Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis Assessment

Some skis are constructed for tidy corduroy and parallel grooves. Others are constructed for curiosity.

When Ryan — my husband and fellow gear tester — and I first clicked into the Rossignol XP 105 Positrack skis close to Togwotee Go, we had completely zero intention of staying within the tracks.

The plan was easy: push into recent snow and see how far into the quiet we may go. The large suggestions stayed on prime, the fishscale base gripped confidently on climbs, and the skis felt composed when the terrain tilted downhill.

Over the next months, we skied them throughout forest roads, rolling meadows, wind-affected snow, and combined circumstances. Instantly — and persistently afterward — it was clear these weren’t meant for Nordic facilities or manicured loops. They have been constructed for exploring what lies past them.

In brief: The Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis ($430) are large, metal-edged, waxless touring skis constructed for deep, ungroomed terrain. With wonderful float, dependable Positrack grip, and actual downhill safety, they open terrain that narrower skis can’t deal with. New this season, alongside the narrower XP 85, the 105 is essentially the most succesful off-trail possibility in Rossignol’s XP lineup. They’re finest for intermediate to superior skiers who need expanded backcountry functionality with out committing to a full alpine setup.

See how the Rossignol XP 105 compares to others we’ve examined in our Purchaser’s Information to the Finest Cross-Nation Skis.

Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis Assessment

Float & Breaking Path

At 105 mm within the tip, that is the widest ski in Rossignol’s XP collection, and that width makes an actual distinction in gentle snow.

On that preliminary Togwotee tour — and in a while midwinter powder days and firmer spring excursions — the large platform stayed on prime, lowering the exhausting sink-and-step rhythm narrower skis create when breaking path. As a substitute of combating tip dive, we may deal with ahead momentum.

The added width additionally reduces that tippy feeling in uneven terrain. In wind-drifted snow, shallow crust, and rolling forest approaches, the XP 105 feels steady and predictable, saving power on longer excursions. That is the place it separates itself: it opens terrain that conventional touring skis merely can’t handle.

Positrack Grip & Touring Effectivity

Rossignol’s Positrack waxless base is central to the XP 105’s versatility. On rolling climbs, the fishscale sample engaged reliably with out the necessity for kick wax. Throughout fluctuating temperatures and combined snow textures, that simplicity proved extremely priceless.

For a ski this large, kick-and-glide effectivity was higher than anticipated. The grip engages when weighted and transitions again into glide easily sufficient for sustained touring. For sustained or steeper ascents the place the fishscales attain their restrict, the XP 105 simply accommodates climbing skins.

Slapping on a pair of skins immediately transforms the setup, providing you with the grip wanted to deal with a lot steeper, true backcountry traces earlier than transitioning again to the waxless base for the rolling flats.

The Positrack base favors dependable traction and comfort over most glide pace. If pace on agency snow is your precedence, a narrower waxable ski will transfer sooner. In variable backcountry terrain, although, the trade-off makes good sense.

Steel Edges & Downhill Safety

Full-length metallic edges elevate the XP 105 past conventional cross-country touring skis. In every little thing from gentle storm snow to refrozen crust, the sides added significant safety. Sidehilling felt managed, and reasonable descents remained manageable quite than intimidating.

When paired with Rossignol’s Xplore binding and XP 12 boots, the entire system feels extremely planted. The broader binding platform provides noticeable lateral stability, and the stiffer boot improves management when the snow will get uneven or the terrain rolls steeper. (Whereas the lighter XP 5 boot works for mellower excursions, the XP 12 provides very important confidence in firmer snow). It’s not alpine gear, however it’s a significant step towards true backcountry functionality. Float plus metallic edges plus waxless grip equals actual off-trail freedom.

Agility & Development

Regardless of its width, the XP 105 doesn’t really feel sluggish. Rossignol’s light-weight LDC core and Air Tip building cut back swing weight, conserving the ski maneuverable in bushes and rolling terrain.

It’s large sufficient to drift, edged sufficient to descend confidently, and lightweight sufficient for lengthy exploratory days. This setup serves as a sensible bridge between traditional Nordic touring and extra dedicated backcountry setups, providing expanded functionality with out the heavy, complicated burden of alpine touring gear.

Room for Enchancment

After testing throughout combined terrain and snow circumstances, the ski’s strengths and limitations are extremely clear. The precise width that makes the XP 105 shine off-trail feels extreme on packed or groomed terrain. In set tracks or agency snow, narrower skis will probably be a lot faster and extra environment friendly.

Moreover, the Positrack base, whereas reliable, gained’t glide as effectively as a superbly waxed ski in splendid circumstances. If most of your snowboarding occurs at Nordic facilities, there are significantly better choices. The XP 105 is constructed for a particular job: exploration, not monitor pace.

Who Is It For?

The Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis are finest suited to intermediate to superior skiers who wish to develop past groomed trails.

Whether or not navigating rolling forest roads, deep powder days, crusty sidehills, or variable spring snow, one factor remained constant: this ski rewards curiosity. It’s splendid for many who tour meadows, break path after storms, and worth float, stability, and reliable traction over pace in a set monitor.

In case you’ve ever felt restricted by slim touring skis and questioned what lies past the groomed loop, the XP 105 provides you the arrogance and functionality to seek out out.