NORDIC 90 cm Skis: Uphill Use Guide

Q: Can beginners climb on NORDIC 90 cm skis?

Yes - beginners can climb on Snowfeet NORDIC 90 cm skis. That said, they work best on groomed, flat, or gently rolling terrain. They’re not the right pick for steep backcountry climbs. Here’s the simple reason: they don’t have climbing skins or heel risers. So they’re made more for glide on packed snow than for strong uphill grip. If you plan to ride on mixed terrain, tackle steeper climbs, or head onto light backcountry routes, Snowfeet WALKSKI 100 cm is the better beginner choice.

Q: How steep is too steep for NORDIC 90 cm skis?

Snowfeet NORDIC 90 cm skis are at their best on groomed trails, packed snow, and flat to gently rolling terrain. They can handle mellow grades just fine for casual fitness outings. But steep climbs? That’s not what they’re made for. Here’s the main issue: they don’t have climbing skins or heel risers. So once the slope gets steeper, uphill travel starts to feel slow, awkward, and kind of like pushing a shopping cart up a hill in ski boots. If your route includes significant climbing or steep terrain, go with the Snowfeet WALKSKI 100 cm instead.

Q: Do I need skins for uphill use?

It depends on the model and the terrain. The Snowfeet NORDIC 90 cm* is built for groomed trails and packed snow. So, it doesn’t use skins. Instead, it leans on a light, stiff build that works well for casual uphill travel on mellow, packed routes. If you’re heading into steeper climbs, rolling backcountry, or mixed snow, go with the Snowfeet WALKSKI 100 cm*. It comes with removable climbing skins and a 4-mode binding system, which gives you better traction and makes uphill touring easier. Pretty simple: packed and mellow? NORDIC 90 cm. More varied terrain? WALKSKI 100 cm.

Yes - but only in the right snow and on short climbs.

If I had to give you the short answer: NORDIC 90 cm skis work uphill on firm, packed snow, mellow grades, and short routes. They do not make much sense for deep powder, steep skin tracks, or long touring days.

Here’s the whole thing in plain English:

Best use: groomed trails, packed paths, rolling terrain, short uphill sections
Hardest conditions: deep snow, ice, steep climbs, long elevation gain
Main limit: at 90 cm (about 35 in.), they have less surface area, so they sink more in soft snow
What helps most: fish-scale grip, snug boots, poles, short steps, and herringbone on steeper bits
Better pick for longer climbs: WALKSKI 100 cm
Right tool for steep or remote terrain: full touring gear, plus avy gear where needed

A simple way to think about it: these skis are for short uphill travel, not full backcountry touring. If your route looks more like a fitness loop than a hut trip, you’re in the right lane :)

One stat says a lot: full touring skis often run about 150–195 cm, while these are just 90 cm. That short length makes them easy to carry and turn, but it also means less float in soft snow and less calm on rough descents.

NORDIC 90 cm vs WALKSKI 100 cm vs Full Touring Skis: Which Should You Choose?

Snowfeet* WALKSKI Backcountry Touring Skis | 100 CM

Quick Comparison

Option	Best for	Uphill grip	Soft snow	Portability
NORDIC 90 cm	Short climbs on packed snow	Fair to good	Limited	High
WALKSKI 100 cm	Longer climbs and mixed snow	Better	Better	High
Full touring skis	Steep, long, remote routes	Best for that job	Best	Lowest

So, if you want a small, simple ski for short uphill sections, NORDIC 90 cm can work well. If your day includes deep snow, long climbs, or rough backcountry terrain, I’d move up to touring gear and skip the suffering.

Where NORDIC 90 cm Skis Work Well Uphill

Best terrain: groomed trails, packed snow, short approaches

The NORDIC 90 cm skis do best on groomed Nordic trails, packed access paths, and short rolling climbs.

That’s their sweet spot.

At 90 cm, they’re also easier to manage on tight connectors and short carry sections. You can move through awkward little trail links without feeling like you’re wrestling a pair of long boards.

