Some skis are built for tidy corduroy and parallel grooves. Others are built for curiosity.
When Ryan — my husband and fellow gear tester — and I first clicked into the Rossignol XP 105 Positrack skis near Togwotee Pass, we had absolutely zero intention of staying in the tracks.
The plan was simple: push into fresh snow and see how far into the quiet we could go. The wide tips stayed on top, the fishscale base gripped confidently on climbs, and the skis felt composed when the terrain tilted downhill.
Over the following months, we skied them across forest roads, rolling meadows, wind-affected snow, and mixed conditions. Right away — and consistently afterward — it was clear these weren’t meant for Nordic centers or manicured loops. They were built for exploring what lies beyond them.
In short: The Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis ($430) are wide, metal-edged, waxless touring skis built for deep, ungroomed terrain. With excellent float, reliable Positrack grip, and real downhill security, they open terrain that narrower skis can’t handle. New this season, alongside the narrower XP 85, the 105 is the most capable off-trail option in Rossignol’s XP lineup. They’re best for intermediate to advanced skiers who want expanded backcountry capability without committing to a full alpine setup.
See how the Rossignol XP 105 compares to others we’ve tested in our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Cross-Country Skis.
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Excellent float in deep, soft snow -
Reliable waxless grip with strong kick and glide -
Stable, confidence-inspiring feel underfoot -
Full metal edges improve control in variable conditions
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Wider platform feels like overkill on packed or groomed trails
Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis Review
Float & Breaking Trail
At 105 mm in the tip, this is the widest ski in Rossignol’s XP series, and that width makes a real difference in soft snow.
On that initial Togwotee tour — and later on midwinter powder days and firmer spring tours — the wide platform stayed on top, reducing the exhausting sink-and-step rhythm narrower skis create when breaking trail. Instead of fighting tip dive, we could focus on forward momentum.
The added width also reduces that tippy feeling in uneven terrain. In wind-drifted snow, shallow crust, and rolling forest approaches, the XP 105 feels stable and predictable, saving energy on longer tours. This is where it separates itself: it opens terrain that traditional touring skis simply can’t manage.
Positrack Grip & Touring Efficiency
Rossignol’s Positrack waxless base is central to the XP 105’s versatility. On rolling climbs, the fishscale pattern engaged reliably without the need for kick wax. Across fluctuating temperatures and mixed snow textures, that simplicity proved incredibly valuable.
For a ski this wide, kick-and-glide efficiency was better than expected. The grip engages when weighted and transitions back into glide smoothly enough for sustained touring. For sustained or steeper ascents where the fishscales reach their limit, the XP 105 easily accommodates climbing skins.
Slapping on a pair of skins instantly transforms the setup, giving you the grip needed to tackle much steeper, true backcountry lines before transitioning back to the waxless base for the rolling flats.
The Positrack base favors reliable traction and convenience over maximum glide speed. If speed on firm snow is your priority, a narrower waxable ski will move faster. In variable backcountry terrain, though, the trade-off makes perfect sense.
Metal Edges & Downhill Security
Full-length metal edges elevate the XP 105 beyond traditional cross-country touring skis. In everything from soft storm snow to refrozen crust, the edges added meaningful security. Sidehilling felt controlled, and moderate descents remained manageable rather than intimidating.
When paired with Rossignol’s Xplore binding and XP 12 boots, the whole system feels incredibly planted. The wider binding platform adds noticeable lateral stability, and the stiffer boot improves control when the snow gets uneven or the terrain rolls steeper. (While the lighter XP 5 boot works for mellower tours, the XP 12 adds vital confidence in firmer snow). It’s not alpine gear, but it’s a meaningful step toward true backcountry capability. Float plus metal edges plus waxless grip equals real off-trail freedom.
Agility & Construction
Despite its width, the XP 105 doesn’t feel sluggish. Rossignol’s lightweight LDC core and Air Tip construction reduce swing weight, keeping the ski maneuverable in trees and rolling terrain.
It’s wide enough to float, edged enough to descend confidently, and light enough for long exploratory days. This setup serves as a practical bridge between classic Nordic touring and more committed backcountry setups, offering expanded capability without the heavy, complex burden of alpine touring gear.
Room for Improvement
After testing across mixed terrain and snow conditions, the ski’s strengths and limitations are incredibly clear. The exact width that makes the XP 105 shine off-trail feels excessive on packed or groomed terrain. In set tracks or firm snow, narrower skis will be much quicker and more efficient.
Additionally, the Positrack base, while dependable, won’t glide as efficiently as a perfectly waxed ski in ideal conditions. If most of your skiing happens at Nordic centers, there are much better options. The XP 105 is built for a specific job: exploration, not track speed.
Who Is It For?
The Rossignol XP 105 Positrack Skis are best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to expand beyond groomed trails.
Whether navigating rolling forest roads, deep powder days, crusty sidehills, or variable spring snow, one thing remained consistent: this ski rewards curiosity. It’s ideal for those who tour meadows, break trail after storms, and value float, stability, and dependable traction over speed in a set track.
If you’ve ever felt limited by narrow touring skis and wondered what lies beyond the groomed loop, the XP 105 gives you the confidence and capability to find out.
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