Fischer Excursion 88 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite 26/27

88mm with the Crown base and Dual Skin compatibility, which takes skins in two positions for more purchase on steep ground. Steel edge down both sides, Xtralite core.

This is where the Offtrack line stops pretending to be a cross-country ski. At 88mm you float in soft snow and turn on the way down rather than survive it, and the cost is glide on the flat. It stays light enough to travel efficiently, which is what separates it from a true alpine touring ski.

For the skier who wants one pair for backcountry days and accepts giving up track performance to get there. Anyone spending most of their time on groomed trail should look at the Outback or the Spider.

Dual Skin is the meaningful step up from the Traverse: two positions let you dial climbing grip up for steep terrain without over-skinning on rolling ground. It pairs naturally with a BCX Grand Tour or Tour boot.

Our pick for one ski that covers a Vermont winter: hardwood glades, unplowed roads, and the odd climb up something steeper.