core for the lowest possible weight, D-carbon reinforcement, a G5 base and a World Cup Universal grind, you get both good stability and speed under your feet.

Fischer Aerolite Skate 90

Assessment

Overall score: 4.4 / 5
Stability: 5.0
Ride feel: 4.0
Maneuverability: 4.25

Testers’ comment:

A really stable ski that goes where you put it. Perhaps slightly heavier than the models above.

Facts

Core: Air Core Basalite Pro
Base: World Cup Plus
Lengths: 171, 176, 181, 186, 191 cm
RRP: approx. €470 excl. bindings

About the ski:

A mid-range model in Fischer’s skate range with features taken from the top models. Low weight, easy to ski and a stable feel thanks to the ski’s Air Core construction. The ski has the same base type as Fischer’s top models (World Cup Plus).

Atomic Redster S7

Assessment

Overall score: 4.3 / 5
Stability: 4.0
Ride feel: 5.0
Maneuverability: 4.0

Testers’ comment:

A very light ski that still holds its stability and wants to go forward. May feel unsteady to a beginner.

Facts

Core: Densolite 500
Base: BI 5000 SA
Lengths: 175, 183, 191 cm
RRP: approx. €480 incl. bindings

About the ski:

This ski is ideal for recreational skiers looking for high performance and speed. Those who want a race feel and quality without going for the most advanced option will appreciate what this ski offers. Many of its features are borrowed directly from the top models, giving you quick response and good control in the track.

Madshus Race Pro Skate

Assessment

Overall score: 3.8 / 5
Stability: 3.0
Ride feel: 4.5
Maneuverability: 4.0

Testers’ comment:

Somewhat flat and a bit unsteady, and not as stable as several of the others. Good maneuverability and otherwise a good recreational ski for the money.

Facts

Core: Carbon Wrap
Base: World Cup Pro
Lengths: 172–192 cm
RRP: approx. €540 excl. bindings

About the ski:

Race Pro is Madshus’ racing ski, one step below the top model Redline. Redline’s fast World Cup Pro base is now also available on Race Pro. The new construction features carbon inserts for optimal response and speed in the push-off. The ski is secure and stable to ski on and is appreciated for its precise edging and high speed.

Peltonen Acadia Skate

Assessment

Overall score: 3.25 / 5
Stability: 3.5
Ride feel: 2.75
Maneuverability: 3.5

Testers’ comment:

Somewhat heavy and hard to maneuver. Could be a good entry-level model for beginners.

Facts

Core: Aircell Honeycomb
Base: PRG 4000
Lengths: 167, 174, 181, 188, 193 cm
RRP: approx. €360 excl. bindings

About the ski:

A stable, easy-to-ski skate ski for the recreational skier, but one that also holds up as a race ski for anyone who wants to try citizen races in free technique. Flex options from Medium to X-stiff combined with the Aircell Honeycomb core mean the model covers a very wide weight range, from about 45 kg all the way up to 120 kg.

Overview – Mid-range skate skis

Torsby Ski Tunnel is a partner of The Big Ski Test 2026

Torsby Ski Tunnel opened in June 2006 as Sweden’s first ski tunnel and, when it was built, the world’s longest at 1.3 kilometres. The track follows the natural terrain; the temperature is a constant −3°C, and both classic and skate skiing are possible. The tunnel is located at the Valberget outdoor area outside Torsby and is used by everyone from beginners and recreational skiers to national team athletes.