Where do they start to struggle? On long climbs, deep powder, and icy pitches. That’s where the short length stops helping and starts asking more from you.

Once the route gets steeper, technique matters more than ski length.

Best technique: herringbone steps, edging, and pole use

On steeper pitches, use herringbone. Point the skis into a V, lean your ankles and knees inward so the inside edges bite, take short steps, and plant your poles behind you for support.

A few simple cues help:

Stay centered over the bindings
Keep your steps short
Widen the V as the slope gets steeper

It’s not fancy, but it works. Think of it like walking uphill in ski form: stable, steady, no drama.

For short uphill travel, the right boots, poles, and traction accessories matter next.

Uphill performance by snow condition: firm, loose, icy, powder

The table below gives a quick, practical read on uphill performance by snow condition.

Snow condition	Uphill grip	Control	Overall suitability	What to do
Firm packed or groomed snow	Good	Good	Best use case	Use parallel stride on gentle sections; herringbone on steeper pitches
Shallow loose snow	Fair	Fair	OK for short climbs	Stick to consolidated tracks, shorten your steps, expect more effort
Icy or very hard snow	Limited to fair	Fair to limited	Use cautiously	Edge deliberately, pick the least steep line, take small steps
Deep powder	Poor	Limited	Major limitation	Expect sinking and fatigue; choose longer touring equipment instead

That balance changes again with your gear setup.

Gear Setup for Short Uphill Travel

Core gear: skis, boots, poles, and winter layers

For short climbs, keep the setup simple. The NORDIC 90 cm needs just the skis, compatible bindings, supportive winter boots, adjustable poles, and layered clothing. If you're heading into remote terrain or any area with avalanche risk, switch to full backcountry gear.

Your boots matter a lot here. They should lock into the binding with no slop, stay warm, and give you enough grip for walking across thin snow or bare patches. The regular-shoe binding fits about U.S. sizes 6–13, but check the exact fit before you buy. Go with snug winter boots. Soft or oversized boots can feel sketchy fast.

A simple setup checklist:

Adjustable poles with snow baskets
Moisture-wicking base layers
Insulating mid-layers
Windproof shell
Gloves
Warm socks
Eye protection

Set your poles so your elbows stay slightly bent when the tips touch the snow. If you're on mixed terrain or in a busy area, wear a helmet. No drama there - your head will thank you.

Traction options and compatibility limits

Most of your grip comes from the ski base and your technique, not extra climbing hardware.

The Fishscales base has built-in grip, so you don't need kick wax. If you want more glide, you can add glide wax. For short climbs, that built-in grip is usually enough. If the skis start sliding backward, or your boot shifts in the binding, stop right away and take an easier line. That's the ski telling you, "Nope."

Also, don’t assume standard climbing skins will fit these skis. Use only traction accessories Snowfeet* approves for this model. If traction still isn't enough, the route is too steep or the snow is too soft for this ski.

NORDIC 90 cm vs WALKSKI Backcountry Touring 100 cm

With the setup covered, this choice comes down to one simple tradeoff: easy short climbs vs. touring-focused traction.

Why NORDIC 90 cm suits most casual riders

The NORDIC 90 cm is all about keeping things simple. At 90 cm, or about 35 inches, it’s easy to toss in the car, carry to the trail, and turn in tight spots.

For short climbs on packed snow, NORDIC does the job without much fuss. It fits casual Nordic outings well, especially if you want something light, small, and easy to use. That’s the sweet spot.

Why WALKSKI 100 cm is better for longer climbs and variable snow

The WALKSKI Backcountry Touring 100 cm is built for a different kind of day. Its big edge comes from the touring setup: built-in climbing skins, a free-heel binding, and climbing/descent positions made for uphill travel.

If you plan to leave groomed trails, carry a small pack, or want more control on the way down, WALKSKI starts to make a lot more sense. It starts at $595, though the final price can change by retailer, package, and promotion.

