4 Best Cross Country Ski Poles

Cross country skiing is a great sport that offers the chance to experience the joys of winter while paying homage to the roots of skiing. It is also an amazing form of exercise that can get you in great shape in no time at all.

If you’re familiar with cross country skiing, you know how wonderful of an activity it can be. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth the trip.

There are many crucial pieces of gear needed for cross country skiing, but poles are some of the most important. Without poles, you’ll struggle to move when Nordic skiing.

This article will take a look at some of the best cross country ski poles on the market to help you become a much better skier.

Let’s get started.

Who Should Get This

If you’re a cross country skier who wants to get set up with your own ski gear, you’re going to need poles. Cross country skiing without poles is like driving without tires. You can turn the engine on and maybe get a few inches, but you make it very far.

Even if you already have ski poles for alpine and downhill skiing, you’ll need specific poles for cross country adventures. That is because they need to be longer in order to generate more push to propel you along the snow. If you only plan on doing alpine skiing, you won’t need to get cross country ski poles.

Top Cross Country Ski Poles Reviewed

Below is a list of top recommendations along with a quick review of each ski pole. The goal is to help you get to know the pros and cons of each product so you can an informed purchase decision.

1. Best Overall: LEKI CC 300

The LEKI CC 300 is a great all-around cross country ski pole. The Trigger S 2.0 Shark design makes it super comfortable and easy to handle.

They are also very affordable and available in multiple sizes to match different heights and styles. Well designed straps and a cork grip make them comfortable to wear. A great choice out on the Nordic trails.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Durable
• Multiple lengths available
• Nice grips and straps

Cons:

• None – this is a solid choice for cross country pursuits

==> You can also get it on Evo.

2. Best All Around: Whitewoods Cross Trail Nordic Ski Poles

The Whitewoods Cross Trail Nordic Ski is another good pole for any cross country skier. These have all of the elements that a Nordic skier needs, including both adjustable hand straps and a lightweight design. Sturdy and strong, they will help you out during any day on the snow. They are affordable as well.

Pros:

• Adjustable hand straps
• Sturdy and strong
• Lightweight
• Comfortable Grips
• Affordable

Cons:

• Baskets can be hard to attach when new

==> You can also get it on SidelineSwap.

3. Best Lightweight: Salomon Escape XC

If you’re a cross country ski racer who takes the sport seriously, you need a lightweight pole. The Salomon Escape XC is one of the lightest options on the market, making it perfect for any skate skiers, athletes, or anyone who wants to shave a few precious ounces off of their cross country setup.

With a great design and sturdy build, this lightweight option holds up under the rigors of the sport.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight
• Excellent design
• Comfortable cork grip

Cons:

• Strap can run small

==> You can also get it on Evo or SAIL or Mountain Equipment Coop.

4. Best for Backcountry Touring: Rossignol FT 500

The Rossignol FT 500 is another great cross country ski pole. This model has a classic design that makes it incredibly reliable. Not only are these poles sturdy, they are also great for beginners. These feel great as well, which is always a nice bonus to have for long treks through the backcountry.

Pros:

• Classic look and feel
• Sturdy design

Cons:

• On the heavy side

==> You can also get it on Rossignol or