

Head off-trail with high-quality forest skis! Forest skis are especially well-suited for woodland terrain, deep powder, frozen lakes, and winter touring. They are wider than standard cross-country skis, providing superior flotation in variable snow conditions. Explore our selection of backcountry forest skis and accessories to find the perfect gear for your winter adventures and outdoor excursions.









Forest skis allow you to venture where groomed ski tracks do not reach. They are specifically designed for deep, untracked powder, forested backcountry, and variable snow conditions where standard cross-country skis lack sufficient flotation. A wider ski distributes the skier's weight over a larger surface area, making it easier to progress through soft snow.
Forest skis are ideal for winter hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and ice fishermen alike. With them, you can embark on peaceful excursions in nearby woodlands, cross snowy bogs, and traverse frozen winter lakes. The right pair of forest skis makes movement more stable and reduces sinking into deep drifts.
When selecting forest skis, you should pay particular attention to the skier's weight, the length and width of the skis, and the type of terrain you plan to navigate. In soft and deep snow, a wider ski provides greater flotation, whereas in varied forest terrain, the handling and agility of the ski become just as important.
Ski length affects both flotation and turning ability. A longer ski generally floats better, but in dense forests and confined spaces, a shorter ski can be easier to maneuver. Always consider the manufacturer's weight recommendations and the intended use of the ski model when making your choice.
Skiing on forest skis differs from traditional groomed-track skiing. The goal is not speed, but rather efficient movement across diverse snow conditions and rugged terrain. For this reason, forest skis prioritize flotation, stability, and durability.
Forest skis are also an excellent choice for extended winter expeditions. They allow you to discover the winter wilderness at your own pace and forge your own path without relying on ready-made tracks. Proper gear makes winter touring far more comfortable and helps you adapt to changing wilderness conditions.
The overall comfort and performance of forest skis are greatly influenced by your choice of bindings and footwear. When selecting bindings, it is essential to consider your intended use and the type of boots you wish to wear while skiing. For backcountry touring and deep powder, stability and practicality are often far more critical than minimal weight.
You should also pay close attention to pole selection. In forest terrain and soft snow, sufficiently large snow baskets make using the poles much easier. On long treks, comfortable footwear, warm gloves, and weather-appropriate clothing will significantly enhance your outdoor experience.
Check out our complete cross-country skiing selection to find the ideal equipment for your winter ski adventures. Whether heading into deep snowdrifts, a forest expedition, or simply enjoying the winter landscape, the right skis will help you get the most out of the season.
The choice of ski length is influenced by the skier's weight, the potential weight of a backpack, and the terrain being traversed. As a general rule, a traditional forest ski should be 30–60 centimeters longer than the skier to provide sufficient flotation in soft snow. In dense forests and varied terrain, a shorter and wider ski offers better maneuverability, whereas on open bogs and frozen lakes, a long ski glides more effortlessly.
Traditional forest skis are long, often over two meters, and offer the best possible flotation in deep powder snow and open terrain. Skinbased skis are considerably shorter and wider, making them agile for navigating dense thickets, managed forests, and hilly terrain.
Most modern universal bindings are adjustable, so they fit standard winter boots, hiking boots, or felt-lined rubber boots. It is important to choose footwear with a sturdy sole and enough room for your toes to keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures.
Skin-base skis are very easy to maintain because they do not require traditional kick waxing. Maintenance simply involves regular cleaning of the skin with a dedicated cleaner and treating the skin with an anti-icing conditioner. The glide zones of the skis can be waxed with liquid glide waxes as usual to improve glide.
Forest ski poles feature significantly larger baskets than standard cross-country ski poles, which prevents the pole from sinking deep into soft snowdrifts. The poles are often made from durable aluminum or composite materials to withstand strong torsion among branches and on slopes. A wide basket and a rigid shaft make moving forward considerably easier and safer.