Side-by-side comparison: intended use, traction, soft-snow performance, portability

The easiest way to see the gap is to put them next to each other.

Feature	NORDIC 90 cm	WALKSKI Backcountry Touring 100 cm
Intended use	Casual Nordic outings, fitness loops, and short packed-snow approaches	Short backcountry tours, repeated climbs, and mixed terrain
Ideal terrain	Groomed Nordic trails, packed snow, and moderate grades	Ungroomed trails, rolling backcountry terrain, and longer or steeper climbs
Uphill traction	Waxless/fish-scale grip and technique-dependent traction	Built-in climbing skins designed for touring ascents
Soft-snow performance	Limited flotation; best in shallow or packed snow	Better handling in loose snow, but still limited compared with full-length touring skis
Downhill control	Best on gentle terrain and controlled speeds	More stable for descents after touring climbs
Portability	Highest; 90 cm / about 35 inches	Very portable; 100 cm / about 39 inches

For context, adult touring skis usually land in the 150–195 cm range. Those longer skis give you more flotation and glide than compact skis.

But for most casual riders, that’s not the whole story. If your goal is a fun, portable, low-fuss option for groomed trails and short climbs, Snowfeet* hits the part that matters most.

Conclusion: When NORDIC 90 cm Skis Are Enough - and When They Are Not

How to choose: NORDIC 90 cm, WALKSKI 100 cm, or full touring gear

After looking at terrain, traction, and gear, the call is pretty simple: the Snowfeet* NORDIC 90 cm makes sense for short, firm, predictable climbs.

If the day looks tougher, go with the WALKSKI Backcountry Touring 100 cm. It gives you more flotation and more control on longer approaches and rougher snow. That’s what this choice comes down to: how much the route is asking from you.

Here’s the simple version:

Use NORDIC 90 cm for short, firm climbs
Use WALKSKI 100 cm for longer or rougher routes
Use full touring gear for steep, remote, or avalanche terrain

Once you move past mellow, predictable ground, it’s time to step up your setup. Full touring gear is the right call for steep or remote routes, especially in avalanche terrain. And if avalanche terrain is part of the plan, carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel - and know how to use them.

The NORDIC 90 cm is a capable, portable ski in the right conditions. Be honest about where it works best, and it’ll do the job without any drama.

FAQs

Can beginners climb on NORDIC 90 cm skis?

Yes - beginners can climb on Snowfeet NORDIC 90 cm skis.

That said, they work best on groomed, flat, or gently rolling terrain. They’re not the right pick for steep backcountry climbs.

Here’s the simple reason: they don’t have climbing skins or heel risers. So they’re made more for glide on packed snow than for strong uphill grip.

If you plan to ride on mixed terrain, tackle steeper climbs, or head onto light backcountry routes, Snowfeet WALKSKI 100 cm is the better beginner choice.

How steep is too steep for NORDIC 90 cm skis?

Snowfeet NORDIC 90 cm skis are at their best on groomed trails, packed snow, and flat to gently rolling terrain.

They can handle mellow grades just fine for casual fitness outings. But steep climbs? That’s not what they’re made for.

Here’s the main issue: they don’t have climbing skins or heel risers. So once the slope gets steeper, uphill travel starts to feel slow, awkward, and kind of like pushing a shopping cart up a hill in ski boots.

If your route includes significant climbing or steep terrain, go with the Snowfeet WALKSKI 100 cm instead.

Do I need skins for uphill use?

It depends on the model and the terrain.

The Snowfeet NORDIC 90 cm* is built for groomed trails and packed snow. So, it doesn’t use skins. Instead, it leans on a light, stiff build that works well for casual uphill travel on mellow, packed routes.

If you’re heading into steeper climbs, rolling backcountry, or mixed snow, go with the Snowfeet WALKSKI 100 cm*. It comes with removable climbing skins and a 4-mode binding system, which gives you better traction and makes uphill touring easier.

Pretty simple: packed and mellow? NORDIC 90 cm. More varied terrain? WALKSKI 100 cm.