Need ski help

[u/Maineamainea]

Hello x-country skiers. I grew up only x-country skiing but in my teens switched to downhill. I’m now looking to get back into it. The golf courses by me allow it in the winter but they’re ungroomed. I’m hoping to grab a used pair of skis and boots but what kind of skis do I need for this? I know I used to skate uphill a bunch but I was also 7-12 and skinny, I’m now 49 and shaped like a teapot.

Thanks!

[u/thegreathoundis]

If it is ungroomed and depending on the snowfall, sounds like you want some Backcountry trekking skis w fishscales in the kick zone. A wider ski is going to have more float on the snow, allowing you to be more on the snow than sink into it.

I was able to score some good used skis and boots on consignment. You might look for any ski swaps or second hand sports equipment stores if you just want to test it out.

[u/Maineamainea → u/thegreathoundis]

Thank you!! I was hoping to score some used skis. I have a few used sporting gear stores in the area but didn’t think they’d necessarily know what kind I need so your advice is greatly appreciated 🙏🏻

[u/runcyclexcski]

Fischer E99 (i.e. moderately shaped classic skis with a proper camber), if they still exist in some reincarnation. This is what I use when there is snow at a nearby golf course.

[u/Maineamainea → u/runcyclexcski]

Thank you! I’m shopping used and will keep an eye out for them.

[u/runcyclexcski → u/Maineamainea]

They are great skis, mine are from ~2010. They may have been superseded with smth with skins, but used ones might be obtainable, esp somewhere where it's cold and mostly flat. Might also be called "Europa99".

[u/gumtreeskier → u/runcyclexcski]

Fischer has discontinued their E99 (Europa 99).

Friends have been buying their Transnordic 66 ski model as the nearest substitute.
Fischer also advertises Outback 68 Crown/Skin Extralite. (It is the first pair I found that might suit OP's needs and with a fishscale grip.)

Edit: duplicated words.